⛵ Long Island's Finest Waterway

Patchogue River

Where the bay meets the village — your summer starts here

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1mi
Miles of Waterfront
360+
Years of History
5+
Waterfront Venues
55mi
From Manhattan

A River Born from the Bay

From Algonquian fishing grounds to a thriving 19th-century port, the Patchogue River has always been the heart of Long Island's South Shore.

1664 FOUNDED
The Story of the River

360+ Years of
Maritime Heritage

Long before the first marina was built, the Patchogue River was known to the Algonquian peoples as a "turning place" — where two waterways diverge into the Great South Bay. The name Patchogue itself is derived from that ancient word, a testament to how deeply this river shaped the culture of the land.

Its recorded history dates from 1664, when Connecticut Governor John Winthrop purchased "nine necks of land" extending from Great South Bay to the middle of Long Island. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the river had evolved into a thriving commercial port — a widely utilized commercial port where companies and wholesale clam dealers created a viable mixture of maritime uses.

Commercial Port EraClam dealers, boatyards, and wholesale merchants defined the river's industrial age in the 1800s–1900s.
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Incorporated 1893The Village of Patchogue was officially incorporated, cementing the river's role as the community's economic spine.
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WWI Naval ServiceThe local ferry "Patchogue" served in active naval duty from 1917–1922 during World War I.
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Gateway to Fire IslandThe river serves as the primary gateway to Fire Island National Seashore and the only federally designated Wilderness Area in New York State.
Through the Centuries

A River That Made History

1664
The First Settlement
Connecticut Governor John Winthrop acquires "nine necks of land" along the Great South Bay. Algonquian peoples had long called this river the "turning place" — a name that became Patchogue.
1759
Patchogue is Named
The settlement officially takes the name Patchogue, won by lottery. The community grows as a summer resort and lace-manufacturing center, attracting visitors from across the region.
1893
Village Incorporation
The Village of Patchogue is officially incorporated. By now the river is a bustling commercial port with boatyards, clam dealers, and ferry services creating a thriving maritime economy.
1908
A Pleasure Seeker's Paradise
The New York Times profiles Patchogue as a destination where "yachting and fishing divide time for pleasure-seekers." President George Washington had stopped here for lunch on his 1790 tour of Long Island.
1917–22
The Patchogue Goes to War
The local ferry "Patchogue" is requisitioned for active U.S. Navy duty during World War I, serving until 1922 — a little-known chapter of Long Island's wartime contribution.
1998
Blue Point Brewing Opens
Blue Point Brewing Company opens in Patchogue — Long Island's first commercial brewery. The craft beer movement anchors downtown's cultural renaissance, which transforms the river corridor into a nightlife destination.
2008
River Renaissance
Off Key Tikki opens on the river, turning a rundown boatyard into a Polynesian dining and marina complex. Dublin Deck, Drift 82, and others follow, establishing Patchogue River as Long Island's premier boating and nightlife waterway.
Today
Long Island's Waterfront Playground
The Patchogue River is one of Long Island's most dynamic nightlife and boating destinations — 5+ waterfront venues, multiple marinas, ferry service to Fire Island, and a community-driven boating culture that only grows stronger every summer.
On The Water

Where Summer Lives

Every venue on Patchogue River offers boat-in docking. Tie up and walk right in.

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Tiki Bar & Grill
Dublin Deck
Smack on the Patchogue River, where every day is a getaway. A tropical escape on Long Island with outdoor beach volleyball leagues, live bands on Sunday nights, and an electrifying country music scene. The summer crowd favorite that draws boaters and land-lovers alike.
⚓ Boat-In · Leeward Cove Marina
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Seafood & Raw Bar
Baysmen's Clam Bar
A river mainstay anchored at the northernmost bend. Roll-up glass garage doors open onto the water for maximum bay views. The Barefoot Princess double-decker steamboat is docked alongside — eat dinner on the boat for an unforgettable evening on the river. Formerly Harbor Crab Co., now under new ownership with the same legendary waterfront soul.
⚓ Free Transient Docking
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Fine Dining & Bar
Drift 82
Where the sea is our best friend and the sun always shines on the good side of day. Next to the Davis Park Ferry Terminal, Drift 82 blends fine dining with waterfront energy. Live music daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pull your boat right up to the bulkhead.
⚓ Dock Slips Available
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Steak & Seafood
The Oar
A river institution since 1986 — still referred to as "The Oar House" by locals. By 2015, OpenTable was listing The Oar as among the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America. French doors open onto the docks for open-air dining with a nautical soul.
⚓ Free Transient Docking
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Street Food & Tiki Vibes
Baja
Opened in 2023 at the former Off Key Tikki property, Baja offers street food, tacos, a delicious tuna ceviche, live music and DJs, brick oven pizza, and a fully stocked full-service water view bar. The spirit of the legendary Off Key Tikki lives on with a modern Baja twist.
⚓ Transient Docking Available
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Craft Distillery
Better Man Distilling
Built at the former Blue Point Brewery, so you know a great time is in the place's DNA. The mid-century modern tasting room was inspired by the TWA Hotel at New York's JFK Airport. All spirits are distilled on-site. An essential stop on any Patchogue River crawl.
🥃 On-Site Craft Spirits
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Live Music Venue
Stereo Garden
Originally built as the Patchogue Roller Rink in the 1940s, this historic building offers over 20,000 square feet of open floor, column-free space with exposed wood rafters and curved high ceilings. State-of-the-art lighting and audio. Concerts, events, and Sunday Brunch.
🎵 Concerts & Events · Capacity 900
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Performing Arts
Patchogue Theatre
The restored Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts seats 1,200 and was originally built in 1923. A fully renovated cultural anchor of downtown Patchogue, featuring concerts, Broadway touring shows, and community events. The lobby hosts receptions with a full-service bar.
🎭 Originally Built 1923 · Seats 1,200
Drop Your Hook

