Huntington day trip: Explore bars, restaurants, shops and more
Few towns on Long Island can offer residents and visitors a vibrant downtown, a nationally recognized working farm, an intimate live music venue where Billy Joel has performed and a castle. Huntington can.
Whether you're visiting the area for a cup of tea, an afternoon of gaming or a night out with friends, here’s a sampling of what the area has to offer.
Getting there
Getting there
Know before you go
Simply take Route 110 north directly to the heart of the village. Centrally located on Long Island, Huntington offers easy access to those coming from Nassau and Suffolk. Parking during peak hours can be a challenge, but there are numerous municipal lots, as well as metered and street parking. If you're arriving via the Huntington Long Island Rail Road station on the Port Jefferson branch, it's about a 1.5-mile drive to the downtown area. Once there, the strip is walkable.
Things to do
Things to do
The Paramount and the Spotlight
370 New York Ave.
Emily Victoria, lead singer for Let’s Sing Taylor performs during the Taylor Swift tribute show at the Paramount in Huntington on Jan. 4. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
The Paramount is a staple in the Long Island entertainment world, where visitors can catch comedy shows, concerts, book tours, tribute bands, live podcasts, boxing and special events. Located below the music venue, Spotlight is a restaurant and art space. It has a full bar, including 12 taps, and a dinner menu. There is a gallery that focuses on experiential art and displays rotating exhibits.
More info 631-637-1225; paramountny.com
Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave.
The theater has been in the community for more than 50 years. Enjoy classics like the occasional Alfred Hitchcock film, plus current movies and special events.
More info 631-423-7610, cinemaartscentre.org
Oheka Castle
135 W. Gate Dr.
A view of Oheka Castle in Huntington, a historic Gold Coast Mansion. Credit: Phillip Ennis Photography
Wine and dine in authentic European ambience at OHK Bar & Restaurant in Oheka Castle. Spend the night like royalty in one of the Castle's 34 guest rooms. Explore the estate and formal gardens and learn about the Castle's rich history on a mansion tour ($30; $15 for hotel guests). Guests can stay in one of these suites in March midweek starting at $295 per night.
More info 631-659-1400, oheka.com
The Huntington Historical Society
209 Main St.
Visitors can explore historical houses, museums and collections through the historical society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Huntington's history. The society owns and maintains an extensive research library with thousands of books and documents, as well as collections of paintings, photographs, costumes, furniture, dolls and decorative arts. Four buildings, all recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, offer events, tours and exhibits. The society also hosts occasional Lunch and Learn lectures for continuing education and walking tours. Historical sites to visit include the Trade School Building ($10), Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building (free, donation suggested), David Conklin Farmhouse Museum ($5) and Dr. Daniel Whitehead Kissam House ($5).
More info 631-427-7045, huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org
Heckscher Museum of Art
2 Prime Ave.
Located in Heckscher Park, the museum collection includes more than 2,300 pieces that span 500 years, with an emphasis on Long Island artists. Exhibitions coming up this year: Long Island’s Best, its signature annual juried exhibition displaying the artwork of local high school students; The Rains are Changing Fast: Recent Acquisitions in Context; George Grosz: The Stick Men, and Long Island Biennial. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday. Suggested admission $5.
More info 631-351-3230, heckscher.org
The Heckscher Museum of Art was founded in 1920. Credit: Barry Sloan
Paddle Pub
Route 110, Halesite
In the Town of Huntington, cruises begin and end in Huntington Harbor and depart from Halesite Marina. The 35-foot pontoon boat holds up to 26 passengers with 12 paddle stations, where guests sit and help power the vessel. There are two types of tours: a mixer, which is open to the public or a private party. The boat, which is manned by a Master Captain and Party Host, runs May through October. Each trip is two hours and all on board must be 21 and over. All passengers must bring their own food and beverages on board (glass is not allowed). Monday through Thursday the tour is $49 per person, Friday and Sunday it’s $64 per person and Saturday it’s $79 per person.
More info 631-778-1433, paddlepub.com
Kerber’s Farm
309 West Pulaski Rd.
The farm — originally founded in 1941, adding nostalgia to its ingredients — offers popular items like the famed cheddar buttermilk biscuit egg sandwich, honey that’s harvested on-site and Kerberry Pies that have been selected for Oprah’s Favorite Things List. The free-to-visit farm is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and visitors can spot sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, bunnies and a goat. Guests can purchase fruit/vegetable cups to feed the animals in the cafe for $1. The farm operates a nonprofit farming education school in one of its historic barns. The curriculum focuses on sustainability, organic farming practices and healthy eating habits. There are also classes designed for adults including crafting, cooking, candle making and beekeeping.
