“Comfy, cozy” is a phrase that’s often said in our home this time of year. From desiring to cuddle up under a “comfy, cozy” blanket to craving something “comfy, cozy” for dinner, the phrase embodies a feeling of comfort and nourishment. I know that when our family asks for a “comfy, cozy” meal, they’re usually excited when we decide it’s soup night, especially if we get it from a restaurant, market, or farm stand. Since the season for all things cozy is upon us, here are our top 10 favorite soups and chowders across the North Fork—all kid-approved.
The North Fork Trail is made possible by Gaby Diaslongo of Cultural Care Au Pair—supporting families through cultural exchange.
1. Mulligatawny from Barrow Food House
452 Main Rd., Riverhead; current hours: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 11:30 AM - 9 PM Friday and Saturday; closed Sundays and Mondays
This vegan soup is so sneaky good. With warming spices, red lentils, and coconut milk, it feels like a hug in a bowl.
2. Lobster Bisque from Modern Snack Bar
628 Main Rd., Aquebogue; current hours: 11:30 AM - 8 PM Wednesday - Saturday, Sunday 12 - 8 PM; closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Time stands still in this 1950s North Fork historic landmark where you’ll find classic American home cooking. When available, order a cup or a bowl of their “Famous Lobster Bisque” served with oyster crackers. The soup is not overly rich or seafood-y, making it an approachable bisque for kids to dig into.
3. French Onion Soup from Main Road Biscuit
1601 Main Rd., Jamesport; current hours: 8 AM - 3 PM Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM Saturday and Sunday, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
While breakfast tends to steal the spotlight at this Jamesport eatery, this season we're filling our bellies with crocks of French onion soup topped with half a biscuit (!) and melted Gruyère. You may even find that your “I hate onions”-kid will enjoy this decadent soup.
4. Shrimp and Corn Chowder from Hallock’s Cider Mill
1690 Main Rd., Jamesport; current hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily
Swinging by Hallock’s Cider Mill for a quart or two of their shrimp and corn chowder made from their centuries-old recipe is always a good move. The chowder, made multiple times throughout the week and always freshly stocked in the farm stand’s refrigerator, is hearty and filling and an easy weeknight dinner.
5. Butternut Squash Soup from Love Lane Kitchen
240 Love Ln., Mattituck; current hours: 8 AM - 4 PM Tuesday - Sunday, 8 AM - 9 PM Monday
An off-season Monday night dinner at LLK is our favorite way to ease back into the week. Their butternut squash soup is silky and pure comfort in a bowl. Because of its slightly sweet flavor, it’s also an easy way to get your kids to eat squash.
6. Lentil Soup from Lombardi’s Love Lane Market
170 Love Ln., Mattituck; current hours: 10 AM - 6 PM Wednesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday and Monday, closed Tuesdays
Our petite crew loves a good lentil soup, and Lombardi’s never fails us. Stop by this Love Lane market and pick up an easy and nutritious dinner packed with lentils and vegetables to fuel your family.
7. Veggie Chili from Goodfood.
535 Pike St., Mattituck; current hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM Wednesday and Thursday; closed Sundays and Mondays
Okay, so this one may be a touch spicy for some young palates, but if your kid (or you!) is in the mood for a vegetable-packed chili that's on the spicier side, don’t miss Goodfood.’s veggie chili, which is served with sour cream and cheddar cheese on the side. While you’re there, grab a quart of soothing chicken soup (plus others!) from the freezer for a quick meal at home.
8. Chicken Soup Salvadoran Style from Lucia Restaurant
13000 Main Rd., Mattituck; current hours: 10 - 8 PM Sunday - Thursday, 10 AM - 9 PM Friday and Saturday
Anytime our crew has as much as a sniffle, chicken soup from Lucia is our go-to! This Salvadoran-style chicken soup features broth with tons of vegetables and herbs, and roasted chicken and rice on the side. We load it all up into one big bowl and feel better nearly instantly.
9. Seasonal Chowder from Southold Fish Market
64755 NY-25, Southold; Kitchen current hours: 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM Sunday; closed Tuesdays
Soup and chowder season is in full effect at Southold Fish Market. A current rotating menu offers nearly a handful of chowders in a variety of styles. Dine in and kick off your meal with a cup, or make it a meal with a bowl. Our fav is the pumpkin crab bisque.
10. South Street Chowder from First & South
100 South St., Greenport; current hours: 12 - 8:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 12 - 9 PM Friday and Saturday, 10 AM - 3 PM Sunday, closed Wednesdays
Greenport Chowder Fest winner for three years in a row, this New England-style chowder is loaded with local clams and applewood-smoked bacon—a must-try!
11. Chowder from Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market
211 Carpenter St., Greenport; current hours: 5 - 9 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 12 - 9 PM Friday and Saturday, 12 - 8 PM Sunday; closed Mondays and Tuesdays
This flourless chowder is brothy and light, and impossible not to devour. It’s loaded with potatoes and local shellfish and has a delicate balance of flavors that kids of all ages will enjoy.
12. Organic Avgolemono from Hellenic Restaurant
5145 Main Rd., East Marion; current hours: 11:30 AM - 8 PM Thursday and Monday, 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM Friday, 8 AM - 8:30 AM Saturday, 8:30 AM - 8 PM Sunday and Tuesday, closed Wednesdays
Head all the way east for a traditional Greek lemon, chicken, and rice soup that’s worth the trip. Dine in or get it in a quart to-go.
