Old Fields

Last night, my girlfriend and I spent the evening in Port Jeff and decided to dine at this lovely little location. The original Old Fields is in Greenlawn (and is quite small as we struck out one night trying to go there with the wait being well over an hour), but this one is a larger and more chic version of the restaurant. The menu has a good assortment of dishes from burgers to seafood to cuts of meat and salads. Through my searches of good Long Island eating locales, it was found that Old Fields is known for their burgers, so that’s just what we had. Well, I was feeling seafood so we began with fried calamari as an appetizer. Complete with a classic red dipping sauce and something that resembled a lemon aioli, this calamari was lightly breaded and very tender, making it some of the best calamari I’ve ever eaten. As for the burgers, I had the «56» burger (topped with a 1956 marinade, Swiss cheese, and sautéed onions) and my girlfriend had the Greenlawn burger (topped with bacon, cheddar, and crispy onions). We both went with a side of fries. Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but we cut the burgers in half and shared them. Not the best burger I’ve ever had, but both were very juicy and flavorful in the meat and toppings The fries were thick, seasoned steak fries that went well with the burger. Overall it was an enjoyable meal and a place that is definitely a possibility (does that make sense?) for a return visit.

Excellent service from the moment we arrived! Top quality apps, steaks, drinks, and desserts served by a thoughtful and courteous staff — Kate and Alexa were incredible! We will be back, and soon!
Hints: The NY strip is as delicious as promised. Order any dessert. Any. We tried three and all were awesome!

This is one of those gems that I would have only had discovered through the assistance of Unilocal.I’m not lying when I say that I still have dreams of the ribeye steak I had there. Absolutely amazing. We also tried the Davey Gravey which is a delicious burger housed between a grilled cheese sandwich! Pure genius although I had to make an appointment with my cardiologist the following day. The place is a little pricey but hey, you’re worth it so go out and treat yourself. Service was great however the place gets busy, especially on the weekends so make reservations.

We have been here many times because the food is always amazing but tonight was even better because the manager, Kate, and our server, Chris were so awesome. We were seated outside and it started to rain, Kate immediately came out and moved us to the bar while they set up a table for us and then even continued to check on us throughout the night, our server Chris was amazing, so attentive and helpful. Both Chris and Kate are obviously very good at their jobs amd Old Fields is lucky to have them, and we appreciated the wonderful service! Also my skirt steak was cooked perfectly and the jalapeño margarita was the best margarita I have had!

So I never heard about this place until a friend mentioned it. As an aspiring food blogger/​foodie I just had to try this place, so away we went. First off you can’t see it from the street and I had no clue it existed even though I’ve been down port a fair amount of times. After parking we walked up on this beautiful restaurant. The lighting at night inside the place is super dim and conducive to a romantic date. The bar was long and super sexy looking something straight out a bond movie. Anyways I ordered the chicken and waffles and the short rib with mushroom risotto. Chicken and waffles come out in a little skillet. Super cute. The chicken was crispy, crunchy, juicy and perfectly fried. Hats off to the chef. The waffle was okay, I think it could have been a bit more flavorful or a bit softer. It was also rather small considering the amount of chicken. I think having the syrup in the bottom of the pan was a nice touch but the skillet crowded. Also ordered a Manhattan from their drink menu. If I could give 5 stars to that which I rarely do I would. Literally was perfect. Had two and was feeling it somewhat tipsy lol. Short rib risotto comes out next. Beautiful plating and topped with crispy onions. Didn’t care for the onions that much but the ribs. Dudeeeeeeee. I took one swipe at it with the fork and it literally fell apart. Tender and succulent. I added a bit of salt but other wise close to perfect. The risotto was okay on the other hand. It was my first time having it so I cant really compare it to anything I’ve ever had. I’m not sure If I was a fan texture wise but to anyone that is hoping to try it I would place it in a grit kind of family. The risotto had kind of a earthy taste due to the mushrooms and truffle oil I think it was? Anyways I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this place although it’s on the expensive side. I give it 4 because I don’t give out 5’s unless I’ve eaten there more than three times.

