The Shack - Centerport, NY
The Shack: Pet-Friendly Outdoor Dining in Centerport, NY
Looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy some food with your furry friend in Centerport, NY? The Shack offers a charming, dog-friendly atmosphere featuring outdoor seating where pets are welcome. Conveniently located close to the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, The Shack makes for a perfect stop after exploring local pet-friendly trails or hiking spots in the area.
This casual eatery is known for its fresh seafood, comfort food, and friendly staff. While it isn’t a traditional dog park, the outdoor seating allows you to dine with your dog by your side. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly amenities, free parking, and relaxed vibe—ideal for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner with your pet. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas, making it a great find for locals and visitors seeking dog-friendly restaurants on Long Island.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at The Shack? Yes, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
- Is The Shack wheelchair accessible? The entrance is wheelchair accessible, but not all facilities are accessible (no designated restroom or parking).
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are restrooms on site, including a gender-neutral option.
- Where is the best place to park? The Shack offers free parking on-site.
- Are there pet-friendly cafes or stores close to the park? The Shack itself is a pet-friendly eatery, and it’s conveniently located near the Vanderbilt Museum for more local activities.
Reviews
We visited the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium close by but the museum cafe closed early so we visited the Shack for a quick lunch before our 3pm planetarium show. The food was great and service was very quick. We enjoyed the catfish sandwich and the pairing of fish with fresh slaw and some sauerkraut was perfect. Parking was easy and the atmosphere was relaxing. They are open 7 days a week. Great spot for food if you are visiting the Vanderbilt Museum.
Beautiful outdoors restaurant. The portions and food are great. Friendly staff. The food takes a little bit to be ready however it’s worth the wait.
My husband and I have been Shack fans for years; this is our second visit there this summer. We ordered a cold lobster roll, crab cakes, and fried clams. While still very good, I noticed the portion of lobster salad in the cold lobster roll was definitely smaller than last year’s. The amount of whole lobster pieces was also less (most of it was ground up lobster). If you are as picky as I am w/lobster rolls (lol) it wasnt as satisfying as I expected. Crab cakes (2) were delicious, (perfectly seasoned and the right proportion of crab to bread crumbs), if a tad bit overdone. My husband’s fried clams and fries were perfectly done and delicious w/crunchy coating and tender clams inside…also a smaller portion than last year. Cost: NULL
Would we return? Yes, but it isn’t our first choice for seafood as it has been in the past.
I paid NULL for two lobster rolls, NULL each for what looked like a sample at a food festival.I blinked and thought the appetizer arrived early—turns out, that was the main dish.
You’d expect something generous at that price, but these were tiny, with barely enough filling to justify half the cost. I’ve had appetizers with more substance.
To those who might say “it’s about quality, not quantity I get that. But even the quality was just decent, not exceptional. When you’re charging premium prices, the food should reflect it in both flavor and portion. Unfortunately, it felt more like a case of cutting corners than offering a refined experience.
Overall, it came off as cheap with their portions and value. Definitely not worth NULL a roll, and I left still hungry and disappointed.
Stumbled across The Shack today while road-tripping through Long Island and it was fantastic! It’s very cute and has great outdoor seating. Jen took my order and welcomed me warmly. The menu is mostly seafood which I don’t eat but I had the Cajun chicken burger with fries and coleslaw and that was perfect for a beautiful afternoon sitting outside. It’s definitely a casual spot. Would love to go back next time I am in town!