This year’s GLI winter survival guide is sponsored by Ten Cent Menu Club, Menus on a Dime.
It’s that time of year, where we go from running crazed, to getting cozy, to going stir-crazy. So let us help you navigate the winter on Long Island, from cool threads to cheap dates, to great shows and a whole lot more.
Gearing up
Let’s face it, your clothes from last winter look a little, well, bally. So buy yourself something nice and look fresh for the holidays and beyond.
Thred (Patchogue)
Fresh threads, home decor and hostess gifts in the heart of Patchogue Village.
Sage & Angie Boutique (W. Hempstead)
Let Sage & Angie keep you looking hot all winter long.
Pandemonium Boutiques (Babylon, Northport)
Meet the friendliest staffers of your life. Shop for clothing, accessories, even furniture.
More suggested spots to shop: Graffiti Boutique, Kate & Hale, LUXE Boutique.
Getting primped
Because sometimes new clothes just aren’t enough. Here are a few special event hair and makeup studios, and full-service salons just for you. Tag them in those selfies on the drive home!
BRIDAL • chic (Bay Shore, Mineola)
Don’t let the all-caps fool you, BRIDAL•chic does hair and makeup for any special event.
Fedora Lounge (Port Jefferson)
This is a boutique-style, full service salon, with new digs right next to Theatre Three in the village.
More spots to look your very best: Pavlova Salon East, The Makeup Studio, The Chop Shop.
Breakfast spots
Isn’t going out for breakfast such an endorphin rush?
Toast Coffee + Kitchen (Bay Shore, Port Jeff, Patchogue
What started in Port Jeff is now a countywide sensation. Exclusively breakfast, lunch and brunch.
The Shed (Huntington, W. Sayville, Plainview
Everything here is a can’t miss, including the cocktails. Also serves dinner.
Hatch (Huntington)
Manhattan vibes on Long Island, with a great chef and great drinks.
The Pantry (Rockville Centre)
That old diner charm in a new-school atmosphere. Also serves dinner.
More great Long Island brunches and brunch spots for you and your crew
Date nights
Dinner or a movie is great but let’s think outside the box, for once.
PopUp Speakeasy (various locations)
A couple’s trip to a selfie studio is a great time, and PopUp Speakeasy is NY’s first.
Hammer & Stain DIY Workshop Studio (Sayville)
You can make seasonal crafts, corn hole sets, and more. Perfect for couples and groups, too.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River)
Hit the Holly Walk after a fresh snowfall, then tour the waterfront mansion to warm up.
Other ideas: Babylon Mercantile, NY Axe, Social Play Haus
Party venues
Here are some Long Island venues for a holiday party, or whatever.
Stereo Garden (Patchogue)
For weddings and special events, all lighting, linens, florals and catering menus are handled in-house.
The Winston (Sayville)
A rustic space for intimate gatherings. You rent The Winston and bring in your own food.
King Umberto Patio (Elmont)
Arguably the island’s best eggplant rollatini, now with tons of elbow room at big parties.
Check out our guide to private event spaces on Long Island
Upstairs restaurant party rooms: Gallo Patchogue, Lily’s Babylon
Our catering choices
These spots are a can’t-miss if you’re looking to cater Super Bowl, Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Zest (Bay Shore)
Chef Mike Liebman will work with you on whatever type of food you’re looking for.
Zorn’s of Bethpage
The Turkey Feast Anytime is our choice, nearly every time. This is a Long Island staple.
Take in a show
Long Island is dotted with professional and amateur theaters. Here are some good ones.
Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village
This is the newest of LI’s three professional theaters, right in the heart of downtown Babylon.
Staller Center for the Arts (Stony Brook)
Dance, music, theatrical performances and shows you won’t see anywhere else
Cultural Arts Playhouse (Syosset, Wantagh)
Professional adult productions, children’s theater performances, and theater education
Westhampton Beach Peforming Arts Center
This place attracts some top names, such as Jay Leno, thanks in part to its Hampton zipcode.
The winter lineups: The Gateway, Patchogue Theatre, Tilles Center, Theatre Three, The Suffolk
Irish pubs
Warm up with a croc of onion soup, shepherd’s pie and an Irish coffee or Guinness at our faves.
Lily’s Babylon
Penny Pub (Bay Shore)
Irish Times (Holbrook)
Some more for you: Paddy’s Loft, James Joyce, Doc O’Grady’s, The Harp & Hound
Watch the game
We got some football, hockey and basketball to keep us entertained through winter.
The Tap Room (Nassau & Suffolk)
Village Idiot Pubs (Suffolk)
MoMo’s (Holbrook, Bayport)
Many more: RC Dugans,
Winter on (or near) the water
There’s something magical about being near the water in the winter. We recommend these spots.
Ditch Kitchen & Surf Bar
Like many waterfront spots, the winter hours might be in flux. So call first. But this place is a gem.
The Oar House (Patchogue)
Year-round dining on Patchogue River. We recommend the greenhouse room in winter.
The LakeHouse (Bay Shore)
This top-notch place has a Catskills lodge feel to it in winter, but you still get the water views.
The North Shore: Sandbar, Mirabelle Tavern, La Plage, Louie’s Prime
