Summer is upon us, which means Long Island waterfront restaurants are opening their outdoor patios or swinging out the French doors to let in the sea air and amazing views of the island maritime features. Options abound along the North and South shores, or out on the East End. Bring the suntan lotion, enjoy your favorite cocktail and cozy up to the prime seating at these fan favorites.
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The Beacon, Sag Harbor
image: facebook.com/BeaconSagHarbor
Situated atop the Sag Harbor Cove Yacht Club, The Beacon has views spanning Sag Harbor Bay all the way to Shelter Island. A consistent Hamptons favorite since 2000, some go-to options include the pork chop Milanese, halibut in parchment paper and the shrimp salad with peanut dressing. The restaurant notes on its website that it is a first-come, first-served establishment and is known to fill up quickly. However, its sister Sag Harbor restaurant, The Bell & Anchor, does take reservations. Phone: 631-725-7088 | Address: 8 W. Water St. Click to taste
Claudio’s, Greenport
No real tour of Greenport can be complete without a stopover at Claudio’s, the oldest same-name family restaurant in the country dating back to 1870. Over the years, the original Claudio’s tavern has grown into a waterfront complex that includes Claudio’s Restaurant on Main Street, two outdoor eateries, Claudio’s Clam Bar and Crabby Jerry’s, as well as a marina. Take a peek at what’s going on at Claudio’s with its own rooftop camera. Phone: 631-477-0627 | Address: 111 Main St. Click to taste
Flynn’s, Ocean Bay Park
Opened in 1937, Flynn’s is an iconic Fire Island mainstay that used to be where the ferry docked. The restaurant and nightclub features waterfront dining, live music and a happy hour that’s open for reservations, walk-ins, take-out and catering. It also has a full-service 50-slip boat marina. Phone: 631-583-5000 | Address: 1 Cayuga St. Click to taste
Navy Beach, Montauk
Situated on a 200-foot private beach, Navy Beach offers prime seating on the sand and amazing sunsets. It features fresh seafood and locally sourced produce, as well as a large variety of internationally-influenced menu items. Since opening in 2010, the restaurant has become a popular boating destination as well as a go-to place for rosé fans and aficionados. For dinner, share some small plates like octopus, clam chowder, ceviche and short rib tartare or fire-grilled scallops. Phone: 631-668-6868 | Address: 16 Navy Road Click to taste
Ocean, Bayville
image: facebook.com/ComeToTheOcean
Ocean is just a gorgeous location with undeniably magnificent views of the Long Island Sound. Palm trees line the patio, giving the impression you’ve been transported to the Bahamas. Among the culinary highlights, Ocean serves up sushi, a raw bar, a prix-fixe dinner menu and a Sunday brunch. Its sangria is buzz-worthy in more ways than one. Did we mention the view? Phone: 516-628-3330 | Address: 333 Bayville Ave. Click to taste
Rumba, Hampton Bays
image: facebook.com/rumba
Open seven days a week from 12-9pm and accessible by boat along the Shinnecock Bay, Rumba is one of the most laid-back Long Island waterfront restaurants. It serves up island-inspired food, premium handcrafted rum drinks and reggae. Phone: 631-594-3544 | Address: 43 Canoe Place Rd Click to taste
SALT on the Water, Merrick
image: facebook.com/Saltonthewater
One of the newest Long Island waterfront restaurants, this year-old South Shore venue is accessible by land or sea for indoor or outdoor dining. It is enticing patrons with its view and (of course) its cuisine. SALT regulars love the baked clams, oysters, the SALT burger (8oz of a proprietary meat blend with pecan-wood smoked bacon, brie, caramelized onion, basil aioli on ciabatta bread), a lobster roll made with 5oz of Maine lobster, mayo, red onion and celery on a buttered split top bun, the lobster risotto with saffron and the pineapple upsidedown cake. The peach sangria and coconut margarita are also delicious musts. Even further, reviewers rave about an attentive staff and management. Phone: 516-442-7470 | Address: 3100 Whaleneck Drive Click to taste
View, Oakdale
Dock and dine at the Lessing’s-operated View for unfiltered views of Nicoll Bay. Enjoy the a la carte menu and a casual, but refined and complete Sunday brunch, sushi menu Wednesday-Sunday or Caribbean lobster menu on Thursdays. New to the cocktail menu: an organic cucumber martini made with crop cucumber vodka, St. Germain, fresh lime and pineapple juice. Phone: 631-589-2694 | Address: 3 Consuelo Pl. Click to taste