Five North Fork restaurants to enjoy al fresco with your petite crew this summer
Billy’s by the Bay is a family favorite for its easy-breezy vibes, outdoor setting, live music, and fresh seafood.
Kids — typically, while dining out, they’re either throwing a tantrum (hello, toddlers) or wishing they had their own table (hello, tweens and teens). To help take some of the stress out of dining with the whole crew, we’re highlighting five family-friendly, North Fork restaurants to visit this season — some mainstays, some new, and some you may not have considered but should!
2350 Manhanset Avenue, Greenport
Located in Safe Harbor Marina, this summery spot is perfectly found off the beaten path. It’s a family favorite for its easy-breezy vibes, outdoor (but covered) setting, live music, and fresh seafood. While they don’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, kid-friendly options such as chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, burgers, and more are available on their regular menu; however, the fishwich is my petite crew’s go-to. Billy’s by the Bay is open daily (weather depending) from noon until 8 p.m., except for Sundays when they close at 6 p.m.
61600 Main Road, Southold
Don’t miss this bold dining experience that happens to be kid-friendly! Head to The Shoals in Southold for a lively seaside Latin-Asian fusion pop-up by beloved chef Cheo Avila. Bring the crew as you dine at dockside picnic tables and nosh on standout small plates. For kids, we recommend the edamame, yuka fries, and crispy cheese sticks. A children’s smashburger can also be ordered. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.
50 North Sea Drive, Southold
It's endless summer at this vibrant, beachy spot with food that never misses and a robust kids’ menu for your petite crew, including local grilled fish. Kids will dig the fun coastal decor, and you’ll dig the plentiful cocktail list, creative cuisine, and laid-back vibe. Suggested tip: go early for a more kid-friendly experience. Don’t forget to snap a pic in the restaurant’s Jaws-themed vestibule. Summer hours: open daily for lunch from noon to 3 p.m., for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are suggested.
40 McDermott Avenue, Riverhead
Planning to visit the Long Island Aquarium for the day and looking for a spot to eat? Make Turkuaz Grill your dining destination while in downtown Riverhead. Sit outside for views of the Peconic River while you and your kids nosh on top-notch Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to the typical kids’ menu offerings, we love that Turkuaz Grill also offers Mediterranean specialties like doner, kofte, and lamb in kid-appropriate portions. Open daily from noon until 9 p.m., closed Tuesdays.
1400 Silvermere Rd., Greenport
Whether you’re actually on vacation or just pretending to be, dining at Eddie’s with the whole crew in tow makes you feel like you’ve traveled far away, leaving all your worries behind. This highly coveted dining establishment, where you’re literally on the beach of Pipe’s Cove in Greenport, serves up wood oven-fired pizza, seafood, and local produce, along with oysters, and it’s kid-friendly to boot! (Hello, Margarita pizza.) There’s no going wrong here as your kids play alongside your table in the sand while you enjoy a stellar North Fork meal. Summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.