More info 631-423-4400, kerbersfarm
Kerber’s Farm in Huntington Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Credit: Barry Sloan
The Cook's Studio
10 Wall St.
Aspiring chefs can choose from 30 recreational cooking classes taught by professional chefs including how to make pizza, sushi and pasta. Classes are $100 per person and sessions run approximately two hours. Must be 13 or older.
More info 631-896-1315, thecooksstudio.com
Main St. Board Game Cafe
307 Main St.
With a passion for gaming, owner Neil Goldberg opened the shop in 2019. “I knew these types of board game cafes were popular in the city and I knew it would work in Huntington,” he says. With the shops fifth year anniversary approaching, some of his favorite memories revolve around seeing families having fun at the cafe, teaching them how to play the games and watching them have an “unplugged experience together.”
Reservations are recommended but not required. Find more than 300 board games. It also serves desserts, snacks, coffee and other beverages, including beers and wines. Children are welcome but must be accompanied and supervised. Three-hour seatings are $15, $10 ages 12 and younger.
More info 631- 729-0060, mainstboardgamecafe.com
Emeli Argueta, left, and Aliham Cakiralioglu, both of Lindenhurst, play Monopoly at Main Street Board Game Cafe in Huntington in November 2023. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Huntington Lighthouse Tours
Goldstar Battalion Beach, 324 W. Shore Rd.
Located in Huntington Harbor, hop aboard this one-hour boat tour where guests can get a glimpse of the historic landmark. The boat leaves from Goldstar Battalion Beach (West Shore Road) between 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. continuously, June 2, 23, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. Tours are $25, $15 ages 5-12. Passengers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Flat rubber soled shoes required (no flip-flops); children under the age of 5 are not permitted. Private group tours also available. There is no public docking of boats at any time at the lighthouse.
More info 631-421-1985, huntingtonlighthouse.org
Heckscher Park
New York and Prime avenues
With more than 18 acres of parkland and a pond just off the village’s main strip, it’s hailed by some the “Central Park” of Huntington. After dining, take a stroll through the park, which includes a playground, athletic fields, picnic areas and outdoor amphitheater.
More info 631-351-3089, huntingtonny.gov/heckscher-park
Steve Muller of Huntington sits with his Jack Russell Terrier, Gina at the lake in Heckscher Park in Huntington October 23, 2023 Credit: Rick Kopstein
Claytime
6 Gerard St.
This paint-your-own pottery and ceramic studio offers an array of creative projects for children and adults. The studio welcomes walk-ins for the pottery class where crafters choose a ceramic piece to work on like mugs, bowls, figurines or plates (pieces are between $15-$18). Once painted, the piece is fired and returned, and the functional piece is food, microwave and dishwasher safe (studio fee for glazing and firing piece: $8 per hour; $6 per hour for ages 12 and under). Building with clay classes require an appointment and an instructor will work with crafters to create their own handmade piece of pottery (classes starting at $40). The studio also offers an adult-only paint night from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays ($8 plus the price of pottery).
More info 631-425-6133, claytimehuntington.com
Coindre Hall
101 Browns Rd.
The 33-acre park (normally open dawn to dusk) overlooks Huntington Harbor. Visitors can enjoy the view of the 1912 mansion, built for pharmaceutical magnate George McKesson Brown. Splashes of Hope, a nonprofit organization for artists, has studios there and members offer free tours on the last Saturday of each month, which can be arranged by sending an email to info@splashesofhope.org or by calling 631-424-8230.
More info 631-854-4410, suffolkcountyny.gov
Coindre Hall, a mansion modeled after a classic French chateau in Huntington. Credit: Suffolk County Parks/splashesofhope.org
Food Done It?
Main Street
Follow a storyline on your cellphone that will lead you to hush-hush destinations as you take a four-hour restaurant crawl with a twist of crime at nearby eateries. The current Huntington adventure is the “Fire and Ice (cream) tour,” which includes stops at three sit-down restaurants.
