Greenport: How to spend a dog-friendly day in the village

Greenport has long been a go-to for oysters, boutiques and laid-back coastal charm, but it's also a top-notch destination for dogs and the people who love them.

This North Fork harbor town rolls out the red carpet for four-legged visitors, with water bowls outside shop doors, pup-friendly patios at nearly every turn and gourmet treats fit for the fanciest companions. Whether your dog prefers scaling rocky shorelines or lounging harborside with salt in their fur, Greenport lets you plan a day as playful or low-key as your leash-mate desires.

Day trip or weekend escape, this dog-approved itinerary has everything you need: seaside strolls, pet-welcoming patios, biscuit-worthy shopping breaks, and hotels that treat dogs like VIPs. All you have to do is pack the leash. It's time for a dog's day out, North Fork-style.

9 a.m.: Pup, set, beach!

Tucked away at the end of Sound Road just across town, 67 Steps Beach (66 Sound Rd.) offers a narrow descent to stunning Long Island Sound views and a rocky-but-gorgeous shoreline perfect for strolls and fetch sessions. Your pup can soak up the sea breeze right alongside you, but if your dog decides the climb back up is too steep, you might end up carrying your furry workout buddy for a quad-burning ascent. Don’t forget water, waste bags and maybe a swaddle for your canine cargo.
A parking permit is required. 

11 a.m.: Morning sniffs and sips

Start your day in Greenport’s town center at Aldo’s Coffee Company (103-105 Front St., 631-477-6300, aldoscoffee.com). Grab a macchiato, chai latte or lavender lemonade that will catapult you and your pup through the morning. Leashed dogs are welcome inside, and odds are your pup will make a new friend or snag a rogue croissant crumb from the patio.

11:30 a.m.: Treat your pup

 

Swing by Harbor Pet (120 Front St., 631-477-1518, harbor-pet.com), a local gem for gourmet pet treats from its in-house brand Life Is Grruff such as "Barkscotti" ($11.99) and a freeze-dried variety of duck heads, turkey necks and baby octopus (aka doggy charcuterie) ranging from $1.99 to $12.99 each. It’s part-pet boutique, part-bakery and part-grooming salon. Warning: your dog may drag you back here later.

12:30 p.m.: Bone appétit!

One of Greenport’s most iconic destinations, Claudio’s Waterfront (111 Main St., 631-477-0627, claudios.com), welcomes leashed dogs on its expansive outdoor deck next to the newly renamed Charlie Boy restaurant (formerly Claudio's Tavern & Grill), where water bowls are complimentary and hoses on the deck offer a place to wash your pup’s potentially sandy paws. There’s no need to call about your dog ahead of time before you enjoy fresh oysters ($22 half-dozen, $42 dozen), steamers ($32) or a clam strips ($26) while your dog considers diving in after a seagull. If you’re in the mood for brunch, consider First & South (100 South St, 631-333-2200, firstandsouth.com), a cozy bistro that has vegetarian options and dog-approved indoor and outdoor seating.

2 p.m.: Pup-scale shopping

Time to stretch all six legs, again. The Weathered Barn (41 Front St., 631-477-6811, theweatheredbarngreenport.com) is a charming "concept store" filled with hand-poured candles, reclaimed-wood art, curated aromatherapy fragrances and candles.  Dogs are welcome inside and may become the subject of owner Rena Wilhelm’s commissioned dog portraits , which are displayed at the back of the store ($50 per hour).

3 p.m.: Flights and fetch

End the afternoon at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (234 Carpenter St., 631-477-1100, greenportharborbrewing.com), where dogs are almost more welcome than humans. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a menu of rotating local brews, live music and food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays.  You drink. Your pup lounges. Everyone wins.

5 p.m.: Paws and reflect

Even if you’re not staying the night, Sound View Hotel (58775 County Rd 48, 631-477-1910, soundviewgreenport.com) is worth the five-minute drive from town for the sunset views and breezy atmosphere. The Low Tide Bar, open Friday through Sunday, is the perfect place to unwind with your pup on the hotel’s private beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire while listening to live music. If you decide to check into a studio or one-bedroom suite, Sound View offers an ultra-dog-friendly stay complete with dog beds, Yeti dog bowls, and dog treats upon request. Prices start at $462 for summer weeknights with a two-night minimum stay.

6:30 p.m.: Yappy hour, continued

Back in town, American Beech (300 Main St., 631-477-5939, americanbeech.com) is a stylish hotel and restaurant compound located in Sterling Square that includes a dog-friendly patio at its namesake farm-to-table restaurant and swanky cocktails at its Black Llama Bar or Tree Bar. Dogs are welcome in the petit king (from $239 per summer weeknight), king ($259) and deluxe king ($289) suites and two-bedroom apartment-style rooms ($489), offering an opportunity for you both to stay the night in the heart of town.

ZErdem (314 Main St, 631-477-6540), a Mediterranean-style restaurant next door, is also dog-friendly and offers a variety of fresh seafood and dips under pink umbrellas and palm trees.

8 p.m.: Last licks

Take a final stroll through Mitchell Park (115 Front St.), enjoy the harbor lights, and maybe even treat your dog to a post-dinner biscuit from your tote bag of spoils. End the day watching the boats float away, wondering how your dog is still somehow full of energy.