Bringing the whole family along while exploring the North Fork, Hamptons or Shelter Island is a must for any parent.
Those in search of the ideal children’s plate with a bit of character and local flare should look no further. When it is time to settle down for a lunch or dinner outing, these six restaurants and their child-friendly dishes are not to be missed.
(We’ve included the latest info on policies at each place, but as always in the age of COVID, it’s best to call ahead and confirm.)
ON THE NORTH FORK
Country Corner Café
Their macaroni and cheese is all homemade using radiatori pasta featuring a blend of four cheeses, American, cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey Jack. it’s mixed with their own béchamel sauce base and served piping hot in a skillet or bowl. And what adult doesn’t remember the promise of ice cream as a special incentive when they were a kid to make it through their main course? On any given day the café has over 34 different flavors to choose from to pair with fresh fruit, waffles or fudge sauce and sprinkles. Their menu is updated regularly with rotating soups of the day, appetizers, specials, and more. Indoor dining, takeout, and curbside pickup are available as well as free delivery. Country Corner Café, 55765 NY-25, Southold, (631) 765-6766.
Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant
This Mediterranean spot serves up a healthy selection of kids meals with a great variety. Order their breaded chicken fingers with handmade sweet fries on one dish and their pork souvlaki skewer with fresh baked grilled vegetables. Parents can give their kids rice cooked in organic chicken broth, as well as hand-cut fries or steak fries. And for dessert? A fun treat for kids is their homemade gelato made from scratch. Tented outdoor dining and indoor dining is available as well as takeout. Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant, 5145 Main Rd, East Marion, (631) 477-0138.
Star Confectionery
This nostalgic ice cream parlor and luncheonette is the perfect spot to bring the family before you visit the Long Island Aquarium just down the street in downtown Riverhead. Children will love their grilled cheese sandwiches and tuna melts paired with their homemade ice cream floats or a chocolate malt. A fun treat for families to share is the Star Sundae with four scoops of ice cream, toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry. During the holidays, pick up one of their handmade chocolates figurines on your way out. A tip for visiting: if you don’t see your favorite menu item listed, ask your server to see if it could be created just for you! Dine-in or takeout. Cash only. Star Confectionery, 4 E. Main St., Riverhead, (631) 727-9873.
Main Road Biscuit Co.
Whether for breakfast and lunch, children will love owner Marissa’s Main Road Biscuit Sampler served with honey butter and jam. For a brunch treat, dive into a fluffy Belgian waffle with sliced bananas and blueberries, dusted with powdered sugar. Tented dining, indoor seating, and takeout are available. Order online in advance. Main Road Biscuit Co., 1601 Main Rd, Jamesport, (631) 779-3463.
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Andy’s
Andy’s “mini burger bag” is a paper sack containing a dream lunch: a kid-sized (but not actually mini) burger, corn on the cob and fresh fruit with Nutella to dip it in. Kids will also love the free popcorn at every table and the array of board games to keep everyone entertained. Parents will love the kickin’ chicken sammy and the $5 beer on weekdays from 4-7 pm. Andy’s is open seven days with distanced indoor seating, but we like the cozy covered patio out back best. Andy’s, 34 Front St., Greenport, 631-333-2525.
ON SHELTER ISLAND
Isola
Isola’s ‘Bambini’ menu includes a selection of spaghetti dishes, breaded chicken breast, and mac & cheese. Each dish comes with carrot ribbons and celery. Add a side of Kobe meatballs for $3/each. Their selections of pizzas are also a hit for the whole family, especially the option to create your own pizza! Isola is currently operating at 50% capacity. It is recommended that customers call ahead. You may also place orders to go. Isola, 15 Grand Ave, Shelter Island, (631) 749-9036.
The Ram’s Head Inn
Named the “Evy Plate” after the owner’s one-year-old granddaughter Evelyn, the Ram’s Head Inn offers a nutritious child-sized portion of their local fluke served with buttered peas, a quenelle of garlic mashed potatoes, and sliced local peach or berries, topped with a beautiful edible flower. The restaurant at The Ram’s Head Inn resumed service for the season on Thursday, March 25. Outdoor cozy igloos are available for reserving during the cooler months. The Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S Ram Island Dr Shelter Island, (631) 749-0811.
IN THE HAMPTONS
Bostwick’s Chowder House
Bostwick’s Chowder House, a favorite for families and groups of friends alike, is reopening for the season on Thursday, March 25th. Family favorites include the Coconut Shrimp Spring Rolls, Seafood Pasta with lobster and scallops, and their Fish Tacos. Children may finish their meal with a soft-serve ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles. Select indoor, and outdoor dining under umbrellas in addition to takeout is available. You may phone in your takeout order in advance. Bostwick’s Chowder House, 277 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton, 631-324-1111.
Claude’s Restaurant at Southampton Inn
Indoor as well as patio and lawn dining will be available this spring. Top choices for families include Pete’s Pancakes with fresh berries or chocolate chips, Smoked Salmon Scramble, and The Classic Claude Club served with homemade chips. Children may also visit the indoor game room complete with board games, books, and a television. Lawn games like croquet, and play equipment are also perfect for little ones with plenty of energy. Claude’s Restaurant at Southampton Inn, 91 Hill St, Southampton, 631-283-6500.
Ed’s Lobster Bar
Ed’s Lobster Bar is currently open for indoor and outdoor dining. Their heated, canopied garden is lovely for spending the afternoon together as a family. Onsite games include corn hole and ring toss and the family-oriented menu includes lobster poutine, creamy lobster mac & cheese, and Ed’s lobster roll with tangy, crunchy pickles. For dessert, go straight for the tartufo. Takeout and delivery are also available. Customers may order online in advance. Ed’s Lobster Bar, 1742 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor, 631-725-1131.
The Lobster Roll (aka LUNCH)
The Lobster Roll is scheduled to reopen for the season on April 30, with limited hours until Memorial Day Weekend. Indoor and outdoor dining will be available, in addition to takeout. Children’s menu highlights include fish n’ chips and fried filet of flounder for the “sea critters,” and a must is the kid lobster seafood bisque. One of the best-kept secrets at The Lobster Roll is their selection of homemade desserts. All kids visiting should try the “LUNCH” Cupcake, named after the restaurant’s iconic sign —it’s a vanilla cupcake topped with buttercream frosting and a decorated gummy lobster. The Lobster Roll, 1980 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett, 631-267-3740.
LT Burger
LT Burger, in the heart of Sag Harbor, has a variety of fun and tasty children’s menu options, from the interactive LT Kids Box to their outrageously delicious shakes. The Kids Box includes a coloring book with crayons, a ‘crazy’ straw and a mini burger candy. For birthday parties and special celebrations, LT Burger presents a jumbo cupcake made by a local Sag Harbor baker (order it at least three days in advance). As the spring approaches, the reintroduction of outdoor dining is anticipated. LT Burger, 62 Main St, Sag Harbor, 631-899-4646.
