Today Umberto’s Clam House is a hot spot in New York City’s Little Italy; a place to get together and dine on delicious seafood and a restaurant that prides itself on its popularity with locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. However, there is much more to this open kitchen clam house than meets the eye. Umberto’s has a history, one that current owners may not wish to remember, that attracts tourists on its own accord.
Umberto Ianniello opened Umberto’s Clam House on Manhattan’s Mulberry Street in 1972. The restaurant was popular for it’s delicious food but gained substantial fame when it came into the spotlight for a different reason. On the morning of April 7th, 1972 a group was enjoying a celebratory birthday meal when an unknown assailant approached and opened fire on the group leaving one dead. The deceased was none other than Joe “Crazy Joe” Gallo, one of NYC’s most notorious mob bosses. Gallo was shot twice after which he stumbled out of the restaurant and died in the presence of his new wife and stepdaughter.
Mob wars were not an uncommon occurrence in the city but it’s the morbid spectacle in which Gallo was gunned down so shockingly that garnered Umberto’s a notorious place in mob history.
Word to the wise; do not enter Umberto’s asking to see the table in which “Crazy Joe” ate his last meal. Umberto’s has moved locations since that day and the owner would much rather Umberto’s be known for delicious food instead of a sordid mob hit.
Umberto’s official website does not allude to any mob activity ever taking place but instead highlights the restaurant’s famous menu and importance within the community.
Note: We try to be as accurate as possible but make no guarantees. Please use this information at your own risk.
Sources:
Photo without change courtesy of Jazz Guy via Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/6G8WT8)
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/crazy-joe-killed-italy-restaurant-1972-article-1.2171636
http://www.umbertosclamhouse.com/
