Harvest season calls for a whole lot of grape stomping and glass raising on the North Fork. It’s a celebratory occasion, a chance for winemakers to begin to see the fruits of their labor take shape and locals to attend parties and festivals. But when the stomping and tasting have finished, there’s more bounty to be enjoyed on the wine trail. Five North Fork restaurants make for the perfect pairing to a day at the wineries.
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American Beech, Greenport
image: facebook.com/americanbeech
Minutes from Kontokosta Winery, the final vineyard on the trail, the casual chic nature of American Beech makes it an easy place to end a North Fork excursion. Housed in a 19th century stable house, the inside is clean, airy and lovely. There are white walls, light wooden tables and chairs, sofa-style booths and plenty of windows to let the sun shine through. The starters menu includes oysters from Greenport. As for dinner, the buttermilk fried chicken made with spiced honey and bleu cheese is every bit as indulgent as it sounds. Ditto for the Gruyere-topped BeechBurger served on a pretzel bun. Phone: 631-477-5939 | Address: 300 Main St. Click to eat
Case’s Place, New Suffolk
Seafood with a side of waterfront views are on the menu at this 66-seat café. The interior is humble. There are small tables and a mahogany bar, but huge windows allow diners to peer out at Robins Island. Owner Maryann Birmingham dove into the family archives for menu inspiration. The Manhattan clam chowder and strawberry shortbread are all recipes from the Case family, which has lived in the area since the 1640s. Phone: 631-276-6911 | Address: 650 1st St. Click to eat
Caci North Fork, Southold
This Italian restaurant has an extensive wine menu full of international and local wines. North Fork standouts include bottles from Sherwood House Vineyards, Raphael, Pindar, One Woman Winery, Macari, Martha Clara and Sparkling Pointe, which is a short ride from Caci. As for the pasta, breads and gelato, they’re all made in house. The angel hair with sorrento lemon sauce and lobster is part sweet, part tangy and completely heavenly. Phone: 631-765-4383 | Address: 56125 Main Rd. Click to eat
North Fork Table Inn, Southhold
This gem was doing farm-to-table long before it became passé. Stephan Bogardus, a former mentee under original chef Gerry Hayden, has kept the tradition of serving laid-back vibes and delicious fare made with local ingredients. The à la carte menu he introduced has been a hit. Diners can order dishes from the three or five course tasting menus or even just order dessert. The striploin of grass-fed beef is cooked to perfection—whatever that means to you—and served with whipped potatoes for a hearty meal that can stand up to a day of wine tasting. Phone: 631-765-0177 | Address: 57225 Main Rd. Click to eat
Jerry and the Mermaid, Riverhead
Close to vineyard juggernauts like Palmer and Martha Clara, this casual eatery is a popular spot to grab a substantial lunch in between tastings. Seafood is the order of every day. The clams are some of the freshest around and the crispy Kung Pao shrimp is drizzled with a tai chili that’s on fire. Phone: 631-727-8489 | Address: 469 E. Main St. Click to eat