The Marinas of Patchogue River

Five miles of accessible waterfront, multiple full-service marinas, and transient docking at every major venue. Whether you're coming in for the day or spending the season, the Patchogue River has a slip for you.

Leeward Cove Marina

Home to Dublin Deck, Leeward Cove offers full transient docking throughout the boating season. Pull up by boat and head straight to the party — live bands, beach volleyball, and tiki bar energy steps from the dock.

Transient Docking Full Season Dublin Deck Access
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Patchogue Shores Marina

A 100+ year old, five-acre maritime facility on the south shore of Long Island, minutes from the Great South Bay. Owned and operated by the Kazmark family since 2002, with over 40 years of experience in the marine industry.

100+ Years Old Full Service Boat Sales Storage
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Sunset Harbour Marina

A Suntex marina experience on the South Shore in East Patchogue, featuring boat slips, boat storage, The Tiki Bar waterfront restaurant, and marine services. A place where boaters feel valued and every visit feels like coming home.

Tiki Bar On-Site Marine Services Boat Storage
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South Shore Boat Yard

Located just inside the entrance of the historic Patchogue River, directly across the bay from Davis Park and Watch Hill beaches. A full service marina since 1992 and a family-owned marine business since 1958.

Full Service Since 1992 Family-Owned 1958 Repairs
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Village of Patchogue Mascot Dock

The municipal dock operated by the Village of Patchogue, offering accessible transient slips for visiting boaters. Central location puts you steps from downtown restaurants, shops, and the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Municipal Downtown Access Transient

Island View Marina

Located on the river's western side just north of the mouth — ideal for boats coming in from the bay needing fuel or a quick tie-up before hitting the river's vibrant restaurant and bar scene.

Fuel Dock River Entrance Transient Slips

Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard

One of the oldest and most storied boatyards on the Patchogue River, with a history stretching back generations. A full-service yacht yard offering repairs, maintenance, and seasonal storage — the kind of place where generations of Long Island boaters have kept their vessels and swapped sea stories.

Historic Yacht Yard Full Service Repairs & Storage
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Thrasher Marina

A well-established marina on the Patchogue River serving the local boating community with quality dockage, marine services, and the kind of personalized, no-nonsense service that keeps boaters coming back season after season.

Dockage Marine Services Local Favorite

Patchogue River Boating & Nightlife Social Group

The official Facebook community for boaters, river lovers, and nightlife enthusiasts on the Patchogue River. Get real-time updates on river conditions, upcoming events, live music lineups, marina news, and connect with your fellow boaters before and after every outing. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-season dock holder — this group is your home port online.

Join the Group on Facebook

🚤   Boaters · Families · Foodies · Music Lovers · All Welcome

Why Patchogue?

Life on the River is Different

A mix of creative-class revival blended with small-town charm — Patchogue transformed from a sleepy village into a vibrant community full of active nightlife and cultural energy. Here's why people who move here never leave.

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Water at Your Doorstep

Wake up and step onto your boat. Patchogue River puts you minutes from the Great South Bay, Fire Island, Davis Park, and Watch Hill — thousands of acres of open water with world-class fishing, clamming, and cruising right outside your door.

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Nightlife That Rivals the City

Patchogue nightlife has become one of Long Island's biggest success stories. From tiki bars and craft distilleries to a 1,200-seat theatre and a 20,000 sq ft concert hall, you get a Manhattan-level social calendar with a backyard boat ramp.

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Connected, Not Congested

The Long Island Rail Road puts you in Penn Station in under 90 minutes, with express trains running all weekend. Live in the heart of a vibrant waterfront village and still commute to the city without sacrificing one drop of the summer lifestyle.

