Outdoor Dining Review: Now I finally know why the Canal Cafe Lobster Roll is so famous! Located on The Shinnecock Canal, this restaurant has gorgeous views mixed with a cool ocean breeze. Large parking lot. The lot is shared with the marina parking. They have valet at the marina but didn't for the restaurant when I went (Sunday). The lot attendants were very helpful showing us the way to the cafe parking. There are plenty of outdoor tables. Some in the shade, some in the sun. Lots of people were pulling up on their boats to get food. The service was quick and incredibly friendly. Due to COVID, all orders are takeout. There is no table side service at this time. Everything was served in takeout containers which I didn't mind. They have water stations near the tables if you get thirsty. The prices are a bit high but not surprising due to the location. $32 for a lobster roll is the most I've ever paid thus far. I will say, I left being very satisfied with the food and service, so this restaurant is totally worth the $. Drinks were in range of other restaurants. I had a Bad Mamba which was very tasty. The food was absolute deliciousness! Everything served exceeded my expectations. I will be reviewing what I tried: -Lobster Fritters: Definite order! The only way to describe these is to compare them to hushpuppies with lobster added. Came with 10 little fritters & an incredible dipping sauce. Would share between 1-2 people. 5 out of 5 stars -Smoked Fish Dip: (Special) Comes with North Fork Potato Chips. Yes I've lived on Long Island all my life, but this is actually the first time I've tried smoked fish dip. Wow I was missing out for the longest time!! The smokey flavor was delicious and the fish had a similar texture to tuna but less dry. I would 100% order this again. 5 out of 5 stars -Lobster Roll: As I said above, this is the most expensive lobster roll I've ever had. The ciabatta bread was so fresh, and the lobster salad was exploding out of my sandwich. Huge pieces of meat! It's definitely a fat lobster roll, very delicious. It came with fries & coleslaw. The fries were delicious but I could leave the coleslaw next time. 5 out of 5 stars -Grilled Steak Sandwich: Beautifully marinated and cooked flank steak served on fresh ciabatta. The cheese was melted to perfection and the onions heightened the dish. This sandwich came with fries & coleslaw. 5 out of 5 stars This restaurant is a perfect place for a relaxing & delicious meal! I felt right at home here! Overall, bravo Canal Cafe! read more

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The lobster roll was absolutely delicious and the french fries was scrumptious. Everything was lovely. We had a wonderful afternoon.

Went in for a girls late lunch, we started off with three cocktails, two specialties (tea thyme which is a perfect elegant spiked tea with Earl Grey local honey and lemon) and a classic (G&Q). As an appetizer we got the clam fritters which were hot fresh and delicious!! The entrees ordered were the fried chicken sandwich, pulled pork sandwich (important to mention that this is a special and they might not always have it) and a grilled chicken pesto sandwich. All of the sandwiches were served on a delicious fluffy ciabatta and with fries. Everyone loved their meals and the prices are very standard to the hamptons! Not too expensive but not necessarily a cheap easy meal. Bridget was our server and she was a walking ray of sunshine on an overcast day! Definitely brought good vibes to our gloomy day :). Will be coming back read more

2.5 for me. The dishes all really sound amazing on the menu but is so very disappointingly lacking in flavor once you get it. The jerk chicken sandwich was a total fail. Not a hint of that spicy kick you expect from traditional jerk, spices rubbed onto a chicken breast that is cooked to death till it's desert dry. The steak sandwich has a good portion of meat in it but again the overall sandwich just lacks. Their mussels in Thai curry are decent though. I think this place is just popular because there just isn't another option in this area of the canal so they can get away with serving mediocre food. Sadly I'll return because it's convenient to our vacation home but will mainly stick to their burgers, fries and drinks unless they revamp their menu. read more

Ok, the lobster roll was incredible, along with the clam fritters. I didn't care for the hostess -- she looked me up and down and was very very rude. But the bartender and the food made up for it! Also, definitely get the small size of the lobster roll (it's a substantial portion) and their fries are excellent too. The wait can be long, so I suggest popping in to peek at the bar -- you might find yourself a seat (or two) and skip waiting in line, if you're willing to dine there. read more

Great food and view. We like dining outdoors here even off-season and when it's chilly out, as long as the skies are clear. Such a nice vibe and friendly service. Have never had a bad meal. read more

Best lobster roll on east end of Long Island ‍‍ Oyster poor boy is top shelf‍‍ How can you improve the best quality is next to impossible at the Canal Cafe read more

We called ahead because a member of our group has celiac and needs to eat a gluten free diet. On the phone twice (we called once and by BIL called but we called to confirm) and we were told that they had gf bread and the sweet potato fries were gluten free, not the regular fries. Cool or so we thought. Turns out that the fries are not in a dedicated fryer so that was a huge disappointment. Bread wasn't terrible but nothing to write home about. Decent ambiance for what it is. read more

Food was great! Service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere was great! Right on the bay with boats and great views read more

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Love this little gem. It is a stand just dockside to a marina. Beautiful And peaceful surroundings. We ordered the grilled Mahi mahi sandwich and the fried po' boy oyster sandwich. You go up to window #1 and order, they give you a beeper when your food is done. Within 5 minutes the beeper went off. Then you go to window #2 for pick up. Both sandwiches came on a baguette roll. Each came with crispy French fries and a side of coleslaw they were big delicious sandwich's . They had umbrella covered picnic tables. Facing the marina. As of now they do not have indoor dining. They d have a big takeout business too. All the food was cooked perfectly and came out hot. Definately a must try if you are in the area of Hampton bays. read more

Wonderful, local in season haunt. Terrific menu with many selections to choose from. I recommend without exception.

