The menu at The Sandbox includes concession stand favorites like...

The menu at The Sandbox includes concession stand favorites like burgers, chicken fingers, fries, colorful drinks, Dole Whip, and ice cream “nachos.”  Credit: Emma Rose Milligan

It’s the question that defines summer: Where can I eat outside? For the quarter of the year that the sun shines hot, Long Islanders want to soak up every bit of it, preferably with a bite and a frosty beverage in hand. Relax. The FeedMe team has found new options for the 2026 season across Nassau and Suffolk, some with waterfront views, others in shaded courtyards, but all al fresco.

The Sandbox at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, Oyster Bay

This fun, family-friendly casual concession from the owners of Cooper Bluff and Sunset Club at Tappan Beach in Sea Cliff highlights a weekly variety of rotating food truck vendors against the backdrop of this tranquil beach. Think traditional summertime fare like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and chicken sandwiches. To drink? Milkshakes, Dole Whip and soft serve machines. Pacífico beer is on tap, Hampton Water rosé in multiple size bottles, Sun Cruiser iced teas, as well as a walk-up slushie window with "adult" highlights, including cucumber mango mojitos and Fire Island Rocket Fuel, a nutty riff on a piña colada from the addition of amaretto liqueur. A full coffee bar serves hot and iced coffee. Of course, there will be ice cream. (Open) More info: 63 Larrabee Ave., sandboxtrpark.fun 

Rustan Lundstrum, owner of The Sandbox.

Rustan Lundstrum, owner of The Sandbox. Credit: Emma Rose Milligan

Eddie’s Bistro & Bar, Oyster Bay

Mother-daughter team Michelle and Elizabeth Reilly opened Eddie’s in the space that formerly housed Taco Bay, honoring their late family patriarch, Edmund "Eddie," who died in 2014. Intimate and cozy within, this feel-good bistro has a pebbled patio space with bistro tables, black-and-white wicker chairs, and wine barrel-based high-top tables. Scalloped St. Tropez-style white umbrellas and twinkle lights give it shade and charm as the sun moves from day to night. Munch on lamb meatballs with whipped ricotta, burrata with tomatoes or a charred cauliflower with white bean hummus. Pizzas are generously sized, and there are multiple sandwich and salad options, as well as fresh-made pastas, roasted chicken, steaks and a daily catch. More Info: 80 South St., Oyster Bay, 516-460-8300; eddiesbistroandbar.com

Claudio's Waterfront, Greenport

Claudio’s Waterfront, a historic property that dates back to 1870, officially opens each May with its over-the-top cocktails — like last season’s $110 Bloody Mary — festive vibe, and pop-up concepts. This year sees a revival of Claudio’s Tavern and Grill — now called Claudio’s Restaurant — in a space that has been refreshed and will serve coastal faves and tavern staples, like burgers, salads and brunch items. New for 2026 is Saylor Beach House, a Mediterranean-inspired waterside spot in the space where Crabby Jerry’s used to be. Taking a page from breezy, bustling European beach clubs, Saylor not only features seaside fare, but golden-hour cocktails to take in the sunset on the dock. In keeping with tradition, pizza is offered on-site from Peter’s Pizzeria, a South Florida shop known for its New York-style pies. (Open) More info: 111 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-0627, claudios.com 

Smuggler’s Cove, Greenport

Brothers Joseph and Patrick Donagher, and Patrick’s wife, Roz, took over Greenport’s longstanding waterfront watering hole, Porto Bello, and transformed it into Smuggler’s Cove. Dine inside at the bar or in the dining room, or on the patio or the new rooftop deck. (Open) More info: 1410 Manhanset Ave.

The Ivy, Water Mill

Fans of Huntington and Rockville Centre’s boisterous Italian duo should know: The Ivy has popped up in Water Mill and brought its festive Italian food with it. With indoor and outdoor vibes, celebrity DJs and artists, it is shaping up to be a rollicking good time. (Open). More info: 755 Montauk Hwy., ivykitchenandbar.com

Cucina Alba, Montauk

The 16-acre waterfront property on Lake Montauk debuts a new restaurant, Alba Spiaggia, in collaboration with Cucina Alba, which has spots in Manhattan and Los Angeles, Chef Adam Leonti will prepare waterfront lunches and dinners that are intended for lingering over cocktails and espresso well after meals have been served. Also debuting is The Market, full of grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, pizzas and raw bar selections, with a coffee program by Lavazza. (Open) More info: Alba Spiaggia at Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Rd., 631-668-3100, montaukyachtclub.com

Barlume Beach, Montauk

Meaning "glimmer" in Italian, Barlume Beach expands its footprint to a stretch of waterfront in Montauk, that houses not just a restaurant, but a restaurant attached to a small boutique hotel overlooking Montauk Harbor. LDV Hospitality — which ran Scarpetta’s recent residency at Gurney’s Hotel — is bringing Mediterranean lunch, "linner," dinner featuring oysters and raw bar, pita and spreads, salads, pastas, pizzas, steaks and lobster. Add cocktails around sunset fire pits, and marina slips, which are available for daily docking and season-long rental. (Open) More info: 435 East Lake Dr., 631-463-0099, barlume.com

Salt on the Water, East Moriches

Overlooking Tutthill Cove and Moriches Bay from its perch in East Moriches’ Atlantic Marina, the second location of Salt on the Water is expected to open next month in the space that was formerly ITA Kitchen. The new location is expected to have a menu identical to the original Merrick eatery. (June) More info: 215 Atlantic Ave., East Moriches, saltonthewater.com 

Bayman's Clam Bar, Patchogue

Move over, Crab. Clam has entered the chat. The rambling structure on Division Street overlooking the Patchogue River that, since 2001, has housed Harbor Crab Co., has been transformed into Bayman’s Clam Bar. Partners Jay Varney and Will Strano plan to open the eatery next month. The new owners want to bring the focus back to the food and, especially, to one signature dish: fried whole belly (aka Ipswich) clams. The rest of the menu will focus on seafood (clams and oysters on the half shell, fried flounder, lobster rolls), burgers and more casual fare. (June) More info: 116 Division St., Patchogue 

Maison Close, Southampton

3rd Space Hospitality is behind the return of Maison Close, this time at the Capri Hotel Southampton. The NYC hot spot expanded to Montauk in 2023, only to be destroyed by a fire. Three years later, the French bistro trades the seaside surf hamlet for buzzy Southampton village, bringing with it a Parisian cabaret vibe crossed with a dose of French Riviera that serves classic dishes with seasonal, locally sourced organic ingredients. Indoor and outdoor seating will blend day into night as the pool turns into a club as the sun sets. Dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday, plus brunch on weekends. (June 11) More info: 281 County Road 39A, Southampton; maisoncloserestaurant.com 

 
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