Shelter Island Bars and Restaurants – 9 Ideas for an Evening Out
Shelter Island bars and restaurants come in all types. Though the island is much more laidback and sleepy than the rest of the Hamptons, you can still find some lovely spots for a libation or two. Most of our bars are actually restaurants that offer delicious food, sophisticated ambience, and the chance to meet up with friends or a date. Stepping out is the perfect way to experience the island. Whatever you’re into, we’ve got the bar and restaurant for you.
If you’re seeking a lovely evening out, look no further than our Shelter Island bars and restaurants. You don’t need to head off the island to have a great time. On Shelter Island, we love to imbibe with locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to sip some spirits in peace and quiet, or enjoy champagne and good vibes, we’ve got you covered.
Read on as we break down the best bars and restaurants on Shelter Island and what you’ll find there. Whether you want to talk and dine, or just hang out, we’ve got it. Remember that we do not condone drinking and driving on the island. In fact, many of the following bars and restaurants are within walking or biking distance from Seven on Shelter Island. We are also happy to arrange a taxi service at your request. Or, if you decide to leave your car at a bar or restaurant, we will help you get it the next day.
1. Sunset Beach
35 Shore Rd, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
This is one of the Shelter Island bars and restaurants that put Shelter Island on the map. It’s a scene-and-be-scene hot spot that starts with rosé at brunch. Stick around and you’re in for a treat. Come evening, the DJ starts spinning and it becomes a festive dance party. Like its name suggests, it’s the perfect sunset spot after a long day at Crescent Beach. You can catch the yachts pulling up for a glimpse, too. Luckily enough, Sunset Beach is just a five minute walk from Seven on Shelter Island, so you won’t need to drive there.
If you’re looking for food as well, order the steak or fish of the day and the oysters. For non-drinkers, the bar can make any of its drink specials without alcohol. Our preference? The Beach Melon with fresh watermelon juice. Make a reservation, otherwise be prepared to wait.
2. Shelter Island Craft Brewery
55 N Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
https://shelterislandcraftbrewery.com/
More a brewery than Shelter Island bar, this intimate spot specializes in small batch beer. Many flavors are made with local ingredients like beach plums and raspberries. It’s definitely worth a trip on a nice summer day. Order a fruity shandy and sit outside and play board games. Or, better yet, grab some local Mexican food at Maria’s Kitchen next door and bring it back. It’s the go-to spot on Shelter Island to try a local beer in a tiny, cozy atmosphere with a super friendly staff and great ales, IPAs, and summer Pilsners.
3. Crescent Bar at the Pridwin
81 Shore Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
https://www.caperesorts.com/pridwin
With its stunning interiors and a sophisticated yet playful vintage camp vibe, Crescent Bar at the Pridwin Hotel is a perfect après-beach spot. Featuring magnificent water-views, this restaurant and bar offers indoor seating that spills out to the deck. True to Pridwin tradition, it also serves classic Long Island food and drink with a focus on high-quality ingredients from local farms and makers. It’s also a great place to scope the fashion scene that descends on Shelter Island during the summer.
If entertainment is your thing, the bar offers everything from bebop jazz to classic rock hits. The Pridwin also hosts a regular roster of live entertainment to underscore your evening. It’s OK if cocktails aren’t your thing. Order a mocktail like the Mango Mule, with honey, mango puree, lime juice, ginger beer, and cucumber. There’s also the Citrus Fizz with seedlip, marmalade cordial, and sparkling water. Crescent Bar is also just a quick walk or bike ride from Seven on Shelter Island.
4. Vine Street Cafe
41 S Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
While it’s not considered one of Shelter Island bars, it’s a restaurant with a cozy bar, so we’ll count it. Vine Street Cafe is the iconic eatery that is arguably one of the top restaurants in all of the Hamptons. With high-end, local fare, there’s a reason it’s always packed. From pasta, to steak, to the beloved french fries, it’s got the perfect food to pair with any cocktail. Sidle up to the bar and have a wonderful night. If you plan on imbibing, we’ll help arrange a Shelter Island Taxi for you.
5. Shipwreck at Salt
63 S Menantic Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
https://www.saltshelterisland.com/
When is a bar more than a bar? When it’s a boat. Shipwreck at Salt is a boat-meets-bar next to Salt, a marina-side eatery. Built in the 1930’s, this twin mast vessel roamed New England and was later used in the Great South Bay harvesting oysters and clams. Once retired, the team sunk it into their patio and stocked it with a beer keg cooler as well as a full bar. Its offerings include everything from Dark and Stormies to Whale Killers, while patrons take in the view of West Neck Harbor. It’s also available for private parties.
If you get hungry over the course of your stay, stop by Salt. It’s a great dockside restaurant offering inside and outside dining. The menu includes fresh seafood and salads as well as interesting appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts.
