Long Island’s North Fork sits right in the heart of Peconic Bay scallop country, so it makes sense that the fried scallops out here are the real deal. Crispy on the outside, sweet and tender on the inside, they show up on platters and baskets at markets, shacks, and waterfront grills from Riverhead all the way to Greenport.
Some of these spots started as fish markets and added a few tables. Others have been feeding hungry crowds for generations.
Whether you want to eat with your feet near the water or grab a quick counter order and run, this list rounds up seven places worth the trip. Grab a napkin and get ready to plan a very fishy road trip along Route 25.
1. Southold Fish Market, Southold, NY
Half fish counter, half casual eatery, this Route 25 stop delivers exactly what you want on the North Fork. You can shop the market for fresh fish and prepared foods, then sit down at a table indoors or out.
The fried scallops here lean on local Peconic Bay flavor, and they come out crispy without turning greasy. If you cannot decide, the Charlie platter piles together fried flounder, clams, shrimp, and scallops in one glorious mess.
Regulars also grab the sea scallop basket, baked clams, and fish and chips. Broiled options are on hand too if someone in your group wants their scallops buttery instead of battered.
Ordering happens at the counter, so this is an easy grab-and-go stop or a quick sit-down. Hours run most days from 8 in the morning into the evening, with Sunday and Saturday afternoons being the busiest stretches.
Tuesday mornings are your best bet for a quiet visit.
2. Braun Seafood Co., Cutchogue, NY
Some folks drive in from as far as Southampton just to get their hands on Braun’s local bay scallops, and that alone tells you something. Sitting right on Main Road in Cutchogue, this spot works as both a market and a casual eatery.
The menu mixes everyday fried seafood with more upscale fresh dishes, so you can go simple or a little fancy. Popular picks include the lobster roll, oysters, fried oysters, and of course the scallops, served fried or pan seared.
The small dining area keeps things intimate, and the sides earn their keep too. Think fragrant cole slaw, plump juicy mussels, and solid French fries.
You will find free parking in the lot and on the street, which is a nice bonus out here. Braun opens at 8 each morning and stays open until early evening.
Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings draw the biggest crowds, so plan around them if you want elbow room.
3. Buoy One, Riverhead, NY
Do not judge this one by its exterior. Buoy One sits in a quieter part of Riverhead just off the main street, and while it may not look like much from the curb, the seafood inside is fresh and worth the stop.
Positioned near the entrance to the North Fork on Peconic Avenue, this easygoing outpost serves raw, grilled, and fried seafood with a terrace for warmer days. The fried platter of shrimp, flounder, and scallops is a favorite, with scallops that come out juicy and clearly fresh.
Menu highlights stretch beyond scallops to the Buoy One Clam Bake, raw oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, and a big bucket of mussels. Prices sit around 20 to 30 dollars per person.
Open every day from 11 in the morning until 9 at night, the spot handles dinner, lunch, and solo diners with fast, friendly service. Reservations are accepted, kids are welcome, and parking is usually plentiful.
4. Jerry and The Mermaid, Riverhead, NY
Waterfront dining, late hours, and karaoke all under one roof make this Riverhead spot stand out from the pack. You will find it on East Main Street, right next to the Hyatt hotel and the aquarium.
The fried scallops here get plenty of praise, and they show up in generous platters alongside fried clams, shrimp, and haddock. There is even a version of scallops served in sweet potato puree for something a little different.
Beyond scallops, the menu runs deep with a hot lobster roll, seafood bisque, Wild Blue Point oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and crispy calamari. The broiled combo comes in a huge portion with white fish, shrimp, and bay scallops.
Open daily from 11 in the morning until 10 at night, this is a good pick when you want to linger by the water. Prices range widely from 20 to 70 dollars per person.
Friday and Saturday evenings pack in the crowds, and reservations are accepted.
5. Billys by the Bay, Greenport, NY
Picture a covered terrace, a tiki bar, and the water right there in the maritime village of Greenport. Billys by the Bay leans into the laid-back waterfront vibe on Manhanset Avenue.
The fried seafood combo is the move here, arriving with big juicy scallops, a very large piece of fish, and shrimp all cooked through cleanly. Fans describe the scallops as being like butter, which is high praise for a fried plate.
The kitchen keeps the local-seafood focus wide, with whole fried clams, fish bites, baked clams, fish and chips, and calamari all on the board. A broiled scallop Caesar salad rounds things out for anyone skipping the fryer.
Hours are limited, so pay attention. The spot opens at noon Monday, closes Tuesday through Thursday, then reopens Friday through Sunday.
Prices sit around 20 to 30 dollars per person, reservations are not accepted, and there is usually plenty of parking on site.
6. Claudio’s Restaurant, Greenport, NY
History runs deep at this Greenport landmark, a family-run eatery set in a historic space with an antique bar and a picturesque harbor view. You will find it on Main Street right by the water.
Old-school ocean fare is the whole idea, and the scallops earn serious devotion for being fresh and perfectly cooked. The Fried Fisherman’s Sampler is the headliner for anyone chasing a crispy plate.
The rest of the menu reads like a North Fork greatest-hits list. Lobster roll, Prince Edward Island mussels, Mediterranean grilled octopus, capellini crab cake, lobster bisque, local oysters, and New England clam chowder all make appearances.
There is even a dockside clam bar atmosphere outdoors when the weather cooperates. Claudio’s keeps limited hours, closed Monday through Thursday and open Friday through Sunday, with prices from 30 to 70 dollars per person.
Reservations are recommended for both brunch and dinner, and parking is easy to come by.
7. On The Docks, Aquebogue, NY
A place called On The Docks had better bring the fresh seafood, and this Aquebogue grill delivers. Tucked along Meeting House Creek Road, the bright American restaurant comes with a deck overlooking the marina and a full bar.
The Fried Seafood Platter is the reason it lands on this list, featuring fresh Peconic Bay area shellfish including scallops and oysters. Diners note the food is prepared well without feeling heavy, which is not always easy with a fryer basket.
Beyond the fried platter, the menu covers a broiled seafood platter, shrimp tacos, steamed clams, fried calamari, PEI mussels, and a waterfront burger for the non-seafood crowd. Oysters here come across fresh.
One thing worth knowing is that the seafood prices have stayed reasonable, which is a welcome surprise these days. Hours run daily from 11:30 in the morning, later on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, and the crowd is family-friendly and welcoming to all.
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