Awesome steaks! Love their burgers! Atmosphere is fantastic! My kind of style! Always a great night out! Highly recommend!

This place was amazing! I highly recommend making a reservation, otherwise you’ll be waiting quite a while. I had the 56 burger which was absolutely delicious. My husband got the flank steak which he really enjoyed as well. Overall, although it was busy, the waitress took her time with us and was very pleasant.

My favorite spot in town, great food, great beer, great people! I can’t say enough about the service here. Especially the bar staff, always extremely friendly and inviting, makes us want to keep coming back. Try the dragoon punch if your looking for a unique cocktail.

I heard great things and was so excited to go to our old stomping grounds as my husband worked in the prior restaurant two decades ago. Was exactly what we were looking for. Somewhere with no kids but not a fancy steak house. Very disappointed that I will never go back. On the plus I will say that everyone from who answered the phone to who greeted us at the door was extremely pleasant. We changed tables three times (not like us) and they didn’t blink an eye. They gave us samples of beer. And the ambiance was really nice with fresh flowers and comfy sophisticated booths by a fireplace.
Then I ordered a hamburger, no cheese with salad instead of fries. I asked if the salad had cheese on it. She says no and brings me a bowl of lettuce with chunks of Parmesan. Not only was I awed that she didn’t know, didn’t realize after the fact but that all it was was a bowl of lettuce.
Then my burger came with cheese so I sent it back and she replaced it immediately. I questioned how a new one came out so quick and she said there were a bunch on the line. Then I cut it open and it was rare whereas I ordered medium.
I was starved at this point because I had no salad or burger while my husband enjoyed his (with cheese and Fries so I couldn’t share) so I ate it. One bite into the second half and I taste cheese! I take off the bun and mixed in with the onions is cheese.
I asked her if she just scraped the cheese off the first one and she says no but they reused the bun! I said that’s not right and she just looked at me; didn’t even go to take it away so I handed it to her and waited for yet another one which never came. Instead the check came with the burger on it!
I called her over and told her I’m not paying for this burger and she said it was three quarters eaten. I said no. I cut it in half. I found the cheese one bite into the second half. And I didn’t eat the salad either.
She did take it off and continued to be very pleasant which I’ll give her credit for. It’s my own fault for not asking to see the manager. I truly just wanted to leave at that point.
Sorry to those who I know really like this place.

We live in Port Jeff Village, within walking distance of Oldfields. They took over the location from a previous steakhouse named Paces. Big improvement, in my opinion.
Let me preface my review with the caveat that I’m not a big fan of the typical type of dish that Oldfields serves — larger portions, a bit heavier side with sauces/​marinades. Sort of «That Guy» — likable, good person, a valued friend, but too loud at times :)
We have eaten at Oldfields quite a few times since they have opened, either on our own, with friends/​family, and also catered affairs. If your experience matches my own, you’ll find that service is consistently good, the staff competent and friendly, and the menu offers many options suitable for vegetarians to fish eaters and a wide assortment of meat dishes for the true carnivores.
My favorites: french onion soup, the «56» burger, Marinated Skirt steak, wedge salad, grilled flatbread. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I’m no fan of the short rib risotto — way too heavy of a dish for my tastes (ribs are perfectly done, however). New England clam chowder is quite different from other instances of this familiar soup I’ve had all over New England — reminds me a bit of a vegetable chowder with clams. Not a fan, but they are generous with clams, which quite a few restaurants will cut corners on. Crab cakes run to the bready side, where I prefer mostly lump crab meat with enough breading to hold things together. Fish and chips are good.
At times, some of the bar drinks haven’t been made properly, i.e. one ingredient out of balance with others. When we complained, the issue was quickly resolved. I think what may cause this is the sometimes busy bar (people meet for drinks before dinner) overwhelming the number of folks mixing drinks. Anyways, worth mentioning since this has happened 2 – 3 times that I can recall of the top of mind. They do have some unusual drinks — a friend introduced me to the «Moscow Mule», which given my sheltered life (apparently), was a new one on me. I really enjoy that drink — glad I can walk (stagger) home! Definitely recommended.
Generally, everyone I know seems to like Oldfields quite a bit, and generally I like them, especially when put into the context of other available options in Port Jeff. The service & staff here more than make up for any very minor quibbles I have with their food & drink. Be sure to solve the «riddle of the day» while you’re there.
I would definitely give them a try if you haven’t been there. As I said, we eat here frequently (several times a year), so that is a recommendation in and of itself, from a «local» denizen of Port Jeff Village.
Just be aware that parking during the summer is sometimes hard to come by, and requires deposit of a couple/​few quarters (OMG).

