Patchogue day trip: Explore parks, restaurants and nightlife
If you're looking for a day of live music, great food and fun things to do, head over to Patchogue.
Speaking of food, Kevin Hindley, co-founder and director of Food Done It?, a company that hosts local restaurant crawls with a twist of crime solving, notes "Patchogue's food scene has become so diverse, fun and high-quality. We love introducing Long Islanders to great restaurants and venues they might not know about yet."
Whether you want to grab a bite, spend the day at the park with the kids, catch a live band or dance the night away, this village has something for everyone.
"Patchogue has become a bustling center for waterfront dining, family-friendly events, nightlife and creativity, with a little something for everyone who visits," says Abby Gruppuso, head of operations at The Better Man Distilling Co. She adds, "But at its core, Patchogue is still a small town, and the sense of community we have here is really what draws people in and keeps them coming back."
Here are some notable things to eat and do in a day:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Parking and LIRR
The Patchogue train station is located at Division Street and Ocean Avenue, Just South of Main Street (Montauk Branch).
A permit or parking fee is required to park at the Patchogue train station. Parking in downtown Patchogue in general is metered (between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m.). Metered parking is enforced Mondays through Saturdays (except holidays); some restrictions apply, read the rules at the pay station you’re using.
There are free lots within walking distance of Main Street, like the Courthouse Lot (at West and South Street) close to the rear of Patchogue Theatre (near Oak Street and Jayne Avenue), and portions of the lot behind the post office (off Terry Street, between South Ocean and Rider avenues).
THINGS TO DO
THINGS TO DO
From mystery culinary tours to exploring the local waterfront park, here are some things to do on your day trip.
Food Done It?
Shawn Fleitman, left, Nick Colonna, Jamie Suriano and Jennifer Colonna find their next clue in a lock box full of goodies to use on their mystery food tour, "The Cupcake Conundrum," by Food Done It. Credit: Daniel Brennan
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. Current Patchogue adventures include "The Burgling Bookworm" and “The Cupcake Conundrum.”
INFO: Tickets start at $75; fooddoneit.com
Shorefront Park
This park with water views features a kayak launch, a bandshell that hosts summer concerts, basketball court and a playground that includes a large pirate ship for climbing as well as adult exercise equipment. There is a concrete esplanade along the newly planted Living Shoreline and other walking paths with benches. Bikers are permitted on the walking paths.
INFO: 49 Smith St., ny-patchogue.civicplus.com
Birdies
Alexa Andersen of Center Moriches plays simulated golf at Birdies in Patchogue. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Guests can swing away at one of six indoor golf simulators (four people per simulator; starting at $60 for one hour) or hang at the bar. On Tuesdays, guests can join trivia night at 7 p.m. Friday nights offer live music at 8 p.m., and a DJ starts at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Birdies also features a beer garden and large outdoor area for when the weather warms up to hang out and order food and beverages from a rotation of food trucks. The spot also features a golf league in the fall and winter season.
INFO: 17 N. Ocean Ave.; 631-654-4653, birdiesli.com
Stereo Garden
This concert hall and event space hosts a busy calendar of live shows, ranging from cover bands and Latin sounds to hard rock and sporting events.
INFO: 9 Railroad Ave.; 631-416-7755, stereogardenli.com
Pinball Long Island
At Pinball Long Island, gamers can expect about 100 machines that span from the 1960s (electromechanical machines) to today (solid state), the difference being the mechanics behind them. The former is wired by a mechanical process; the latter by computer-driven technology. Admission is $20; $10 ages 10 and younger. The spot also hosts biweekly tournaments on Tuesdays from 6 to 10 p.m.
INFO: 48 W. Main St. in Patchogue; Open 2 to 10 p.m. daily; may stay open later on weekends; pinballlongisland.com.
89 North
Mike Epstein, Smithtown, leads the Tom Petty Tribute band Refugee at 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
Live music is the standout at 89 North. Wednesdays are country nights with dancing and local performers. The venue hosts local, regional and national talent every Friday and Saturday.
