Just off the ferry, On the Way Café is Fire Island’s newest beach stop

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There’s a new go-to spot for beach snacks, breakfast sandwiches and coffee in Ocean Bay Park — and it’s just steps from the ferry dock.

On the Way Café officially opened in late May at 44 Bayview Park, taking over a former ice cream shop and transforming it into a cozy, beachside hangout with a full kitchen and outdoor seating.

“We were fully set up a few days before Memorial Day,” said co-owner Kris Schillinger, who runs the new café with chef and business partner Anna Vigliotti.

After renovating the space throughout early 2024, the pair debuted a menu full of baked goods, gelato, flavored iced teas, egg sandwiches and plenty of grab-and-go bites — all made in-house. They’re also brewing up hot and iced coffee using beans roasted by The Best Damn Coffee, a local women-owned roaster.

“There’s not a lot out here for people, so we wanted to be a one-stop for everyone,” said Vigliotti.

Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the café is already drawing attention for its beachy vibe, curated playlists, and views of the bay. There’s even a catering menu for local events.

“It’s inviting and relaxing,” Schillinger said. “We play music by the outdoor seating — it’s right next to the bay with a great view of the water. It’s really nice.”

Originally from the mainland, both Schillinger and Vigliotti had been coming to Fire Island for years and often daydreamed about opening a place of their own.

“Then this became available and it was different,” Schillinger said. “It’s fun, it’s seasonal and it was a great opportunity.”

Whether it’s a hangover breakfast or a cold acai bowl to beat the heat, Schillinger said they’ve got all the essentials.

“We have a little bit of everything,” she said.

Scroll down for more photos courtesy of Kris Schillinger.