The Vibe

The Riverhead joint has a bit of a split-space feel. When you enter the restaurant, venture to the right for the diner-inspired area with bright lights, booths and big round tables. Pull up a chair to the sports bar — best for brunch — right beside the buzzing seating area. To the left it’s moodier, dimly lit and the ultimate setting for a night out at the chic bar serving top-notch espresso martinis, mojitos and other creative cocktails. 

The Food

Options are in abundance on the eatery’s multiple-page menu: loads of drinks, including cocktails, juices, milkshakes and smoothies; and diner classics from breakfast to burgers, soups, salads and American entrees. There is also what sets the restaurant apart — its Hispanic Heritage menu section with breakfast, apps, sides and marvelous mains. 

Colombian Empanadas Although empanadas come in many varieties, these have a heartier composition. The thick corn exterior offers a subtle, buttery crunch, revealing the starchy potato-meat filling — your choice of chicken or beef — that leaves you thoroughly satiated.

Patacones Peconic Imagine an elevated nacho. That’s what you’re getting when you bite into this fried plantain loaded with fresh guac, pico de gallo and your choice of protein including shrimp, skirt steak, shredded beef, chicken or pork cracklings. The latter makes for a wonderful contrast of sweet creaminess on the base and crisp fatty flavor on top, all rounded out by the refreshing pico de gallo. 

Mofongo This traditional Puerto Rican dish is assembled with a creamy garlic sauce served inside a fried-plantain-made bowl. Opt for shrimp, chicken, chicharron or steak, delightfully soaked in the decadent sauce, as the salty flavors balance perfectly against the silky plantain foundation. 

Peruvian Lomo Saltado Stir-fried steak cooked to a just-right medium has a tender, juicy texture and is complemented by the acidic hit of red onions and tomatoes. The main part of the meal speaks for itself, but the addition of French fries and jasmine rice give it a meat-‘n-potatoes base that’s easy to love.   

Peconic Eatery

871 Old Country Road, Riverhead

631-591-0291

@peconiceatery

Hours

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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The Wading River venue with a hotel, spa and restaurant on site unveiled East Wind Wellness, a reimagined suite centered around mindfulness, balance and community on Dec. 10. 

Spa director Anne Marie Foley who spearheaded the transition from a traditional spa to a healing space, hopes the space supports healthy habits, stress management and connection for visitors from the Island and beyond, seeking peace.

The new suite, situated in East Wind’s spa area will feature guided workshops, wellness therapies and mindfulness sessions including floating pool meditation with sound bath healing, reiki meditation and massage plus traditional sound bath healing. 

Many of the healing practice leaders at East Wind are bringing new skills to a space where they served as masseuses and in Foley’s case, previously as an esthetician. 

Just coming into her role a year and a half ago, Foley knew the suite could offer more than the typical spa treatments they are now building on. 

“I always had a vision that this place that meant so much to me, had so much more potential,” says Foley.

See more on northforker.com

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Kasandra Watkins Schaeffer and her husband, Jeff Schaeffer, come from coffee business and food service backgrounds, but in 2023 they started a warm, welcoming place they could call their own. Mugs on Main (33 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-381-0494) is the kind of happy hub every neighborhood should have. Local art cycles through the shop’s walls and Jeff’s mother’s paintings fill the back portion of the space. The Schaeffers have curated a certain Central Perk meets craft espresso cocktail feel at the Main Street spot, with leather couches and a long list of signature lattes. 

The Vibe 

Combining classic and eclectic coffee shop vibes, Mugs is at once a caffeine-fueled study center, first-date locale and delicious drop-in to fuel an otherwise trying day. It’s impossible to wear a frown here thanks to the bright decor, colorfully written blackboard menus and string lights that add a cozy feel all four seasons. There’s varying drop-in community fun on the roster each week, too, like open mic night, trivia and bingo, plus Friday ladies’ night special deals and a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.  

The Food

Morning bites, with lots of eggs, bacon, handheld selections and sides, are served from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come midmorning, more lunch-centric options become available, including sandwiches and flatbreads. Sweets are in store as well, plus a long lineup of coffees, teas, espresso drinks and refreshers, many sporting fun seasonal titles with the option for add-ons like the shop’s homemade syrups for an extra-flavorful punch. Many of the pastries, desserts and snacks are sourced from local vendors, but much of what’s served is created in the kitchen just left of the coffee bar. 

Croissant Sandwich

A pastry-rific twist on a Long Island staple, the buttery croissant wonderfully complements the crispy bacon and smooth fried egg. American cheese adds a salty, savory touch to the otherwise simple sandwich. 

French Toast

The base of this classic dish is made with a crispy croissant, so expect a lighter, flakier texture to this always-fun carby meal. Strawberries, syrup and powdered sugar add a just-right hit of childhood nostalgia. 

