Great fresh homemade crumb cake! friendly staff and easy parking make this a nice morning coffee spot read more

Love this place. The people are incredibly nice, the place is clean and the food is excellent. The fish tacos (all three types; shrimp, Mahi Mahi and flounder) are delicious but leave room for the fabulous desserts! Too many great ones to list but the chocolate cream pie and chocolate peanut butter bar are my favorites. Nice selection of coffee and other iced drinks as well. During Covid is mostly takeout but there are a few tables. Did I mention how nice the staff is? read more

My friends and I stumbled upon this place while looking for lunch on a drive around Long Island. We were hoping for harbor views, and while they didn't have that, this place more than made up for it in character and deliciousness. Two of us got the fish tacos, which were very good. The fish was lightly breaded and included a colorful cole slaw and a mango salsa, and altogether it was delicious. Our waitress was friendly and helpful. I was especially impressed that she seemed to know all of the locals who came in - I guess the town is just that kind of place. This was a very cute place that I could see being especially vibrant in the summer when people can grab ice cream or cold drinks while walking around. Also, the Whaler is right down the road from the ACTUAL cold spring. When you see people crowded around a PVC pipe near the boat ramp, don't go asking them what they are doing. Just know that this is the cold spring, and if you ask what they are doing, they will make fun of you. When we were there, there was quite a line to fill up at the spring, but if you go early in the morning, they said the line wasn't as bad. read more

There is a reason this place got an award for best tacos on Long Island. We traveled 40 minutes for their amazing fish tacos. They were close to closing but insisted we sit and enjoy and not feel pressured to rush. I had the Baja fish tacos made with salmon they were the best fish tacos I've ever had. Denise was beyond welcoming and we even tried her famous boipelberry pie and a Greek coffee frappa both made for the perfect ending to a perfect meal. I will definitely be returning again. Thank you for a great meal. Highly recommend. read more

Today I just needed a quick sandwich but the place was mobbed with customers. That says she is successful! I didn't walk out because the owner smiled at me and took my order to go. Within the first five minutes she also let me know that my order was in and gave me another big smile. Man that just makes all the difference! The turkey club is traditional, fresh and delicious, made just the way they make it. It comes with pickles and a side of chips. Not bad for $14. My only criticism is one that I have with all sandwich shops, diners, and delis, Let's please move back to paper/cardboard containers getting away from the Styrofoam & plastic. I hope someone will take this to heart at The Gourmet Whaler read more

Came here for lunch today after paddle boarding at the harbor with the bff. This place is super cute.. Think random, but not disorganized. They have knick knacks for sale, and you can dine in as well as take out. Ordered a burger with the fish tacos, both were great! Both the owner and the servers were wonderful and pleasant to interact with at every part of our meal. Will definitely come back here for the lobster roll as they ran out right before we came! read more

Entered early morning for Breakfast. We were welcomed and seated at the table of our choice. What a quaint little gem in the heart of Cold Spring Harbor. The other diners were VERY loud aside from that the food, ambiance, service and FUDGE..Yes homemade fudge was awesome and a must try read more

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The food and beverages are always freshly made and delicious. Portions are big and the service friendly. Denise is an amazing chef and makes all of the pies, sweets and desserts herself! read more

Picked up some really delicious fish tacos and shrimp tacos from here. They were really good! The tater tots were good too.

This place is SO GOOD!!! What I love about it....its all about the food here. Best kept secret and I really don't want to review because I don't want to not be able to get a table, as it is small dining room . Felt like I was dining in newport beach cafe or cafe in a beach town. Absolutely delicious, fresh, and just stands out. The fish tacos were the best I've had in a long time, and the veggie burger was amazing. This is a great place to grab a bite, after day of boating, shopping, or whatever. It's not a scene, its simply delicious amazing food. Can't wait to go back. P.S. I never give five stars, but this food deserves it.... Check their hours, as they change for spring season........ read more

The food is always good and fresh, and the coffee is also! The owners, and staff are the friendliest people! I enjoy having breakfast there!

