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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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

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.

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

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

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

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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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

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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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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

AMAZING service with Bridgette. She is so kind, so fast and is eager to accommodate to our needs. She is always a friendly face at canal. We love the clam fritters. The fried chicken sandwich is always a go to. Ask for Bridgette when you come! She's the best server in Hampton Bays!! read more

I am writing my second review now, and it is a much improved review. Last night, five of us had a terrific , fun dinner. We were seated after a mere two minute wait. The service was friendly, fast, informative, and professional. No complaints!!! The fish and chips plus Cole slaw were very good. Two bottle waters were both fine. Lemonade was tasty. The lentils kale soup was fabulous, although I didn't taste much kale, but still one of the top 3 best lentil soups ever! Others said their fried flounder sandwiches and lobster sandwich were all very good. Casual ambience and fair prices so check it out!!! read more

We stopped here 3-4 years ago looking for a place on the canal to celebrate our anniversary, with no expectations, and were blown away by the lobster rolls. I know another reviewer didn't like the use of a fresh ciabatta roll; we thought it was an inspired choice! Who wants that characterless flimsy hot dog bun when you can have a delicious toothsome roll that holds its own against a generous serving of very lobstery lobster salad? We've tried LOTS of lobster rolls over the years and this beats all others by a mile. Pricey, of course, but let's face it: even crummy LRs are expensive. Spicy margaritas were delicious too. And don't even get me started on those super-crisp FRIES .... 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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Awesome place with great views, food and cocktails. The people that work there are so friendly! The service is amazing!

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

Food is great, but In the last year or so, we have tried several times to get a table for dinner only to be told it's a 45 minute wait :( we will just have to keep trying read more

Outstanding lobster rolls and po' boys. The ciabatta rolls are exceptional. There is not better way to spend a sunny afternoon thank sitting outside enjoying some tasty food while watching a very nice fleet in the marina. My only gripe is they charge for softdrink refills - at $4 apiece. This seems a bit much for a glass of iced tea, especially when you've ordered a $32 lobster roll. read more

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Had lunch today. Heard so many fantastic things about this place. The views are fantastic. Can't beat eating on the water. The breeze was blowing, gorgeous for lunch. We brought our dog and were seated right away. He was given water, and had a nice spot where he could relax. Our waitress took our drink order. I had the G and Q my husband the Tea Thyme then he had a Bad Hombre. The drinks are amazing!!!! We had a shrimp cocktail, the burger and quinoa burger. The shrimp cocktail was good. The quinoa burger the same. However, the regular burger was ordered medium rare. It came out well and because no one came to check if it was ok, I was left having to eat it. The fries are those ones that are coated for extra crispness, so good. I'd go back for the views, but maybe not get a burger til they learn what medium rare is. read more

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