Here are some retro food stops filled with nostalgia and flavor that you must make this summer.

Leno’s Clam Bar – – Still Going Strong – I started going to Leno’s generations ago for their burgers, steamers, fried clams, grilled hotdogs, and corn on the cob swimming in butter. They have reopened for another season. It’s a wonderful no-frills experience. It has not changed much, now in its third generation and operated by Patrick Leno. Road foodies may remember Leno’s Clam Bar, also known as ‘Greasy Nick’s,’ along Pelham Road (Shore Road) in New Rochelle, just minutes from the Bronx line and Orchard Beach. It’s just down the road from lovely Glen Island Park. 

Sit at the metal table outside or take a seat at the indoor counter and load up on their famous cheeseburgers with sautéed onions (a must!) and fries, dripping corn on the cob, fried clams with tartar sauce, hot dogs, or cheese dogs. Thank goodness for all those napkins! Table service is very friendly and laid back. The first couple of bites bring back memories galore.

Leno’s Clam Bar is at 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. Open daily during the season. Indoor and outdoor seating. Phone: 914-636-9869. Check Facebook.

Walter’s Hot Dogs – When I passed by the iconic Mamaroneck shop on a recent afternoon, lines had already formed. Walter’s historic Mamaroneck location, a must-stop for generations of hot dog lovers throughout the region, has been housed in a vintage Chinese pagoda-style building since 1928. Founder Walter Warrington began selling his signature split-in-half dogs grilled in a ‘secret sauce,’ served on a toasted bun with mustard, relish, and spices, in 1919. Katherine Warrington Woodward, a great-granddaughter, is among the family members still operating the business. Look for their popular Puffy Dogs, Bavarian Pretzel Dog, curly fries, and potato puffs – along with a variety of shakes and floats. There’s also a New England Chowder on the menu as are Eggs Creams, Malts, and Floats.

The original Walter’s Hot Dogs is located at 937 Palmer Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-500-5029. Walter’s Hot Dogs, White Plains,186 Mamaroneck Ave. Phone: 914-397-9406. Walter’s Hot Dog Truck: 914-400-3164 www.waltershotdogs.com 

Dog Days at The Dog Den – Hot dog mavens find their way to The Dog Den all day long, located at the former bus depot at White Plains Metro-North. Hot dogs are an ode to the ultimate comfort food, according to dynamic owner/founder Dennis (Big Dennis) Rubich. On this beautiful late afternoon Big Dennis, who stands 7 ft. 1, was chatting with customers as they ate their dogs and sides with gusto. There are a lot of combinations and toppings on the menu along with alternative bites galore. Dog Den uses Sabrett all-beef, certified gluten-free dogs and Martins Potato Long Rolls. On this visit, we tried the Bernie Mac n’ Cheese, wrapped in bacon and loaded with decadent mac n’ cheese topping. The other, The Cool Beans, was topped with bacon bits and baked beans. We ordered a pile of crinkle-cut fries, too. On previous encounters, I consumed The Cali Double Dog with bacon strips, guacamole, tomato, ranch dressing, and celery salt. Both were well assembled by the eager staff and delicious. There are free half-hour parking spaces. 

The Dog Den, 1 Main Street (Bronx Street), White Plains, at the train station. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Phone: 914-328-3288. www.thedogdenwhiteplains.com 

Lobster Rolls at The Soup Shack – Whenever I pass the little red shack, it feels like I am traveling through a quaint town in Maine. Actually, I’m driving down Halstead Ave. in Harrison. The bright red sign reads SOUP SHACK, LOBSTER ROLLS … Hot Soups, Chili, Chowders, Hot Dogs. Below it said: Wellington’s Soup Shack. Over the past few years, it has built a steady following. There are rustic signs galore touting the day’s specialties: Lobster Roll & Chips, of course; Double Cheeseburger & 8 oz. Soup; Chicken Wings, Buffalo or BBQ style; Soup of the Day, and more. The Soup Shack is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proprietors Bill & Ally Powell also operate Wellington’s Grill, a more formal tavern next door. They are founders of Powell Catering. 

Wellington’s Grill & Soup Shack, 110 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-315-1532 www.wellingtonsgrill.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)