The lobster roll is still excellent!! But what happened to the size????? Really!!!! It has shrunk by 30%. OK the price has gone up- inflation- but don't hit me on both ends. read more

Canal Cafe is located in Hampton Bays right on the marina North of Canoe Place Inn. The two tiered seating sets up for great views of the adjacent marina, water, and sites beyond. We have visited Canal Cafe on a regular basis and are extremely pleased with the quality of food and consistency of every visit. The menu is loaded with sea fare and specials taking advantage of seasonal vegetables and seafood. If you don't eat seafood there are plenty of options like jerk chicken and caprese sandwiches as well. The lobster roll is a favorite and is jammed packed with lobster. The blackened fish sandwich is a go to for us. Don't miss out on the simply grilled salmon, Buffalo cauliflower appetizer, and the fish and chips. Just looking for a snack and a view? Grab the guacamole, chips, and their version of a margarita called the high maintenance. read more

Canal Cafe - Cajun Shrimp Tacos - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

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Never disappoints! Food is light and tasty, drinks are yummy and staff always nice. I love the view and there's always parking spots.

Going to a restaurant/cafe that has a simple menu and yet has anything and everything you could want is something I can always appreciate and this place has got it. Your seafood classics with some great chicken and steak options as well and at pretty reasonable prices as well. I love the views of the water too, makes for a great night out with some friends! The service was good too - our waitress checked on us regularly and was super nice. I'll be back again this summer! read more

Place was recommended to us by a local and we're glad we came for lunch! Definitely a cute lunch place and not entirely sure how much i would enjoy it for dinner. everything is served in paper plates with plastic cutlery. We sat out by the water which is right on the dock and you can see all the boats coming in and out which was nice. We had a couple montauk beers and ordered a pot of mussels in curry sauce. I've never had curry mussels and i'm so glad i tried them as they were delicious! only a bit spicy. For entrees we shared the tuna tartare and a friend flounder sandwich. Both good, nothing out of this world. Fried fish sandwich was not greasy at all which made it tasty. read more

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Service great. Tasteless seafood. Sat inside was ok. Outside is next to a parking lot on water!

Food is average. Poor service. Staff were not friendly, even rude. The draw here is the view but that's about it. Not worth it, IMO.

Loves this place! Great food, perfect view of the marina & you can never go wrong having a meal here. They get super busy in the summer, plan on waiting. read more

So we met two friends here for lunch on a warm day in early November. It was warm enough to eat outside on the dock overlooking the boats. Parking, after you find it down & around the building, is cramped. You order drinks & food & pay at the window. They deliver to your table. They were very nice. About as expensive as expected. My wife & her buddy ordered the lobster rolls. They both agreed these were the best ever. My friend got a steak which he said was ok. I got a fried chicken sandwich, which so huge & so good I can't believe it. Fries on the side were ordinary. Recommended - Hell yes. read more

The place was mind blowing great view while you eat plenty of seating and great fast service food was delicious. I got the steak sandwich with fries OMG out of this world delicious fresh and nice size portion was nice and full after also got the lobster bits also out of this world wonderful flavor. Easy on the pockets and while you eat they also had 2 free water stations if you wanted some water lol great atmosphere great service all around great place. Recommend this place if your looking for a nice down to earth place to eat and have a drink by the water if you have a boat you can pull up to the dock and order some food and eat on your boat. read more

We decided to give this place another try as the last time food and service were not that great. Here is what happened ... Canal Cafe: Hello? Me: How long is the wait for 4 to be seated? CC: Right now, there is no wait. Me: there is seating, not just take out? CC: Dial tone ... Arrive at the restaurant to find a 30 person line for take out only, all tables full. Those 30 people did not get there in the 5 minutes it took for me to get there. read more

Great location after "season " for us locals. Small place with great seafood. Picturesque location on the canal. In season offers outdoor dining but will always have a crowd. Tonight they were offering buy one get one dinners. The scallops were amazing and cooked perfectly! Come and enjoy! read more

Canal Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

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Terrible food. Server was rude until she gave us the check. Pretty setting and good for a drink. They shouldn't operate a restaurant though. Spare yourself way overpriced incredibly mediocre seafood. read more

Setting right by the water - fresh healthy and delicious food - friendly prompt service - very relaxed atmosphere- Go there and chill ! read more

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Had to come back for lunch on a beautiful sunny day. Oyster po boy, mahi mahi and lobster salad were our choices. Fast service, food hot, beer cold. Heaven. read more

