The restaurant at Lighthouse Marina on Meetinghouse Creek is under new ownership this season.
On the Docks opened its doors last month in the former Phil’s Waterfront Bar and Grill.
Owner Kostas “Gus” Kastamonitis couldn’t be more excited about his new venture.
Kastamonitis managed restaurants in Queens and Nassau before he returned to his career as an electrical engineer about 20 years ago. He longed to get back into the restaurant business but this time around wanted to own his own restaurant.
“I always had an itch to go back into the restaurant business,” Kastamonitis said in an interview. “I was looking for one to acquire and came across this. It was perfect,” he said.
Kastamonitis said the restaurant was turn-key. “It’s beautiful,” he said. “I didn’t have to change a thing.”
The restaurant had been under the same ownership for more than 25 years and operated as the Meetinghouse Creek Inn. Marina owner Alex Galasso said he thought it was time for a change. He terminated the restaurant’s lease in 2015 and extensively renovated the building, inside and out. The restaurant was reopened by a new tenant, Phil Marcario, owner of Phil’s Restaurant in Wading River, in 2016.
Kastamonitis said he has no plans to change the menu. The restaurant will continue to serve American fare, with a lot of seafood specials.
“We source a lot of local seafood,” he said. “We’re getting fresh fish almost every day.”
A spacious outdoor deck features a long bar, high top tables and regular dining tables. The deck overlooks the marina and the picturesque waterway beyond. On the Docks offers live music on the deck on weekend evenings during summer, beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
The dining room is bright and airy, with large windows and comfortable seating that affords expansive waterfront views.
The menu has a wide variety of entrees with a price point of about $18 to $25 — plus plenty of apps, salads and sandwiches.
There’s also a separate, comfortable bar at the front of the building with lots of flat-screen TVs.
“I’m very excited for our first season,” Kastamonitis said.
On the Docks is located at 177 Meeting House Creek Road, Aquebogue, New York 11931. Tel. (631) 886-1160
Check out the menu at onthedocksgrill.com.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
