FOODIE

Fresh Catches At Jeff's Seafood
By Pete & Will/foodie@longislandernews.com

With all Huntington’s beautiful waterfront, it continues to amaze us that there isn’t a cozy clam shack where one can enjoy a half-dozen cherrystones or a cup of chowder while taking in the view.

Even more amazing is that a strip mall in East Northport offers the next best thing.

At Jeff’s Seafood & Galley, located in the busy Elwood shopping center in Jericho Turnpike, a nautical themed mural framed by ropes and fish shack construction is as close as one gets to that view. The food at this half fish store, half restaurant, is as authentic as authentic gets. When chef Billy McLellan sends out an order from the kitchen, one can practically hear the splash of waves and the cries of seagulls coming from that painted mural.

The “galley” part of Jeff’s Seafood & Galley is comprised of just a handful of tables – some high, some low – adjacent to the counters of the seafood store where the fresh catch of the day is displayed for the store’s retail customers. In addition to fresh fish and shellfish, Jeff’s sells a variety of prepared and cook-at-home seafood selections to go. In fact, it was a sign on the street advertising fresh caught halibut that first got us into Jeff’s. The ersatz charm of the galley got us to stay.

A meal in the galley is an experience. With its netting and lobster float décor, there are no pretensions in the Galley. It’s the kind of place where if you don’t run into friends at the next table, you’ve made some by the time you leave.

The menu at Jeff’s is as small as the restaurant. Start with the clams – a half-dozen on the half shell with the house cocktail sauce and lemon. They’re as fresh as if they walked there. The chowder is also a favorite. We prefer Manhattan (the red kind) – it’s chunky with clams, briny and flavorful. Also on our hot list, crab cakes are the real deal. Real crab has that flavor that can’t be imitated.

While Jeff’s has a reliable list of entrees, the catch of the day is always reliable.
Preparation is generally simple and it’s always, always, always fresh.

Other entrée favorites include the linguine with clam sauce, which is, again, generous with clams. Seafood entrees, served with potato or rice and vegetable of the day, are generally reliable. Choose your seafood with a honey glaze, New Orleans style, blackened or Scampi. Blackened Swordfish ($19.95) is a spicy treat. A plate of three crab cakes ($14.95) is great for splitting, and when you’re in the mood, the simple broiled flounder is just that… simple. Sometimes a little lemon is all the seasoning one needs.

Don’t go to Jeff’s looking for tablecloths, stellar service or even high class cutlery. Do go when affordable, unpretentious seafood is what you’re craving. And tell them the Foodies sent you.

Jeff’s Seafood & Galley
1965 Jericho Tpke.
East Northport
631-858-2393

Atmosphere: Fish Shack

Cuisine: Seafood

Price Range: Inexpensive to Moderate

Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 10-8 p.m.;
Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Main Menu