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Culture & Community

Patchogue is known for its vibrant downtown district, hosting boutiques, bars, eateries, galleries, and the restored Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. The village also features MoCA Long Island, a contemporary art museum that includes gallery space, a cinema, and loft apartments.

A True Boating Community

Patchogue River is one of Long Island's most welcoming boating communities. The annual Boat Parade — where hundreds of illuminated boats drift down the river each fall — is just one tradition that defines life here. The Alive on the River festival series brings the whole waterway to life every summer Wednesday.

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Fire Island Access

The Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is located on the Patchogue River, one block south and west of the Patchogue train station. It provides access to the Fire Island Wilderness area — the only federally designated U.S. Wilderness Area in New York State. Your backyard literally touches federal wilderness.

The Summer Calendar

Always Something Happening

May–Sep🌞

Alive on the River

The signature summer event series where every riverside venue comes alive simultaneously — live music, drink specials, and H2O water taxi rides connecting Dublin Deck, Drift 82, Baysmen's Clam Bar, The Oar, and more for one unforgettable evening.

🎵 Live Music 🚤 Water Taxi Included
ALL SUMMER🏐

Beach Volleyball Leagues

Co-ed beach volleyball leagues form each spring at Dublin Deck and play through the warmest months. Sign up solo or bring your crew — games are followed by live music and riverside drinks as the sun goes down over the bay.

🏐 Co-Ed Leagues 🍹 Post-Game Happy Hour
Nov🚢

Annual Boat Parade

Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Patchogue River Parade is held, with boaters decorating and illuminating their boats in that year's theme. The spectacle is viewable from Sandspit Park, Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, or anywhere on the river.

🎆 Illuminated Boats 📍 Sandspit Park
SUMMER🎉

Sea Fair River Festival

The Patchogue Riverfront Committee hosts the Sea Fair River Festival, a riverfront celebration intended to welcome Long Islanders to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful Patchogue River and its maritime sea life. Family fun, live entertainment, and local maritime culture all in one.

🌊 Family Friendly ⚓ Maritime Culture
WEEKLY🎸

Live Music Every Weekend

Every venue on the river runs its own live music schedule from Memorial Day through Labor Day. From country and rock at Dublin Deck to jazz and soul at Eleanor's Lounge, the Patchogue River is one continuous outdoor music festival all summer long.

🎵 Multiple Venues 🌙 Fri–Sun Nights
DAILY⛴️

Fire Island Ferry Service

Daily ferry service from Sandspit Marina and the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal to Davis Park and Watch Hill beaches on Fire Island. Grab a morning ferry, spend the day on the ocean, and pull back into the river in time for sunset cocktails at Drift 82.

⛴️ Davis Park & Watch Hill 🌅 Memorial Day–Labor Day
Gateway to Paradise

Your Dock is
10 Minutes from
Fire Island

The Patchogue River is the primary gateway to Fire Island National Seashore — one of the most spectacular barrier island ecosystems on the East Coast. Two ferry terminals operate right on the river.

  • Davis Park Ferry Co. — runs daily service from Sandspit Marina at 80 Brightwood Street to Davis Park and Watch Hill. Free parking for Brookhaven residents.
  • Watch Hill NPS Terminal — operated by the National Park Service at 150 West Avenue. Seasonal passenger ferry to Watch Hill, the gateway to the Fire Island Wilderness.
  • Fire Island Wilderness — the only federally designated Wilderness Area in New York State. Pristine ocean beaches, no cars, and pure silence just minutes from your slip.
  • H2O Water Taxi — summer water taxis cruise the full length of Patchogue River connecting all venues, ferries, and marinas so you never have to move your boat.
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📡   Free Boating Tool

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A free, browser-based GPS navigation app built specifically for Long Island boaters. No downloads, no subscriptions, no account needed — just open it on your phone and go. Covers the full Great South Bay, Patchogue River, and the Long Island North Shore with real nautical data.

Live GPS tracking on your phone — works on any smartphone browser
Great South Bay & Long Island Sound full coverage — North and South Shore
Nautical waypoints, buoy markers, depth zones & shallow water warnings
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Beyond the River

Downtown Patchogue After Dark

When you've had your fill of the river, head two blocks inland where Main Street becomes Long Island's most electric nightlife corridor.

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Stereo Garden

20,000 sq ft concert venue, live acts & Sunday Brunch

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Patchogue Theatre

1,200-seat arts venue, built 1923, fully restored

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Standard Rec

Craft cocktails, food, and a downtown social scene

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Eleanor's Lounge

Classy jazz nights & signature cocktails

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Village Idiot Pub

60+ beers, 30+ HD TVs, the sports bar of record

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Ruta Oaxaca

100+ tequilas, artisanal mezcals, Oaxacan cuisine