The warm weather is back and so are these seasonal spots
Here comes summer, 2023. The North Fork’s seasonal restaurants are back for the year, and some of our favorite spots are planning their grand return. We’re excited to make it back to some of our tried-and-true favorites for the warm weather eats of the season. Read on for what’s new this month on the North Fork.
The fourth season of Duryea’s Orient Point opens this year on May 18th, welcoming guests back to the sand and sea either by boat or by car. Expect classics from this always-lovely and iconic establishment: classic seafood towers, some of the best views in all of the North Fork, and feet-in-the-sand enjoyment with fresh seafood and even fresher vibes. Say yes to rosé and yes to all that summer has to offer from May through the end of summer at this de rigueur warm weather experience.
The century-old Claudio’s Restaurant on Main opens in May for the summer season. Old world charm meets a classic menu at this more formal style restaurant, which sits right in the heart of downtown Greenport (those who prefer to sit outside can enjoy the restaurant’s back patio, which faces the marina). Fish and chips, whole steamed lobster, and North Fork oysters are all menu staples that will be back this spring and summer.
After a winter hiatus, Southold Social by Francois Payard is back. The bistro-style restaurant, which focuses on local produce, fresh-caught fish, and the chef’s signature, house-made pasta, reopened on April 7th for the season. A regularly changing spring, summer, and fall menu will feature items like black squid ink linguine with lobster bisque, shrimp, and parsley; local Little Ram oysters with a mignonette and Holy Schmitt’s horseradish; and a bi-color beet tartare with Sabatino truffles, goat cheese, and a balsamic reduction.
The Hellenic Snack Bar, in Greenport, reopened in February and is ready for visitors this spring and summer. Chef and owner George Giannaris began working at the Snack Bar when he was only 10-years-old and has continued there ever since. Classics like the Hellenic’s salad (the same since 1976) are on the menu: iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Kalamata olives, feta, anchovies, and John’s original dressing. Shrimp saganaki, pork and lamb souvlaki, and a host of delightful burgers are also worth stopping in for. For dessert, don’t miss the walnut- and almond-rich baklava, or the epic galaktoboureko, filo dough stuffed with a warm custard filling and amplified with cinnamon syrup.
Get out (well, practically) on the water at Crabby Jerry’s, in Greenport, which offers both casual dining and music events through spring and summer. The music season launches on May 19th with Sahara, and continues on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of the season. Fish is the name of the game at Crabby Jerry’s. Try the lobster roll, either Claudio’s-, Connecticut-, or Cajun-style, on a potato bun. The fry shack serves up delicious fried seafood, like clam strips and fish and chips. And the lobster quesadilla, served with sour cream and pico de gallo, is an excellent way to honor this much-beloved crustacean.
