Catfish Annie's seafood restaurant and market in Commack closing

Catfish Annie's, a seafood restaurant and fish market anchored in the Commack community since the 1970s, is closing at the end of the month.

Owner Kathleen Annunziato said she's decided to "hang up her apron" and retire. "This has been in the works for a while," Annunziato said Friday while helping the staff set up the fish case for the eatery's 11 a.m. opening. "We're fielding offers for a sale of the entire restaurant, with our staff included. We want to be sure that everything remains as is and our staff is taken care of."

Annunziato and her late husband opened the restaurant and fish market in a strip mall on Commack Road in 1977.

Annunziato announced the closure in social media posts this week. "We have made some beautiful memories with you all," she wrote. "My children, nephews, and long time kitchen staff have helped me continue the business since my husband Anthony passed away in 2024. I know he is proud of us and I know he agrees it is time too."

Catfish Annie's features dine-in and takeout options, a wide-ranging lunch menu and catering.

Menu staples include a host of appetizers featuring everything from crabcakes and shrimp cocktails to steamers, baked clams and fried calamari, while the main menu offers broiled dinners, blackened or grilled swordfish and salmon, catfish, as well as seafood pasta dishes, fried fish dinners, chef's specials and sides.

In her post, Annunziato asked customers who have purchased or received gift certificates to redeem them as soon as possible. "Please stop in and share one last meal with us and if you have a gift certificate, please come in by the last week of August," she wrote. 

While it's been "very overwhelming," Annunziato said Friday she is looking forward to the next chapter. The last day of service will be Aug. 31.