Babylon Village Day Trip: Explore Bars, Restaurants, Shops And More

Know before you go

It’s an easy trip by train as there’s an LIRR hub. If you decide to drive, you’ll most likely need to pay for your parking spot. There are meters all over Babylon Village — most have a two hour limit (enforced 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays) and few are 24-hour (25-cents per hour). Most of the village has meters, so read the signs carefully.

This South Shore village has always been a destination for its walkable downtown, which includes a Long Island Rail Road hub. Over the past two decades, the village's dining scene has evolved to include wine bars and highbrow coffee. Here are our critics' picks for where to eat:

Barrique

69 Deer Park Ave.

This small-plates and thin-crust pizza spot is one of Babylon’s most inviting. It features a weathered brick-and-wood look and a fun-to-navigate wine list that spans the globe and features an extensive selection of wines by the bottle, half bottle and glass.

More info: 631-321-1175, barriquekitchenandwinebar.com

The Brixton

111 Deer Park Ave.

Weathered wood, steel-frame windows and Edison light bulbs conjure a gastropub vibe, as does a menu dominated by small plates that change seasonally. The space starts filling up at happy hour and stays open late into the night, drawing a crowd for bar munchies (loaded duck fries, eggplant hummus and Korean BBQ wings, for instance.). Weekend brunch brings Nashville hot chicken wings with a buttermilk waffle, strawberry crepes and mimosas by the glass or carafe

More info: 631-587-2000, thebrixtonbabylon.com

Glen's Dinette 

23 E. Main St.

This breakfast-lunch, opened in 1948, often has a crowd waiting on the sidewalk by midmorning. The short-order fare is made from scratch, right down to Thanksgiving on a Roll made with fresh roasted turkey breast, homemade sausage stuffing, and whole berry cranberry sauce served on a toasted Kaiser roll. Don’t miss the waffles or the Farmer’s Breakfast: a slab of sausage stuffing griddled until crisp, topped with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

More info: 631-669-4700, glensdinette.com

Jack Jack's Coffee House

223 Deer Park Ave.

Lattes-with-a-twist are the morning equivalent of inventive cocktails, and this coffeehouse was designed to lift spirits with ample caffeine. Working a sexy espresso machine, baristas here can make a pour-over (coffee made by pouring hot water over beans) and serve freshly made cold brews. There are also smoothies, tea blends, all-day breakfast sandwiches and sweets.

More info: 631-885-3722, jackjackscoffeehouse.com

Kotobuki

86 Deer Park Ave.

This Japanese chainlet has developed a reputation for producing some of the most satisfying sushi on Long Island. The Deer Park Avenue branch is no different, with a sleek, simple dining room and an approachable sushi bar. There are imaginative sushi rolls as well as crispy tacos Japoneses: house-fried corn tortillas filled with yellowtail and romaine hearts mixed with smoked chipotle mayo.

More info: 631-321-8387, kotobukirestaurants.com

The Local

7 Depot Place

Expertly made pub food and a killer craft beer list come together in this bustling, re-imagined sports bar that lies shoulder-to-shoulder with the train station. Beer-wise, you'll encounter plenty of releases from local breweries such as Greenpoint Harbor, Blue Point Brewing and Garvies Point Brewery, while bites such as birria tacos, barbecue short-rib grilled cheese and pierogies smothered in Cheddar-ale sauce and bacon may lull you into a food coma.

More info: 631-983-8900, localbabylon.com

Mito

48 Deer Park Ave.

The sleek Japanese fusion concept opened in late 2023 in the historic Bank of Babylon building, in the two-level space that last held Monsoon. Mito's biggest strength seems to be its sushi, which is of a higher quality than many that of other fusion restaurants. The menu dances between Japanese and Chinese standards, with a section of wok dishes (Mongolian grilled chicken, General Tso's, etc.) as well as a respectable dumpling program. There's a dim sum tasting platter ($18) includes Iberico pork and shrimp shumai with its deeper savory pork flavor could stand against the best dim sum houses on Long Island.

More info: 631-668-8232, themito.com

Molto Vino

45 Deer Park Ave.

The intimate wine bar lives up to its name: There's a lot of wine to choose from here. The list leans heavily on wines from Italy that arrive in big glasses with large pours. The menu runs from wood-fired pizzas to small plates, specialty pastas and artful meat-and-cheese boards. Grab a seat at one of the large windows or at the outdoor patio , order a glass of a bold red, and watch the street scene unfold outside. 

More info: 516-639-3784 

O.G. Ramen

14A Railroad Ave.

