The Patio in Freeport is a nautical-themed, dockside-dining establishment that opened in May and has been drawing in surf-chic patrons ever since. The retro restaurant is located one mile from the Nautical Mile at the revamped Freeport Inn & Marina and although similar to Nautical Mile’s waterfront casual and carefree style, The Patio definitely stands out. With 1960s decor and a touch of contemporary South Beach flavor, it’s like Miami Vice meets Montauk.
Guests are greeted at the 4,000-square-foot establishment by an iron gate and find themselves walking through a posh outdoor lounge equipped with a flashy waterfall. Patrons can grab a seat at the 30-foot indoor bar or one of the tables inside. Diners can also opt for an outdoor dining experience on the waterfront deck equipped with fire pits making for a more intimate setting.
As far as food? Dinner is served until 10 p.m. and offers everything from lobster to burgers and fries. “Beginnings” range from $8 to $16, offering three flatbreads: Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella flatbread was flavorful but not overpowering and ultra-light with an assortment of vegetables; Mussels Sambuca was a pleasing plate that included PEI mussels braised in Sambuca and lemon-butter, dusted with espresso; and South Main Street Sliders, a burger trio with American cheese, chimichurri, staked with a fried pickle. Other beginnings include Tomato & Mozzarella, Buffalo Chicken Lollipops, and “Raw” North Shore Clams.
Of the 10 entrees, which range from $20 to 36, favorites were Citrus Soy Tuna and the popular Hard Shell Lobster plate; the nicely priced dish was a 1-½ lb. lobster steamed with corn on the cob and served with drawn butter. (Not on the menu is a burger that the waitress said is available upon request.) Sides ranged from $5 to $7 and included watermelon and sugar snap peas along with the obvious French fries and corn on the cob.
Four choice desserts range from $7 to $10 and included mini key lime pie, fresh strawberries & cream, Junior’s giant chocolate cake—which was as expected, huge and satisfyingly sweet; and the favoreite Moose Tracks Pie, which was a delightful mix of ice cream Reese’s Cups, peanut butter and brownie—even if it was straight out of the freezer.
The most exciting time at The Patio is the evening—as the sun goes down the LED lights go on and the music gets turned up—and that’s on nights without the DJ. A DJ spins on Friday and Saturdays each week from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. On these nights, patrons pile in through the front, grab one of the restaurant’s signature drinks, and head to the deck to watch as others opt for a more impressive entrance, on a boat (docking is available upon reservation). On the drink menu, one will find three Patio Signature Cocktails for $12. Patio Punch is a fruity mix of Captain Morgan, Malibu Rum, pineapple and cranberry juice. Unlike the Patio Punch, the Raspberry Mojito actually packed the punch with Bacardi Rum, fresh squeezed lime, muddled mint and minimal seltzer. The festive drinks came in what looked like a bait jar equipped with a thick straw—I couldn’t help but wonder if that was strategic. Not looking for a creative cocktail? Go for the perfect summer drink, sangria. A ½-gallon jar cost $36 and come in summer white peach or traditional red. The usual selection of beers and wines could be found on the menu as well. It’s all ideal for a summer evening spent wasting away in Margaritaville. Or Freeport.
The Patio Marina Lounge
445 South Main Street, Freeport
www.patiofreeport.com