From sandwiches to wraps, soups to salads, Long Island is a mecca of food possibilities. Stretching close to 120 miles long, it’s not hard to imagine that everywhere you turn on Long Island you are faced with different bagel shops, pizzerias, delis, and various other grub facilities, to choose from. With such a vast selection of restaurants and eateries on Long Island it can be quite difficult to pin point just one place to try.
But don’t worry. We’re here to help point you in the right direction. Whether you're from Nassau or Suffolk County all of these hand-picked lunch spots are well worth the drive, the money, and sure to have your taste buds begging for more. You won’t find any big corporate restaurant chains, or places you’ve passed a hundred times before on the highway on this list, just good ole local Long Island food.
The Burger Shack
3672 New York 112, Coram, NY 11727
This beach themed restaurant located off of Route 112 in Coram is the perfect stop to satisfying that burger craving. The owner Ken is a great guy, very funny and personable. From pizza burgers to taco burgers, Cajun burgers to veggie burgers they have it all. If you’re feeling brave partake in their 48 oz. burger challenge. Your meal will be on the house, you’ll get a free t-shirt, and your picture on the wall. In addition, their special Shack Sauce is a little spicy and a whole lot delicious
25 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island, NY 11953
This tiny little dive located in Middle Island, though you’d never know passing it on weekdays on your commute back from work, is hugely popular. On the weekends you can see cars lined up, parked all along the roadside just for this small restaurant. If you like to overlap breakfast with lunch then this is the perfect place for you. Great food, with that home-cooked feel, and many burgers and sandwiches to choose from.They are only open 7 am to 2:30 pm, and closed on Tuesdays, so plan ahead before coming to this location.
Farm Country Kitchen
513 W Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Located in Riverhead this quaint, colonial house restaurant overlooks the Peconic River and has many fresh, natural food options. They have an ever changing menu with selections of wraps, burgers, paninis, and sandwiches. Enjoy a taste of the country at this hidden gem.
Mary’s Marvelous
207 Main St, Amagansett, NY 11930
Mary’s Marvelous offers fresh, natural style foods for a great price. Located in eastern Long Island, in the seaside town of Amagansett, their dishes range from about $5-$15. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items on their menu. They also offer convenient mini sandwiches for those times when you’re looking for a small bite, instead of the regular full sized portion.
1005 Jerusalem Ave, North Merrick, NY 11566
Established in 1970 and located in North Merrick My Hero is a staple in the area. Can you guess what they’re most renowned for? They offer cold heros, hot heros, and specialty heros, all for an awesome price. All of the heros are under $10 dollars and they are all very filling. Be aware that parking can at times be an issue and that credit cards are not accepted here.
210 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11572
Parlay is a newer addition to the restaurant scene in Rockville Centre. They have wonderful burgers, sandwiches, and starters to pick from (baked mac and cheese being one of them, yum!) In addition to the food they have a grand selection of craft beers to accompany your meal. With lots of hops!
Se Port Deli
301 Main St, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733
Se Port is a standard in the East Setauket area of Long Island, and a very popular place, especially for the Stony Brook college crowd. During peak eating hours this place can get extremely busy but for the food quantity and quality it is well worth the wait. They have a truly extensive sandwich selection. With that in mind, you must try the "Gasm” sandwich, a restaurant-goer favorite.
156 E Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Located in scenic Port Jefferson, Tiger Lily Café is the place to go for healthy wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, this alternative eatery is the perfect pick for a healthy lunch. They offer a juice and java bar and display wonderful local artwork and feature Long Island musicians during their Acoustic Sunday Sessions.
Now go get your grub on!
Have any other favorite lunch spots on Long Island? We want to know! Comment and let us know.