New Eatery, Andy's, Opens In Greenport To Rave Reviews

GREENPORT, NY — Imagine an eatery where the game is always on, the kids are always welcome, there's bound to be a friend you know in sight — and the food is always delicious and affordable.

That's the vision partners and local dads Andy Harbin — a beloved local bartender who's long been a fixture at locales including The Frisky Oyster, Sophie's and Legends on the North Fork — and Doug Roberts, who's also a Greenport Village trustee, shared when they decided to open a new restaurant and pub at the site of the former Rhumbline on Front Street in Greenport.

The restaurant has a soft opening on Wednesday, with family and friends raving about the fare, the fun, family atmosphere, and their excitement at being able to find a place in the heart of the village where kids are welcome, sports are on the big screen, and the food is superb.

Discussing their joint venture with Patch recently, Roberts said he's known Harbin for several years and has told him that someday, he should open his own place.

Harbin credits Roberts and his wife Sharon, who also spent hours working to make the opening a success, for nurturing the dream and giving him the confidence to plant the seeds for Andy's.

Both agreed they hoped to fill a niche that has been lacking in Greenport — a family friendly place where the food is affordable and tasty, with a menu that includes "the best build your own burgers and wings in town," as well as an array of mouthwatering choices including lobster rolls, chimichangas, fresh fish, oysters, calamari, "the best pickles," chicken sandwiches, pad Thai, fish and chips, mac & cheese Grammy Franny style, salads and appetizers to die for, such as potato skin shooters, bubble bread and cheese steak spring rolls.

To incorporate "the whole North Fork experience," they've got Aldo's coffee and offerings from 8 Hands Farm, local produce and beers on tap, and wines from local vineyards including McCall's.

"We agreed on what was missing here," Roberts said, adding that when his daughter was a baby, he was hoping for a place to bring the whole family to watch a game. "There's been no gastropub in the village."

From the start, Andy's has been filled with children; a basket filled with games, and kid-friendly menu items including mozzarella stick grilled cheese and a mini burger bag, as well as big jars filled with lollipops, welcomes them from the moment they step inside.

"We needed a family place," said Harbin.

Harbin said he hopes to bring locally sourced produce and chemical free offerings to the menu, with some gluten free options, and to go organic whenever possible. There's a long, inviting bar where customers can watch the game and chat; the bar area is separated from the dining room by a divider with an eye toward a family friendly ambiance.

The community has welcomed the new business with open arms; during a recent interview, local business owners and residents stopped in to check on the progress of the eatery. There's a mirror from Legends on the wall and Bobby Heaney from the now-sold Skipper's offered his insight, too.

With an eye toward the environment, there will be no plastic bags or styrofoam for takeout, they said.

The goal, both said, was to create a warm, inviting, comfortable family destination, where families can enjoy a meal out without busting the budget. No white tablecloths, Harbin said, but a place where kids can be found playing happily and giggling with their parents and enjoying quality family time.

And so far, the reviews have been nothing short of stellar: "The North Fork has needed an amazing restaurant like this forever," one customer wrote on Yelp. Added another, "Amazing food, great atmosphere. Potato skin shooters were amazing and the burger was beyond perfect."

Both men live with their wives and children in Greenport, and they're deeply committed to presenting a restaurant that feels like home and reflects the fiber of the North Fork community and its rich values.

Harbin has lived on the North Fork since 1981; he's known since he was a young man working beside his stepfather that this was a dream he's wanted to see realized.

"I like to make people happy," he said, adding that he wants to present them with a comfortable, warm experience and the best food and spirits.

Both Harbin and Roberts said they want to give back to the community, including the fire department and the Greenport High School Porters team.

Harbin said the time was right, especially when the Rhumbline became available; he worked there 27 years ago himself. "It's come full circle now," he said.

The beautiful space has been transformed, its original tin ceiling painted white and the once dark interior now bright and light-filled, with signature orange splashes and bright greenery, as well as an outdoor space.

The building resonates with rich Greenport memories, said manager Tiffany Law. "There's something about this building," she said. "You feel it the moment you walk in." A veteran of the restaurant industry, having helped to launch 14 restaurants, Law said Andy's is special. "It's a place where you can bring your children without emptying your wallet," she said.

Of owning his own business after years behind the bar, Harbin said, "I'm ready."

Roberts, who also owns an education software firm, said he'll be able to cut down on his travel now, with the new business, and spend more time with his wife Mary and daughter. "I'm excited to be a part of Andy and Sharon's exciting dream and vision," he said.

Andy's is located at 34 Front Street in Greenport.