Low Tide Bean brings new waterfront café to West Babylon docks

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A familiar name is making waves in West Babylon with the opening of Low Tide Bean, a new waterfront café and grill from the team behind Babylon Bean.

Located at 605 Bergen Ave., Low Tide took over the former South Swell that announced earlier this year it wouldn’t reopen after a fight with the town over apparent permitting issues. Located right on the water, Low Tide opened at the end of May and is already drawing a steady crowd of locals looking for coffee, breakfast, lunch and a relaxed dockside atmosphere.

“We wanted it to be a place for the local community,” said co-owner Julia Lagerstedt. “Somewhere that feels like home when you’re here.”

While Low Tide is considered a sister business to Babylon Bean, North Babylon Bean and Bay Shore Bean, Lagerstedt said the concept offers something new. The café features Babylon Bean’s coffee selection but expands beyond the traditional coffeehouse model with a full grill and an extensive food menu.

Guests can stop by for breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls and specialty coffee in the morning, then stay for lunch items including smash burgers, wings and other grilled favorites. Grab-and-go sandwiches are also available from a refrigerated case for customers looking for a quick meal.

“We have a grill, different food items and a different menu for us,” Lagerstedt said. “It’s more of a chill dockside hangout.”

The grill opens at 6:30 a.m. and continues serving throughout the day, with evening hours extending until around 7 p.m. during the busy summer season.

The space itself underwent a significant cosmetic transformation before opening. Lagerstedt said the owners put their own personal touch on the waterfront location, incorporating nautical and Northeastern coastal design elements throughout the café. (Click here for the menu.)

The waterfront setting has proven to be a major draw, especially as the warmer weather arrived.

“The response has been great,” she said. “We want to grow into the space. Being a place for locals and making it feel like home is what’s most important.”