Avocado Toast

A health queen or king’s dream, lightly mashed avocado, greens and chunky salsa pack a subtly peppery taste. Served over a thick slice of sourdough and toasted just enough to add support to the toppings, this tasty option is still soft enough to make a satisfying bite. 

Broken BEC

Presentation is everything with this deconstructed dish, which sees cheesy scrambled eggs topped with crispy bacon packed inside a big mug and served with toast. The fun scoop-up twist on the beloved breakfast sandwich makes it even more appetizing. 

Rancheros Wrap

Mugs on Main’s bestselling breakfast is all wrapped up: scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, greens, avocado, salsa and sour cream come together in this slightly smoky and hardy handheld. Creamy avocado and sour cream partner with salty cheese to contrast fabulously against the bitter greens and acidic sweet salsa. 

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At Loide & Co., Tanger Outlet’s newly opened non-toxic candle company, find your favorite fragrance to bring aromatic life to a space. 

Owner Loide DiPippa uses a pure soy wax and eco-friendly cotton wicks, scented with non-toxic candle oil. Classic smells like cinnamon, vanilla and lavender fill the store’s shelves. DiPippa also makes tropical varieties, a limoncello creme candle and a cooling martini scent among others. 

“Our candle tells a story but you have to unfold yours,” says DiPippa.

Candles are not the only thing you’ll find at the sleek, white-walled aroma hub. DiPippa also sells her own alcohol-free room spray made from a water-based formula blended with fragrance oils and odor-eliminating plant-based enzymes. 

Read more about Loide & Co. candles and products on northforker.com

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Their ideas became reality last August when they purchased and took over operations at the Riverhead Brew House. 

As of next week, they’re pouring as Moonfish Brewery (221 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-212-1265), a name they developed in the process of finding their footing as craft beer connoisseurs. They’ll host a grand opening on Dec. 5 at the brew pub. 

Not much has changed from the Riverhead Brew House’s model, says director of operations and co-brewer Kurtz. But for now, “the goal for it is to be a beer-first place.”

The East Main Street beer hub will still have a large pub grub menu and full bar; however, a few more of the 14 taps will be reserved for Moonfish brews versus other local beverages that Riverhead Brew House brought in.  

Though they don’t have a flagship beer yet, some Moonfish brews that have received a lot of love are the West Coast IPA, the Iron Pier Hazy IPA and the Kolsch.

Read more at northforker.com.

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Thanks to the Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and Southold Town all residents of the North Fork, Shelter Island and beyond are invited to find resources to build a healthy foundation at the annual health fair. 

The three organizations are continuing their collaboration that started in 2019 to bring all kinds of personal health and wellness support to the Peconic Recreation Center on Oct. 16.

From 2 to 6 p.m. connect with over 20 providers, including Fidelis Health Insurance, The Retreat, Family Service League of Riverhead, THRIVE Recovery Long Island, and Southold Fire Department.

Read more about the Fall Health Fair on northforker.com

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The Riverhead Lions Club is hosting the 2025 Blues Festival at Riverhead Polish Hall on Oct. 11. 

A continuation of the former Blues Festival held in downtown Riverhead in recent years, this is the first time the Lion’s Club has organized the event and the first time it will serve as a fundraiser. 

All proceeds from the 3 to 8 p.m. show will go towards the Ronald McDonald House, which supports the families of children receiving treatment at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, set to open in 2027. 

It’s going to help so many families,” says Riverhead Lions Club president, Lisa Pickersgill.

Kerry Kearny, long-time performer on the blues and roots circuit, is one of the headliners and a key organizer for the event.  

Read more on Northforker.com

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Hosted annually by Waterdrinker Family Farm, it is scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The weekend-long event celebrates the in-season vegetable used as an herb and spice for lots of dishes on local menus. 

What can visitors braving the pungent-smelling event expect?

Tons of garlic vendors, including Biophilia Organic Farm; garlic in unexpected places like ice cream, garlic-infused honey and demos on how to make it at home; the clovey produce in crocheted form; plus jewelry vendors, food trucks, live music and pumpkin picking. 

Phil Barbato, owner of Biophilia, has been growing garlic for 20 years and bringing it to the festival since its start. 

“It’s kind of confirmation of all the work I just put into the last year, that people are enjoying it,” says Barbato. “I love it.”

The garlic growing process takes about nine months, Barbato says. He starts by planting individual cloves under six inches of grass clippings in October — sprouts appearing in early spring — then harvesting the bulb come summer and hanging the crop to cure for two to three weeks. 

The festival began more than two decades ago, started by Chris and Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht, owners of Garden of Eve Organic Farm, and previous owners of the Waterdrinker Riverhead location.

