The Gist
“We keep it simple,” says native North Forker Billy Gremler, namesake of Billy’s by the Bay. Simple, yes, but this 17-year-old open-air seafood mainstay packs a lot in. Daily live music and seafood specials are at the foundation of Gremler’s popular summer spot in Greenport. A retired New York City steamfitter and present-day plumber, Gremler does it all, from cooking to building the deck bar to keeping this seafood-forward business an affordable, fun afternoon or evening by the proverbial bay year after year. With wife Lisa Gremler handling the expediting, ensuring each fish dish comes with the necessary lemon, tartar sauce and sides, typing up the business notes and overseeing the staff, Billy’s is a family-run business where you truly feel like family.
The Vibe
From walking onto the open-air deck to glancing over at the drink special board in chalk above the bar to the convivial flip-flop and T-shirt-wearing customers, a strong Jimmy Buffet “Margaritaville” vibe hits the second you drive into Safe Harbor Marina, where the seasonal Billy’s is situated. Freshly painted at the beginning of each season, the breezy blue, green, pink and yellow colors on the deck as well as the benches and chairs around the plastic blue-and-white checked tables create a sense of tropical escapism while leaning into Long Island summer at its core.
The Food
Take advantage of mussel and margarita specials on Monday; taco and crab deals on Tuesday; shrimp specials on Wednesday and lobster, a Billy’s staple, on Thursday. On the standard menu, pick between a seafood bucket, lots of fresh-shucked, fried or grilled shelly options, salads, soups and on-theme seafood-packed cocktails that can double as an appetizer. All items are served in disposable kitchenware, enhancing the casual coastal feel and bringing the love for a stripped-down summer to the forefront.
(Photo credit: Doug Young)
Crabby Mary
Billy’s house-made Bloody Mary Mix is a generous 16 ounces and just the right balance of spice and tomato, with a paprika-spiked salty rim for a little extra flavor. But the showstopper is the ample crunchy, fried soft-shell crab on top with two olives for eyes (and good measure!).
Billy’s Fish Tacos
A trio of broiled, meaty chunks of mahi mahi are cradled in a flour tortilla vessel. You get all the fixings, so throw on salsa, cheese, tomato, lettuce or sour cream to up your taco game. The minimalist nature of Billy’s spin on the staple is enough to let the flaky fish shine.
Billy’s Hot Sautéed Lobster Roll
A sweet, cushiony brioche roll brings a rich and airy base to the luscious steamed meat’s delicate, buttery texture.
Steamed Lobster and Corn
Nothing beats ending a summer day with the luxury of a simple steamed lobster. Grab your seafood crackers, tie your bib and have fun getting your hands a little dirty dipping the crustacean’s tender sweet meat into melted butter and gnawing on a juicy half-ear of corn on the cob.
Billy’s Bucket
You’ll need a crew to get through this steamer, mussels, shrimp and corn bucket that’s a shellfish lover’s dream. Options to add lobster and snow crab up the ante on brine and butter, but the big pail is packed with lip-smacking sea flavors either way.
Fried Shrimp
Light breading adds a crispy texture to succulent butterflied shrimp, while acidic tartar sauce cuts the savory coating and sweet crustacean meat for a balanced bite.
Billy’s by the Bay
2530 Manhanset Ave., Greenport
631-477-8300
billysbythebayrestaurant.com
Hours
Monday through Saturday noon to 8 p.m.
Sundays noon to 7 p.m.
