DINING/NIGHTLIFE

Escape the sweaty solstice in the city and head east to Fire Island for everything you need: cool beach breezes, sun-kissed surf, and massive margaritas. Neighboring the city that never sleeps, Fire Island boasts reputable restaurants and nightlife spirited with that northeast coastal flavor.

Cherry Grove
For a complete list of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines bars, restaurants, and nightlife please visit CherryGrove.com

Davis Park

The Casino Cafe
631-597-6150

The Casino Café and Bar is the place to see and be seen in Davis Park. This eatery is where residents come to get a decent meal, a few too many drinks, and hobnob the night away. A safe bet, this establishment is the only bar and grill in town. Atop the beachfront sand dune, The Casino offers a great view of both the ocean and bay. We recommend the sea scallops, mango and seared tuna, and the roasted Long Island duck.

Fair Harbor

Le Dock
631-583-5200

The fact that Fair Harbor survives with only one bar and grill is a testament to the delicious eats at Patrick Adam’s Le Dock. The establishment proves, like all things Fire Island, quality can be served up at a casual beach joint. The setting is cozy, yet airy and boasts one of the best views in town overlooking the bay at sunset. We recommend the Carpaccio, curried bluefish, and the never flawed Le Dock burger.

Kismet

Surf’s Out
surfsoutfireisland.com
631.583.7400
Bay Walk, Kismet, NY 11706

The Surf’s Out Restaurant is Kismet, Fire Island’s premier waterfront restaurant and club, serving up new world cuisine, Italian specialties, fresh seafood, and a spectacular sushi menu. It features a fabulous sunset dining deck with the most majestic view of the water, and an air-conditioned indoor dining room. The water wall behind its extensive bar adds the perfect ambience. Appetizers range from $8.; entrées, $15.
Formerly known as The Out, a longtime institution of Kismet, Surf’s Out is a newly renovated waterfront venue that welcomes visitors to the island by boat (marina, or ferry) or by land (walk the beach past the historic Fire Island Lighthouse.) The restaurant’s Surf Club provides a lively summertime atmosphere in an outdoor courtyard, specializing in theme nights and summer-fun daytime events. Both host live music, happy hours, DJ’s and dancing entertainment.

The Kismet Inn & Marina
631-583-5592

For 25 years the Kismet Inn has been the gathering place for natives crowning it as Fire Island landmark. The Inn is a time-honored reliable locale for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. A mix of summer locals and tourists get loose on the expansive bay side outer deck as the sun goes down. The Inn retains its classic Fire Island charm with the help of the coveted jukebox.

Ocean Bay Park

Flynn’s
631-583-5000

The crowd at this monumental restaurant on the bay is casual and diverse. Early evening welcomes families, couples, and singles for dinner while watching the sunset over the bay. After dinner, a younger, rowdier, mainland crew heads to Flynn’s to bring on the night. The hard-core party crowd seems to flock here from all other towns and DJs liven up the dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. Reggae music is featured early Sunday evening. We recommend the grilled tuna with soy-ginger glaze and cucumber relish or the marinated grilled shrimp.

Read a review of Flynn’s.

Hurricane’s Bar and Grill at the Fire Island Hotel
631-583-8000

This ocean eatery serves poolside lunches and dinners at the Fire Island Hotel. The Hurricane is an easy choice for hotel guests and informed Ocean Bay Park residents. With a varied nightly menu, the recommended entrees include dijon rack of lamb, sesame seared tuna, and cashew encrusted salmon.

Schooners
631-583-8498

Overlooking the Ocean Bay Park marina, Schooners offers a spacious and vibrant bar to hang at while you set your worries a sail. Schooner’s never vies for your attention or tries to get cute, which is what is so endearing about the old school Fire Island haunt. At times, the crowd tends to skew a bit older, but that only adds to the neighborhood feel. Schooner’s is also a popular Inn that provides both kayaking and bike rentals.

The Inn Between
631-583-0111

While Flynn’s gets rowdy, the Inn Between keeps it’s cool. Known to house many Point O’ Woods kids jumping the fence for a night out, The Inn Between is everything that Flynn’s isn’t: a friendly and familiar alternative to an aggressive night out. Offering the best brunch in Ocean Bay Park, the Inn is second to none.

Ocean Beach

The Landing

(631) 583-5800
620 Baywalk, Ocean Beach
Fire Island, New York
The Landing is the newest addition to the town of Ocean Beach. Located in Front of Ferry Dock, this is one of the best locations in town. We are going to gather some feedback and write a review on this restaurant shortly.

Albatross
631-583-5697

Designed with dark wood, dim lanterns, and even graffiti-covered walls in the back this place is a crowd pleaser. A mainstay in Ocean Beach, the scene is a blend of young ‘uns and family types and holds the possibility that you’ll spot someone you know. The outer deck facing the street is the best seat in town for people watching. We recommend the cajun calamari, French onion soup, tuna steak sandwich, or the burger.

Bocce Beach
631-583-8100

This oversized dining hall is the perfect place for large parties and share house buddies looking to eat out. A true carnivore’s destination, Bocce is famous for it’s rib, steak, and veal entrees. Be sure to stop in for rib night on Wednesdays and Sundays. A little roomier than most Ocean Beach bars, no one will cramp your style while you grove or throw darts. Although most bars in Ocean Beach are dominated by young 20 something’s, Bocce consistently draws all ages.