“They curated a great event over 20 years ago and gained an awesome following,” says Brittney Weiss, nursery and farmstand manager at Waterdrinker. “Each year since we have taken over, we’ve strived to build upon the legacy that Eve and her family have created.”

Waterdrinker doesn’t grow their own garlic but taps into the local market, as well as using Hudson, NY-grown garlic for the weekend; the musicians and food trucks are all from the North Fork. 

Preparation for the event works a bit like a well-oiled machine, since the property and its sister location in Manorville are home to so many themed weekends. 

“We have the Lavender Festival, Pickle Festival and Honey Festival at our Manorville location and the Garlic Festival at its original home at our Riverhead location,” says Weiss. “We have been lucky enough to gain some traction in the vendor community and have met some really awesome creators. It has become fun to see all of the applications roll in and choose those we feel would be the best fit.”

Admission to the festival is $20, and that fee also gains visitors access to Waterdrinker’s field attractions like mini golf, the wooden playground, tractor pedal cards and barnyard animals. 

“It’s garlic season and Dracula season is super close, so we must deter him from visiting!” says Weiss. 

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1. Create core memories 

Get a head start on autumn activities at Harbes Orchard (5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388), which offers 27 varieties of apples ripe for the picking. Learn more at harbesfamilyfarm.com.

4. Grammy-winning guitarist at The Suffolk 

Larry Carlton will take The Suffolk (118 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4343) stage with his mix of jazz, blues and rock on Sept. 19. To nab tickets and read more about his generationally acclaimed hits, go to thesuffolk.org. 

6. ‘Tis the sea-son 

The East End Seaport Museum puts on its 35th Annual Maritime Festival in Greenport Village where, from Sept. 20 to 21, you can dive into sea-centric activities like the always fun Merfolk Parade, kayak races, cardboard ship regatta and street fair, plus music and local food and drink. And don’t miss the chance to put on your dancing shoes for the annual Land and Sea Gala on Sept. 12 at Safe Harbor Greenport Marina. Info for both events is at eastendseaport.org.

8. A shindig on Sound Avenue  

Folk arts and agricultural heritage are at the forefront at the Hallockville Country Fair at Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-298-5292) on Sept. 27 and 28. For details, visit hallockville.org. 

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Fill up on fun and meet the faces behind the operations on the self-guided 19th Annual North Fork Foodie Tour, set for Sunday, Sept. 7. 

“It’s like a house tour,” says Ellen Zimmerman, chairman on the event. “But the places you will be visiting will be places that produce food in one way or another, or something food related.”

For $30 for adults and free for kids, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit and learn about nearly 20 different locations presented by the North Fork Reform Synagogue.

Plus, five different speakers stationed at Charnews Farm (3005 Youngs Ave., Southold) will be teaching about their respective industries and roles. 

Gail Watson, local chef, nutritionist and food writer plans to put on cooking demonstrations and tastings at Golden Acres Organic Farm (625 Peconic Bay Blvd., Jamesport) from 11 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 2 p.m.

At the end of the day organizers will auction off gift certificates to some of the North Fork spots. 

The celebration of fresh flavors on the North Fork will feature the following retuning locations:

• Lavender by the Bay Calverton (47 Manor Road, Calverton)
• Farrm Wines (156 Youngs Ave., Baiting Hollow)
• Red Barn Farm (1857 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow)
• Goodale Farms (250 Main Road, Riverhead)
• 1760 Homestead Farm (5412 Sound Ave., Riverhead)
• Mattituck Mushrooms (6960 Sound Ave., Mattituck)
• Borghese Vineyard (18150 Middle Road, Cutchogue)
• Disset Chocolate (28080 Main Road, Cutchogue)
• 8 Hands Farm (4735 Cox Lane, Cutchogue)
• Breeze Hill Farm (31215 County Road 48, Peconic)
• Catapano Dairy Farm (33705 County Road 48, Peconic)
• Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (234 Carpenter St., Greenport)
• Sweet Woodland Farm (3005 Youngs Ave., Southold)
• North Fork Flower Farm (48455 Middle Road, Southold)
• KK’s the Farm (59945 Main Road, Southold)
• Matchbook Distilling (230 Corwin St., Greenport)

The new additions for the 2025 event include:

• Golden Acres Organic Farm (652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Riverhead)
• Pendleton’s Harvest Moon Farm (5558 Sound Ave., Riverhead)
• Little Ram Oyster Co. (61600 Main Road, Southold)

Many of the foodies taking the tour return year after year.

“I think what they like is meeting the people who are responsible for the location,” says Ms. Zimmerman. “Meeting the farmers and vendors and people who make the chocolate and learning from them, what they do. Sort of getting that behind-the-scenes tour.”

To get tickets click here and check in at any of the listed locations. 

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