Famous fish tacos all day. Great little spot set within the quaint Cold Spring Harbor.

Best soups and pastries in the area by far. Great service with a smile. I love the fish tacos. Wish I lived closer.

Amazing Dining Experience . The Owners are Beyond Kind and gracious and truly go out of there way to treat you like family . this is a wonderful place to dine and truly a wonderful feeling as other customers smile at you when they walk in . it is Refreshing to meet such kind people who put out such nice dishes of food . thank you so much gourmet Whaler as we look forward to coming back Yours Truly , Christian john Nielsen read more

Gourmet Whaler is the best breakfast and dessert place ever!Some tomes on the weekends I walk there and order the best fluffy pancakes ever!Also they have all kinds of different desserts that are the best just like there limited time boiple berry pie which I love.On top of all that they have really good scones so go try it out!!! read more

I like coming to this place very small town feel and yes their fish tacos are great but their prices went up. For 2 fish taco meals I paid $31 and change and the tacos fell apart very messy they weren't that sloppy the last few times I ate them.. but for $31 I can make these tacos myself and save the money.. but it's a nice place just be prepared to spend a little $$.. enjoy! read more

Cute place. Food is consistent and good. One big problem - very rude woman works there - think she is the owner. It is ashamed because my husband who never say's anything thought she was so rude and now we will not be going back there. We usually go once a month but that is done. read more

Great spot, very good food, great service, reasonably priced; owner/operators were personable and accommodating. I recommend the not on the menu "Breakfast Burrito". Enjoy. read more

My friend and I were visiting Cold Spring Harbor and were surprised by a sandwich board advertising Best Fish Tacos according to Newsday. This greatly intrigued me because I am a fish taco obsessive and I have gone to lengths to try as many as I can. We were seated in the back of the place, which is sort of like a sit down deli if you can imagine it. There are plastic outdoor furniture for seats inside which I thought was unusual. This is juxtaposed by the many knickknacks and antique items you will find decorating the store. Checking out the menu, I see that the fish tacos cost $11.95 for two tacos not including side dishes. Wow! Those are some pricey tacos.. but for "the best fish tacos" I was willing to dish out $12. The server was very polite and helpful, which was a plus. The TWO fish tacos come out with a small ramekin of mango salsa on the side. The tacos themselves: well, lets say they didn't really live up to expectations. They have a very watery slaw on top which tastes overly sweet and overly acidic at the same time. The fish fillet doesn't really deserve to be called that because in reality, the fish were really just small nuggets fried to a crisp. Perhaps an off day? I've had better fish tacos in worse places, as you will see if you read my many reviews about them.. the search continues. read more

Gourmet Whaler - the fish tacos - Desserts Near Me - Cold Spring Harbor, New York

Found this place through Yelp. Driving through CSH, it looks like a market. It seems to have grown from the ground up, starting as a quaint little shoppe, gradually adding coffee, then food; but keeping the old-fashioned look to it. (I have no idea if this is the history, it just SEEMS that way to me.) Drinks are self-serve, which encourages you to wander around the store, which sells tchatchkes, local art, and gourmet-ish foods and candies. Seating is limited, but the hostess is there to help you find a place. It's a nice, friendly, quaint environment. Food is good. Not amazingly gourmet. Rather, more like basic sandwiches made with care and thought about the ingredients. They were out of chicken nuggets when we went, so "kiddie fare" is limited. The Thin Crust Pizza was just what you'd expect. The hamburger was good. The Fish Tacos, for which this place is famous, are Very good. I'd have given it 3 stars, except for the friendly and quaint staff, and the good coffee. read more

I am so happy I stumbled upon this adorable eatery. Owner was very nice, and explained a few items I was not familiar with. My friend and I ordered shrimp tacos, Caesar salad, and quesadilla - we were so hungry. Food came out and we were blown away by the size of each dish, and the presentation was nice. Food was absolutely delicious, and we had left overs - which I just finished. We also had crumb cake that was really the best I ever had in my entire life. I wanted to write ASAP and say - im so very impressed with this casual wonderful cafe. Best lunch I had in quite some time. I think it's a bakery too - I will be back for the tacos and cake! read more

