Eating in Oakdale NY: Small Town, Big Food

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Welcome to Oakdale, a small town located in Suffolk County, New York, that boasts big flavor when it comes to dining options. Despite its small size, eating in Oakdale offers a variety of delicious cuisine that will satisfy any palate. 

From fresh seafood to Italian classics, you can find it all in this charming town.

In this post, we will explore some of the best places to eat, so whether you’re a local passing through, or a traveler on a quest for good food, get ready to discover some of the hidden gems that Oakdale has to offer.

Eating Near the Oakdale Merge

Heading east off of Sunrise Highway you will exit at 46a. This is the point where Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway meet, locally known as the Oakdale Merge. Although the two highways have technically been “unmerged” for over 20 years now, the name has stuck. 

Manninos is the Italian restaurant you want to take your date to impress. Tablecloths, romantic lighting, and excellent service. We have been there on special occasions and at least one Valentine’s Day. Stylish decor and a cool vibe near the bar. The stuffed veal chop is unforgettable. 

Viva la Vida For authentic Spanish and Mexican cuisine. This cozy and colorful restaurant has been long-standing in the Oakdale food scene.

Attentive waiters along with delicious margaritas and sangria are always present. I am a big fan of the Spanish Tapas. Fair warning, the Chiles Poblanos really punches it up with the heat. If you are looking for some saffron-rich Valencian Paella, this is the place to get it.

Ichiban is one of several options if you are looking for sushi in Oakdale. This restaurant offers ambiance with low blue lighting, a fish tank focal point, and private nooks with floor seating and sliding doors. Sashimi lovers will want to order the Love Boat for two.

Island Empanada Is the place to get your local fix for Puerto Rican-style empanadas. The Oakdale location is the 8th to open across the island.

If you have been to the Patchogue location, you know that the Villiage Idiot Pub Is a great place for a beer and some comfort food. Happy hour every day and brunch on Sunday.

Eating in Oakdale on the Water

A boat ride on the Connetquot River can lead you to fantastic music, drinking, and eating in Oakdale. These restaurants all have the perfect combination of water views, marinas, and outdoor dining. 

View Oakdale NY

View is a great place to head for Happy Hour and to meet up with friends. It is located next to the local private beach club, Idle Hour Taxpayers Association, so parking can be tricky at best. Take advantage of the valet service when arriving by car.

Both View and Oakdale Yacht offer dining you can boat up to as well. 

Oakdale Yacht hosts live music and dancing on the waterfront decks. In addition, they offer a private pool and amenities for its marina members, giving it a private club feel, but it is open to the public for dining.

The Snapper Inn is an iconic eatery on the water that has been serving fresh seafood and cocktails for nearly a hundred years. Local boaters regularly meet up at the Snapper Inn and tie up to enjoy the live music and dancing on the lawn.

Its warm interior is inviting even in the winter months for brunch or romantic dinners. The all-window dining room lets you enjoy the waterview 12 months a year and creates an elegant wedding venue.

The Wharf is a favorite local dive bar that has really upped its game in the past few years by creating a beautiful backyard setting on the marina. The lovely casual setting and live music starting on Friday evenings and through Sunday is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon eating in Oakdale. The Wharf is a true local hangout.

the wharf oakdale NY

Food at the Lighthouse Commons in Oakdale

This shopping center has seen a lot of businesses come and go over the years, especially the large grocery store on the eastern corner. However, there have been a few staples that have lasted and kept the customers coming. 

You may be visiting because you’re going to the theater to see a performance at Creative Ministries.  

oakdale brew house sign

If that’s the case then Oakdale Brew House, tucked into the same corner beside the post office, might be for you. Famous locally for their wings, they offer great daily specials that include Martini Mondays and half-price menus. A great choice for pre or post-theater dining

Oakdale brew house bar

Maybe you plan on attending the weekly car show held every Thursday during the warm weather in the parking lot. Or the outdoor flea market held about once a month starting in the spring.

Regardless of your activity, some of the best places to get good food in Oakdale are right here.

Oakdale Pizza had been the shopping center’s pizza place for years. When the OP family retired, La Supreme took over. One great establishment ended and the next stepped in. 

Hands down best garlic knots I have ever had.

Do not visit without trying a specialty slice. The lineup in the case changes daily but most of the favorites are there daily. It’s going to be a hard choice between the creamy spinach slice, sausage and broccoli rabe, or the penne ala vodka slice. Don’t even get me started on how outstanding the grandma pizza is. 

PadThai is the name of the Asian take-out restaurant. Serving both Thai dishes and American Chinese. They did have a small dining room with service before 2020 but have been primarily take-out since. 

The Pad Thai is flavorful and spicy. The vegetable dumplings have paper-thin wrappers. The pineapple rice and mango sticky rice are yummy and sweet.

Also in Lighthouse Commons, you’ll find Wendys. A great choice when you need something quickly. Not only that, it boasts the only drive-thru in Oakdale along Montauk Highway. So if that’s a priority in your travels, you know where to go. 

Where to Eat in LaSalle Commons

LaSalle Commons consists of a tiny strip of stores on Montauk Highway and Dale Drive. It is in the easternmost part of Oakdale, really the very end as you will be entering West Sayville once you drive past.

Sushi take out from Onsen in Oakdale NY
Sushi Take Out

Onsen Sushi is fun from the start. The moment you enter you are greeted with a cheerful welcome. The food rates as some of the freshest Japanese food in Suffolk County. It is always a solid to-go choice with great lunch specials. If dining in, enjoy the experience and try the green tea ice cream to finish. 

Mamas, “The Original” that is. 

Just to clear up any confusion with the “other Mamas” That would be the green-roofed Mamas across from the Oakdale Train Station. After 20 years, that location closed in 2021, so maybe there will be less of a mix-up in the future.

The remaining Mamas, next door to Onsen,  is a nice spot for a meal with the family. A cozy and homey dining room is great for a night out without the kids as well.

Grab and Go in Oakdale

Right on Montauk Highway you’ll find Idle Hour Deli, a classic Long Island deli serving up iconic breakfast specials of egg sandwiches on a hard roll and Italian Heros for lunch.

You can always grab a hot dog and a Slurpee at 7-11 on the corner of Montauk and Vanderbilt Blvd if that’s your thing. 

Everyone looks forward to the opening of the Ice Palace. A seasonal favorite among locals, it is the best place to have ice cream in the warm weather. The colorful green and pink umbrellas always hail the beginning of summertime. 

Eating in Oakdale “Up on Sunrise”

If you are just passing by on the highway and not exiting through the town there are a couple to choices to grab a meal in the Lidl shopping center on the south service road of Sunrise Hwy. 

JJ Dynasty has good Chinese and Japanese food. The ginger chicken is my pick and the dim sum is generally good. If you are looking for sushi or bubble tea this is the place to get it when eating in Oakdale.

McDonald’s sits in the corner of the parking lot and its a convenient spot for someone looking for fast food when heading east towards the Hamptons

Oakdale may be a small town, but when it comes to food, it certainly delivers on choice. Oakdale has a wide range of culinary options that will leave your taste buds satisfied. 

Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner on the water, Oakdale has something for everyone. So, next time you’re visiting the area, be sure to check out some of the amazing dining options. You won’t be disappointed.

RESOURCES

About Us | Connetquot Public Library. https://www.connetquotlibrary.org/about/. Accessed 25 Apr. 2023.

Home. https://islipny.gov/. Accessed 25 Apr. 2023.

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