February usually marks the quietest stretch of the year on the East End, but come Feb. 8, the North Fork breaks the silence to huddle around the big screen. While the action on the field determines the NFL champion, for many of us, the real winners of Super Bowl Sunday are determined by the spread of food and the quality of the crowd. The teams are finally set, so it is time for your plans to follow suit.
Whether you are looking for a raucous field goal contest, a sophisticated pregame toast or a chef-driven take on bar snacks, local restaurants are offering plenty of reasons to leave the house. Here are six spots from Greenport to Aquebogue offering a variety of game day experiences this year.
The Boathouse at Silver Sands Motel, Greenport
Since opening last fall, The Boathouse has established itself as the “locals’ living room,” a place where the wood-paneled warmth defies the winter chill. For the Super Bowl, executive chef Finn O’Hara is leaning into the theme with a playful menu that elevates traditional pub grub.
The MVP Offering: The Wing Tasting Flight. Why commit to one flavor when you can try them all? For $24, you get a dozen wings featuring three of each house flavor: Spicy Fresno, House Lemon Pepper, Crispy Dashi, and Tamarind BBQ.
The Extra Point: The kitchen is also running a “Pizza + Dip” special where $45 gets you any two pizzas—like the Meat Lovers with sausage and guanciale or the Hawaiian Style with mortadella and pistachio—plus a house-made dip. Look for unique snack options like smoked oyster fritters with chives and sweet paprika or a buffalo crab dip with fried saltines.
(Main image above: The Boathouse, Justin Aharoni photo)
Sparkling Pointe, Southold
Much like Sophie’s Rest down the road, Sparkling Pointe recognizes that for some, the best part of Super Bowl Sunday happens before the coin toss. If your idea of a “pregame” involves bubbles rather than beer, this elevated pairing event offers a sophisticated way to celebrate the weekend without committing to a loud bar for the whole night.
The MVP Offering: The “Super Bowl Snacks & Sparkling Wines” Flight. Available Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m., this experience trades the pint glass for a curated flight of four sparkling wines paired with a luxe twist on game day classics.
The Extra Point: The menu begins with a welcome toast and soft pretzel before moving to a trio of elevated snacks: caviar-topped pigs in a blanket, charcuterie chips, and corn fritters. The experience is $40 per person or $35 for wine club members.
Sophie’s Rest, Southold
If you are looking for a higher-energy “party before the party,” Sophie’s Rest is a Southold staple that knows how to throw a bash. They are hosting their annual daytime gathering on Super Bowl Sunday, an event that promises to be as competitive as the game itself.
The MVP Offering: The Outdoor Kicking Contest. Sure, squares are fun, but how are your kicking skills? Sophie’s is hosting its popular field goal kicking competition, featuring both men’s and women’s divisions. Doors open at 11 a.m. registration begins at noon, and “kickoff” is set for around 1 p.m. Don’t forget to bundle up; last year, they had to plow the yard just to keep the tradition alive.
The Extra Point: Come hungry, because the venue is offering a free buffet for attendees from 1 to 3 p.m. It is the perfect spot for those who want a lively, community-focused event that still gets them home by 5 p.m. to watch the game from the comfort of their own couch (though you are certainly welcome to stay for the actual football).
Tucker’s Taproom & Smokehouse, Mattituck
Tucker’s is bringing its barbecue expertise to the big game with a “Gametime” menu available for all NFL games, but they are upping the ante for the Super Bowl.
The MVP Offering: The $10 Barbecue Buffet. Valued at $40, this might be the best deal on the North Fork for Super Bowl Sunday, but it requires speed and strategy. The buffet starts at 5 p.m., is available only to the first 50 guests who pre-order through the restaurant’s website.
The Extra Point: If you miss the cut for the buffet, the à la carte specials are still a win. The festive football-shaped soft pretzel and beer combo is $13, while other options include $12 jumbo wings, a $10 Wagyu hot dog, and a burger and beer pairing for $22. Thirsty groups can split $20 pitchers or $25 buckets of beer. Games will be played on all 10 TVs with sound on.
The Watershed Kitchen & Bar, South Jamesport
Located on Front Street in South Jamesport, The Watershed Kitchen offers a comfortable, “relaxed yet elegant” atmosphere that feels like a step up from a dive bar without losing the fun. Their annual gathering is known for mixing music with the gridiron action in an indoor/outdoor setting.
The MVP Offering: The 50-inch TV Raffle. While most prizes involve cash or gift cards, Watershed is giving guests a chance to permanently upgrade their home viewing setup.
The Extra Point: You don’t have to wait for kickoff to start the party; a DJ will be spinning beats starting at 2 p.m. to get the crowd hyped. The “off the grill” menu features $1 wings, $5 hot dogs, $10 smash burgers and $15 sausage and pepper heroes. Thirsty fans can also take advantage of open bar packages starting at $15. There’s also an all-you-can-eat-plus-draft-beer special for $59.
On the Docks, Aquebogue
For those who want a view of the water while they watch the game, On the Docks offers a scenic spot at the meeting of the creeks. They have curated a specific “NFL Specials” menu available in the bar area.
The MVP Offering: The “Kick Off” Bloody Mary. This is the ideal way to start your pre-game festivities. You can grab a well Bloody Mary for $10 or upgrade to Tito’s for $12.
The Extra Point: The “Game Day Specials” run all day during the game and include $5 Bud Light and Miller Lites, as well as $6 premium drafts. The small plates menu covers all the necessary bases: $12 buffalo wings, $12 nacho supreme, and a $12 jumbo Bavarian pretzel. For something a bit more local, try the PEI mussels in a lemon herb broth.