Dining & Bars
There are some really great bars and restaurants on Fire Island, however the hot spots are Ocean Beach and Cherry Grove. Cherry Grove is a predominately gay community on the east end of the Island. Ocean Beach on the other hand is more diverse with all ages, types, and well known for its mix of family and 20-30 something's time share groups. The bar scene is made up of predominately straight single young professionals.
Cherry Grove:
For listings and reviews of cherry grove dining check out: CherryGrove.com
Atlantique :
CJ's
CJ’s is the only bar and restaurant that is open all year round. In the off-season, locals come to CJ’s to eat, drink and socialize. During the summer, the crowd is a mix of laid back locals and weekend warriors with a plan. CJ’s has your usual bar food, but has a lobster special during the week that is tasty and affordable. However, the drinks are what really brings the crowd in. The Rocket Fuels and Hang Gliders Rain Vodka are a couple favorites among CJ’s and the bar gets quite crowded and loud. There is usually a line to get into CJ’s, so head over before 10pm if you want to get a seat. If you’re waiting for a ferry, CJ’s is a great place to wait as you can view all the boats coming and leaving on a monitor in the bar. CJ’s also has darts. Phone: 631-583-9890
The Hideaway - at Housers
The Hideaway has an eclectic menu and feature dishes include Seafood Pasta, Long Island Duck with a savory raspberry sauce, stacked skirt steak, and wonderful vegetables with garlic mashed potatoes. If you’re in the mood for appetizers, try the shrimp stuffed baked clams. The Hideaway also features an outstanding weekend brunch that includes Lemon Ricotta pancakes, French Toast and delectable omelets. Whether you want to sit on the deck and look at the bar, or relax in doors, you will never be disappointed with the variety of selections at the Hideaway. The Hideaway is a low key bar scene perfect for couples or groups of friends looking to socialize. There is also a hotel upstairs. Phone: 631-583-7805 www.houserhotel.com
Houser's Bar and Grill
Houser’s is a local hangout loved by residents, but we couldn’t resist keeping it off the list of places you must visit. Houser’s has a limited menu for lunch and early dinner (be there by 8:30) with burgers, franks, fried clams and quesadillas. Houser’s has a rustic but charming décor with outdoor seating in the back. After dinner, Houser’s is great fun with a mix of pool, darts and classic rock booming from the speakers. Houser’s often has a live band complete with dancing. A great spot not to be missed.
Island Mermaid
Island Mermaid has an expansive menu which they refer to as New American Cuisine. The Island Mermaid offers Honey Glazed Lamp Chops, Thai Teriyaki Salmon, Mermaid Peking Duck and Espresso Dusted Shrimp (delicious.) Island Mermaid is family friendly as they have a children’s menu where everything is $8.00 including a soft drink. Some nights Island Mermaid has reggae, karaoke and jazz music after dinner and the place gets hopping during Saturday Happy hour. Guests love the cocktails and enjoy watching the sunset on the deck. Island Mermaid has indoor dancing and offers specialty catering. Phone: 631-583-8088
Michael's Ristorante and Pizzeria
Michael’s is a great gourmet pizza place and Italian restaurant that is great for the kids. Michael’s is located on a corner in town away from the busy streets and allows diners to sit back; people watch and enjoy a great meal. This is a great place to have a plate of spaghetti and meatballs or penne with a vodka sauce. Michaels stuffed eggplant rollatini is out of this world and is one of the best ever tasted, it is not to be missed! Michael’s is open until 4am most weekend nights and is a great place to stop and get a slice after a night of partying. Phone: 631-597-6555
Hurricane’s Bar and Grill at the Fire Island Hotel and Resort
Hurricane’s Bar and Grill is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants on Fire Island. Chef Melissa Dodici has a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University and possesses skills and creativity to prepare meals that are memorable and special, but most of all, delicious. Hurricane’s uses only the freshest ingredients and has an enduring commitment to quality. With a varied nightly menu, entrees can include rack of lamb with garlic smashed potatoes or sesame seared tuna with leaks and wasabi smashed potatoes. Everything on the menu is a foodie’s delight, including Prince Edward Island mussels over linguini or honey glazed chicken French with portabella mushrooms. No matter what your tastes are or what you may order, you are guaranteed and unforgettable evening. Phone: 631-583-8000.