INFO: 89 N. Ocean Ave.; 631-730-8992, 89northmusicvenue.com
Smith Point Archery
Savanna Jeffery, 10, of Mastic, shoots an arrow during youth archery league at Smith Point Archery in Patchogue, Feb. 10. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
If you want to take up a new hobby, head over to this 39-lane indoor archery range. It’s kids’ night at 7 p.m. Mondays. An instructor leads children ages 7 to 13 in target shooting and each child can take home their paper target showing where their arrows landed. There are also balloon games — kids try to pop balloons attached to the target. The cost is $40 cash per person for the hourlong session and includes all equipment. Call ahead to ensure the class is happening that week. The spot also offers private, group lessons and adult and youth leagues. Guests can play any day for $35 an hour.
INFO: 215 East Main St., 631-289-3399, smithpointarchery.com
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
Patchogue Theatre hosts a variety of live musical performances, classes, shows and appearances and talks by celebrities, musicians, comedians, authors and notable figures.
INFO: 71 E. Main St.; 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
NIGHTLIFE
NIGHTLIFE
Blue Point Brewing Co.
Beer selection and oysters at Blue Point Brewing Co. in Patchogue. Credit: David Handschuh
This brewery took a former college (Briarcliffe, and before that Swezey’s department store, and before that a lace mill) and turned it into a weekend hot spot, loaded with upstairs seating where guests can order food and drink and have it delivered to their tables. There’s live music featuring local acts Thursdays through Sundays. When the weather warms up, games and lawn chairs are set up outside, where leashed dogs are permitted. They brew some of the beer served here, and, on weekdays, those seated upstairs can watch it being produced on the brewing floor.
INFO: 225 W. Main St.; 631-977-6800, bluepointbrewing.com
The Better Man Distilling Co.
A craft distillery with a tasting room, it’s quietly located along the river. The drink menu features a seasonal specialty cocktail selection, plus mules, gin and tonics, martinis, whiskeys, Negronis and more — as well as booze-free teas and a few craft beers. From April through October, you can enjoy a spacious dog-friendly outdoor oasis, and in the winter, guests can reserve one of five igloos, each themed and featuring its own signature cocktail. Enjoy Thursday “pizza happy hour” (which includes a changing weekly and monthly special topping) where guests get a pie plus two drinks for $25. The tasting room also hosts a distinctive vending machine that offers items like tiny Lego sets, stickers, Pokémon cards and curated accessories handmade by a local artist.
INFO: 161 River Ave.; 631-708-7405, thebettermandistillingco.com
Daisy's Nashville Lounge
Inside Daisy's Nashville Lounge on Main Street in Patchogue, Thursday, Jan 12, 2023. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Among the Patchogue bar scene, Daisy's is dedicated to country music. The event calendar kicks off with Tuesday Country Karaoke Gong Show hosted by DJ Carter; Wednesday Night is Country Music Bingo; Thursday is Smashville Thursday with live Country music at 7 p.m.; Friday at 6 p.m. is live country music followed by a DJ; Saturday is live country music at 6 p.m. followed by a DJ Sunday live music starts at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday is happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. with $5 food and drink specials.
INFO: 22 W. Main St.; 631-438-0296, daisysli.com
Standard Rec
Patrons play a variety of arcade games at Standard Rec in Patchogue, Friday, Jan 27, 2023 Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Food meets retro fun at this throwback spot, which has so many vintage details it's hard to know where to look first. The place resembles a theater set, with moody 1970s hues running throughout two soaring rooms, one lined by a long bar whose puzzle of cubbyholes hold memorabilia such as decades-old roller skates. Bao buns and birria tacos join bar standards such as tuna poke and Korean steak bowl. The beer list is quasi-hidden in an oversized Scrabble board. Out of sight, in the back, is a room full of arcade games such as Skee-Ball, NBA Jam and Led Zeppelin-themed pinball (Charge $5 on your credit card for 20 quarters. Games range from 25 cents to $1 per play).
INFO: 49 E. Main St.; 631-730-8100, stndrec.com
Great South Bar
The bar menu includes offbeat beers and clever cocktails, and the venue features a custom-made arcade game machine. Look for a Jeopardy-style game night featuring actual buzzers similar to what’s seen on TV. A monthly local artist showcase will continue to take place, as well as art bazaars and a bimonthly doggy adoption event. Hungry guests can also dine off a late-night menu that includes pizza bagels, hot pockets, frozen pizza and "uncrustables." Look for happy hour with $2 lagers, $5 well drinks and half-off beer and wine. The bar hosts an open mic night the first Tuesday of the month and an art bazaar featuring local artists and craftsmen with wares for sale the last Wednesday of every month.
