While the seasons are short, many Fire Island restaurants enjoy a long lifespan, with numerous establishments remaining in place for decades, often under the same family ownership. However, as the 2025 season begins, a notable sea change is evident in Fire Island dining, and this surge of fresh beginnings is apparent in many anchor communities. Here’s what’s new in our neighborhoods:
Ocean Beach: After being under the stewardship of the Mallott family for 40 years, the Albatross has now been sold to Marco and Tiffany Arment. Jimmy Mallott has served as the mayor of Ocean Beach since 2010, and Marco has been the deputy mayor since 2022. After being in operation for only three summers, Taco Beach ends its three-year stint, and The Last Resort Bar will open in its place. Next door, a place called The Corner Spot will replace The Corner Bistro, which only lasted a season in that location. Grocery store Ocean Beach Trading, now beginning its second season under its new ownership, brings aboard a powerful new partner, with Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace setting up a pop-up location within the premises. Then, of course, the talk of the town is that Kismet’s popular Dive bar is opening a sister location in Ocean Beach, where Castaway Bar & Grill had operated from since 2021.
Ocean Bay Park: At long last, Thai food has come to Fire Island. The space that had once been an ice cream shop will now be an intimate Thai restaurant called Samui. In the same building, the neighboring storefront, which was previously the So Tastee Bagel Shop and later became Dino’s Deli for many years, has now become the eatery One Way Café. Our new OBP community columnist, Brett Brubaker, tells us more about both.
Fire Island Pines: With the sale of the Fire Island Pines commercial empire closing at the end of last September, Pines regulars eagerly anticipate how the new owner, Tristan Schukraft, CEO of Tryst Hospitality, will transform establishments within it, some of which have historic LGBTQ+ significance. Given the scope of the undertaking, it comes as no surprise that the rollout of The Tryst Fire Island, announced at the end of April, is being implemented in tiers, with dining establishments among the first to make their debut. The Blue Whale will continue operations with an expanded menu in 2025, with a major restoration slated for next year. “The historic mosaic dance floor—home of the very first tea dance in 1966—will be preserved,” reads a statement by Tryst, “while a second story and expanded covered spaces will enhance the iconic venue.” As for The Canteen, often regarded as one of the more affordable dining options in Fire Island Pines, that too will see an upgrade. “Brand-new menu and expanded operating hours, moving beyond frozen and fried food to offer fresh, high-quality options,” according to the Tryst statement.
Davis Park: Fire Island’s farthest eastern outpost, the Harbor Store, is now under new management. Community columnist Lisa Daglian writes about the longtime Davis Park family that has taken over ownership and operation, including the launch of a gourmet coffee bar within the store, called Summer Beans – a welcome wake-up call for marina boaters and summer house owners alike.