Great steak, excellent service, and maybe the best burger in town. And at very reasonable cost, especially with the excellent service.

If you want to experience Old Fields Friday-​Saturday-​Sunday, MAKE RESERVATIONS!
There is nothing better than having dinner on a nice spring night with your sweetie in Port Jefferson. Plan ahead because if you can’t get in here, that means other couples also walked the no reservation shame to other restaurants which are equally crowded.
Walking in, you notice the redo. When the space was Paces, the décor seemed old. The Paces owners had their own troubles and didn’t care about the food or décor. Old Fields erases the past with a fresh, upscale menu and lively décor.
I came after work on a Thursday night, after the happy hour crowd. I walk in and grab a small table by the bar area. The bar isn’t busy so I ask the bartender for a sample of Shiner Bock. My waitress comes over and I order: THE «56» «. A burger so good it needs double quotes. 1956 Marinade topped with swiss cheese and sautéed onions. Great bun as well, this burger is a perfect gastropub burger.
And this is why Old Fields is more rounded than the bars on Main St. They are bars only, food is secondary. Old Fields has a bar with great beers on tap but its more focused on food and a focus on food is why I call it a Billy Salts joint. Tastefully decorated in beautiful downtown Port Jefferson. I highly recommend Old Fields for lunch or dinner.
*with a reservation

Earned all 5 stars, and then some!
At first sight you may feel the menu or restaurant is unrefined. Not the case! All items on the menu have been precisely prepared, pensive and perfect.
I started at happy hour with the Moscow Mule Cocktail. Not too sweet, and perfect ginger bite. There was a happy hour special $ 1 per pice rawbar. The little neck Clams were a dream. Briney but sweet. The exact way it is meant to be
We had the best spinach dip I’ve ever had. No crazy mayo or saltiness. It was still flavorful and creamy.
For entre, we split the duck pot pie and a striped bass special. The duck pot pie was prepared inside an acorn squash and topped with puff pastry. The acorn squash sweetness complimented to duck like a happy marriage. The striped bass was technically perfect with creamy soft fish with a crispy salty skin. Yes folks, skin stayed on!
To finish, a confident coffee and the brown sugar pie. The pie was the perfect last bite of the evening, it was comforting and soulful but not too sweet.
I will be back, I will be a regular.
Thanks to Doug the bartender as well

Had dinner w a client and friend here tonight. We are at the bar. Doug was our bartender. Young guy with an old school feel and charm. I’ll go back just to have him make drinks. Awesome guy. This place has a new chef. He’s awesome. Had the NY Strip cooked to perfection. Started with the cold seafood appetizer. For desert the bread pudding can’t be missed. If you sit at the bar, order an old fashioned, and tell Doug Rich said hi.

I initially went to Oldfields with high expectations and was not sure how I felt when I left. I mean the service was terrific and the atmosphere is also great but I thought the food was just good. So as things go, the next weekend I get invited to dinner with some friends and they are from out of town but suggest Oldfields. The next time I went I thought the food was fantastic and I had fun there as well. Since then I’ve been there a total of 3 times and I really like the restaurant and always seem to get the treatment I have come to expect in such an establishment. It may not be for everybody but the I highly recommend Oldfields.

