August has arrived, and with it, maybe you’re planning a trip out to the beaches of Long Island. It could be that you’ve got your ticket to our Food Truck Derby and need to know where to stop along the way. Perhaps you’re just looking for a day trip out of the city. Regardless of why you’ll be trekking out that way, we’ve gotten suggestions from our friends at Edible Long Island and Edible East End so that you can make the most of a leisurely break from urban life. From the Long Island Craft Beverage Trail to the Instagram-ready Lavender on the Bay, there’s something for everyone (and it’s always going to be delicious).
A photo posted by VAUXHALL (@vauxhall_huntington) on
North Shore
Northport is a cute little town perfect for visiting to stretch your legs during a long car ride. Check out Whales Tale Café for tacos. If you’re of the vegan persuasion, there’s Batata Café for everything from chia pudding to veggie burgers to mango seitan. In nearby Huntington, Vauxhall is a gastropub with excellent cocktails (some made with the local Sail Away Coffee Co.’s cold brew).
Farther east, Port Jefferson is a quaint town mostly known for its ferry to Bridgeport, Connecticut, but you can get some good grub or a smoothie at Tiger Lily Café, check out everyone’s favorite breakfast spot Toast Coffeehouse, or satisfy a seafood urge at PJ’s Lobster House.
South Shore
Bay Shore is an undersung town where you can get a Nada Colada—a sharp take on the piña colada with pineapple and ginger shrub—and prawn risotto at Tullulah’s, or stop by The Lake House on the ferry docks. If you want to chill out in Patchogue, visit the newly huge and international Blue Point Brewery, or drink at The Tap Room—a locals’ favorite. To eat oysters while literally in the water, head over to Harbor Crab Co. In nearby Bayport, farm-to-table Grey Horse Tavern is home to some of the area’s best food. Don’t skip the North Fork Farm Stand Salad, where fresh baby greens, radish, pickled beet, crisp potato sticks and more make for a way more satisfying meal than you’d expect.
East End
In Riverhead, take a two-hour tour of the area’s breweries by pedaling on a 14-person bicycle with Brew Crew Cycles. If you’re traveling with kids but still want to visit a vineyard, Shinn Estate is the place for you. To go French and fancy, hit up Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Bridghampton Topping Rose House. When on quiet Shelter Island, The Ram’s Head Inn provides even further respite from the Hamptons crowds. If you’re going all the way out to Montauk, Arbor is the place for a flight of wine or craft beer to enjoy with brunch.
