Diners, Drive-ins and Dives...This place fits the Dive category with the best lobster roll I have eaten in a long while. The rest of the menu is fried seafood, burgers and fries for the kiddies, and daily specials. Location is key at this hidden dive, right on the Shinnecock Canal in the Hampton's, NY. Hey remember that there is a hit TV show called Diners Drive-ins and Dives. So this really means that the place has good food and worth the trip to sit outside and enjoy a good meal read more

Excellent food great service. Duck wings, clam chowder, lobster roll, fish and chips and Yankee Pot Roast all worth a drive back for. Very quaint. Highly recommend getting out of the city for this gem! read more

Canal Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

I know others are complaining about the dining room not being open, but I appreciated all the open tables by the water. On a nice fall day it was great sitting outside. We got there right when they opened and since it was the off season it wasn't as busy. The food was great! We loved our steak and fried chicken sandwiches and we substituted sweet potato fries which were delicious. I also liked that they were packaged in to-go containers and and had all the utensils needed out for people to take. Will definitely be back! read more

I grabbed take out from tonight and it was hot and fresh. They aren't too busy yet so it is a good time to get your lobster roll fix! The roll is expensive but packed with delicious lobster chunks and claws. It isn't loaded with mayo so you get a great lobster taste as well! I have not tried their other food but most of it is pretty expensive. read more

Canal Cafe - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

I was utterly perplexed that this waterfront spot has been in Hampton Bays for over five years ... how the hell did I not hear about it? Well, no mind, I know about it now, and you can bet I'll be returning. There's a certain kind of singular charm that accompanies any eatery within a marina, and Canal Cafe is no exception. Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching boats pass by, sipping cocktails ... such is the life. Their rum punch is outstanding, as are the bloody marys. We sampled several delicious dishes, including mussels, a lobster roll and several other treats. I did cheat and have a few bites of seafood ... hard to resist when in the Hamptons. They also had live music, and the band was a blast - totally fun and friendly. I will most definitely be back here for lots of waterfront good times. read more

Not sure how this place is 4 stars. Maybe because of the location? Surely, the food is not 4 star worthy. You come here to sit outside. The inside has a decent bar facing the marina but there's limited seating otherwise. Outside there are two tiers of seating, with tables on the deck and some on the dock level. The marina is beautiful with many high end boats on display. It's a great place to throw a few beers back on a sunny afternoon. The food leaves something to be desired although the lobster roll is good value for your money. Served on a ciabatta, it's about twice the size of a typical lobster roll for the same price (if not less than some places in NYC). The lobster is served maine style, with a healthy serving of mayo and some celery to add crunch. I would get this again. We also ordered the lobster fritters and the crab cakes which both just tasted of the fryer. The crab cakes were the pasty type as if the crab were whipped with too much bread crub. I will pass on both of these things next time and opt for something a little fresher. In a town full of mediocre restaurants, Canal Cafe gets lost in the mix. I will probably be back here to change it up every once in a while but Rumba is still the king of the Bays. read more

Overpriced and not that good. The lobster roll was the most expensive one I've seen in the Hamptons so far - $28 with a tiny cup of coleslaw and some so-so tasting fries. I was expecting a great lobster roll - while the lobster roll had plenty of chewy lobster pieces, it also had too much mayonnaise in the dressing, not enough crunch in it from celery or other ingredients. It was leaning towards a bit soggy in the lobster filling. The Kahlua flan was a dense pudding with plenty of caramel sauce over it (barely a taste of Kahlua). It was overpriced too. read more

The lobster roll is out of this world. It's on the the canal located in a marina so nice vibes. The 5 star review is for the lobster roll. The mussels, clams, oysters, etc. and everything else have vastly improved! Pretty darn good LI Iced Teas too :) Ambiance is a 5/5 if you like the water. read more

Can be a bit of a wait but well worth it. The food is always good and the wait staff experienced and friendly.

End of the summer now & this season I think we were there about 12 times. It's our go to place after the beach. Expect to wait at prime time, which is fine, just get a drink from the bar & sit at a picnic table at water edge. Don't be impatient, you're in a Marina, so sit & look at the boats. Food is always fresh & well prepared. Great value, & not just for the Hampton's. Order the lobster Roll, the grilled tuna sandwich or anything that's on the blackboard as a special. read more

Located on a small offside marina, the view is amazing and the food, delightful! I had the fish and chips myself and the fish was crispy, juicy, and fresh. Fries, crispy and delicious! One of the best fish and chips I've ever had. I had a few bites of the lobster roll as well, and it was just as good as everyone else says it is. Light on the mayo, which makes it all the more healthier (in my head anyway)! There is no doubt in my mind that I will be here again soon. read more

