Lundy's Restaurant

Lundy's Restaurant

Lundy's Restaurant exterior

Lundy's Restaurant, also known as Lundy Brothers Restaurant, was a historic seafood restaurant located in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It was renowned for its grand scale, both in terms of the size of the building and the number of patrons it could accommodate, as well as its extensive menu featuring fresh seafood.

History

Lundy's was founded in 1934 by Frederick William Lundy, a prominent figure in the New York restaurant scene. The restaurant quickly became a landmark, known for its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which was designed to evoke the feeling of a grand seaside resort. The building's design included a large dining room with high ceilings and expansive windows that offered views of Sheepshead Bay.

View of Sheepshead Bay

The restaurant was a family-run business, with Lundy's relatives involved in its operations. It became famous for its "shore dinner," a multi-course meal that included a variety of seafood dishes, such as clams, oysters, lobster, and crab. Lundy's was also known for its clam chowder and lobster bisque.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

During its peak, Lundy's was one of the largest restaurants in the United States, capable of seating over 2,800 diners at a time. It was a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who were drawn by the restaurant's reputation for quality seafood and its picturesque location by the bay.

Lundy's played a significant role in the cultural life of Brooklyn, hosting numerous events and gatherings. It was a favorite spot for family celebrations, business meetings, and social events. The restaurant's popularity was such that it became a part of the local lore, often mentioned in stories and reminiscences about Brooklyn's past.

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, Lundy's faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century. Changes in dining habits, increased competition, and the economic shifts in the area contributed to a decline in business. The original Lundy's closed in 1977, marking the end of an era for the iconic establishment.

Lundy's canopy damaged by Hurricane Sandy

In the 1990s, there was an attempt to revive Lundy's, and the restaurant was reopened in 1997 after extensive renovations. However, this revival was short-lived, and the restaurant closed again in 2007. The building has since been repurposed for other uses, but the memory of Lundy's remains a cherished part of Brooklyn's history.

Architecture

The architecture of Lundy's Restaurant was a significant aspect of its charm. The building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, characterized by its stucco walls, red-tiled roof, and arched windows. The interior featured a large, open dining space with a nautical theme, reflecting its focus on seafood.

Lundy's Restaurant from a distance

The restaurant's design was intended to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere, reminiscent of a grand seaside resort. This architectural style was popular in the early 20th century and contributed to the restaurant's status as a landmark.

Related Pages

• Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
• Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
• Seafood
• Brooklyn