Best for Craft Beer: Jamesport Farm Brewery
What to order: Waves of Grain amber ale
Once a potato farm, this 43-acre property grows most of the hops, barley and wheat used for brewing its beers right on site. Book a full farm tour or pull up a stool at the tasting room to sample a flight of craft beers just yards from the fields that made them possible.
Best for Breakfast (That Turns Into Lunch): Main Road Biscuit Co.
What to order: The biscuit sampler with house jams (duh)
Admit it: We had you at “biscuit.” But throw in jams made from scratch, fried chicken, and a lineup of pancakes that changes with the seasons, and you have a veritable wonderland of comfort food to start the day. Given this restaurant’s cozy farmhouse feel, though, you might find yourself lingering well past breakfast hours.
Best for Date Night: North Fork Table and Inn
What to order: Dry-aged Crescent Farms duck (or, you know, the entire tasting menu)
With a farm-to-table philosophy spearheaded by a James Beard-nominated chef, all in a quaint, rural setting, the North Fork Table and Inn suits a Hamptons evening to a T. Bring a date here, start with a cocktail (or a couple fingers from the extensive whiskey list), and let the kitchen do the thinking with a six-course tasting menu.
Best for Oysters: Little Creek Oyster Farm
What to order: A selection of oysters that came off the boats that day
Just over the car ferry from Shelter Island sits Greenport: one of the top destinations in either the the Hamptons or the North Fork. Little Creek Oyster Farm is little more than a tiny gift shop, seafood counter and small swatch of dock, but what this place lacks in space, it makes up for in fresh, briney goodness. Be sure to ask about the “shuck it yourself” deal.
Best for Brunch: Bruce & Son
What to order: Eggs benedict with ciabatta, Berkshire ham and herb hollandaise
If you squint, even the name “Bruce & Son” looks like “Brunch spot.” But if that’s not enough, check out the hearty, breakfast-centric menu and you’ll see why this place gets the nod for daytime feasting. Don’t forget to check the deep drink selection, too — both menus are served all day.
Best for a Quick Bite: Southold Fish Market
What to order: A lobster roll to bring to the beach
This seafood shop has been pedaling local catch for more than a quarter of a century, so it’s a great place to stop if you’re looking to stock the cottage fridge and head to the beach armed with a quick lunch. But they don’t just do lobster rolls — they also dabble in seriously inspired daily specials like spicy conch chowder and crab-crusted salmon over parmesan risotto.
Best for a Casual Dinner: Love Lane Kitchen
What to order: Moroccan-style Crescent Farm duck
Most outdoor restaurants in the North Fork set up expansive waterside areas on a dock, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s something nice about eating al fresco on a real patio. Combine that with the unique, unassuming menu at Love Lane Kitchen, and you’ve got a really great spot for a weeknight meal.
Best for Wine and Pizza: Jamesport Vineyards
What to order: The Littleneck wood-fired pizza with fresh clams and white wine béchamel
The North Fork is almost synonymous with the vineyard lifestyle, and Jamesport is one of our favorites, both for the killer wine lineup and for the seasonally served light bites and wood-fired pizza. Note: the wine’s available all week, but the pizzas are only cooking on summer weekends.
—
For the best of the Hamptons and North Fork, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.