The Pier at Watch Hill

This is hands down the worst restaurant I have ever been to. They told us the wait was 45 minutes, despite half the restaurant being empty. So we waited 45 minutes and came back, only to be told we needed to wait another 40 minutes. The food wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t fine dining by any means and definitely didn’t warrant its crazy price ($ 19 for a hamburger!!!). Avoid at all costs.

Being a seasonal business, the prices are higher than normal however I will say that the food here is very good. I wouldn’t go out of my way just to come eat here but it is definitely worth dining here if you are visiting Watch Hill. The view of the sunset over the bay is wonderful.
The fire island salad is delicious, with candied walnuts, blue cheese and bacon, and it is huge. They don’t list it on the menu but you can order a half size. A full is a meal in itself or can be shared. Unfortunately, I am allergic to shellfish (wasn’t always so sadly I know what deliciousness I’m missing) so I cannot speak to the many seafood dishes though other’s I’ve been with have commented that they are really good. I’ve had fish, chicken and steak and they were all really well done. They serve their entrees with clever sides like prosciutto wrapped asparagus and polenta fries.
Since this is federally protected land, they do not spray for mosquitoes so bring heavy duty bug spray. Also reservations are a must, especially on busy summer weekends.
Many boaters come here to enjoy the marina and beach. There is a ferry that brings you from Patchogue. Parking is free at the ferry terminal and for those without cars, the LIRR is only a block away from the ferry terminal. The beach is amazingly beautiful. There is also a snack bar, tiki bar and general store (in case you forgot to bring bug spray). The area also has campgrounds or you can get a backcountry camping permit at the ranger station and hike out a mile or so to camp on the beach.

We had a great meal over the Memorial Day weekend. The menu has been changed since last year and I’m a fan already. On the special menu I had the roasted corn bisque and it was served hot as it should be very good. For dinner I had the Black Sea bass it was served with a very nice bacon couscous. The bass filet was crispy on the skin side and moist on the meat side. Our friends who dined with us loved there dishes as well. Big praise for the steak dish and the lobster ravioli. Our server was plesent and helpful. Good Job

Another great place for outdoor seating, a boating destination…
Visit with your own boat or take the ferry from Patchogue with free parking. The view is spectacular, watching the sunset over the Great South Bay.
This visit was with a group and the experience was different from those I’ve had in the past. It was buffet style (I’m not a fan!) and the food was excellent. We had a wide selection of items, including salad with homemade balsamic dressing, pasta ala vodka, rolls, salmon, chicken and beef that were all cooked perfectly. There was also green beans and snap peas that were delicious and also cooked to perfection. Dessert was just some excellent brownies with coffee.
My only complaint is that the layout of the buffet was so disorganized it detracted from the experience. I won’t go into details since this was a special arrangement. I’m sure when eating there for a regular meal, the food and view will make this a 5 star event.
Tip: bring insect repellent since Watch Hill is part of the National Seashore and doesn’t spray for mosquitoes!

Fire Island Fire Island!
The burger takes after the island. Rolling in from a flaming all nighter, overcooked cardboard with a tender pink inside. Use protection and bring antacid.
At 20 $, save your money and drink 4 beers.