Baked clams: 4 classic takes at LI restaurants

Baked clams, which just may be Long Island's most popular appetizer, turn up on all sorts of menus. Here are four versions of the classic you may want to try:

THE SHACK, 46 Gerard St., Huntington, 631-923-2126

At this casual Huntington seafood spot, whole baked clams oreganata feature briny mollusks topped with — but not overwhelmed by — herbed bread crumbs in a lemon wine sauce. ($10 for 6 little necks)

TRE SORELLE, 347 Glen Cove Ave., Sea Cliff, 516-676-2900

A section of the menu at this Italian spot is devoted to clams and mussels. Here, baked little neck clams, topped with bread crumbs, possess a lovely marine quality. ($15 for a dozen little necks)

KB'S BURGER SHACK, 411 W. Main St., Patchogue, 631-627-6677

Chopped bacon lends a pleasing smokiness to the baked clams at this burger-centric restaurant. ($7.95 for 3 to 4 large cherrystones)

MAMA MIA OF NORTHPORT, 395 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport, 631-651-5015

Chef-owner Augusto Palmieri's baked clams are fresh and briny beneath their garlicky bread-crumb caps, and work nicely as an appetizer.