The New North Fork
A short drive from NYC, the North Fork has seen a recent influx of new boutique accommodations and stylish restaurants that perfectly compliment the established venues and maintain the relaxed country vibe. Experience vineyards, farm stands and elevated farm to table dining that’s a perfect getaways for the entire family.
Image courtesy of Shinn Vineyard
Where to Stay
The North Fork has something for everyone in terms of accommodations. Boutique hotels, B&B’s, and home rentals to accommodate families or larger groups.
The Menhaden
New boutique hotel in the heart of Greenport, the Menhaden was meticulously built from the ground up. The hotels minimalist and clean design set the stage for a relaxing stay. A roof deck with water views features morning yoga and cocktails around the fire pit at night. There are complimentary snacks and beverages in the guest galleys located on each guest floor, and on Friday and Saturdays, guests can enjoy the complimentary social hour. The Merchant’s Wife on-site restaurant serves small plates and a curated wine list. A cafe located in the lobby serves coffee, pastries, and to-go lunches. Exceptional location, service, and hospitality - the Menhaden is a welcome addition to the Greenport community.
The Sound View
Waterfront midcentury motel with a rustic design, the rooms are comfortable with comforts like Malin + Goetz bath supplies and Nespresso makers in each room. The real star of the Sound View is, of course, the view as every room looks out at Long Island Sound. You can choose between relaxing at the private beach or the pool overlooking the sound. Pools side food shack, Jacks, serves lobster rolls, and classic beach food - is the perfect way to spend the day. Enjoy morning yoga poolside and karaoke at the piano bar at night. The on-site restaurant, The Halyard, features locally inspired seafood. Don't miss the Golden Hour (from 4-6 daily) where you sip your Halyard Spritz in the lounge while you take in the views of the sun setting over the sound.
The Southold Residence
If you are traveling with kids, try a home rental with this property through Kid and Coe. Perfectly designed with kids in mind, the house has plenty of games and activities to keep kids occupied when they are not jumping in the pool. Since the beaches in North Fork can be a little rocky, it’s a huge bonus to have access to a pool for the perfect entertainment for the kids. Note that they only rent by the week.
South Harbor Inn
Classic 1897 farmhouse restored with luxury and relaxation in mind, the Inn features three elegantly appointed bedrooms, one with a fireplace. The living spaces are sophisticatedly styled and provide plenty of cozy nooks to relax. Complimentary breakfast is sourced from local farms and served community style at a long walnut table. The Inn supplies beach bags with towels, and a picnic lunch can be provided upon request. They will also help you plan an intimate celebration featuring a private chefs dinner or a cocktail party on the porch.
North Fork Guest House
Thoughtfully considered contemporary design feels right out of home decor magazine. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide lots of cozy corners in which to relax. Fantastic breakfast served at a communal farm table and highlighting local seasonal foods, with friendly hosts. Catch the sunset in the back patio while overlooking Bedell Vineyard.
Islands End Estate
Situated in East Marion, 1.5 miles outside of Greenport Village, this modern house sits directly on the Islands End golf course with access to three nearby beaches. The four-level home has five bedrooms, five baths, and accommodates ten people with an open kitchen for easy entertaining. The home features plenty of activities for the whole family, including a heated gunite pool, movie theater, beach volleyball court, kids play-set, outdoor fire pit, and a wine room.
Where to Eat
Farm to table cuisine is bountiful in the North Fork, with casual to fine dining options aplenty highlighting local produce, meats and seafood.
North Fork Table and Inn
When the NFTI opened over ten years ago, it put North Fork fine dining on the map. Today, the restaurant features consistently excellent cuisine that highlights local farm-fresh ingredients. Always welcoming, the service is on point with what you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. Curated wine list by Mike Mraz, includes a handful of local and unique new and old world wines. Claudia Fleming’s desserts are not to be missed, especially her classic Chocolate Caramel Tart. For a more casual option, visit the Lunch Truck parked in the restaurant parking lot for fantastic lobster rolls and pulled pork sandwich’s. Grab a bag of Claudia’s chocolate chip cookies and test your restraint by not eating the whole bag at one sitting.
The Frisky Oyster
Opened in 2002, The Frisky Oyster is one of the original restaurants that put Greenport on the map. High quality locally sourced food with a fun and dynamic energy. Try the “Oyster Friskafella,” a house specialty.
Claudio’s
Opened in 1870, Claudio's was the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States until it sold after 147 Years of Family Ownership. The new owners have kept the classic dishes while looking to elevate the menu. The focus here is on seafood, like their famous lobster rolls and lobster specials. The newly renovated restaurant includes a restored 1920s bar downstairs, a wine cellar for private dinners, and a new upstairs bar and event space. Nods to the restaurant's history are present throughout the restaurant in photographs hanging on the walls throughout.
American Beech
American cuisine focused on market-fresh and local ingredients, indoor or outdoor dining. The Tree Bar is also a fun place to spend a warm night outside.