Gourmet Whaler?! You snagged us hook, line and wallet. Need water, tea, lemonade, ice coffee - you're good to go. And, I do suggest that you only get drinks and go. We were graciously told to go pick out our meals from the cooler - initially this was a turn off since I could not find a price anywhere - but figured if they are pre-packaging their meals they shouldn't be THAT expensive. When I went to pay - I was told we could settle up after we ate. BIG MISTAKE. While the glorified chicken salad sandwich was tasty, that and the ham and cheese with two drinks that we got wasn't worth the $32 we paid! For that money, I would have expected a more 'gourmet' sandwich and not something that was slapped between two pieces of store bought wonder-bread with some prepackaged bag of chips. Too bad they were the only place in town that was open to grab a quick bite to eat. read more

The owner was lovely and the food was fantastic, including a delicious chocolate cream pie for dessert.

Gourmet Whaler ... the pearl of the sea... great food , funky atmosphere and the best pecan pie...a must try especially after a hike at Cold Spring Harbor State Park read more

The Gourmet Whaler is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is delicious and there are many healthy options on the menu. The staff are very friendly and the owner, Denise, is super nice. There are multiple tasty desserts and drinks to order. I often like to stop in and get açaí bowls because they are very delicious. I come here often and the food always lives up to my expectation! read more

Since moving my office to this area, I probably eat here twice a week. This is the place you need to go for a cafe lunch in Cold Spring Harbor. All dishes are great, but the fish tacos are excellent. Service is super friendly. read more

Beautiful decor, fits in with the traditional style of the village Great fish tacos and gourmet caramel iced coffee read more

The lobster roll is back for the season! This charming cafe style restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a light lunch or a frozen treat or coffee. Their lobster roll is delicious and is available seasonally. The fish tacos are also wonderful! They have nice indoor seating with a few outdoor tables available to people watch. Finish off your meal with a piece of pie or fudge! read more

Home of the best fish taco as per Newsday. I think it is hard to really say you have the best anything since it is often subjective. I went with my friend Critty as she is a BIG fish taco lover. I am really not a fish lover, but I thought it was good enough. The fish was crispy and light it had a chipotle mayo and a lot of red cabbage slaw atop it. However it was priced at $12 for 2 fish tacos and all it came with was some mango salsa. I think this is a bit steep considering the place is not really nice on the inside..I mean their bathroom is in the basement and kinda dirty looking, LOL! I will also say the fish taco was very salty and very sweet at the same time, left me with a bit of a belly ache and I only ate half a fish taco. read more

Went in today. The owner Denise was very helpful. She suggested a acai bowl. It was the perfect treat after my hike.

I'm sad because this place was my favorite until the owner was so rude and made me feel awful today. I won't put one star being that I absolutely love the fish tacos but I want to put one star for the way the owner treated me today. I didn't realize at first it was the owner who was serving us and just figured it was a server who wasn't as friendly as the ones we've had in the past. I'm in the business and am sure to be respectful to a server no matter how they act to me, anyone can have an off day. But later I came to realize she was the owner when I asked for the key for the bathroom. First of all it's tacky enough that you use a key for your bathroom, but I understand it being that it is a place someone might walk into without buying something and just use the bathroom. But after spending $100 on a meal with my family I shouldn't get eye rolls and nasty comments from the owner because I was outside and came back in to use the bathroom. We drive 45 minutes just to frequent The Gourmet Whaler and the adorable shop next door but now the owner has put such a damper on a beautiful day out celebrating my grandmother's 92nd Birthday. This has been a tradition for us for several years and after the owner being so rude for something so ridiculous such as using a bathroom, before I drive another 45 minutes home, I don't feel she deserves to be our tradition to return to. There are plenty of other businesses that won't make me feel like a criminal for having to pee! It's seriously super upsetting cause we really enjoy the food there, but as someone who has been part of a small family business for my whole life, I have to say this is the fastest way to lose your business. You really need to think long and hard about how you treat customers if you want them to return or recommend your restaurant. First ignoring me, then huffing and throwing an eye roll, then complaining that people come back after they finish eating to use your bathroom, and then telling me I need to sign your petition for public bathrooms in Cold Spring Harbor, is not how you treat a costumer who just spent $100 on lunch and tipped you properly. I even said forget it I won't use your bathroom and put the key back on the counter and with a huff she said just go. Whatever your bathroom issue may be is your problem and not your customers. A restaurant that has mediocre food but outstanding staff and owners can make me come back a million times, and a place with a super rude owner and great food will sadly end up making me not to return. As for the rest of the staff here, they are all awesome and friendly and I hope the owner doesn't treat you all as she does her customers. I've raved about your restaurant to people and even wrote you outstanding reviews before, but your arrogance is changing my mind. The way you treat people is everything in business. Go seek advice from your neighbor who goes beyond the extra mile for his customers! read more