Schooner's
631-583-8498
Fair Harbor :
The Dock
Friday and Saturday nights are popular evenings at the dock and the evenings have been named “Sixish”. Visitors are encouraged to bring a cocktail and enjoy the sunset and socialize with others on the dock that leads out to the Bay. If you’d like to have dinner, visit the Dock restaurant and enjoy a wonderful meal with such items as grilled sushi-grade tuna in ginger lime broth with coconut rice and coconut curry tiger shrimp. The Dock restaurant also features fantastic seafood, steak, chicken and pasta dishes. If you’re in the mood for moving and shaking, dance the night away with a DJ every Friday and Saturday night. Phone: 631-583-5200, The Casino: 631-597-6150
Kismet:
Kismet Inn & Marina
For over 25 years, the wooden building where the restaurant is housed has been considered a landmark on Fire Island. A great mix of both locals and tourists relax and chill-out on the massive wooden bay side deck while enjoying the company and sunset.
The Out
The Out offers a menu complete with the usual steak and chicken dishes, but seafood at The Out is their ultimate specialty. Specials such as shrimp, lobster, local fish night and even clambakes are available every Monday through Thursday night. The Out features live bands and DJ’s on the weekends.
Ocean Bay Park:
Flynn's
Flynn’s on the bay enjoy the casual and diverse atmosphere. During the dinner hour, Flynn’s is filled with families, couples and singles eating and enjoying the sunset over the Bay. At night, Flynn’s becomes a younger crowd filled with (sometimes) rowdy, dancing and drinking individuals. The party crowd at Flynn’s seems to come from all over other towns and the DJ brings great beats to the dance floor on both Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday evening, Reggae music is featured for a little more relaxed and calming atmosphere. If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, we recommend the grilled tuna with soy-ginger glaze and cucumber relish.
The Inn Between
631-583-0111
The Pizza Place
631-583-351
Ocean Beach:
Albatross
Albatross, known as the “Tross”, is a great place to spend the entire evening with family and friends. Albatross is a family-run restaurant and has a cozy bar feel inside and a porch outside for relaxing and people watching. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner or late night drinks, the Tross is a casual spot for drinks and steamers, drinks and burgers or drinks and pasta. The menu features nightly specials sure to please any palate. The bar scene doesn’t get hopping until about 10pm, and whatever you do, “Don’t Swing the Lights!” The Albatross has a dart board in the back that is quite popular for players.
Bocce Beach
Bocce Beach is a big restaurant that has a popular bar crowd in the evening. Bocce Beach has excellent specials such as rib night, chicken, pasta and seafood dishes. The food is reasonably priced and the place is jumping especially on Sunday nights. Bocce Beach has darts, pool tables and an ATM. The crowd is mostly people in their 20’s, and dancing and loudness is to be found!
Maguire's
Maguire’s is located on the west side of town on the bay and is one of the best places to catch the sunset. Whether you choose to dine outside on the deck or eat inside, be sure to try their signature salad, The Seared Ahi Tuna, the “drunken” Pork Chops and variety of seafood such as the Alaskan King Crab or Lobster. Thursday nights are Lobster Palooza Night, and the staff is charming and accommodating. After the dinner hour, Maguire’s turns into a popular late night spot with drinking and dancing. Maguire’s gets filled fast and can be quite crowded around 1am. Maguire’s is the place to go if you want to see and bee seen. If you’re in the mood for lunch, take a relaxing afternoon in while dining on the deck. Maguire’s also caters and hold special events. Phone: 631-583-8800.
Matthew's Seafood
Rachel's
Rachel’s is known for being a late night bakery serving tasty breakfasts and coffee on the go, but it is also a wonderful place for both lunch and dinner. Most people think of Rachel’s as just a bakery, but they have a fabulous menu that is quite extensive and filled with large salads, chops and seafood. Rachel’s has a special dish-the Jerk Chicken which is out of this world! If you’re looking for a home cooked dinner with a casual feel, try the meatloaf or chicken and a large salad, matzo brie and the varied southwestern inspired dishes. Rachel is a real person constantly changing and updated her restaurant, and has a restaurant in Cherry Grove as well as Hunter Mountain. Phone: 631-583-9552
Town Pizza
If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a delivery, give Town Pizza a try. They offer fresh made pizzas, eggplant rollatini, baked ziti and various other entrees. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, try their pizza hot dogs, hot heroes, calzones, Jamaican beef patties and salads. Town Pizza is open until 4am on the weekends and always draws a crowd late at night. Delivery: 631-583-7774
More Fire Island Info
Robins Rest :
TEQUILA JACKS
Tequila Jacks has fantastic food, spectacular views, and is located right on the bay. Enjoy the sunset and pull your boat right up to the front! Tequila Jacks is a favorite spot for Fire Islanders and it is highly recommended! Phone: 631-583-2628
Watch Hill :
Seashore Inn
631-597-6655
Watch Hill Marina Restaurant
631-597-6655
For more information on Fire Island bars, dining, and markets see our business directory.