More info Tickets start at $79; fooddoneit.com
OM and Zen Garden
278 Main St.
Running hot and cold isn’t just an expression; it’s the key to one of the specialized services at this wellness spa. OM, which is shorthand for “open mat,” is an indoor exercise studio for an array of movement and fitness activities including stretching and yoga. OM jiujitsu classes focus on self-defense and mindfulness. Beyond being a space to work out, the studio area doubles as “a community hub” for pop-up seminars on various issues such as depression awareness. Zen Garden is the spa’s open-air, year-round bathhouse, where cold plunges and an infrared sauna, saltwater spas and outdoor showers are all used for hydrotherapy regimens. A 90-minute weekday visit offering access to cold plunges, hot spas, infrared sauna and showers is $90. Weekend visits are $110. Adult jiujitsu classes start at $25. Memberships are available starting at $125.
More info 914-265-1729; omandzengarden.com
Mark Lim, 47 (left) and Sheona Golden,41 (right) co owners of OM | Zen Garden boutique wellness spa in Huntington. Credit: Newsday/Drew Singh
Montauk Salt Cave
169 New York Ave.
If a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, think of what a cave full of salt can do. At this wellness facility, enter a cave with a floor lined with 13-tons of salt from the Himalayan Mountains, walls of salt rocks, and a ceiling of starlit sky. There is a boutique where visitors can shop for jewelry, crystals, candles, tea, local honey, essential oils, incense, kimonos, salt lamps and all natural face creams. Additional services include sound therapy, reiki, yoga, massages and more. Standard salt cave session is $40 for 45 minutes and Healer sessions are $45 for 45 minutes. Healer sessions include Reiki, Guided Meditation and Sound healing. Other services include 60 or 90 minute massages and personalized events for ladies night out, bachelorettes, birthdays and other special occasions.
More info 631-923-3030, montauksaltcave.com
Shopping
Shopping
Envy by Melissa Gorga
389A. New York Ave.
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star opened a boutique in March. The easy-on-the-wallet inventory includes trendy women's accessories, dresses, jeans and swimwear. "There are so many amazing jeans, everyone will be able to find a great pair of jeans to bring home with them. We have beautiful spring dresses and the Envy gear,” her Envy-branded line of casual hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants and more, “is a fan favorite,” Gorga says.
More info 631-602-7133, envybymg.com
Einstein’s Attic
267 Main St.
The toy store opened in February and sells a curated collection of baby clothes, gifts, and toys that owner Lori Badanes says “inspire imagination and curiosity.” The store also boasts a large selection of the latest educational toys, as well as online gifting. Fun merchandise for teens and tweens includes Jellycat toys, StickerBeans, Taylor Swift activity books and tumblers, board games, art supplies and sports cards. Prices start at $3.99 for books to $585 for a fully furnished doll house. Additionally, The store offers complimentary gift wrapping,
More info 631-549-8743, shopeinsteinsattic.com
The Snooki Shop
42 Gerard St.
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi LaValle of the “Jersey Shore” reality TV franchise opened her boutique in February. Fans can shop loungewear, accessories and merch inspired by the reality show. “It’s basically like you’re shopping in my closet,” Polizzi LaValle, 36, says.
More info thesnookishop.com
Nico Barbarisi, 17, of Westbury, left, and Emily Boston, 21, of Westbury, were among the first shoppers at The Snooki Shop in Huntington on Feb. 24. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Rosie’s Vintage
187 Park Ave.
The shop features two floors of nostalgic finds and collectibles from the 1980s dating to the 1880s. Find everything from furniture to clothes to vinyl records to décor and more.
More info 631-549-9100, rosiesvintagestore.com
Clipper Ship Tea Co.
297 Main St.
As the name implies, tea is the name of the game at this retail shop owned by Melissa Wawrzonek where customers can find 300 loose-leaf varieties. A number of honeys are also for sale in-store, including infused and varietal raw options. The shop also sells a selection of teapots, mugs, infusers, tea bags and gift boxes filled with loose tea samples. Wawrzonek hopes customers leave her shop with a sense of comfort. “We hope our tea comforts you, wakes you up, helps you sleep and inspires you to take on the highs and lows.”
More info 631-651-2764, clippershipteaco.com
Michael David Grimm, of Hobe Sound, Florida, purchases tea at Clipper Ship Tea Company in Huntington. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Madison’s Niche
14 Wall St.
This lifestyle boutique offers an eclectic mix of home décor, women’s clothing and fashion accessories well-curated to meet the latest trends.
More info 631-683-5700, madisonsniche.com
Hometown Flower Co.
