With Kids: Five North Fork restaurants to dine with your petite crew this spring
Hampton Gyro has quickly become a fav. (Photo: Petite North Fork)
Kids — typically, while dining out, they’re either throwing a tantrum (hello, toddlers) or wishing they had their own table (hello, tweens and teens). To help take some of the stress out of dining with the whole crew, we’re highlighting five family-friendly, North Fork restaurants to visit this season — some mainstays, some new, and some you may not have considered but should!
1071 Old Country Road, Riverhead
Serving up traditional Greek and American food, this new eatery has become our family’s go-to spot for quick bites post errands in Riverhead. The casual approach and fresh, quality food make it a win-win for hungry bellies. While they are stocked with kid favs — mozz sticks, chicken fingers, grilled cheese —our fam has enjoyed the many bowl offerings, including the chicken gyro bowl, falafel bowl, and zucchini sticks bowl. And, don’t sleep on the hummus and pita bread! Current hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
487 Main Road, Aquebogue
Recently reopened for the season, Little Lucharitos is our go-to when we want to feel like we’re on vacation. This taqueria and tequila bar features all your favorite Tex-Mex fare and offers something for everyone, yep, including your pickiest petite crew. Sit out on the colorfully decorated and fun side patio for the ultimate feeling of escape right here on the North Fork. Current hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4735 Cox Lane, Cutchogue
Fine, this isn’t exactly a restaurant, BUT this café sure deserves a spot on the list. Treat your tastebuds to breakfast and lunch by Fyr & Salt while your crew plays in the grass and watches the farm animals graze in the fields. The rotating menu changes weekly (be sure to get on the mailing list!), but typically includes a loaded toast option that kids can get on board with. If not, the mini loaf of banana bread always happily gets the job done. Pro tip: Don’t miss the “Visit with the lambs” tours, offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a limited time on the half hour starting at 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. Spots are limited. $10/person. Current café hours: Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9095 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Living a stone’s throw from Tucker’s Taproom, we were excited to try out the new and improved spot, which houses Meats Meat BBQ and soon, a full bar featuring Alewife Brewing, but we didn’t expect it to be such a family-friendly spot! Pleasantly surprised, we’ve already been back to dine on casual yet delectable BBQ and hang indoors and out with friends and neighbors. The menu includes convenient kids’ picks, making dinner a breeze. Check here for current hours.
1601 Main Road, Jamesport
Parenting is hard, comfort food is, well, comforting. Head to MRB when you need someone to take care of YOU. Their homemade breakfast and brunch items will fill you up. While this North Fork restaurant doesn’t feature a kids’ menu, there are plenty of menu items that your petite crew will love. And, now that the weather is warming up, the outside patio is a perfect place to dine with kids. Current hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.