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Looking to head to Patchogue River but not sure how to navigate it? Let us be your on-board GPS and sailing chartplotter. Here is everything to know about the bustling river, from the restaurants and marinas, to the ferries and more.
the restaurants
Harbor Crab Co.
Address: 116 Division Street
Phone: 631-687-2722
Harbor Crab Co. is a river mainstay, located just south of Division Street at the northernmost part of the river.
The back bar was remodeled and enhanced in 2017, complete with roll-up glass garage doors to maximize water views.
Docked alongside the main building is the double-decker steamboat Barefoot Princess. If it’s your first time, we recommend eating on the boat. Later you can spill over to the bar. Catering spaces are also available.
By boat? Transient docking is free. Click here for more information on that, or to learn about seasonal docking at Harbor Crab Co.
Off Key Tikki
Address: 31 Baker Place, off River Ave.
Phone: 631-475-1723
Off Key Tikki opened in 2008 as a restaurant and courtyard at a rundown boatyard. It’s now a sprawling complex featuring huge, Polynesian-inspired outdoor dining areas, a beach where the bands play, and a full-service marina and yacht club called The West Bank.
They also host catered affairs. Click here for a photo tour.
By boat? Transient docking is free during the week, but they do charge on weekends. Some of that money goes toward the food and drink bill.
The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille
Address: 264 West Avenue
Phone: 631-654-8266
Still referred to as The Oar House among locals and regulars, the waterfront dining room and bar underwent extensive renovations in 2018.
But the history dates to decades prior.
Owner Dick Blakeslee purchased the property in 1986 and built The Oar over time from what was at first a sandwich shack. By 2015, OpenTable was listing The Oar as among the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America.
There is plenty of space for fine dining here, both indoors and out.
By boat? Transient docking is free, but call ahead during the busy season. For seasonal docking contact Sun Dek Marina at 631-758-5599.
Dublin Deck Tiki Bar & Grill
Address: 325 River Avenue
Phone: 631-207-0370
It’s no secret young people are willing to travel for fun. And they come from near and far to hit the scene at Dublin Deck, which typically opens in early May each year as Patchogue River’s only truly seasonal spot.
But “The Deck” isn’t just for the youth. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor dining for lunches, brunches and dinners for couples and families.
The insider tip is that the live bands that perform on Sunday nights will usually attract a mixed crowd of ages — all looking to maximize their summer fun on the river. The Country Music nights are a mix, too.
There’s also co-ed beach volleyball leagues that form each spring and play through the warmer months, all on the Dublin Deck campus.
They also offers private, catered events.
By boat? Dublin Deck is located at Leeward Cove Marina, which offers transient docking throughout the boating season for all.
Drift 82
Address: 82 Brightwood Street
Phone: 631-714-4950
Located next to the Patchogue-Davis Park Ferry Terminal, Drift 82 serves as the perfect spillover after a day at the ocean.
This is the newest restaurant to hit the river.
Drift 82 opened its doors to immediate fanfare in June 2017. They later expanded the outdoor dining area, and added an outdoor bar.
It’s a spot for fine dining — or a day of drinking and snacking.
There’s live music daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They also now offer an outdoor tent that can accommodate private parties and weddings for up to 200 people.
It’s valet parking most days, so remember cash for a tip.
By boat? There are several slips or you can pull up along the bulkhead.
the Fire Island ferries
There are two ferry terminals on Patchogue River.
The Davis Park Ferry Co. runs all boats back and forth between Patchogue and Davis Park, as well as Patchogue and Watch Hill.
The address for the Patchogue-Davis Park Ferry Terminal is 80 Brightwood Street in Patchogue, at the town’s Sandspit Marina.
Parking is $25 a day for Town of Brookhaven residents, or $5 a day with the town’s parking sticker. On-street parking is extremely limited.
Tap here for the ferry schedules to Davis Park, and for tickets.
The Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is operated by the National Park Service and is located at 150 West Avenue in Patchogue.
From this terminal, seasonal passenger ferry service is provided to Watch Hill by Davis Park Ferry Co., an authorized NPS vendor. Parking here is free and plentiful. Click here for additional details, including the most current schedules.
The facility also hosts special exhibits, programs, and presentations.
Check the calendar of events to see what’s coming up.
the distillery
The Better Man Distilling Company
Address: 161 River Avenue
Phone: 631-708-7405
The Better Man distillery and tasting room was built at the former Blue Point Brewery, so you know a great time is in the place’s DNA.
The mid-century modern tasting room was inspired by the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport. All the spirits on distilled on-site.
There’s plenty of room outside, too.
The Better Main building is also shared by Ad Apparel, which offers screen printing. embroidery and promotional items.
Click here to follow them on Facebook.