333 Main St.
Jaclyn Rutigliano and her husband Marc Iervolino, of Huntington, opened the brick-and-mortar iteration of the mobile floral business they started in 2019 last November. The store sells a variety of one-of-a-kind fresh and dried floral products, as well as offers a space for people to make DIY projects with flowers. The shop hosts Hometown Holiday Workshops, where people can make DIY floral gifts, such as ornaments, wreaths and snow globes. There will also be children’s classes called Saturday Morning Florals. Standard Flowers in a Bag arrangements start at $45 and DIY dried flower bud vases start at $20.
More info 516-644-9105, hometownflowerco.com
Jaclyn Rutigliano and Marc Iervolino married co-founders of Hometown Flower Co. in Huntington. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Sweeties Candy Cottage
142 E. Main St.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this candy shop specializing in all things chocolate. Popular menu items include chocolate-covered Oreos, chocolate pretzel gift boxes, custom Rice Krispie treats, chocolate lollipops, candy kebob, chocolate pizzas and smash hearts. Customers can also purchase candy sushi, baskets and bouquets as gifts for someone special. Prices range from chocolate lollipops starting at $2 to a pound of chocolate in a heart for $48.
More info 631- 423-7625, sweetiescandycottage.com
Kate & Hale
331 Main St.
One of two locations operated by a pair of sisters from Suffolk County, this upscale boutique sells clothing for women, ranging from T-shirts, blouses and sweaters to bottoms, dresses, jackets and loungewear. Jewelry, bags and other accessories are also available.
More info 631-824-6434, kateandhaleshop.com
Sisters Haley Shea, left, and Kate Tuccillo, organize clothing at their store, Kate & Hale in Huntington Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Credit: Barry Sloan
Wit & Whim
187 Park Ave.
Drawn to mysticism, vintage goods, religious artifacts and unusual antique and handmade jewelry, the two-room 400-square-foot space is “more of a curiosity shop,” says owner Jacquelyn Conte. The store sells products from local businesses like handcrafted soaps, scrubs, bath salts, candles and pottery. A jewelry designer, Conte offers her own brand, “Sacred Lab Co.,” which is a handmade collection of vintage and modern pieces. Shoppers will find a slew of hard-to-find salvage jewelry parts that include brass stampings, beads, charms and crystals.
More info 631-470-0424, wit-and-whim.com
Scentsational
259 Main St.
Personalization also comes in the form of scent. A wide array of perfume oils are used to create signature fragrances and other custom scented products, including lotions, bath gels and hair care products. Additional products include essential oils for aromatherapy, skin and body care products and gift baskets.
More info 631-549-2090, escentsational.com
Alison Volkomer mixes a custom made fragrance at Scentsational in Huntington on Jan. 30, 2011. Credit: Barbara Alper
Fetch
310 New York Ave.
The fashions carried at a trendy boutique in Huntington resemble that of clothes that might be modeled on a catwalk — but you're more likely to see them on a dog walk. Among the shop’s offerings are collars, harnesses, treats, clothing like dresses and coats, dog toys and puppy layettes. The Fetching Dog Salon and Spa offers grooming services like bathing, nail trimming, facial and more pampering for dogs by appointment.
More info 631-824-6636, fetchshops.com
Grabbing a quick bite
Grabbing a quick bite
Southdown Coffee
210-B Wall St.
Founded in 2014, this coffeehouse (one of six Long Island locations) goes beyond the typical brew by bringing in beans from around the world, many of which are organic. Teas, lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolates and other beverages are on the menu, as are sandwiches, burritos and tacos.
More info southdowncoffee.com
The Shed
54 New St.
American comfort food and a comfortable atmosphere for people of all ages and dietary preferences. With brunch and dinner offered daily, popular picks include the breakfast bowl (two poached eggs with avocado, home fries, sautéed spinach, onions, corn, jalapeño, chipotle hollandaise), the skillet mac and cheese (corn, jalapeño, bacon, onion), the Shed bowl (roasted chicken, wild rice, arugula, radish, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, goat cheese, spice honey vinaigrette), the chicken and waffles (made with a homemade honey habanero honey sauce), and of course, the Shed burger.
More info 631-385-7433, intheshed.com
The Shegg Sandwich at The Shed in Huntington. Credit: Melissa Sorice
Soul Brew
387 New York Ave.
This breakfast-lunch restaurant serves a variety of coffees, teas, lattes and espresso, as well as wraps, sandwiches, burritos and morning-meal standards like waffles and pancakes.