Anker
Owned by executive chef Wolfgang Ban from Michelin stared Edi and the Wolf in NYC, Anker opened this summer with a fresh and modern look. The menu focuses on lightly prepared seafood paired with biodynamic and organic farm-fresh ingredients. Lighter mineral focused wines are selected to complement the menu. On the second floor, take in the views of Greenport Harbor as you sip your wine.
Barba Bianca
Perched on a pier over Greenport Harbor, Barba Bianca is helmed by Frank DeCarlo, of NYC’s Peasant restaurant. The menu highlights coastal Italian specialties with locally sourced ingredients. Plentiful outdoor seating on the pier overlooking the water, grab a blanket if you get too cold. From the menu, don’t miss the stuffed zucchini blossoms (but skip the overpriced lobster risotto, or as I call it - find the lobster). The back bar feels like a secret hideaway, adorned with vintage photographs of fisherman of yesteryear. An homage to the history of the area, sip your drink alongside their watchful eye.
The Merchant’s Wife
Located in the Menhaden Hotel, the Merchant’s Wife is a great place to relax and indulge in small plates highlighting local and fresh ingredients with a full bar and extensive wine list. Or stop by The Merchant’s Wife cafe, located off of the lobby, for coffee and pastries.
The Halyard
Stephen Bogaras recently took over as head chef after his tenure at the North Fork Table and Inn. He is sure to elevate the food to match the fantastic views over the sound. Come for the “Golden Hour” from 4-6 and grab a table in the lounge overlooking the water. Watch the sunset while enjoying a Halyard Spritz (Aperol, St. Germain, prosecco.
Little Creek Oyster Market
Located off the beaten path in Greenport, walk down Bootleg Alley and follow the hanging shucking gloves to a shack with the sign “Bait and Tackle” overlooking the boatyard. Choose between shucking your oysters or have them prepared for you.
1943 Pizza
Located in charming Sterling Square in Greenport, classic and locally inspired wood-fired pizza and fresh salads. The seating is minimal, so come early or be prepared to wait. Insider Tip: Call ahead and order your pizzas to go and take it to the nearby Mitchell Park (by the carousel) for dinner al fresco.
Bruce & Son
Family-owned for 40 years Breakfast served all day (or at least until 2:30). Clean and rustic design with a focus on simple, locally inspired breakfast items like avocado toast and local eggs and wash down with your turmeric lattes.
Love Lane Kitchen
The perfect breakfast awaits at the Love Lane Kitchen featuring all the classics alongside an extensive menu of seasonal specials. Solid American food in a country setting. Standout lunch items include the sliced steak sandwich and lobster quesadillas. Also a good option for takeout, order to go and bring to your favorite vineyard for a lunchtime picnic (check that they allow outside food).
What to Do
Vineyards
The North Fork is known for their wines with the quality continually on the rise. Vineyards are a great way to get to know the area and spend a beautiful day outside. Bedell Cellars, one of the original vineyards in the area, helped put Long Island wines on the map. Handcrafted wines developed in small batches help Bedell achieve some of the top wines for the North Fork. Their focus on artistry extends to the labels designed by modern artists and a tasting room that is both modern and cozy while having incredible views. Part of the Bedell family, the Corey Creek Tap Room is a beautiful spot to relax and watch the sunset from the back deck. They also have picnic tables peppered throughout the lawn, making this an excellent place for kids. Check out there Tuesday and Thursday Twilight series, featuring live music, food trucks, and wine specials. Shinn Estate Vineyards, recently under new ownership, has upgraded their vineyard to include an impeccably designed library tasting room. Croteaux Vineyards, with their beautiful garden and barn, focuses on Rosé wines in the spirit of Provance. The Old Field has delightful chardonnays that you can sip as chickens run around the lawn. Pick up lunch at the Food Truck at the NFTI and picnic outside while the kids run around the expansive garden. A lively vineyard, Lieb Cellars produces fruit-forward small-batch wines in an expanded tasting room often highlighting live music.
Farmstands
As you drive into the North Fork, you'll pass farmstands all along the highway. Wickham's Fruit Farm, one of the oldest farms in the area, focuses on seasonal fruit farmed from their 300 acres. Stop by early for their freshly made doughnuts (sugar or plain). Sang Lee Farms is the place to go for Organic lettuce and vegetables. The sustainable family farm, 8 Hands Farm grows organic vegtatlbes, pasture raised and grass-fed meats, and pasture eggs. They also have yarn made from their flock of Icelandic sheep. Come for breakfast and grab an egg sandwich from their “farm-to-food truck” out back.
Shop
While it may seem counterintuitive to visit a wine store in a town surrounded by local wines, Spirited Wine & Liquor located in Greenport is worth the visit. The store focuses on smaller producers with a focus on family owned and operated vineyards, resulting in a highly curated selection of wines and spirits. With tastings offered daily from 4-7, stop by and discover a new favorite from your new favorite store. Located on charming Love Lane in Mattituck, the Village Cheese Shop has an extensive collection of cheeses, meats and other provisions along with friendly neighborhood service that allows you to try before you buy. For vintage decor, original prints and modern objects for the home stop by Ray’s Design shop in Greenport.