Dublin native Martin Lynch has owned Country Corner Café (55765 Main Road, Southold) since 2016. The old-school luncheonette is frequented by locals and tourists alike, and the friendly staff and classic menu — with dishes like pot roast, tuna melts and a dynamite Guinness beef stew — has won them a loyal following.
The cafe is especially known for its weekend breakfasts, homemade corned beef hash and mac and cheese, and for a whopping 36 flavors of ice cream. So popular is the latter, Lynch instituted later summer hours to accommodate families looking for a sweet after-dinner treat.
Customers can partake of classic soda fountain drinks, too, like a brown cow or root beer float or enjoy a trendy iced chai latte with flavored shots.
Country Corner Café is a regular sponsor of local school and charity events, and it’s likely that you will catch a glimpse of one of the three Lynch daughters who work at the establishment when you visit.
“I was looking for a change and wanted to work for myself, and this was a good opportunity,” Lynch says. “I probably know more people now [through this job] than I’ve ever known.”
Here are a few local favorites of this 19-year resident of the North Fork:
Favorite attraction Drossos Mini Golf (69125 Main Road, Greenport, 631-477-1339). We love mini golf. We have always gone there with the girls over the years, and we still go when we can. I know Elaine [Frederiksson], the owner; they are nice people and they always take care of us.
Favorite local food ingredient Shinnecock sea scallops. They’re almost always on the menu.
Favorite place to get a good pint of Guinness Taps and Corks (53345 Main Road #5, Southold, 631-876-5246). One of the owners is from Belfast and has an American wife; they’re good people. Generally, you’ll see four or five pints of Guinness on the counter — that’s usually an indicator of a good pint.
Favorite restaurant to visit with the family 1943 Pizza Bar (308D Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6984). I like their thin-crust pizza, it’s nice and crispy. Their meatballs are really good. It’s small but has a nice atmosphere. In summer, the seating outside in the courtyard is lovely.
Favorite place to take visitors Greenport will always be on. Maybe a trip across the Sound to New London — we will hit the casinos when my family from Ireland is in town because that’s not something that they would normally do. Mystic is always a good trip for a day out, and we may do a trip to the city — it’s full of things to do.
Favorite vineyard The Old Field (59600 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-0004). Perry [Bliss] is a lovely lady; she comes in with her daughters quite a bit. They’re a small boutique winery versus a larger one, which I prefer.
Favorite thing to do on a day off My day off is like gold. I usually relax at home and go for a bike ride, a run or a swim in the summer — sometimes all three.
Favorite old-school North Fork business Aldo’s (103-105 Front St., Greenport, 631-707-8059) for coffee and biscotti. I like a nice hot latte, even in the summer. And Mullen Motors (55980 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-3564), I buy my cars and trucks there. They’re almost 100 years in business, which says a lot. They are really nice people, and the staff are knowledgeable. Sometimes I will go in and ask them a question and they are always helpful.
Most popular classic meal you serve at the restaurant Meatloaf, pot roast — we’re probably the only place around here that does liver and bacon. I’ve never seen it anywhere else.
Favorite time of year Winter. It’s quiet, and I don’t mind the cold — it’s an Irish thing, I guess. I like the stillness.