INFO: 23 S. Ocean Ave.; 631-730-7799, greatsouthbar.com
That Meetball Place
Patrons sit at a communal table at That Meetball Place in Patchogue on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Credit: Randee Daddona
You can find numerous sharing and splittable appetizers to go along with family style portions of meatballs and sides. This spot truly has a dual identity, as come nighttime, a multitude of people pour in (especially on weekends). Friday happy hour is 4 to 9 p.m. and features $2 sliders at the bar and half off drinks. Thursday is Ladies Night, where women drink free from 8 to 10 p.m., in addition to several all-night specials.
INFO: 54 W. Main St.; 855-271-8646, thatmeetballplaceli.com
GRAB A BITE
GRAB A BITE
There are several spots to grab a bite. Here are some where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert.
Buttermilk’s Kitchen
Samoa pancakes topped with toasted coconut flakes, chocolate chips, caramel sauce and chocolate syrup at Buttermilk's Kitchen. Credit: Daniel Brennan
“Breakfasting” has been elevated to an art form lately, and Buttermilk’s Kitchen is its poster child: airy and artsy, with a shabby-chic vibe and whimsical takes on breakfast (served all day) and lunch staples such as grilled cheese sandwiches. Behind the bar are mimosas, Bloody Marys and coffee drinks galore; breakfast ventures to S’mores French toast, omelets, cold brew coffee and the those buttermilk pancakes.
INFO: 76 W. Main St.; 631-654-6455, buttermilkskitchen.com
Toast Coffeehouse Patchogue
The Garden Gourmet Scramble with roasted zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, sun dried tomato and sauteed onions served with multigrain toast and home fries at Toast Coffeehouse in Patchogue. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Start the morning off with brunch at this breakfast hot spot. The menu includes favorites like omelets, pancakes (chocolate chip, banana walnut, cookie dough) waffles (with fresh berries or chicken), French toast, juices and coffee. If you’re craving lunch, try the specialty wraps or burgers. If you’re looking for a boozy brunch, a few of the cocktails include Irish coffee, Bloody Mary and mimosas. Toast also serves up vegan options.
INFO: 46 East Main St., Patchogue; 631-654-7091
Rhum
The rooftop bar at Rhum in Patchogue. Credit: Daniel Brennan
On the top floor of this bold, tri-level restaurant is one of the downtown’s most atmospheric spots: a rooftop bar and deck with swings for bar stools and a cityscape view. Guests can enjoy a rooftop menu to dine with food, cocktails and weekday happy hour specials and the Prickly Pear is a signature cocktail. The Island-inspired cuisine can be enjoyed on all three levels of the restaurant. There is a weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., margarita and mojito Monday, taco Tuesday and Thursday (three tacos for $15 all day long) and bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
INFO: 13 E. Main St.; 631-569-5944, rhumpatchogue.com
Mademoiselle of Patchogue
Passersby might spot baker-owner Michelle Gillette Kelly shaping pastry in the front window. Step inside and you can sit at a small counter and taste her handiwork: Macarons, croissants, apricot danish, fruit tarts and an array of sweet and savory pastries that are turned out fresh daily. For those who want to put their culinary skills to the test, Kelly offers workshops on how to make French Macarons, decorating and piping and more.
INFO: 61 N. Ocean Ave.; 631-627-8560, mademoiselleofpatchogue.com
WhiskeyNeat
Crab and corn dip at WhiskeyNeat in Patchogue. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Friends Rob Delgiorno and Michael Jordan opened this 85-seat restaurant and whiskey bar with dishes that range from gochujang wings and grilled octopus to a pastrami sandwich and hot honey crispy chicken over grits. The spot offers happy hour, from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The restaurant offers Sunday brunch from noon to 4 p.m. (A La Carte options are $8-$12; all you can eat is $60) Rarer finds include Wellers 90 Proof Rye (rare) or Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year (super rare) which retails at $2,150 or so a bottle.
INFO: 124 E. Main St.; 631-600-3434, whiskeyneatny.com
The State Room
Many meals start with parkerhouse rolls that come with house-churned butter and housemade Cara Cara orange marmalade. Other starters include beef tartare on crumpets napped with Bearnaise sauce, and duck wings with orange-chili glaze and sesame yogurt. There are pastas such as linguine with local clams and fennel confit, and small-scale mains such as chicken Milanese with miso-apple sauce, and skirt steak au poivre with crispy sunchokes. Starters are under $20; most mains under $30.