Best french fries around. Been here for lunches. Delicious fish & chips, lobster salad added to excellent kale Cesar salad. Surprisingly good hamburger. Not sure why I got a burger, but must have felt like it that day. Sister loved the fried flounder sandwich. It's really good, more relaxed than Cowfish. Not inexpensive but good quality. read more

This is a nice little spot by the Marina. Food is tasty but it's all pretty much self serve as you order at one window and pickup after you get buzzed at a different window. You can sit at any open table you find. Food was quick to come out. read more

Well my family and I waited for a table an hour and 45 minuets but that's ok The waitress told us we could substitute French fries for salad but she never told us there was a four dollar charge a person to substitute after the fact she told us it was on the Bill and it was her fault if you go there beware of that The food was just ok Actually I won't go again read more

We came here on our weekend trip into the Hamptons because the lobster roll was supposed to be really good and they also had dockside seating which meant that our dog could come with us. It was a great, peaceful little lunch staring out at the boats. We had the lobster roll and the fish and chips. It was only mediocre and not living up to the rave reviews. Service was friendly and although not the fastest, I had expected it since we were out in this area. I did like the ambience and the "Caribbean island" feel we sort of got by sitting outside. It was definitely a big plus that dogs were allowed too. read more

What an amazing meal! Super friendly staff and really great casual atmosphere; so casual you dine with plasticware and paper plates. No matter. The food and hospitality make the meal amazing. And honestly, the casual atmosphere made conversations with other guests easy and frequent. We had as much fun with the folks we came with as we did with the folks who were there already. And be ready to pay for the great menu. It's pricy. But well worth it! read more

Hidden gem. We drove for 2 hours to try their world famous lobster rolls and we were not disappointed. Their giant lobster rolls were rich (a ton of lobster- which is rare in NY) and absolutely delicious. read more

Canal Cafe - Lobster rolls - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

Went there yesterday for lunch.... Was brushed off by a rude waitress/hostess. It started to rain and there is no indoor seating. We were hoping to be seated under their awning but no luck. We ordered anyway and figured we would sit in our car and look at the Marina. We got the lobster rolls... $72.00 of disappointment ....horrible, no taste unless you like eating mayonnaise. Way over priced for less than marginal food...The French fries were good but that's it. Way over priced and horrible attitude and service. They acted as if they were doing us a favor by serving us lunch... Don't waste you time or money... Plenty other places out there that would be more better priced and accommodating. Attitude is everything and they got a "F" read more

Lobster roll is expensive but worth every penny. Everything we have had on the menu over the 15 years we have come here has been good. My advice is to focus on the seafood here and the view. Every time we come, we leave happy. read more

Wanted to give this place 5 stars to offset that moron, "Jamie B."s bad review, but she is from west hampton beach, and nobody really puts much stock into what those people say anyway. So instead of giving a review in spite of another, I will just give the the straight up low down on what i have found to be a nice little gem on the canal. I've glared from the apartment from across the canal at this place for 3 years now, and for some reason have never had the audacity to walk down the road, across the bridge, down another road, through a marina, and into the doors of a place i've heard nothing but good things about. Finally did it. Worth it. I can't speak for ALL the food, but I can tell you that anything fried from there is fried right. The waitstaff is attentive, very friendly, and the nights i have been there, kind of hot. I'm not sure how it is on season yet, but it seems like a great low-key place to hang out, drink beers, eat fried food, and watch the boats go through the canal. Bathrooms were mega-clean marina bathroom, the bar room has kitchy crap all over the wall but it added to the mystique. Keep up the good work. Sorry about Jamie B. Sorry about Westhampton in general. read more

Fantastic view if you can find the place but you'd have to be a starving pirate to eat here. Off the beaten path in Hampton Bays. Patio outside is only place to eat and if you wander off to the bathrooms BEFORE you've eaten, you might reconsider ordering anything. Kitchen and interior looks FILTHY, bathrooms are just about the worst in the area. Can't imagine eating a meal here after seeing this--unless you are drunk or starving. Drink up me hearties yo-ho! read more

Perfect place to sit by the water and chill. Had the fried shrimp sandwich and it was killer delicious. Each time I have been there the food is fresh and cooked perfectly...not frozen and over fried..especially the lobster salad sandwich and their mussels. Can't go wrong stopping here. read more

Outdoor dining. Accommodating staff. Pretty water views. Varied menu. Good food. Parking lot.

