A Long Island beach day is a wonderful thing–there’s sun, sand and sea. But when hunger strikes, our stomachs may say otherwise. Blame minor dehydration or the incredible smell of your beach neighbor’s sandwich. But there’s no need to let your stomach do the talking. I found the hottest restaurants to hit after the beach.
Related Content: Soak Up the Sun at 6 Favorite LI Beaches
Se-port Delicatessen, East Setauket
A stone’s throw from Port Jefferson, Se-port Delicatessen serves up hoagies so big, they count as lunch and dinner. Its claim to fame The Gasm hero (chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella, bacon) generates lines that feel like they’re halfway to Danford’s, which is two miles away. But clearly it’s worth the wait, as people have been coming back for more for three decades and counting. If you’re not game for a Gasm, there are dozens of others to choose from, along with fresh-brewed iced teas, making it the perfect place to stop after a day on the docks. Phone: 631-751-2432 | Address: 301 Main St Click to taste
Fatfish Wine Bar & Bistro, Bayshore
Right on the edge of the Great South Bay, Fatfish Wine Bar & Bistro offers a notable Mediterranean-inspired seafood menu, accompanied by an outdoor dining patio with a panoramic view of the bay. There is much to enjoy: the Lobster BLT, half-off happy hour weekdays from 4pm-7pm and the extensive wine list. Plus, Fatfish is a hotspot for live acoustic music. Various acoustic bands are on tap to perform every Tuesday-Sunday until Labor Day. Phone: 631-666-2899 | Address: 28 Cottage Ave Click to taste
Whale’s Tale, Northport
Between a laid-back atmosphere and stunning view of the Sound, this spot is excellent to wind down with a beer, taco and sunset. Whale’s Tale’s unique waterside dining experience offers fresh fish caught in the surrounding waters and produce harvested from nearby farms. Tacos are $2-5 on Taco Tuesdays. The Baja pork & plantain taco is sugar and spice and everything nice any day of the week. Phone: 631-651-8844 | Address: 81 Fort Salonga Rd Click to taste
668 The Gig Shack, Montauk
This eclectic hut encompasses both global surf cuisine and traditional Long Island fare like braised Hawaiian baby back ribs and honey jerked wild striped bass. Best part is, it offers live music every night, indoor and outdoor seating and a stylish rathskeller. Phone: 631-668-2727 | Address: 782 Main St Click to taste
Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck
Nestled in the heart of Mattituck, Love Lane Kitchen accommodates a diverse crowd of coffee, wine and surf & turf enthusiasts. Recap a day on the Peconic over a “Very Crabby” crab cake, which is known to make even the hangriest patrons happy as a clam. Phone: 631-298-8989 | Address: 240 Love Ln Click to taste
noah’s Restaurant, Greenport
Parallel to Greenport Harbor and the Mitchell Park & Marina, noah’s offers an intelligent seasonal menu that showcases the best of the North Fork and East End ingredients. The menu is crafted daily, pairing well with a grand list of local wines. If the heat quells hunger, nibble on some items from the tasting menu. The beer & bacon glazed almonds are salty and sticky in all the right ways and the duck liver mousse is a favorite of daring foodies. The seafood dishes are light, fresh and picturesque, just like the Village. Phone: 631-477-6720 | Address: 136 Front St Click to taste