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The courtyard at Olive Branch Restaurant, open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Sara Austin)

The North Fork is hopping on the weekends — we know this. But if you’ve spent any time here not on the weekends you may also be familiar with that feeling we might diagnose as the Weekday Blues. Symptoms include an acute desire to have a special meal out early in the week, followed by the painful realization that all of your go-to places are taking a much-deserved night off.

With “short-staffed” being the watchword for the summer of 2021, some restaurants and bars have been forced to close their doors periodically or regularly on weeknights, making it an even greater puzzle to keep track of your options.

Don’t let this dissuade you from supporting local restaurants. The truth is, there are lots of delicious options every night of the week if you know where go…and lucky for you, we do.

Below, we offer our prescription for the Weekday Blues: The Northforker guide to the best bars and restaurants open just when you need them to be. Restaurants are listed in order from west to east, so you can find one close to you, too.

P.S., it’s always smart to call or check social media before heading out — hours may change seasonally, weekly or even at the last minute (that whole short staffing thing again). Eat well and tip generously!

The first-floor dining room of Claudio’s on Main got a refresh for its post-pandemic reopening. (Photo courtesy Claudio’s)

What’s Open on Mondays

Farm Country Kitchen: One of our favorite farm-to-table spots is happily situated on a serene lawn fronting the Peconic River. Also open Wed. 513 W Main St., Riverhead

A Mano: Tuscan-style steaks, pasta and wood-fired pizza with a cozy dining room and cute patio. Also open Wed. 13550 Main Road, Mattituck

Windamere: This spot features an exciting seafood-forward menu, a strong selection of cocktails and local wine, and a setting overlooking the rolling lawn and boats at Strong’s Water Club & Marina. 2255 Wickham Ave., Mattituck

A Lure Chowder House and Oysteria: Abundant fresh seafood options and creative cocktails with nautical-chic decor and marina views. Also open Wed. 62300 Main Road, Southold

The Halyard: With stunning sunset views and a menu highlighting local produce, this spot earned the nod for the area’s best waterfront dining in our Best of the North Fork Reader’s Choice survey. Also open Wed. 58775 County oad 48, Greenport

Little Creek Oysters: A quintessential Greenport experience, offering freshly shucked oysters and drinks in a converted harbor-side shack. Bootleg Alley, 37 Front St, Greenport

Fortino’s Tavern: Weather permitting, this makes for a truly special spot for dinner right on top of the dock. The warm, butter poached lobster roll is a standout. 102 Main St. Wharf, Greenport

Claudio’s Main: This North Fork mainstay reopened this year with a menu of modernized classics and an appealing new outdoor deck. 111 Main St., Greenport

The Frisky Oyster makes an ideal weeknight date spot. (Credit: Randee Daddona)

What’s Open on Tuesdays

Preston House & Hotel: Across from the Long Island Aquarium, this inviting restaurant offers classic Long Island dishes like striped bass and duck in sunlit dining rooms. Also open Wed. 428 E Main St., Riverhead

Touch of Venice: A welcoming Italian restaurant with a cozy fireplace. The kitchen has a way with veal, whether in Parmigiana, Rollatini or ricotta meatball form. Also open Wed. 28350 Main Rd., Cutchogue

Case’s Place: An unpretentious seafood joint with Instagram-worthy views of the New Suffolk Waterfront. Also open Wed. 650 1st St., New Suffolk

Noah’s: Don’t take it from us, take it from you: Farm-to-table chef Noah Schwartz was voted your favorite chef in our Best of the North Fork Reader’s Choice poll. Also open Mon. 136 Front St., Greenport

The Frisky Oyster: Its sleek bar and inventive menu from chef Robby Beaver give this spot a sexy vibe — yes, even on a Tuesday. Also open Wed. 27 Front St., Greenport

Demarchelier Bistro: Enjoy classic French bistro dishes or sip wine at the bar in this warm and cozy space, from the same family behind the beloved former Upper East Side eatery. Also open Wednesdays. 471 Main St., Greenport

Porto Bello: Newly renovated and serving upscale Italian, this marina-side restaurant offers a water view from every seat in the house. Also open Mon. 1410 Manhanset Ave., Greenport

A sashimi bowl at Stirling Sake. (Photo Credit: David Benthal)

What’s Open on Wednesdays

Jerry and the Mermaid A good-vibes-only destination for seafood by the river. There’s a weekday happy hour from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Also open Mon. 469 E Main St, Riverhead

Il Giardino Restaurant by John Gambino The Italian chef grows ingredients for your dinner in his same charming garden where you enjoy it. We love the lobster fra diavolo over pasta or broccolini. 739 Main Road, Aquebogue

Jebediah Hawkins Inn Reserve here for North Fork specialities in a romantic setting under umbrellas on the lawn or in the elegant dining room. 400 South Jamesport Avenue, South Jamesport

Jamesport Manor Inn Expect a formal but not fusty vibe here as you dine in a heated tent on everything from burgers and lobster BLATs to filet mignon and togarashi-spiced cauliflower steak. 370 Manor Lane, Jamesport

North Fork Table & Inn Michelin-starred chef John Fraser oversees the kitchen at this local favorite, voted the top special occasion restaurant in our Best of the North Fork Reader’s Choice contest. 57225 Main Rd, Southold

Agave An insider favorite in Greenport Village for an elevated mix of Mexican and Italian cuisine. 110 Front St., Greenport

Anker The breezy upper deck is where you want to sit here — if you’re bringing a crowd, consider the lamb brisket or North Fork clam bake to share. Also open Wed. 47 Front St., Greenport

Stirling Sake The North Fork’s premiere Japanese restaurant has a special offering on Wednesdays: Omakase Night, a five-course dinner for $70 or include the optional sake pairing for $110. Seatings at 7 p.m. by reservation only.

Melvin Recinos, owner at Lucia in Mattituck. (Photo Credit: David Benthal)

PLUS: What’s Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Tired of checking who’s open when? Memorize this list of restaurants that stay open throughout the week and you’ll always have a go-to.

In Riverhead: Lobster rolls, fried pufferfish and a great patio at Sound Avenue Bistro

In South Jamesport: Charming dining room off the beaten path at the Watershed Kitchen and Bar

In Mattituck: Burgers, brunch and more at Love Lane Kitchen; A+ Latin American cooking at Lucia

In New Suffolk: A friendly bar, weekly specials and desserts worth the calories at Legends

In Southold: The freshest possible fish in salads, sandwiches and quesadillas at Southold Fish Market

In Greenport: Mediterranean in the courtyard at Olive Branch Restaurant; a fun tropical vibe at American Beech; local-favorite tacos and margs at Lucharitos; a lively scene on the pier at Claudio’s Waterfront

In East Marion: Greek classics and homemade gelato on the lawn at Hellenic Snack Bar

In Orient: Next-level Asian (noodles, dumplings) and French (tarts, crepes) at Opties and Dinghies

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