Gracefully composed bowls of health-conscious ramen are presented in a tiny, modern dining room. with wooden benches, a window counter and a succinct menu. A citrusy yuzu–chicken broth underpins the classic ramen, while a “faux soy” shoyu broth is made with coconut amino acids. There are gluten-free noodles, too, and a handful of well-chosen beers and sake. 

More info: 631-620-3680, ogramen.com

Shuga Pie Shop 

135 Deer Park Ave., Unit 3

First, you'll need to find it: Down the little sidewalk alley that runs between Deer Park Avenue (near Fitness Incentive) and the municipal parking lot. Look for the window — that's where you'll see the daily list of flavors for shuga pies, little handheld cake-and-frosting sandwiches that Micheline Cummings and partner Terry Haughy peddle. Options might include Vanilla Crumb, Death by Chocolate, Red Velvet and Funfetti.

More info: 631-669-1069, shugapie.com

Swell Taco

135 Deer Park Ave.

This taco shack with a beachside vibe and a parking-lot view has developed a cult following for California-style tacos from a brother-and-sister team raised near the beach between Los Angeles and San Diego. By day, you’ll find teenagers from nearby Babylon High School. At night, the waits can reach beyond an hour for margaritas, platters of loaded nachos, hulking burritos and tacos with fillings such as pulled pork, juicy steak and battered mahi-mahi.

More info: 631-482-1299, swelltacoli.com

Doughology

80 W. Main St.

If you’re looking for something sweet, head to West Main Street and enjoy a variety of tasty doughnuts or grab a cup of coffee. You can choose from an assortment of signature treats or create your own at the Donut Bar. Some delicious doughnuts include Churro, Chocolate Oreo, Cookie Butter, Boston Cream, S’mores, Fruity Pebbles and more.

More info: 631-314 4466, doughologydonuts.com

Staying active in Babylon Village is easy, between Argyle Park and the village's bike-sharing program. If you're looking for things to do with friends, drop in for a craft night, try your luck at drag bingo and more.

Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society

117 West Main St.

The museum features exhibits, special events and a large collection of artifacts and maps representing the history of Babylon Village. The space is open 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays in January and February; 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays March through December. Free. 

More info: 631-669-1756, babylonvillagehistoricalsociety.org

Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village

34 W. Main St.

The Argyle hosts live plays, comedy nights, shows for children and concerts — and it’s become one of the major draws in the village.

More info: 631-230-3500, argyletheatre.com

Argyle Park

NY-27A

Those looking to explore nature should head over to Argyle Park, a popular spot for photography, sightseeing and recreational activities. The park includes a lake, a playground and trails for biking and walking. The park is also a popular spot for wedding and engagement photos due to its Victorian-era feel.

More info: 631-669-1500

Belmont Lake State Park

Southern State Parkway Exit 38, North Babylon

Belmont Lake is your classic walk in the park. A flat path loops through the woods and then wraps around the lake, making it an easy jaunt for hikers of all ages. The trail passes benches for impromptu rest stops and a pair of cannons captured from a British warship during the War of 1812, and then goes over a bubbly waterfall at the south end of the park (7.6 miles of multiuse trails). Parking fee $8 per car daily May 24-Labor Day; weekends and holidays Sept. 6-Oct. 13. Pedal boat/rowboat rentals/kayak $20 for two hours; must be 18 years or older to rent.

More info: 631-667-5055, parks.ny.gov

The Neverending Story bookstore

9 W. Main St.

The roughly 1,000-square-foot independent shop features hundreds of books of all genres and it's not too far from The Argyle Theatre. The shelves are stocked with classics, bestsellers, children's' books and more.

More info: 631-526-9620, neverendingbookstore.com/

La La Land

158 Main St.

The play space for toddlers offers three-hour open play sessions in addition to caregiver-and-me classes, birthday parties and more. La La Land has open play six times a week (Mon.-Fri.) for $27.19 per session ($19.03 for a sibling) for kids suited for children 9 months through 5 years old and $15 for crawlers. A crawlers’ corner features toys and colors geared toward babies who aren’t on the move just yet. For walkers and older, there’s a rock wall, monkey bars, two slides, tunnels, a play kitchen, a vet center, a cafe, a grocery store, a train table and a car table. Camp La La drop off session is 2.5 hours, three times a week featuring open play, crafty adventures, and activities for children 3 to 6 year old, cost $120 per week.

More info: 631-482-1619, playatlalaland.com

Small retailers offering local-themed décor, boutique clothing and more are a staple. Here are a few worth checking out.

