Cedar Beach in Babylon, New York, is a slice of Long Island paradise—and not just for sun and sand. This lively, laid-back coastal neighborhood boasts a surprisingly dynamic food scene, packed with eateries, food trucks, cafés, and even a few under-the-radar gems. Whether you’re a local, a day-tripper, or a dedicated foodie making the rounds, Cedar Beach’s flavors will win you over with bay views, fresh seafood, and unique community traditions. Here’s your guide to eating your way through Cedar Beach!
The Heart of the Scene: Ocean Parkway Eats
If Cedar Beach has a “main drag” for food, it’s along Ocean Parkway near the Cedar Beach Marina. Here, you’ll find everything from casual beachfront bites to festive seafood houses, all with a relaxing salt-air backdrop.
Cedar Beach Grill
*Location: 1 Ocean Parkway, right at the Cedar Beach entrance*
*Cuisine: American, Seafood*
*Price Range: $12–$28 per entrée*
A true landmark, Cedar Beach Grill is where locals and vacationers flock for post-swim meals. The menu is big on crowd-pleasing classics: juicy burgers, beer-battered fish and chips, crispy chicken sandwiches, and salads loaded with just-caught grilled shrimp. Don’t miss their fish tacos—they’re tender, zesty, and stuffed with slaw. The outdoor deck offers sweeping water views and the vibe is relaxed; it’s flip-flops and sandy feet friendly.
Salt Shack
*Location: 3 Ocean Parkway, just south of the marina*
*Cuisine: Seafood Shack, Bar & Grill*
*Price Range: $10–$32 per entrée*
Salt Shack is Cedar Beach’s buzziest summer hangout. Known for its live music, frosty drinks, and festive energy, it’s the quintessential Long Island beach bar experience. Foodwise, expect classic clam bar fare: peel-and-eat shrimp, overstuffed lobster rolls, crunchy calamari, and massive grilled mahi tacos. The drink menu is just as fun—try their frozen mudslide or locally-inspired rum punch.
Beyond the Sand: Hidden Gems and Food Trucks
Beachside staples are just the beginning. Cedar Beach and its surrounding roads hide some must-try picks beloved by locals and hungry boaters alike.
Dockside Deli & Café
*Location: Hidden in the Cedar Beach Marina parking lot*
*Cuisine: Breakfast & Lunch, American Deli*
*Price Range: $6–$13 per item*
This cozy spot is the neighborhood’s go-to for sunrise breakfasts and lunch on the go. Their bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches are legendary—salty, satisfying, and stacked high. Fresh bagels are delivered daily, and their cold subs are perfect for taking on a boat ride. The iced coffee, brewed strong and served in jumbo cups, is a sure pick-me-up after a dawn fishing trip.
Sweet Tides Ice Cream Truck
*Regularly parks along the boardwalk near Cedar Beach Pavilion, especially on weekends*
*Cuisine: Desserts/Ice Cream*
*Price Range: $3–$7 per treat*
This cheerful pastel truck is a summer staple at Cedar Beach, doling out rich soft serve, sprinkle-covered cones, and creative sundaes. Kids and adults alike love the homemade ice cream sandwiches—think chewy chocolate chip cookies with wild berry ice cream. It’s the perfect treat for sultry afternoons or an after-dinner stroll along the sand.
Tradition Meets Trend: Local Specialties
What makes Cedar Beach unique isn’t just the variety; it’s the traditions that shape local tastes.
- Most eateries offer *clam chowder*—both New England and Manhattan styles—almost year-round. Each kitchen has a slightly different recipe, and taste-testing them all has become a quirky local challenge.
- The area is known for its *summer clambakes* and *lobster boils*, often held at restaurants but sometimes at public beach pavilions. Watch for flyers or ask staff; when you find one, the piles of seafood, corn, and potatoes are abundant and delicious.
- Don’t skip the *fried belly clams*—a Long Island favorite. Salt Shack and Cedar Beach Grill both serve crispy, briny versions that keep regulars coming back.
Morning Coffee and Bakery Delights
Seaside Sips Café
*Location: At the edge of the marina parking lot*
*Cuisine: Coffee shop, Bakery*
*Price Range: $2–$7 per item*
This unassuming café is a morning oasis. Baristas whip up strong espressos, matcha lattes, and cold brews with locally roasted beans. Pastries are baked fresh each morning: flaky almond croissants, fruit-studded scones, and thick-cut banana bread that’s perfect with your coffee. The covered patio is a serene spot to gaze out at the marina and plan your day.
Great for Groups or Date Night: Local Favorites
The Beach House Restaurant & Tiki Bar
*Location: Just east of the Cedar Beach traffic circle, Ocean Parkway*
*Cuisine: Upscale American, Seafood, Cocktails*
*Price Range: $18–$38 per entrée*
For a fancier but still fun dinner, The Beach House impresses with creative seafood and steak dishes, a serious cocktail program, and sunset views over the marshes. Their pan-seared scallops, topped with citrus gremolata, are a standout, as is the short rib flatbread. If you’re a wine lover, their list features Long Island bottles alongside crisp rosés and lush reds.
Where Food and Community Meet
One of the sweetest things about Cedar Beach’s food scene is the sense of community. Many of these eateries double as social hubs, hosting trivia nights, live music, and seasonal food festivals—even impromptu bonfires. The staff are locals (some grew up playing on the same sands!), the produce is sourced close to home, and regulars are always ready with recommendations.
Final Bites and Food Lover’s Tips
- Try weekday afternoons for the shortest waits and a relaxed vibe.
- Most spots are seasonal or close during winter, so check hours before visiting off-season.
- If you’re after local flavor, talk to bartenders or café regulars—you’ll find out about pop-up snack stands or baymen with the freshest catches.
- And don’t forget a sunset meal on the deck; there’s nothing like sipping chowder as the sky blazes pink above the Great South Bay.
Cedar Beach isn’t just about the surf—it’s a true food destination, brimming with fresh flavors, community tradition, and a salty sense of fun. Bring your appetite, your flip-flops, and your sense of foodie adventure—you won’t be disappointed!