Shaped like an L, Greenport packs a lot of fun and substance into what is essentially a two-block village. Main Street and Front Street are filled to the brim with unique restaurants, cool stores, a gorgeous waterfront park, opportunity for local art appreciation and so much more. Originally known as Winter Harbor (fitting, for its year-round panache) and, after that, Stirling a general serving under George Washington, it’s nearly impossible to pick just a few things in this bustling ‘burb, but here’s a meaty slice of what Greenport has to offer.
Eat
Start your day with brunch at Bruce & Son (208 Main St., [email protected]), a constantly packed restaurant (reservations are a must) owned by chef and second-gen son of its namesake, Scott Bollman. Everything on the menu is elevated and delectable, from the egg sandwich — a folded omelet with gruyere, pickled onion, the restaurant’s signature sweet sugar bacon and arugula — to the coffee options, which include a Vietnamese egg blend.
If you’re looking for something more conventional, check out Crazy Beans (2 Front St., 631-333-2436). Crazy Beans is the neighborhood daily diner, with breakfast options that include pancakes, French toast and eggs, and lunch items like juicy burgers, wraps and salads. There’s usually a line on weekends, so get there early!
(Photos by David Benthal)
Head to Ellen’s On Front (38 Front St., 631-333-2743) for lunch or dinner. A homey, friendly restaurant headlined by chef Jennie Werts, Ellen’s menu includes British-style fish and chips. In fact, you’ll find that almost every item on Ellen’s menu includes a tasty twist — the crab cakes are dusted with pretzel batter, while short ribs are braised in coffee.
The Frisky Oyster (27 Front St., 631-477-4265) makes for the perfect date night, with a diverse and divine list of cocktails, as well as a menu of locally sourced delights, including the restaurant’s famous Peconic Gold Oysters Friskafella and lobster garganelli If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, the starters like Montauk tuna spring rolls and prosciutto wrapped eggs are perfect for a session at the bar.
Demarchelier Bistro (471 Main St., Greenport, 631-593-1650) is a French restaurant owned by Emily Demarchelier, a Shelter Island local whose family has run French eateries since the 1970s. Look for lovely lunch specials, including a croque monsieur with salad, as well as a prix fixe dinner including chicken cordon bleu.
Under new ownership for the last year, Whiskey Wind (30 Front St., 631-477-6179) feels like the same bar locals loved, but with a new pub food menu served until midnight, like mozzarella sticks and the smash burger and hand-cut fries. And don’t worry, the fried chicken — using the old recipe from the now-defunct Salamander’s — is still the star of the menu.
Aldo’s Coffee Co. (103-105 Front St., 631-213-9353) is a must-stop for freshly roasted beans and Italian-skewed coffee faves. Aldo’s proprietary blend is available by the cup or to take home by the bag. Enjoy house-made biscotti with your coffee, and try the newest Aldo’s menu item, gelato, as you sit outside in the Mitchell Park-adjacent outdoor patio.
Also check out: speakeasy Brix & Rye (308A Main St., 631-477-6985), Mexican staple Lucharitos (119 Main St., Greenport), gourmet sea-centric eatery Noah’s (136 Front St., 631-477-6720) and the locale of oyster hotspot Little Creek (211 Carpenter St., Greenport, 631- 477-6992), now offering more seating but with the oysters and fixin’s you love.
(Photos by David Benthal)
Shop
Housed in the original Times Review building, retro-infused shop The Times Vintage (429 Main St., 631-477-6455) takes kitschy seriously. Here you’ll find an extensive vinyl collection, vintage jewelry, vintage clothing, vintage kitchenware…noticing a trend? With an ever-changing lineup of items, no two visits to The Times Vintage are the same.
Fans of surfing and paddleboarding should head to One Love Beach (211 Main St., 631-333-2064) for stand-up paddleboarding gear and accessories, as well as nautical apparel and beach musts like Yeti coolers.
The playful Kessie Boutique (25 Front St., 631-477-6900) has funky, whimsical gifts for both children and adults. In this fun store, you’ll find classic handbags, stuffed animals, bold-colored clothing, costume and authentic jewelry, novelty items like rainbow Jenga towers, skull-shaped decanters — we could go on and on.
The Weathered Barn (41 Front St., 631-477-6811) sells artisanal goods, including naturally scented homemade candles, lotions and scrubs, reed diffusers, soaps and teas. There’s also tabletop items, handmade jewelry, a selection of handbags for men and women, sunglasses and other apparel.
Tea lovers should flock to Tea and Tchotchkes (120 Front St., 631-333-2575), which sells a variety of loose leaf black, green, herbal and jasmine teas. You’ll also find tea accessories like pots, infusers and strainers. Tea and Tchotchkes also sells a variety of candles, decor, greeting cards and clothes.
There’s something special about a local bookstore, and Burton’s Bookstore (43 Front St., 631-477-1161) exceeds neighborhood book-nook expectations. Packed with bestsellers, books by area authors and a unique young adult room with specially curated picks, Burton’s has a friendly staff that’s genuinely interested in helping customers find the perfect read.
Also check out: handmade jewelry and decor store Metal Monk (15 Front St., 631-477-2722), art bar and workshop VEME Studios (214 Front St., vemestudios.com) and gallery North Fork Art Collective (207 Main St., Greenport, northforkartcollective.com).
Play
Mitchell Park on Front Street is a neighborhood hub of activity during the summer, hosting weekly concerts starting in July and annual Shakespeare productions, all set against the backdrop of the sea.
The North Fork Arts Center (211 Front St., phone) has a lineup of film screenings, live entertainment, educational and community programs.