Castaway
631-583-0330

The owner of the local ice cream shops, Scoops and Beaches and Cream has a sweet craving for the bar scene. Castaway re-opened in 2007 and is now, one of two bars that are open all year round. It provides a much-needed break from the same old scene that is widespread on weekends. A dependable place for a low-key lunch, dinner, or drinks, Castaway is warm and welcoming, and the friendly faces will keep you coming back. A few cocktails inevitably ends the night at 4 am as weekenders spill out onto the streets and beeline to Town Pizza for some late-night noshing.

CJ’s
631-583-9890

Regulars have been coming here for ages, especially, in the off-season as it used to be the only place open all year round. In the heat of the summer, CJ’s caters to parched singles seeking to quench their thirst on rocket fuel, the house drink. Not particularly well known for a decadent menu CJ’s serves up some no fuss favorites such as burgers and heroes.

The Hideaway at Housers Hotel
631-583-7805

The Hideaway never disappoints. This establishment has the essence of a French bistro and serves up outstanding and consistent food. The Hideaway boasts some of the best service in town and an incredible view of the bay. Fresh herbs are grown on the premise garnishing each plate adding to that home-style appeal. Signature dishes include seafood pasta, the tequila lime ribs, lobster roll, and the flawless burger. Also boasts a lovely brunch featuring lemon ricotta pancakes that will melt in your mouth.

Houser’s Bar and Grill
631-583-7805

A cult classic of Fire Island nightlife, we were in talks about keeping this favorite haunt off the list for selfish reasons. Housers lures you in like bait and will hold you captive until booted out at closing. Classic rock booms through cabin like walls, while the Island’s finest throw darts and play pool. Surfboards hanging from the ceiling set the stage for the gang that gathers here. Sip your brew on the hushed outer deck overlooking the bay. This bar will authenticate that Fire Island experience.

Island Mermaid
631-583-8088.

It’s all about the location at the Island Mermaid. An expansive outdoor deck commands a view of the Ocean Beach Ferry dock. Aside from a little exhaust inhalation at docking, the new fair American cuisine will have you reminiscing about winters spent in Key West. Try the bacon wrapped meatloaf, catfish roulade, or the stuffed pork loin. After sunset, the Mermaid is often victim to the “girls night out” types. The cookie-cutter crowd might bring on the urge to be double fisting. You’re in good hands, bartender and local surfing guru Jamie Raguso is a master mixologist.

Maguire’s
631-583-8800

If you’re looking to go out with a big group, celebrate a birthday, or get to know your fellow share housers, Maguire’s is perfect. Near the west edge of town, Maguire’s is the site to enjoy the sunset over the bay. Whether dining on the deck or the cabin inside, try the seared ahi tuna, the “drunken” pork chops, the Alaskan king crab, or the classic Lobster dinner. Post-dinner, this place becomes a happening spot to get your drink on. Most known for the late-night crowd and disco dancing Maguire’s will have a second coming after 1pm.

Matthew’s Seafood
631-583-8016

A Fire Island classic, this cozy bar and restaurant has a home-like feel that will drift your worries away. The exposed wood beams, rustic tables, and candle-lit deck surroundings add to its charisma. This long-standing seafood destination offers a new outlook on the catch of the day. We recommend the baked clams, seafood bisque, and coconut shrimp. Watch out for margarita madness Thursdays, where a wild crowd doubles down on fishbowl sized margaritas. Matthews also has a fish market in front for the best take-out lunches – fried chicken, and lobster rolls with chips, packaged in carrying cases for the beach or home.

Read A Review Of Matthews

Michael’s Italian Restaurant
631-597-6555

Bring the entire family for a hefty pasta dinner or gourmet pizza pie. Michael’s is located on the east end of town, just past the Ocean beach marina. A meal at Michael’s is sure to satiate that seafaring appetite. If you have a hankering for something a little heartier than the seafood spread, Michael’s is your go-to.

Rachel’s
631-583-9552

Part bakery, part homage to your Mom’s cooking, Rachel’s is the comfort food joint on the island. Melt-in-your-mouth pastries are served to go from dawn to dusk. Sit down and unfasten your top button as you fill your belly with a hearty omelet, seasoned jerk chicken, or burly slice of meatloaf. Rachel’s serves up a packed house for a marathon brunch that unravels into all-day eating.

Read A Review Of Rachel’s

Sand Bar
631-583-0388

Designed to resemble the Fire Island Ferry this fresh faced bar is the spot for live music and theme nights. The décor is a tribute to Fire Island including radio flyer wagons and Fire Island Lighthouse logos. The menu offers an array of wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. Entertainment is the draw to this chill-out bar; board games, live music, and theme nights such as Woodstock Weekend and Lifeguard Night keep the Sand Bar bustling. There’s always something going on.

Town Pizza
631-583-7774

There’s only one slice that matters on this island. Whether you’re in need for a post surf session snack or a late-night noshing, a Town pie is seriously satisfying. Consistently filled to capacity, this casual eatery speaks for itself. Don’t fret about the line; there is a method to the madness, which will put a slice in your hand before you know it. Delivery on request.

The Pines
For listings and reviews of the Pines dining check out: CherryGrove.com

Watch Hill

The Pier Restaurant
631-597-6655

Situated in the heart of the Watch Hill Marina complex, The Pier is a quintessential Fire Island eatery. Adorned with nautical flags, wood beams, and photographs of old sailboats the décor adds to the sea swept setting. Offering an eclectic American menu, the top pick entrees include the best entrees include chicken and shrimp pancetta, and the seafood fra divalo over linguini and the crisp skinned duck. The adjoining Tiki Bar offers a refuge from the sun and is the celebrated Watch Hill watering hole.