Old Mill Inn

Historic waterfront restaurant and oyster bar in Mattituck — seasonal coastal menu in a restored 19th-century mill on James Creek (adults-only at dinner).

Reopened as a destination waterfront restaurant, the Old Mill Inn occupies a landmark mill building on James Creek with a large wraparound deck. Expect an oyster-forward raw bar, a seafood-led seasonal menu and one of the prettiest sunset settings on the North Fork. Operates seasonally — typically open spring through fall, closed in winter. My favorite sunset seat on the North Fork, hands down. We book the 6:30 in July so the light is right around the second course — a raw-bar tower for two, then the whole grilled fluke with a bottle of Paumanok Chenin. The deck can get windy; bring a light layer. Getting in requires planning: reservations open on Resy about 30 days out and Friday and Saturday sell out in an hour. Weekday visits are much easier. Combine with an afternoon at Macari (10 minutes north) and an overnight at Jedediah Hawkins for a low-driving weekend.

Historic waterfront setting, oyster bar, seasonal menu

A tidal mill turned tavern

The building dates to 1820, when farmer Samuel Cox built it as a tidal grist mill on what was then called Mattituck Bay, according to the history page on the restaurant's own site. It milled grain until a steam-powered competitor opened in 1902, after which a later owner converted it into a tavern and inn — the source of the building's current use. The original water wheel's drive shaft is still visible in front of the bar, and the beams above the bar carry the signed names of patrons going back more than a century.

Hours and who's welcome

As of the site's current posting, the Old Mill Inn is open six nights a week: dinner Tuesday through Friday from 5pm and Saturday–Sunday from 4pm, with lunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am, plus a weekend drinks-and-oysters window from 3 to 4pm. Dinner service is limited to guests 15 and older; lunch is open to all ages. The site also flags that the deck sits directly over water with a strong tidal pull, and asks parents to watch children closely at lunch.

Reservations and walk-ins

Reservations run through OpenTable, but the restaurant explicitly welcomes walk-ins for both drinks and dinner, with the full menu served at the bar, on the porch and on the deck. Parties larger than six are asked to email ahead rather than book online.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a reservation at Old Mill Inn?
Old Mill Inn accepts reservations on OpenTable. Use the “Reserve on OpenTable” button on this page to check live availability, or call (631) 298-8080. Weekends fill up first, especially in the summer wine-tasting season.
Where is Old Mill Inn located?
Old Mill Inn is at 5775 West Mill Road, Mattituck, NY 11952, on the North Fork of Long Island.
What kind of food does Old Mill Inn serve?
Old Mill Inn serves Seafood · Oyster bar. It is a upscale restaurant ($$ · $28–48 entrées). Known for historic waterfront setting, oyster bar, seasonal menu.
Which Long Island wineries are near Old Mill Inn?
Macari Vineyards, Bridge Lane Wine, and Paumanok Vineyards are all within an easy drive of Old Mill Inn, making it a natural lunch or dinner stop on a North Fork wine-tasting day.
Where can I stay near Old Mill Inn?
Hotels within easy reach of Old Mill Inn include Jedediah Hawkins Inn and Cedar House on Sound B&B. Booking a room nearby lets you enjoy the wine list without driving back.
Is Old Mill Inn good for dietary restrictions?
Old Mill Inn can typically accommodate common dietary restrictions — vegetarian, gluten-free, and shellfish allergies — with advance notice. Note them in your OpenTable reservation or call (631) 298-8080 so the kitchen can plan around them, especially on busy weekend services.
When are the busiest times at Old Mill Inn?
Friday and Saturday dinner service (6–8:30 pm) is the busiest window at Old Mill Inn, along with Sunday lunch during the North Fork wine-tasting season (May–November). Weeknight dinners and early seatings are the easiest tables to get and usually a calmer experience.