INFO: 67 W Main St., 631-447-2337, thestateroomli.com
Dirty Taco + Tequila
Dirty Taco & Tequila serves a range of creative tacos. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Now with six restaurants across Long Island (Wantagh, Rockville Centre, Woodbury, Patchogue, Smithtown and Port Washington), Dirty Taco is known for its Asian fusion tacos, cheeky branding and lively party scene. Some menu items to try include Asian nachos, Korean BBQ wings, Korean short rib taco, birria taco with consume and bang bang shrimp taco. The spot also hosts a Sunday brunch (99 cent mimosas) 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Popular cocktails include watermelon basil margarita and spicy blood orange margarita.
INFO: 32 W. Main St.; 631-977-8226, dirtytacoandtequila.com
Tiesto's Restaurant
Gastropub fare mixes with Mexican, Spanish and Ecuadorian dishes at this spot serving daily brunch (until 3 p.m.) with omelets, eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros and a flatbread breakfast pizza. Later in the day, starters go from skirt-steak-topped nachos to shrimp ceviche with tostones. Burgers, pumpkin ravioli, paella and wine-braised short ribs appear on the larger plate list. There's also a lengthy cocktail roster featuring a bracing house margarita (made with agave syrup and tequila infused with multiple berries) and shareable 100-ounce sangrias and rum punch. Happy hour is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday with half off beer, wine, sangria and margaritas. Weekly specials include: Margarita Mondays $7 margaritas all day; Tacos Tuesday and tequila $5 tacos and $7 margarita; Wednesday whiskey and wings specials; Mojito Thursday $7 mojitos all day and Friskey Friday $8 mixed drinks all day.
INFO 411 W. Main St.; 631-730-8602, tiestosrestaurant.com
Ruta Oaxaca
Ruta Oaxaca in Patchogue. Credit: Linda Rosier
Oaxaca may be thousands of miles away, but under an umbrella on the back patio of its Patchogue namesake, a grilled pineapple mezcal margarita in hand, you could be transported to Mexico’s culinary capital. This stylish offshoot of the Astoria original opened in 2022, highlighting the artful side of Mexican cuisine. Chefs Carlos and Felipe Arellanos finely tune cochinita pibil tacos and shrimp-calamari ceviche, quesadillas jammed with rajas and Oaxaca cheese, melting seafood enchiladas that fuse the ocean with creamy habanero-spiked salsa. There are multiple spins on mole, from chocolate-tinged mole negro served with chicken buñuelos (fritters) to mole Verde to smoky, guajillo-fueled mole Coloradito draped across NY strip steak. The slow-cooked baby back ribs, sheathed in a guava-chipotle glaze, practically fall apart under your gaze — the kind of transcendent dish that leaves you planning a return.
INFO: 30 E. Main St.; 631-569-2233, rutaoaxacamex.com
Bird & Bao
The Smalls with charred mallow, milk chocolate graham cracker and fried bun, Bird & Bao, Patchogue. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
This sweetly minimalist spot spins imaginative takes on bao from chef-owner Conor Swanson. The lineup centers on steamed buns filled layered with all manner of complexity, from Nashville-style hot-chicken bao (with black vinegar pickles and togarashi oil) to pork-belly bao (with house kimchi and peanuts) and crispy tofu bao with peanut sauce, coriander and bean sprouts. Fleeting specials regularly push the bounds — think crispy coconut shrimp bao, double cheeseburger bao (on a milk-bread buns) and guava-glazed salmon bao, usually announced on Instagram — but the s’mores bao is a daily staple.
INFO: 58 S. Ocean Ave.; 631-447-2200, birdandbao.com
Bobbique
Jack Lictra, of West Sayville, leads his band, Jack's Waterfall, during a performance at Bobbique in Patchogue. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Come to this BBQ joint for a good time. Come Tuesday for Burgers Bourbon Beer at 5 p.m. for buy one get one on (BOGO) all burgers, featured Bourbon of the week and select draft beer. The spot offers live music Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.; Smoke Sessions (funk soul jazz jam) every Thursday night at 8 p.m. with happy hour specials and live entertainment Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Make your way in for happy hour Monday through Friday noon to 7 p.m. and all-night Monday and Thursday.
INFO: 70 W. Main St.; 631-447-7744, bobbique.com