More info 631- 470-4697, soulbrew.coffee
Little Vincent’s Pizza
329 New York Ave.
Little Vincent’s, open in Huntington since 1984, has just one item on the menu: a round pizza pie. Like its sister shop in Lake Ronkonkoma, it’s become iconic for its thin crust and its famed cold cheese slice (shredded mozzarella dumped atop a hot slice). Just make sure to bring cash because credit cards are not accepted.
More info 631-423-9620
Little Vincent's Pizza in Huntington. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Hatch
286 Main St.
The setting, with vibrant color patterns and floor-to-ceiling windows that soak the room with light, and the menu, with savory combinations, are highly Instagramable. It’s brunch from open to close with a multitude of Benedicts, pancake combinations like the cinnamon roll (creamy butter pecan filling, cream cheese glaze, toasted pecans), stuffed French toast, sandwiches, “Not So Guilty” items like avocado toast and breakfast beverages like mimosas.
More info 631-424-0780, hatchbrunch.com
1653 Pizza Company
80 Gerard St.
Master pizzaiola Michael Vigliotti cooks up wood fired pizza, regional small plates and fresh pastas paired with a modern cocktail bar and organic-focused wines. Weekdays stop in for a $24.99 lunch special that includes a salad, entree and glass of wine or beer. Guests can enjoy live music Thursday to Saturday.
More info 631-824-6071, 1653pizzaco.com
Wild mushroom pizza made with mozzarella, scamorza, organic mushroom blend, tartufata and porcini dust at 1653 Pizza Company in Huntington, Friday Nov. 17, 2023. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Toast and Co.
62 Stewart Ave.
Breakfast and lunch all day, every day. Browse an extensive menu with all the classics, as well as popular signatures like skillet dishes with eggs and potatoes, and a wide variety of eggs Benedict.
More info 631-812-0056, toastandcoeatery.com
Bon Bons Chocolatier
319 Main St.
Much of the sweets for sale at this family-run chocolate shop are made by hand. Treats include confections like caramels, butter almond crunch, truffles and specialty items that match the current season or holiday. Candles, table decorations and other knickknacks are also for sale.
More info 631- 549-1059, bonbonschocolatier.com
Bon Bons Chocolatier in Huntington. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Buttercooky Bakery
495 New York Ave.
This bakery takes its name from its use of butter when making croissants, cookies, pastries and other baked goods. Custom cakes are also available, as are special items synonymous with seasons and holidays.
More info 631-424-4034, buttercookybakery.com
Mission Taco
371 New York Ave.
The venue features contemporary Mexican dishes with an Asian-inspired touch with menu items like housemade tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and fajitas paired with tequila cocktails.
More info 631-614-8226, missiontacoli.com
Barbacoa, octopus and portabello mushroom tacos served at Mission Taco in Huntington. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Kilwin’s
293 Main St.
The main event is Kilwin’s brand ice cream, available by the cone and dish, or have it in a float or sundae. This shop also specializes in fudge that’s made there daily, as well as handcrafted brittles, caramel apples, caramel corns and chocolate barks.
More info 631-271-4200; kilwins.com
Dinner options
Dinner options
Here are our critics' picks for where to eat in the village:
Osteria da Nino
292 Main St.
Dividers are positioned between bar and dining area, making the latter relatively quiet, a perfect place to recover from family time with an assist from the wines on tap. The dining room, its walls decorated simply with wine bottles and the horns of various animals, is made for gossiping freely without fear of eavesdroppers, but also a place to enjoy first-rate pasta offerings such as Hay & Straw, a variegated dish of semolina and spinach pastas tossed with mushrooms, cream and truffle oil, or one of several puffy-crusted pizzas. And sharing a slice of ricotta cheesecake will make for a perfect end to the couple’s evening, one that’s equal parts dignified and fun.
More info 631-425-0820, osteriadanino.com
The Farm Italy
12 Gerard St.
In the middle of Huntington Village’s bustle, The Farm Italy conveys the elegance and hospitality of a Tuscan fantasy. Among the pastas are a classic bucatini cacio e pepe, pappardelle Bolognese and malfadine with crabmeat and gremolata butter. In addition to three steaks, mains include branzino fillet, grilled spicy prawns with eggplant and salsa verde, grilled chicken with arugula and tomato, chicken Parmesan and veal Milanese. In addition to four carefully wrought salads, they offer broccolini with grilled lemon, mushrooms in sherry, grilled polenta and fried zucchini. Dessert highlights include a basil gelato topped with strawberries in balsamic vinegar.