Went tonight after hearing some good things.
My wife and I were not disappointed as old fields lived up to everything we heard and more!
Our waitress Alexa was wonderful! She provided an excellent description of the menu and specials, as well as drinks, desert and answered all of our questions. Her knowledge and service was outstanding.
My wife had the skirt steak, I had a hamburger.
Each cooked exactly to our liking, each delicious. In addition to the protein portion of our meal, the side dishes were equally impressive.
Steak cut fries were fat and crunchy, the mashed potatoes were flavored to perfection. We even enjoyed the asparagus!
My wife finished with the bread pudding, again, a wonderfully prepared treat.
At various portions of our meal, we were visited by management to inquire as to how everything was and to ask if we needed anything.
Each staff member from the bus people to the manager were polite and professional, each demonstrating a professionalism of their trade as well as the desire to make your visit a perfect one.
A nice touch was the mini ice cream sodas my wife and I received after our meal, was a nice treat.
Old fields managed to exceed any expectations that we may have had, we are looking to go back in the near future.

I came here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago and I was very happy with my selection. I was shocked that I never saw or heard of Old Fields beforehand, even though I’m Down Port at least two times a week. Thanks to Unilocal I was able to find a bunch of new places to try.
I walked in and I loved the décor, they had a chalkboard in the front that had the next train and ferry times (which I think is the most helpful think I’ve ever seen, even if I wasn’t in need of either the train or the ferry this time — great for visitors!) Everything just seemed very «my style» from the moment I walked in and for that, I was already really happy with everything.
We sat in a booth and it was a little small for the larger of the group but it was nice and cozy. It felt like we were having our own dinner instead of being in the same place with other families. The drink menu had variety and even offered a drink made with Pimms (gin), which I never really see in American bars. I studied abroad in London and they drink Pimms a lot so it was very nostalgic for me and I was excited to get a drink with Pimms — not that this is relevant but I just had to share.
The menu had everything from spinach dip to burgers to seafood — my family tried some of everything. I had a burger with cheddar and bacon, my mom had a lobster roll, my aunt had crab cakes, and my boyfriend had a burger that was in between two grilled cheese sandwiches (and they put cheese on the actual burger).
We were all thrilled with our meals that we even got dessert. I had a smores type thing in a mason jar that was amazing! It had vanilla ice cream, warmed gooey brownie, marshmallow sauce and graham cracker.
Will definitely come back again!

I have had the pleasure of dining here 4 times. Always a fan. Great draft beer selection and friendly service. I like the simple menu and the ambiance. It’s fairly pricey and there have been some dishes that weren’t as good as others of course. I would recommend:
Favorite dishes:
The short rib risotto — this is a must try. the dish is perfect
Dessert
bread pudding was great
Appetizer:
I’m usually kind of tipsy when we order so I can’t remember if it was the mussels or clams that we ordered. It was a bit on the salty side to be honest.
They have a salad with goat cheese that was very good
BEERS
they frequently change the selection and the servers are very knowledgeable
I would give it 5 starts but I really haven’t tried another main course (aside from the short rib risotto) that elevates it to that level. The hangar steak was very tough. I’ve tried some of the other steaks as well. I will keep coming back though and gladly upgrade my rating. The short rib risotto though is a clear winner, 5 stars!

We went to this restaurant last Sunday evening for dinner. I read some complaints about seating time but we were seated immediately. Our waitress, Natalie was fabulous knew the menu and specials very well and made some honest suggestions. I hate when everything is wonderful but Natalie was honest. Just leave it at that.
After apps three of us had the Flat Iron Steak, a suggestion from Natalie. My wife had the Skirt Steak.
She ordered medium but it came out well. Natalie noticed the discrepancy and immediately apologized and took the steak away. A real professional.
In the end she reordered a Flat Iron steak, and all four steals were perfect. Manager came over to apologize for the mishap also. No excuses.
We loved this restaurant and will definitely be back. You should try it too

Hello all!
To start, this place is absolutely gorgeous. They’ve done an amazing job with the renovation and I have high hopes!!!
I’m at the bar having a glass if vino and I’m a bit disappointed that they don’t feature a SINGLE LI wine by the glass or bottle. Support the locals!
I’ll write a full review on the food shortly but wanted to post this about the bar and drinks!
THIS has been a review by Gaurav