Hitch and Bestea

41 E. Main St.

More than just an eclectic shop selling apparel, home décor, candles, jewelry, permanent bracelets, DIY crafts, Hungry Knome sweet treats, Patch Bar, Charm Bar and other accessories, this venue in Babylon also features a tea bar boutique called Bestea where guests can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee. The spot hosts a number of classes and workshops. Among the regular offerings are its candle-making sessions, where all the materials needed are supplied.

Classes are on monthly basis and run 90 minutes to two hours. Prices range $48-$148 depending on class.

More info: 516-519-2494, hitchlongisland.com

TT’sclosettt

7 Fire Island Ave.

This antique and vintage clothing shop features items curated and sourced from all over the United States with clothing items through the decades. You'll also find hand-poured candles and handmade jewelry.

More info: ttsclosettt.com

Bunger Surf Shop

50 E. Main St.

Bunger Surf Shop opened in 1962. Aside from custom surfboards, items for sale include clothing, surfboards, Boogie boards, skateboards and tons of accessories. A surf camp at Gilgo Beach is offered by Bunger each summer, as well as hourly surf lessons and board rentals. 

More info: 631-661-1526, bungersurf.com

Bubble and Bubble East 

25 E. Main St.

Bubble East is a home décor and women's clothing boutique that sells apparel, gifts, beauty & wellness and housewares.

More info: 631-983-8858, bubblebabylon.com

15 E. Main St.

Bubble is a women and family owned boutique that has been serving the community for over 17 years. The boutique offers an edited collection of clothing and toys for baby and kids. 

More info: 631-587-0050, bubblebabylon.com

 Spirit + Soul Studio

 73A West Main St.

The metaphysical supply store sells crystals, books, oracle and tarot decks, herbs and all-natural organic tea. The studio specializes in classes, workshops, private events, special occasion blessings and tarot card and astrology readings, business coaching and retreats to help women on their spiritual journey to empowerment.

More info: 631-314-4444, spiritandsoulstudio.com

Village Vines

35 John St., Babylon

The shop that opened in 2024 sells natural, organic and sustainable wines. It hosts free tasting events every month, as well as occasional community events like animal rescue raffles, wine education classes and pop-up jewelry events. The store offers a selection of accessories, including home decor items, corkscrews, wine stoppers, glassware and cocktail shakers.

More info: 631-707-7221, villagevinesbabylon.com

Some of the busiest party nights on Long Island happen in the neighborhood that's buzzing with more than a dozen locations. Here's a guide to some of the popular:

Lily Flanagan’s Pub

345 Deer Park Ave.

The Irish pub turns into one of the town’s buzzy nightlife spots come the weekends. Friday and Saturday nights feature the hottest local dj's spinning house beats, pop remixes, and crowd-pleasing anthems. It's where the spirit of Ireland parties 'til late.

More info: 631-539-0816, lilyflanaganspub.com

Post Office Cafe

30 W. Main St.

Looking for an upbeat night in Babylon? The spot offers live music 6- 9 p.m. every Wednesday and DJ’s at 9 p.m. on Friday night. Happy hour here has been a Babylon staple, with deals like $6 beers, house wines and cocktails from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday’s through Thursday and 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays. On Sundays, enjoy brunch specials from noon to 3 p.m., including an hour of unlimited mimosas with any a la carte brunch item for an added $15. Come for trivia on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. or stop by on Wednesdays for half off bottles of wine all day.

More info: 631-669-9224, postofficecafe.com

Mary Carroll’s

121 Deer Park Ave.

After shunning food at this beer garden for decades , owner Conor Hartnett added a menu that features the kind of food you crave after a pint or two—nachos, burrata flatbread, Philly cheesesteak and chicken potpie. Come summer, don't miss the pop-up beach bar out back, with real sand and umbrella-topped picnic tables that encourage all-day lazing.

More info: 631-587-6181, marycarrolls.co

The Villager

262 Deer Park Ave.

The thoughtful beer list at this bar features a rotating cast from some of America’s best microbrews, near and far. The menu keeps it playful with twists on Americana, including salads, flatbreads (available with cauliflower crust), and a burger list that includes a riff on the Big Mac. With a 3 a.m. last call and the train station a block away, it’s a popular last stop for those in for the long haul. Enjoy live music on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

More info: 631-482-8585, thevillagerbabylon.com

Bartini Bar & Lounge

124 N. Carll Ave.

Stop in for open mic night on Mondays and watch for live jazz, blues and other genres Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, Bartini has a pool table and two dart boards. $5-$10 cover charge on select nights.

More info: 631-897-0681, bartinibar.com