Manuel Claudio opened Claudio’s Tavern in 1870; it was known as the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States until 2018, when it was sold to a group of investors, several of whom were long-time fans of the waterfront staple.
The Claudio’s complex opened this spring bringing renovations and new restaurant concepts to the seaside spot, worrying some locals about changes to one of the iconic favorites of the North Fork. More than a few of us have great memories of the good old days at Claudio’s with family and friends.
But change is inevitable — in addition to bringing in new partners to the Greenport spot, the current
Claudio’s Waterfront
The flagship waterfront restaurant on the dock feels pretty much the same, though it’s had a glamorous makeover. It’s airy and open with a blue and white color scheme, strings of lights and wicker lanterns and that same fabulous view. The plastic tables and heavy vinyl pull-downs on the sides are gone and the feeling is ever-breezy.
Drinks are $17, about the going rate for a cocktail at most places on the North Fork these days. Frozen cocktails are $19, a glass of wine is $16-19, and a beer will run you $9-11. However, there’s a spectacular Sunset Hour happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6 p.m., with drink specials from $7-10 and a few food specials, like baked clams for $12 and chicken wings for $8.
The menu has all the same seafood dishes you remember — clams and oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder, two types of lobster rolls, steamed whole lobsters, and a fluke sandwich special. The flavorful smash burger is $23, and there’s an array of appetizers, fish tacos, salads and sides.
Jeannie Dohren, the longtime manager and a 16-year employee, knows from lobsters. She is married to a former lobsterman and sold lobsters at a roadside stand for years, so when she tells you Claudio’s doesn’t serve new shells, you can believe it. She recommends the lobster cobb salad, which is delicious (the $48 price tag is easier to take when you split it two or even three ways).
Juan Skinner, director of operations, says that “the goal is to keep Claudio’s the way it is.” He’s respectful of the institution’s reputation and has even written up a history of the restaurant for the employees, noting that the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Juan says that the clientele “is a mix — some are locals, some are out for the day, and some have summer houses out here.”
On a recent visit, tables were full with families and day-tripping groups of friends enjoying a summer afternoon with no entitled behavior in sight. At the end of the dock there’s a small, covered stage for live music and dark blue comfy couches to relax on while taking in one of the best views in Greenport. And it’s still fun to gawk at the oversized yachts and watch the cigarette boats struggle to untie their lines and pull away from the dock back to wherever they came from.
Right now, the restaurant is open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends, with the bar open late on Friday and Saturdays.
If you’re arriving by boat, Claudio’s Marina is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until sundown; it’s staffed by a group of eager young attendants tending to boaters from Shelter Island, the Hamptons or points west. Docking is $2/foot for 2 hours; reservations are not required, but you can book ahead by calling the dockmaster or using their app.
Charlie Boy/Little Charli’s Slice Shop
The new incarnation of what used to be Claudio’s Tavern & Grill at the foot of Main Street is now an Italian American-style restaurant called Charlie Boy, run by Gansevoort Hospitality Group. Claudio’s Pizza is now Little Charli’s Slice Shop, where you can pick up slices and salads.
The dark, cozy bar area has been transformed into a light-filled space, with spare barstools and art deco lights. The original Victorian bar, salvaged by Manuel Claudio from a hotel on the Bowery in New York City and installed in 1886, is thankfully still here.
There’s a mocktail list ($10-12), a summer cocktail list ($18), and a varied wine list with a few local wines listed. The menu offers creative starters (lobster toast, mandarin and onion salad), pizzas ($21-26), pastas ($19-36), and entrees like chicken cutlet, grilled whole branzino and meatballs in a spicy marinara. There’s outside seating too, shaded with sails and umbrellas.
Charlie Boy is open Monday and Thursday 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday from noon-12 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon-10 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Common Country East
Also run by Gansevoort Hospitality Group, this country-themed bar/restaurant replaces Crabby Jerry’s (though the iconic Crabby Jerry sign still stands at the end of the dock). There’s a large bar, several long tables and comfortable couch seating facing the harbor and Shelter Island.
Common Country East is the Greenport outpost of Common Country, Gansevoort’s nightclub in Manhattan. It combines a country music theme with a waterside atmosphere, live country music and a seafood-laden menu, including lobster rangoon ($36), a blackened fish sandwich ($35), and a hot lobster roll ($45); there’s also bar food to snack on like jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, and fried calamari, and happy hour drink and food specials.
Common Country East also serves brunch on weekends from noon-4 p.m., with breakfast burritos ($16), breakfast sliders ($18), and Texas French toast sticks ($15) to choose from, along with mimosas and spiked sweet tea.
Common Country is open Monday from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday from noon-2 a.m. and Sunday from noon-12 a.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information on all three establishments, check the Claudio’s website for the latest updates.
