At the heart of the North Fork, the hamlet of Cutchogue stretches from Peconic Bay to Long Island Sound. Fittingly, its name means “principal place” in the native Algonquin — and Cutchogue is the perfect base to explore beaches, restaurants, farm stands and shops. Excepting the many excellent wineries in town (which deserve their own spotlight), here are a slew of places to explore.
Eat
Open for breakfast and lunch, Black Sheep Bagels (31000 Main Road, 631-735-9998) has a lot more than bagels on their menu, like sandwiches, wraps, omelets, parfaits, salads, açai bowls and a full complement of coffee drinks. As the kids say, don’t sleep on the Spicy Hobo (two eggs, bacon, pepperjack cheese, hash brown and hot sauce on a roll).
The Art Deco-style Cutchogue Diner (27850 Main Road, 631-734-7016) is a blast from the past, debuting downtown in 1941. The menu includes classic breakfast and lunch favorites like pancakes and waffles, Reubens, hot and cold sandwiches, chili, homemade pies and egg creams.
Owned and operated by the Pennacchia family for over 30 years, Touch of Venice (28350 Main Road, 631-298-5851) features Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients and has an award-winning wine list with local and Italian vintages. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.
The comfortable Red Rooster Bistro (4805 Depot Lane, 631-734-8267) is surrounded by vineyards and farms and serves up French and American cuisine. Chef/owner Nick Nikolov adds the occasional Bulgarian dish to the menu in a nod to his heritage — try the delicious yogurt-based soup made with garlic, dill and cucumbers).
The family-owned Braun Seafood Co. (30840 Main Road, 631-734-6700) has been in operation for almost 100 years and has a popular kitchen and food truck serving fresh seafood. Fried fish platters, oysters, shrimp, lobster rolls, salads and more can be enjoyed at picnic tables on the lawn or to-go.
Shop
Alex Ferrone Gallery (25425 Main Road, 631-734-8545) was the first to focus solely on photography on the North Fork. Ferrone creates inspired exhibitions featuring local artists — and her striking aerial photography work, captured before drones were a thing, is worth seeking out.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm (28700 Main Road, 631-734-6441). The Wickham family has been farming in Cutchogue since the 1600s and their open-air farm stand is the place for nature’s candy — berries, peaches, cherries, apples, nectarines and plums, as well as sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins. Grab a pie, some fresh-pressed cider or one (heck, make it a dozen) of their famous apple cider donuts before they close for the season.
Disset Chocolate (28080 Main Road, 631-734-8387). Chef and chocolatier Ursula XVII’s shop offers creative chocolate choices via bonbon collections, or bars in flavors like fruity cereal, cherry walnut, rose cardamom and everything bagel. Disset offers workshops and paint-your-own chocolate bar kits, too.
Oregon Road Organics (12595 Oregon Road, 631-735-9195) grows beautiful fruits and vegetables that they sell in their picturesque silo. They also run a yearly CSA and young farmers program for kids.
Trimble’s of Corchaug Nursery (20985 Main Road, 631-734-6494) is a magical place to wander while you ponder the new plants you’ll be buying for the season in their Idea Garden. Trimble’s also offers landscaping services and friendly advice.
Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild (28265 Main Road, 631-734-6382) is a charming gallery that has sold locally made fine art and crafts for over 75 years. They offer art classes, too.
Founded by Stephanie Sack, North Fork Apothecary (37070 Main Road) epitomizes North Fork style, with clothing for men and women, custom candles and skin care products and stylish items for the home.
Play
There’s always something going on at the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library (27550 Main Road, 631-734-6360), with concerts, kids’ crafts, lectures, cooking demos and exercise classes among the many offerings to check out.
Cedars Golf Club (305 Cases Lane, 631-734-6363) is a public 9-hole, par 3 golf course that’s open year-round, only closing when snow is on the ground. Bad weather? They have an indoor golf simulator.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council & Museums (Main Road and Cases Lane, Cutchogue, 631-734-7122). Situated on the Cutchogue Village Green, this nonprofit maintains a host of historic buildings, including one of the oldest houses on Long Island. Check out their slate of events and charming gift shop in the old carriage house.
North Fork Country Club (26342 Main Road, 631-734-7139) A private course that can only be enjoyed at the invitation of a member, NFCC has year-round golfing (except for snowy days) and seasonal tennis from May to October.
Downs Farm Preserve (23800 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-765-6450) has a nature center and trails maintained by the Town of Southold on over 100 acres of preserved land, offering a place to hike, birdwatch and try your hand at nature photography.
Dave Allison Park (southern end of Pequash Avenue). Located on Cutchogue Harbor and Nassau Point Causeway Park (Nassau Point Road), this private park is maintained by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Parks District. Anyone can walk or bike here, but you must have a park district permit to park.