Overall, I had a good experience here. Here are my notes: Crab cakes - 3 per order Clean taste; too much mayonnaise; the chopped peppers give it a nice bite. Clams w leeks and chorizo Good amount of fresh clams. Nicely done Mussels w white wine Ample portions, fresh clean, delicious Service: Attentive staff; came to empty our bowls of shells twice Decor: We sat outside on the patio. Clean environment. Some of the green folding chairs were shaky and we moved to a table with the bar chairs read more

A place where the hostess says "we can seat you quickly", you park your car and wait you more than one hour. Don't trust the time estimate. Don't come unless you have hours to wait or are really not interested in eating. Epilogue - more than one hour after being told "quickly", "soon", "you are next", "your table is getting up now". read more

I ate there twice during my week long stay. I had tuna tartare for lunch with my family. Later on I brought my husband for dinner. I had a great drink called the Laid Back. Live music while we waited and a very friendly crowd. Ponzu tuna and fried calamari. What a great vibe. read more

Canal Cafe - Laid Back - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

So glad our friend told us about this place! Great service, relaxed and fun atmosphere, and AMAZING food. Two of us shared the fried oysters, ponzu tuna and the lobster roll - it was plenty of food! Definitely try the Gardiner's Lemonade for a refreshing cocktail! read more

Canal Cafe - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

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Great lobster roll! Went for lunch on a fabulous fall day. Canal view is terrific. We had gazpacho which had just the right amount of garlic and seasoning. Lobster roll came on a warm roll. My wife is hard to please and she was quite happy. Much lobster and just the right amount of mayo not too much. I had the grilled chicken sandwich which was so fresh. The fries are also delicious. Would come back. read more

prices are up there but they have the authenticity to give you your order for pick up with a tip at 15% for what????? read more

Disappointed tonight. Went to Canal cafe, first time after Covid. May as well have gone to SLO-Jacks which is great! Everything self-serve. Get to clean your own table, get your own drinks, then pickup your food in a paper bag. I was out for dinner and basically could have stayed home as I do all the things mentioned. However, the prices are worthy of wait staff. Sorry, always loved this pave‍ read more

came here after a long day on the beach, we ordered some specials, fish and chips, guacamole, everything seemed made fresh, and delicious ! excellent tuna, excellent fish and chips and a beautiful view of the harbour with clean and friendly service. read more

Wow!!! Just had lunch here today. Luckily the wait was not bad at all. I had the seafood salad appetizer which was amazing So fresh and bursting with flavor My husband had the lobster roll sandwich which was so fabulous beyond great Tons of lobster and that bread of boy Had to go right to the gym He only ate half huge I finished off the other and then the crunchiest french fries ever Delish!!! read more

What great place. The staff was terrific brought a big bowl of water for my Boxer, and served me a Lobster Roll that I couldn't finish in one seating even if I wanted too. Will be back for sure real soon !!! Thanks #zephyrjets #flyprivate #global #charter #emptyleg #RMQ read more

Canal Cafe - Lobster Roll for a King !!! - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

My husband and I both had the crabs cakes and we were both sick to our stomachs for 3 days afterwards!!! Very disappointing and can't even think of going back to your establishment, ever!!! Please check your seafood and the hygiene of your employees!!! read more

We have been going here since they opened. The location is wonderful but we'd go there if it was in a shack. The food is wonderful & consistent. The staff is great & owners are present in the kitchen and out on the floor. The vibe is totally family. On a nice day in the summer there is definitely a wait but be patient, have a drink, walk on the dock and relax. The location reminds us to chill and enjoy the scenery. Lobster roll is fantastic, always fresh. The french fries are the bomb, salads rock & the seasonal drinks are always super inspired and delicious! I highly recommend Canal Cafe & always look forward to spending some time there. I love when they have live music- an invitation to sit back, relax and enjoy the day/evening. read more

This place is incredible. We had the chicken fried steak which is only served twice a year, definitely one of the best thing I ever ate read more

Canal Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

Excellent food and ambiance. We ate right on the deck overlooking the water. The owner, Paul is a very nice man. The food was excellent! Also, we had a margarita and it was delicious! The lobster roll was perfect, and not smothered in mayo like some places make it. This place does get busy, but if you go early enough you will be able to get seated without a problem. I will definitely the going back here! read more

Canal Cafe - Lobster roll and fries - Seafood Near Me - Hampton Bays, New York

Great location, good food and a lovely all around experience. Tables outside and window ordering during Covid. Got crowded but did not feel crowded. Definitely worth it. read more

Simple. Perfect. Everything the Hamptons strives to be but fails; epically time and time again. Stay away if you seek a 'Hamptons Scene'; low key, real, local food. Clams, mussels, calamari, excellent. Honest wine list. Professional staff. A respite in the pretension. read more

Visited because of the reviews and ordered the lobster roll. Outstanding! People are very friendly, the marina next door is pristine, and view tremendous, worth the visit! read more