Sunset Beach, Shelter Island, NY
 

While I've enjoyed drinks at Sunset Beach on numerous occasions, I've never had dinner there. How is it? Price range? I'm considering it for a large group.

Thanks in advance.

Have not eaten there this summer (yet) but it's always been one of my favorite places. The food over the years has ranged from good to great. The prices have steadily risen (what's new). My favorite is always the moules frites which started back 4-5 yrs ago at $16-18 (large portion). By last year I think it was like $24.(Always more at dinner than lunch).

I actually had a luncheon there for about 30 people 4 yrs ago. It was fantastic and they were great. The manager, Alistaire Maclean is terrific to work with. He had been transferred to the Carribean but I see he's back there according to the website. There's also menus on the website but no prices
sunsetbeachli.com

I attended a large party there, dinner for 20 on Sat night, last year and it was a bit chaotic. Not sure I'd do a Sat. nite thing when they're packed but mabye if planned well enough in advance it would be ok. Lunch there is so wonderful with the view and it's much less crowded.

Thanks, mclaurie. Very helpful info.

I'm considering a birthday dinner for 16-20 on a busy summer Saturday (Labor Day Weekend). The group ranges from investment bankers to artists, hence my question about cost. It doesn't sound too expensive.

Might I ask, where did your group of 20 sit last year? How could the experience have been better?

Again, thanks.

There are a couple different seating areas. My group sat on the middle level upstairs (so not the bar level upstairs, and not the top level which is uncovered.) I think it would have been better had we started earlier. We didn't get there til 9 or later--the height of the craziness. I would start earlier (if possible in time for the sunset which is amazing). You can always stay and drink at the bar or the lounge area after.

As for price, as every where, it's the drinks that will make it expensive. If everyone is chipping in, it may be unfair if the artists have burgers (not currently on the dinner menu but I'd guess available) while the bankers eat steak or fish which can get pricey.

They like to push the crudites to start but I always think they give too many orders and not very exciting. Makes the table look nice though ;)

Perhaps, <i>if</i> the restaurant can even accommodate my group, I'll ask Mssr. Maclean if we can arrange some sort of <i>prix fixe</i> on the food (with a limited choice of items, of course).

And thanks for the advice about timing.

Had lunch there today Gekko. Any way you slice it, it's pricey but very nice. They now include tip in the check at 20%. While the food prices don't look bad (e.g. moules frites $22) the drinks will double the bill, even with soft drinks. Orangina $5, large pellegrino $7. Just a heads up. ;)

gekko,
AS mclaurie said this is a fun restaurant with good food but on a Saturday night it gets very crowded so expect Hamptons Sat.Night service.If you are k with that it will be fun.
Enjoy