About 4 months ago, I decided to open a flower shop in Cold Spring Harbor and I decided to have lunch in the GW. I had passed it by a million times and never stopped. Wow! what a mistake that was. I had a delicious curried chicken salad that was really special. As the weeks of construction went by, I have tried everything on the menu and it is all great! The fish tacos are really special, they are fried , feather light, with a mango salsa that I could eat by the gallon. Even the lowly BLT is exceptional, because the bacon is nice and crispy and the lettuce is crispy and tomatoes are ripe. They make a great lobster roll too. They also have home baked cookies and cakes: the carrot cake is the best I have ever had. As I work next door, I can smell the cookies and cakes baking and it is impossible to resist. They also have ice cream and old fashioned candies, the kinds that you just don't see anymore, stuff from the 60's & 70's including: Salt water taffy, bottle caps, Giant lollypops. They also have gourmet chocolates and cheeses. They also have all kinds of fun gifts for the kitchen, old fashioned toys and gourmet items. They also have artwork for sale from local artists. It is really a fun place The staff consists of Sean, and several waitresses that are all so special. I am so lucky to have such nice and talented neighbors. read more

Casual spot in the middle of Cold Spring Harbor. Inside or sidewalk tables serving Fish Tacos, hamburgers, salads, pulled pork sandwhiches and more. Friendly sevice and a great place to enjoy when visiting this picturesque town. read more

We were on a mission to find the best fish tacos on the Island. Eureka! we struck gold. My husband David and me were driving along 25A and there it was in the charming village of Cold Spring Harbor. The freshest most delicious fresh fish dusted in panko and lightly fried~ topped with their delicious chipotle mayonaise and home made slaw, topped off with a container of mango sauce for each of us - We chose to take out and sit by the water, they supplied everything we needed to have a scrumptious lunch. Thanks Denise, you were correct, the BEST on LI, Newsday thinks so too! read more

If you're in the area, you have to come to the Gourmet Whaler. 1) Connie is amazing and 2) if you want to feel Main Street USA, then you want to experience this restaurant. read more

Dropped by for a lunch stop with my girlfriend...we both had the fish tacos which were perfectly prepared and smothered in a slightly spicy extra crispy slaw...service was friendly and prompt....we will defiantly stop in again. read more

Very friendly place, very good service, the food was tasty especially the fish tacos. I would go back if in the neighborhood.

one star for service this is on service since we didn't eat there walked in a sunday in the pm, a busy looking lady sat us, only one person working the front of the house after waiting 10 min figured we would go to the cafe down the block. read more

Excellent ice cream and their Greek coffee is to die for. I love coffee and it's definitely up there on great coffee. Definitely enjoyed the place as well as the calm atmosphere. read more

Excellent little spot in the heart of Cold Spring Harbor. Enjoyed the fish tacos immensly. Staff was super friendly. I would go back again tomorrow :) read more