Nautical Mile's Backyard Barbeque in Freeport closes

One of Long Island's top barbecue joints along Freeport's Nautical Mile has closed during the peak season. 

Backyard Barbeque, a Mile fixture since 2018, when it was opened by Archie Ware, confirmed its closure on Instagram Friday. 

"While our storefront is closing, this is not the end. We will be back — stronger than ever. This is simply a time to regroup, rebuild, and prepare for what’s next," the post reads. "In the meantime, we are still available for catering, private chef services, special events, and private dinners." 

Ware handed over the business to his son Kenneth in 2021. Kenneth is a classically trained chef and has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in London and with Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Manhattan. But the restaurant ran into trouble that year, when village officials ordered it to temporarily close, due to an altercation that happened outside in its shared parking lot. Kenneth hired a lawyer to fight against the closure, and also held a public protest outside his restaurant, according to Newsday.

Kenneth confirmed by phone Friday afternoon that Backyard Barbeque had actually closed several months back, partly because of the fines and lawyer's fees created by the incident. 

"[The Nautical Mile] is definitely a difficult place to have a restaurant. You really gotta go in on all cylinders. We were open all year-round, and it was just difficult. A lot of people are not aware that the Nautical Mile is open all year-round, which is another factor," he said. 

Despite these challenges, Backyard Barbecue was a critics' favorite that made  Newsday's list of top barbecue spots. The restaurant makes a mean brisket, and all the sauces and pickles are made in-house. Kenneth is also a fixture of the Long Island Black community and was elected president of the Black Restaurant Coalition in 2024.

"Restaurants across Long Island and the five boroughs are constantly dealing with the same things," he said.