Beloved Gowanus Restaurant 'Littleneck' Closing Down Next Month

BROOKLYN, NY — A well-loved New England-style seafood restaurant in Gowanus is closing its doors.

Littleneck, located at 288 3rd Ave., is shutting down next month after more than a decade, according to a statement from current ownership.

"This has been a hard, and also profoundly rewarding journey," the team wrote on social media. "Taking over Littleneck after working here as employees, even on the brink of the covid pandemic, was a dream come true in so many ways."

The restaurant said that it will serve its final meals during the first few weeks of March, with an official closing date still to be set.

Known for its variety of fresh seafood offerings, Littleneck's menu featured staples like oysters, New England-style clam chowder, lobster rolls and more.

Like numerous other business closures, navigating the post-Covid-19 world has presented significant challenges for the trio in running their business.

"Unfortunately the reality we, like so many others, are facing is a restaurant landscape that’s at its most challenging, and coupled with the unbelievable density of new construction surrounding us since the rezoning of Gowanus, it’s become impossible to continue operating in our favorite NYC neighborhood," the team said.

Alisa, Dante and Andy, the trio behind Littleneck, said that they will be taking this opportunity to explore new possibilities and ways to bring people the "food and spirit of LN."

"While this is certainly sad news, it is not the end. It’s also an exciting time for us to think about what our next chapter will be," the team wrote.

The news of the closure came as a shock to its customers, with one commenter saying, "Oh, this makes me so very sad. You’re such a part of our community- got us through Covid with your Frozes and smiles. And the delicious meals…. much appreciation and support for what comes next." Another person added, "Gowanus will not be the same without you, will definitely be stopping by a few more times to get my fix."

Littleneck is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays; and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

The team is also encouraging customers to visit their other establishment, Park Slope Ale House, located at 356 6th Ave.

"This place has been magical to us and many others and we are completely gutted to be closing our doors here on 3rd Ave.," Alisa, Dante and Andy said.