New Baya Bar in Port Jefferson Station becomes local favorite for healthy bowls

Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app. Or follow Greater Port Jeff on Instagram.

Tropical murals, no-sugar-added bowls and even puppy treats are drawing steady crowds to Port Jefferson Station’s newest health-focused eatery.

Two weeks after opening, Baya Bar’s first Suffolk County location at 208 Main St. (Route 112) is building a loyal following with its light, bright atmosphere and tropical vibes. The shop got off to a strong start when hundreds of customers showed up for its May 31 opening day, when the first 100 visitors received free large bowls.

The Port Jefferson Station location — just up the hill from downtown Port Jefferson — is owned by Umer Gayyum, 33, and his wife, Arooj, 30, who have created a cheery, Instagram-worthy decor. The space features seating for 15 inside, plus another nine seats on an outside patio that faces Route 112.

Healthy options galore

*_{The inside of Baya Bar in Port Jefferson Station features a mural perfect for Instagram posts (Brian Harmon photo).}*

A standout feature is the “Pattaya Bar Port Jefferson” wall showcasing a vibrant tropical mural.

The menu offers smoothies, fresh juices, pitaya bowls, acai bowls, coconut bowls and various toasts. Customers can also find cold-pressed juice in bottles from the cooler area, along with assorted small snacks. There’s even a “Puppy Plate” featuring apple and peanut butter for your four-legged fur-kids.

Umer explained that no sugars are added to the bowls unless customers specifically request sugary additions like Nutella. Some of the more popular menu items include the Baya Pitaya bowl with blueberries, coconut shavings, granola, peanut butter and strawberries; the 74th Street smoothie featuring bananas, blueberries, cacao nibs and peanut butter; and the Mango Tango smoothie.

Baya Bar was founded in New York City in 2016 by Bill Loesch and has since grown to more than 50 stores open or under development across the country. The company hopes to hit 70 locations by the end of 2025.

Culpers 1778 steakhouse in East Setauket opening on June 17

Long Island is now home to three Baya Bar locations: the new Port Jefferson Station shop joins existing locations in Oceanside and Garden City. New York City has more than a dozen locations, mostly in Manhattan.

The Gayyums — while building a homey atmosphere at the shop — have established a Baya Bar Hall of Fame, where they post Polaroid photos that they pose for with loyal customers.