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Nice spot.. good view.. food ok.. no reservations... you get in line then they will call you to pick up your food in a different window. Then you can either eat in your car or wait around and hope and pray for a miracle that a table will soon be available so you can eat and enjoy the nice view. They are busy and very limited sitting. So Goodluck you're gonna need it. read more

This place is awesome and a decently kept secret given it's off the beaten path. Very casual vibe, friendly service and great views of the canal/water. I like the Mahi sandwich, but the lobster roll is hard to beat. Wait can be long during peak times, so plan accordingly read more

Had not been to this place for a while due to Covid restrictions. Love the setting and see the boats in the harbor on the canal Disappointed that you have to order your food and wait to be called to pick it up. But we still had a nice lunch! read more

I love the vibes here. Very much no-frills, easy going eatery for eating right by the waters. A little pricey because the novelty of eating right by the water but food was good. We ordered the PEI mussels in Thai curry, fried calamari, grilled mahi sandwich, chicken tacos (daily special), and lump crab cakes. The mussels and crab cakes were really good. The grilled mahi sandwich was good but veered a little dry. I've heard good things about the lobster roll and will be sure to try those next time! read more

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The location is beautiful. The cafe sits right on the docks overlooking the boats and canal. We came around noon and if we came any later we would have been waiting for a table. We started with the lobster bisque which had good lobster flavor. I went with the oyster po boy and my wife tried the crab cakes. The oyster po boy was very simple with fried oysters and cole slaw. The oysters were ok but lacked seasoning. The crab cakes were good but i think they needed 2 more minutes in the pan to crisp up a little more. It was a soft crab cake and idk if that is what they intended. We also tried the lobster roll which apparently is the go-to meal here. It was more of a lobster salad on a roll. It was chopped up lobster mixed with too much mayo for my liking. Flavor was ok but i would rather big pieces of lobster. This place was definitely cool but i thought the seafood items were underwhelming based on the reviews. read more

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After years of meaning to try Canal Cafe (and showing up on Monday/Tuesdays to find it closed) we've been 3x this summer and have been consistently impressed. The negative reviews are a bit befuddling (service post-pandemic isn't great anywhere but by far better at Canal Cafe than elsewhere) but must not be from locals (which we are). By far my favorite outdoor dining experience west of the inlet (including Dockers, Oaklands, The Inn Spot, etc) and for the experience without the attitude, obnoxious clientele and truly ridiculous pricing the best in Southampton area. Good food. Friendly service. Great location. read more

Used to be a favorite spot. Ordered their signature lobster roll and there were no meat pieces. Just shredded style lobster, like for a salad. They also pulled the ponzu tuna from the menu, which was incredible. And yeah, like others, not a big fan of giving 20% tips for no service. Love you guys but wazup? read more

What can I say besides this place is amazing!!! One of the best lobster rolls I've EVER had! Family owned & operated for years, Paul fed us through the pandemic with the best food always. The drinks are great, Andy & Sam are my favorites, but honestly, each staff member is a gem! We've been coming here for years as locals, and it's a staple to our community. read more

I first came to Canal Cafe 12 yrs ago. I was in heaven, beautiful view, friendly staff, and amazing lobster rolls. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. I'm sorry to say my visit last week will be my last. Between the waitress who could barely hide her distain and the overpriced lobster roll that shared little in common with the one that I had fallen in love with from years ago, it was not the same restaurant. I remember their lobster roll as overflowing with chunks of lobster, lightly dressed with mayonaise. The sandwich that was served to me last week had some kind of gloppy mess inside that was supposed to be lobster meat. It was truly an unidentifiable protein inside the sandwich. Maybe this is an example of cost cutting but nevertheless I will not be returning. It also doesn't explain the waitress who totally ignored us. We watched as groups of diners who sat down long after us were able to order food, be served, finish eating, pay their check, and leave well before we were even served our meal. So sorry to say this is not the Canal Cafe that I used to know. I will not be returning. read more

Love the food. Great view people there are so nice. The service is great too. Everyone I bring love the place wyfram-bupxe8-tYfpoz

I'd give it 5 stars for food! BUT . . . . It's usually busy, so you try to call in an order for take-out (and try and try and try and trrrrrryyyyy). You're Lucky if they even answer the phone! And IF they finally do answer, expect them to tell you they don't take phone orders cuz it's too busy. They tell you to call back, usually suggesting a time during the prime cocktail time or dinner -- when they are very likely to be E-ven Bus-i-er! Duh! Dumb and dumber! Customers will eventually get tired of this. After all, they're not the only show in town. read more

what an excellent lunch experience that we had today at the Canal Cafe. Missy our waitress was so helpful and friendly. The food was excellent. We ordered the butternut squash soup which was thick and delicious. Then we both ordered three flank steak tacos in a homemade corn tortilla shell with the fixings and a nicer touch of cilantro. You get 3 nicely filed tacos with a side of black beans....delicious. We also had a side of fries.....nice and crunchy. read more

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Overpriced and overrated, there justification is waterfront view. During Covid you purchased crazy priced meals in paper bags with wine costing 3/4 times normal prices. Go there and be ripped off. read more

Love it there! Service, food and cocktails are fabulous. Love being able to sit by the water and enjoy the chill vibe!