Long Island restaurants serving brunch with a water view
Perhaps the only thing better than having time for a leisurely brunch is being able to linger over it at a Long Island restaurant that overlooks the water. In some cases, you can pull your boat up and walk right in.
Here are some waterside suggestions:
Cowfish
Credit: Veronique Louis
Cowfish (258 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays): If you like a brunch of steak and eggs, something served with hash browns, or have a sweet spot for French toast, you can find versions of these dishes at the stylish Cowfish in Hampton Bays. Selections include filet mignon with Bearnaise sauce, a potato cake with shaved ham and Reggiano fondue, and banana-stuffed French toast served with pecans, fresh whipped cream and house-made rum sauce. Enjoy it all while watching the boats and birds on Shinnecock Bay. You can dock your boat at the restaurant, and if you don’t want to go inside your food can be brought to you. Brunch is served on Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sundays 11:30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Entrees from $17 to $26. More info: 631-594-3868, cowfishrestaurant.com
Prime
Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Prime (117 North New York Ave., Huntington): Prime is the perfect name for this popular waterside brunch spot overlooking Huntington Harbor. The large menu includes a soup of the day, watermelon salad, gnocchi with Parmesan-white truffle sauce, sweet potato fries, huevos rancheros and a porterhouse steak for two. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entrees from $12 to $100. More info: 631-385-1515, restaurantprime.com
The Cove
Credit: Newsday/Erica Marcus
The Cove (74 Shore Rd., Glen Cove): The Cove, which has a spacious outdoor patio and an oyster bar featuring East and West coast selections, is usually packed at brunch. The menu features much of the usual fare, such as pancakes and eggs any style, but there are some fresh alternatives as well: crabcake Benedict, shrimp po’boys, crispy chicken wraps and steak panini with horseradish aioli. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. Entrees from $12 to $17. More info: 516-676-1211, thecoveny.com
The LakeHouse
Credit: Jessica Rotkiewicz
The LakeHouse (135 Maple Ave., Bay Shore): There’s a family-friendly atmosphere with an upscale vibe at The LakeHouse, where you can dine on the Great South Bay and order anything from buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy to duck confit hash and eggs. If you like a little alcohol as an eye opener there are the old brunch standbys such as a Bloody Marys,mimosas and Bellinis, but the more adventurous can try the Lavender Blueberry Arnold Palmer or a cold-brew coffee made with gingersnap liqueur, RumChata and whipped cream. Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrees from $12 to $31. More info: 631-666-0995, thelakehouserest.com
Salt
Credit: Jessica Rotkiewicz
Salt (3100 Whaleneck Dr., Merrick): For anyone looking for pancakes and waffles for brunch, Salt might be your answer. But it’s no IHOP. It bills itself as a “casual waterfront escape” and can be a little pricey if you up your brunch game to surf and turf for $55. i More wallet friendly are standard fare pancakes (the kids especially love the cookies and cream version) and there’s the soul food classic chicken and waffles. According to staffers, another popular brunch item is the toast made with multigrain bread that comes with an over easy egg and feta cheese crumble. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrees start at $10. More info: 516-442-7470, saltonthewater.com
The Oar
The Oar (264 West Ave., Patchogue): A moderate priced brunch can be found on the menu at The Oar. The choices are more like ones found at a traditional diner, but there are some quirky spins on the classics. Try nachos with eggs or the breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs, tomato, baby spinach and crumbled sausage. For the purists, try the three eggs any way with four strips of bacon and home fries. Wine is also on the brunch menu in addition to cocktails. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrees from $12 to $18. More info: 631-654-8266, theoar.com
Rachel's Waterside Grill
Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Rachel's Waterside Grill (281 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport): Situated along Freeport’s Nautical Mile, Rachel’s features a casual atmosphere and some atypical brunch items. Cannoli-stuffed French toast, for example, and egg croissant sliders, cider chicken, seafood crepes Florentine and lobster hash and eggs. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entrees from $15 to $35. More info: 516-546-0050, rachelswatersidegrill.com
Smuggler Jack’s
Credit: Newsday/Joan Reminick
Smuggler Jack’s (157 Forest Ave., Massapequa): You’ll find things that appeal to the whole family among the brunch offerings here. Breaded chicken wings, lobster truffle mac and cheese and popcorn shrimp share the menu with Thai steak and noodle salad, fish and chips, Montauk cod oreganata, grapefruit beer and Irish cider. All food is available for takeout. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrees from $12 to $20. More info: 516-798-6000, smugglerjacks.com
The Clubhouse
Credit: The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse (134 Clubhouse Rd., Bellmore): If you’re looking for a laid-back scene, this could be it. It’s a Caribbean-inspired tavern by the marina. It’s good if you’re just up for some oatmeal or fresh fruit, or there’s a BLT or a Hangover Burger. And Mimosas, Bloody Marys and prosecco are all available during brunch. Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. Entrees from $9 to $15. More info: 516-308-7750, theclubhouseli.com
