Sayville Bait & Tackle closes, reopening as Off the Bay
Fried cod tacos at Sayville Bait & Tackle, which has closed. Credit: Newsday/Corin Hirsch
Sayville Bait & Tackle, the charming nautical-themed bar popular with South Shore locals, has closed after a roughly five-year run. The space is to reopen as Off the Bay, a bar and restaurant specializing in locally caught seafood.
New owner Rob DelGiorno said he took over the space at 220 N. Main St. on Jan. 1 with business partners Michael Jordan and Shaun Ihne. A big part of the attraction was the "old-school Long Island" nautical vibes. "Even the ceiling fans are oars. Everything has a detailed touch of boating history," DelGiorno said. "It was oozing character."
DelGiorno also co-owns two other spots, Whiskey Neat in Patchogue and the recently opened Frankie's Table in Commack. Sayville Bait & Tackle closed earlier this month for renovations that will turn it into a family-oriented bar restaurant.
"You can take someone out for an engagement party, or you can go two days a week and have a burger and fries, and feel really good about your day," he said about the new concept.
DelGiorno plans to reopen March 6 at noon for lunch, and keep the kitchen open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. The menu will focus on local fluke, swordfish and dry-aged tuna steaks. He's also aiming to serve one of the best fish and chips on Long Island, he said, using local haddock. There will also be some favorites from Whiskey Neat, like a French dip sandwich, steak and grilled octopus. "We’re going to have some fun with fish," he said.
Andi Berlin is from Arizona and does not know where she is going. But when she gets there, she’ll find something beautiful and delicious that the world needs to taste.