More info 631-824-6000, thefarmitaly.com
The Farm Italy in Huntington conveys the elegance and hospitality of a Tuscan fantasy. Credit: Newsday/Erica Marcus
Bistro Cassis
55 Wall St.
Every slurp of fine French onion soup may be heard from two tables away and the Serge Gainsbourg et ses amis soundtrack is drowned out whenever bartenders shake French martinis (vodka, crème de cassis, pineapple juice), which is often. The spot takes its cues from the bistros of Paris, which, of course, are not known for their serenity, but the restaurant’s approach is otherwise by-the-book in every way, from its frisée aux lardons — a salad chock-full of crunchy bacon cubes and topped with a poached egg — to steak frites, roast chicken and mussels marinière.
More info 631-421-4122, reststarinc.com/bistro-cassis
Crabtree’s
330 New York Ave.
The longtime second-floor pub that hovers above the New York and Main intersection. From a distance, it may look like a levitated Applebee’s, but it’s anything but chain-ish up close. Crabtree’s owes its perennial popularity to a noisy band of regulars who all seem to sorely miss college, whatever their actual ages, but also to a wide-ranging food and cocktail menu that almost demands social interaction. Menu items include a plate of Adult Chicken Fingers (named for their large size and/or accompanying spicy “white” ketchup) or English meatballs, four pieces of spherical weaponry over a soul-sustaining bed of peas and egg noodles.
More info 631-923-0920, crabtreesnyandmain.com
Short-rib mac-and-cheese with Cheez-Its crumbles on top is served at Crabtree's New York & Main in Huntington. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Vauxhall
26 Clinton Ave.
At this intimate, Brooklyn-like Gastropub with mood lighting and wood ceilings with a brick accent over the bar, the music is loud (the owners are, after all, musicians), and the craft beers and burgers are the draw. Particularly Dan Smash burger, a double 4 ounce vaux signature blend burger smashed with caramelized onions, pickle, American cheese and Vauxhall sauce on a brioche bun. Another popular item to try is Chicken Vodka Parm, a Bronx style chicken parm with buttermilk fried chicken, house made vodka sauce, spicy Italian pepper and a full burrata on top. Come weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for happy hour specials at the bar which include half off beer bottles, well drinks and starters. Sip on cocktails like Notice Me a tequila drink with spicy tincture, fig, hibiscus and lime or the Cellar Door with cucumber infused vodka, lemon, honey and ginger.
More info 631-425-0222, vauxhallhuntington.com
Nightlife
Nightlife
Besito
402 New York Ave.
You'll find authentic Mexican food in an upscale setting. There is made-to-order guacamole, tacos for all (including vegetarian options like roasted sweet potato tacos), dinner specialties such as the Sonora ribs and a drink menu that includes a variety of tequilas and margaritas.
More info 631-549-0100, besitomexican.com
La Sandia Margarita, made with cointreau, fresh watermelon, agave nectar, lime and a chile poblano salt rim at Besito in Huntington. Credit: Daniel Brennan
The Rust and Gold
70 Gerard St.
This spot combines the traditional sports viewing elements of high-def TVs, an oversized projection screen, and stadium surround sound with a restaurant feel and chef-driven menu. The classic dishes remain, such as the wings (more than a dozen flavors all made in-house), smashburgers, grilled wraps, fried chicken sandwiches, burgers (get a signature or build your own) and a wide selection of elevated bar snacks. An award-winning cocktail program offers draft and local beers, seasonal and classic cocktails with a twist like the all-natural tequila cocktail (tequila, pineapple, lime, cucumber, basil, agave, nectar). Come Tuesday for Bingo Night, Thursday for karaoke and a live DJ Friday and Saturday night.
More info 631-629-4431, therustandgold.com
Six Harbors Brewing Company
243 New York Ave.
The village’s first microbrewery has a drink named for each of Huntington’s six harbors. The family-owned and operated brewery, which is kid and pet friendly, has a tasting room and offers a wide range of craft beers, IPAs, lagers, ciders, ales and snacks.
