The Wharf — Restaurant in Town of Islip

On this cloudy, coldish, day, my Hamburger 🚨🚨🚨 alarm went off, after a walk at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum.

Because Vanderbilt's Wharf, in Oakdale, is part of the Lilys, Babylon, Crowe(?) restaurant group, and the Local, in Babylon, is part of that same group, and I heard their Burgers were good there, we decided to try their sister restaurant's burgers there, in Oakdale. Even on this dreary day, there's something soothing about sitting at a place, with view of the water..

The lit fireplace, with a roaring fire, which we sat right by, not only added an extra layer of warmth on this cold day, but another bit of ambiance that made for a good dining experience.

I ordered the burger my usual medium rare, no lettuce, tomato, or onion.

They only offered American cheese, or Mozzarella, I chose American.

The burger came to me more on the upper medium side, but not so much so, that I would send it back.

It was still juicy, so I just carried on eating it.

Just so long as it doesnt venture into the grey, well done, area, there is red color, still in the meat, and it shows some juiciness, I will not send it back..

I like perfect, but I dont get twisted, if it's not..

The toasted brioche bun added a nice back taste to burger meat.

The meat to burger ratio was near perfect

My lunch partner ordered their burger medium well, and it came out perfect.

1 out 2 aint bad 😎

The Angus meat they use for the burger was really, really good.

A bit on the high side with the $18 price tag, fries included.

They serve coated fries that I enjoy.They are not hand cut, but a commercially available product, that has a pleasant taste that suits me.

When we got there around 2pm ish, there was a smattering of people there at the bar, and at the tables.

By the time we left, well after 4pm, the place was packed!!!

Patrons ranged from families with kids in strollers, to old geezers, like me!! 🤣

It had the feel of a cozy neighborhood bar.

I liked it, and will return.

You could not ask for better service.

Andrew was Prompt, polite, and professional, even though it was busy.

You can't ask for more than that.

The Burger doesn't break into my Top Tier, but it certainly deserves the designation of a great bar burger.

I would have no qualms about recommending the Burger, or the Restaurant

On another note, they serve one of the best Old Fahioneds I've had in a while.

105 proof Bourbon, 2 different bitters, demerara simple syrup, cherry, orange slice, and a big ole square block, ice cube. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

The people we shared the table with, ordered the Large Pretzel Appetizer, that came with 5 dipping sauces, which I will definitely order, the next time I go there.

They said it was awesome.

There is ample parking there, for this time of year

During the Summer, parking is a different story, with all the boating activity down there on the water.

Vanderbilt's Wharf,...

Let me preface this review by saying that i live locally and boat to The Wharf on a somewhat regular basis year round. I have always had a pleasant experience and The Wharf has become a place that i like to call a “go to” spot for my family and I.

Last night, my 11 year old son and I took the boat with our small dog to The Wharf. We docked along the outside bulk heading and the three of us walked to the outside dining area and grabbed the first 4-top table we saw along the water edge. Our 25lb dog laid down and my son and I proceeded to wait over 13 min with out being acknowledged by any of the staff. Finding this odd, i asked my son to go to the host station and kindly ask for menus and let the host know we sat down. He proceeded to come back and inform me that we will not be served due to having the dog with us (which we’ve had many times in the past). After, returning with the news of the no dog policy (which is not stated anywhere from the dock location to the establishment) I went to the host station and inquired why we have not been seen or given menu’s in now what has been over 15min of us sitting down. The three staff members that were standing at the host station proceeded to say that there is a no dog policy which is stated in the front of the building entrance near the parking lot. I explained that i came by boat and did not see any sign posted on my walk from the dock to my seat. They offered to have the manager come speak to me which I gladly accepted. After another wait, a young gentleman came out and explained that they would make the exception, which i was very appreciative of. He went back inside, and we proceeded to wait another 5 min or so without service or acknowledgement. All three female staff members glancing at our table without initiating any further. I finally, went back up to them and explained that i spoke to the manager and he said it was ok that we had our dog with us and could we please have menus and service at our table. Shortly after, we were served by a male waiter who was very friendly and understanding to the situation, who also acknowledged the fact that they make exceptions to dogs all of the time.

I guess my main concern is, how long were you going to let me sit there and not address the dog policy? A simple explanation that “we do not allow pets” at the time of seating would have sufficed. Instead i sat there for over 25 min before receiving menus. I felt I was purposely ignored in hopes we would just leave.. which is fine, but i genuinely...

The Wharf was absolutely amazing from the beginning. They have hosted maybe one wedding before us and you would have never guessed. Every single person we were in contact with went above and beyond. They were so accommodating and friendly. We wanted something low key and something that just felt like us. The view is absolutely breathtaking. All the boats, the sunset, the dock. They always provide awesome live music which makes for an awesome vibe! Ed and Alyssa (servers) helped my parents set up and really took the stress out of only have an hour or so to set up the party. Everywhere you looked they were there helping us every step of the way. They provided an outside bar for us with our favorite beers and mixed drinks. The bartender Jimmy was outstanding. Everyone was raving about the drinks he was making and there was never ever a line. Everyone was quick, friendly and efficient! They followed all of the guidelines for COVID which made us feel extremely safe since we had some young children in attendance as well as some older people. All the servers, workers, bartenders etc. were wearing masks. All were implementing guidelines, food being served with drinks etc. The outdoor and indoor space is super clean and maintained. The service was quick, everywhere you went they were making sure everyone had drinks in their hand. We stayed way past our time, we only planned 2:30-5:30 but most guests were there until around 8 pm. So around 6:30 they passed out grilled cheese, chips etc. without us even having to ask.

We only had half of the space which we were totally fine with. We even had some onlookers cheering us on during our ceremony. The food truck they provide is delicious. Lobster rolls, steak tacos and more! We have eaten here multiple times and always love what we get. I wish we took pictures of the food, but everyone was so happy with their choices and said how delicious everything was. Shout out to the owners Gary and Lou whom own the marina and restaurant and Wayne who comanages the restaurant. They have an awesome spot! They had tents on standby just in case the weather didn't turn out. They were more than accommodating, organized and helpful throughout the days leading up to our ceremony to the actual day and night itself. They were in constant contact making sure everything was going smoothly. My husband, myself and our families know that we made the perfect choice hosting our ceremony...