6. The Tavern at The Chequit
23 Grand Ave, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
https://www.thechequithotel.com/
Now under new ownership, The Chequit is a stalwart hotel right in the center of the historic Shelter Island Heights district. It recently saw the opening of its new Tavern bar and grill. Like its name suggests, it’s a historically-inspired tavern. You’d expect to find hearty offerings on the menu like burgers, oysters and fresh fish, but the stand out is its wood-paneled bar that offers everything from inventive drinks to wines by the class. You can catch the game from one of its TV screens. Or you can take your cocktail outside and sit by one of its many firepits. It’s the perfect bike ride from Seven on Shelter Island, past the beautiful old homes that make our island so special.
7. The Flying Goat
26 Sunnyside Ave, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
LocaLocated at the Shelter Island Country Club, and practically across the street from Seven on Shelter Island, this 120 year old restaurant is one of our favorites on Shelter Island. The club itself was originally founded in 1901 as a private golf club for Shelter Island Heights property owners who came to spend their summers on Shelter Island. It opened to the public in 1942 and has been hosting locals and tourists alike ever since. As for the bar and restaurant, it offers a beautiful and historic place to sit and enjoy a cool beverage after finishing 18 holes, all from one of the highest points on Shelter Island. Come for the club sandwiches, stay for local beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails best sipped on a covered porch taking in the view.
8. White Oak Wine Garden
2 Manwaring Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
https://www.whiteoakfarmandgardens.com/
The only thing better than enjoying wine, is enjoying wine in a beautiful garden. That was the idea when winemaker Tom Spotten of Lenz Winery partnered with Kristian Clark. The result? White Oark Wines, a laid-back, elegant spot on Shelter Island where patrons come to sip rose in a stunning outdoor garden. There’s also a tasting room featuring boutique wine by local winemakers as well as an eclectic mix of plants. While it doesn’t offer anything other than wine, and thus isn’t a typical “bar” per se, it’s one of those most delightful spots to iThe only thing better than enjoying wine, is enjoying wine in a beautiful garden. That was theThe only thing better than enjoying wine, is enjoying wine in a beautiful garden. That was the idea when winemaker Tom Spotten of Lenz Winery partnered with Kristian Clark. The result? White Oark Wines, a laid-back, elegant spot on Shelter Island where patrons come to sip rose in a stunning outdoor garden. There’s also a tasting room featuring boutique wine by local winemakers as well as an eclectic mix of plants. While it doesn’t offer anything other than wine, and thus isn’t a typical “bar” per se, it’s one of those most delightful spots to imbibe on Shelter Island, and just a quick bike ride away.
9. Léon 1909
29 W Neck Rd, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
While also not typically on the list of Shelter Island bars, this hip new restaurant just down the street from Seven on Shelter Island has a lovely patio on which to sip a cocktail. Valerie Mnuchin and her father Robert Mnuchin debuted Léon in the summer of 2022. It’s named after Valerie’s paternal grandfather as an homage to his romantic European adventures and love for seaside destinations. Léon is an inviting homage to the past with warm, French and Italian fare. Beverage highlights include the Monsieur Fleming, with vodka, gin, lillet, dry vermouth and orange bitters. We’re also partial to the Sale e Sangue, with vodka, blood orange, lemon and a salt rim. You can also order any cocktail as a mocktail version.
FAQ
Which bar should I visit to get a splashy “Hamptons experience?”
If you’re going for a fun scene, we recommend Sunset Beach. Parking can be difficult during the day, so make sure you read all permit signage at the beach across the street, otherwise you can park in the lot next door. If you’re looking for a late night, this Shelter Island bar’s unofficial closing time can be as late as 2am. Remember, Seven on Shelter Island is just a short walk away so there’s really no need to drive.
Are any Shelter Island bars and restaurants family friendly?
With children in tow, head to Shipwreck at Salt. There’s often live music during sunset with young kids dancing up front. Or sometimes the bar puts out giant beanbag games or oversized jenga. It’s a good time young and old.
If we’re coming from the North Fork, what time can we stay at a Shelter Island bar or restaurant until?
Whether you’re crossing the North or South Ferry, you’ll want to note ferry cut-off times. The last boat heading south to North Haven departs at 1:45am. The last boat heading north to Greenport leaves at 11:45pm outside of summer, and 12:45 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
What’s the minimum age required for entry at a Shelter Island bar?
Like the rest of the United States, the proper drinking age on Shelter Island is 21. However, because most Shelter Island bars are also restaurants, you might find patrons under age as well as even families. But you can be sure that if you try to order a drink, you will be carded.
Are there taxi services?
Yes, we don’t condone drinking and driving on Shelter Island (or anywhere, for that matter). There are numerous taxi services listed below. We’ll help you schedule a taxi in advance or help you get your car the next day if you decide to leave it. You can also ask any restaurant host or manager throughout the island to help arrange one for you, as well.
Shelter Island Taxi
(631) 210-6677
Classy Cab Transportation Service
(631) 276-7071
Greenport Cab Service
(631) 748-2536
Conclusion
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find a great night out at Shelter Island bars. While the Hamptons may boast its own unique form of nightlife, our version is laid back cool, much like the island itself. Just stay safe, and remember to never drink and drive.
