There is one clam-seafood restaurant that comes to mind. While strictly speaking, it was in New Jersey, Hoboken to be exact, as it was only a block and a half from the PATH station in Hoboken; I think it was close enough.
It was the well-known Clam Broth House. Opened in 1899, it was closed down in 2004 due to structural damage, and then demolished later in 2004.
It was a landmark building. The Clam Broth House attracted more attention than usual, because of the giant hand-shaped signs. There were two giant hand-shaped signs, one hanging on the outside of the Clam Broth House that pointed downward towards the entrance, and one on a neighboring building (which is the only sign still there today). In addition, there was a third, smaller hand-shaped sign. The Clam Broth House opened in 1899. Through its 105-year history, the Clam Broth House gained a good reputation in Hoboken and out of Hoboken.
The Clam Broth House had a bar, at which you could eat and drink. There was also a section to the left of the bar, which offered the same menu as the bar with tables and chairs. There was also a much fancier section with linen table clothe, with a better, more expensive menu. Near the front of the bar was a large coffee, like urn, which contained rich clam broth for which the bar and restaurant were named. It was free, and you drink as much as you wanted.
Frank Sinatra, as a boy, lived in a walk-up apartment above the restaurant. For many years it was the only real reason to go to stop in Hoboken. Many Jersey commuters would stop here to eat and drink after a hard day in Manhattan.
I remember that up to the 60’s, clam eaters in the bar would throw the empty clamshells on the floor of the bar. The staff would throw sawdust on the floor. The ground up clamshells and sawdust gave the place a rather unique feel and smell. The local Health Authorities put a stop to that practice in the 60’s