More info 631-470-1560, sixharborsbrewingcompany.com
Trevor Jensen, Anthony Guido, Marina Schmidt, Courtney Jensen and Emily Dugan with their dogs on the table, Poppy, left and Moose, right, at Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington in December 2023. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Finley’s
43 Green St.
Finley's is both a tavern and a separate restaurant housed in a historic house, just off the hubbub of New York Avenue with multiple patios and backyard decks. Enjoy a craft cocktail or over 20 beers on tap while live music plays Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 p.m. and Wednesday night blues jam starting at 7:30 p.m. Patron's can enjoy a seasonally changing menu and be sure to check out Chef Lewis Vargas' famous crab cakes and short ribs.
More info 631-351-3440, finleyshuntington.com
Repeal XVIII
30 New St.
The bar celebrates, not just the Roaring '20s, but a specific day in the 1930s: the day Prohibition ended. In the front and back rustic lounges. The drink menu — with Happy Hour daily from 4:30 to 7 p.m. (begins at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays) — includes a mix of craft and traditional beers and a casual bar bite menu available late night. Guests can play pool, darts, Jenga and cornhole. Every Friday and Saturday the lounge has live cover bands from 8 to 11:30 p.m. followed by a DJ at 11:30 p.m.
More info 631-629-5878, repealxviii.com
Erwin Zafala from Oyster Bay, Martin Dixon from Greenlawn, Oni Medows-Mojica from Greenlawn, Jim Lewin from Huntington, and Daniyal Nadeem from Oyster Bay enjoy cocktails, Repeal XVIII, Huntington, Feb. 14, 2019. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
The Founder’s Room
370 New York Ave.
A speakeasy-style, members-only hideaway beneath The Paramount this spot provides a rock starlike experience. Members and their guests can lounge in hidden theme rooms, order drinks and small plates, and on occasion get the opportunity to mingle with the performers. Exclusivity comes with perks, but does not come cheap, with annual membership ranging from $4,000 to $6,000.
More info 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
Finnegan's Restaurant and Tap Room
5 Wall St.
Referred to by locals as the “Cheers” of Huntington, this Irish pub has been operating since 1912, and has a mural painted on the exterior brick wall of more than 100 past patrons. Once a speakeasy, now an intimate local gathering spot and classic town bar setting where everybody knows your name. There's classic pub fare like Reubens, steak sandwiches and burgers and a wide-ranging drink menu with craft beers and cocktails.
More info 631-423-9696, lessings.com
Huntington Station
Huntington Station
Things to do
Walt Whitman Shops
160 Walt Whitman Rd.
Shoppers will find Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Apple, Lululemon, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s as Walt Whitman Shops boasts more than 80 specialty stores. Also find sit-down restaurants, including Gastronomy by Cirella's, P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Sweetgreen. New shops arriving later this year include Abercrombie & Fitch and Gorjana Jewelry.
More info 631-271-1741, simon.com/mall/walt-whitman-shops\
Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum
246 Old Walt Whitman Rd.
Visitors can explore the former home of one of America’s most influential poets, Walt Whitman. Whitman’s Birthplace is a State Historic Site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can learn about Whitman throughout the grounds through exhibits and presentations at the Interpretive Center, The Birthplace and The Gathering House. At the Interpretive Center, visitors can learn about Whitman’s life and poetry through a series of exhibits from childhood to becoming one of the country’s greatest visionaries. The exhibit displays original letters, manuscripts and portraits of Whitman. Attendees can take a step back in time and visit the home Whitman grew up in. The center also hosts occasional poetry, historical and literary events throughout the year including book discussion groups and open-mics. $10; Winter hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
More info 631-427-5240, waltwhitman.org
A Latte Fun
570 E. Jericho Tpke.
Parents can sip lattes in the cafe while they watch their kids try sensory games, huddle around a pretend farmhouse, bounce on a tire trampoline, ride a mini carousel or hug a rubber dinosaur. $21.75, $17.40 siblings, $15.20 crawlers for a two-hour open play session.
More info 631-944-3170, alattefunlongisland.com. Reserve online; walk-ins welcome.
Antique Market
700 E. Jericho Tpke.
Operating out of the same location for over 45 years, this multi-dealer antiques and collectibles store offers an assortment of antiques and vintage items. While browsing you may find lamps/lighting, games and toys, vintage clothing, kitchenware, crystal and china, jewelry, clocks, collectibles, bric-a-brac, dolls, comic books and more. Prices range from a few dollars for a comic book or a vintage Pez dispenser to $1,500 for a Victorian mahogany sideboard.
More info 631-351-9576