Fried clams, cold drinks, and salty air — the way it's always been. Pull up a picnic table and stay awhile.
Briny's started as a roadside stand in the summer of 1967. Gene Marinello — a retired fisherman with a worn cooler, a propane burner, and an unreasonable number of clams — parked his truck at the end of Bayview Road and started selling fried clam baskets for a dollar-fifty a pop.
Word spread fast. By 1972, Gene had built a proper counter with eight stools and a handmade chalkboard menu. The shack was never fancy. The clams were always perfect.
"If the clams are good, you don't need much else."
— Gene Marinello, 1974
Today, Briny's is still on Bayview Road, still slinging the same clam cakes from Gene's original recipe, and still not taking itself too seriously. The stools now number twelve. That feels like enough.
Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, we are a cash-and-card establishment committed to one thing: getting you a cold drink and a hot plate of something excellent from the sea.
Gene Marinello parks at the end of Bayview Road, selling fried clam baskets out of a Ford pickup for $1.50 each.
A proper shack is built — eight stools, a counter, and the first real chalkboard menu. Chowder joins the lineup.
Gene's daughter Maria takes over the kitchen. She introduces clam cakes and the lobster roll.
Four picnic tables are added out front. Briny's first (and only) renovation. The stools stay.
Maria's son Danny joins full-time after culinary school. He adds the fish tacos. Gene is skeptical but comes around.
Same road. Same recipe. Same shack. Come find us before the summer's over.
Reserve a spot at the counter or a picnic table outside. Choose how you'd like to book.
A confirmation has been sent to your email. We'll save you a stool — see you at the shack.
📅 Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day only. Reservations recommended on weekends — walk-ins always welcome when space allows. For parties of 8 or more, please call ahead.
14 Bayview Road
Westerly, Rhode Island 02891
Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Office hours for calls and correspondence: Tue–Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Questions, feedback, catering inquiries, or just want to say hello — we'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for reaching out. We'll get back to you within one business day — enjoy the rest of your summer.