Whales Tale

81 Fort Salonga Rd Unit A, Northport, NY 11768, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(789 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Whales Tale, a vibrant waterfront restaurant nestled in the charming town of Northport, NY. Known for its lively atmosphere and stunning sunset views over the water, Whales Tale offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of summer by the sea.

Whales Tale specializes in coastal cuisine with a modern twist, showcasing a delightful menu that promises something for everyone. Start your culinary journey at the RAW BAR, where the freshness of the ocean comes alive with offerings like 6 Oysters for just $12 or a full dozen for $23. The Tuna Nachos, priced at $16, provide a delectable fusion that marries the richness of tuna with crispy nacho chips, creating a flavorful explosion that is sure to make your taste buds dance.

The atmosphere at Whales Tale is casual yet captivating; it's a place where families gather, friends celebrate, and couples enjoy the romantic ambiance as the sun dips below the horizon. The restaurant's young staff members, known for their courteous service, hustle diligently to ensure that each guest feels welcomed and attended to, even on the busiest of days. A recent guest praised their waiter, Leah, for her delightful blend of humor and attentiveness, making the dining experience all the more pleasurable.

The experience is not without its quirks, as noted by some guests who have expressed mixed feelings about certain dishes’ execution over the years. However, the overall sentiment leans toward appreciation for the fresh flavors that keep diners coming back. For example, Regina DiBella fondly describes Whales Tale as the "best local spot around," emphasizing the unmatched views and the energizing service from their enthusiastic staff.

In terms of menu highlights, the tacos have garnered a following, with flavors ranging from Korean Steak to Spare Ribs, each bite packed with unique taste combinations. Though some have remarked that the tortillas could be improved, the overall culinary creativity shines through, delivering a casual dining experience that remains a crowd favorite.

Whether you’re there for a casual meal with the family, a date night with a view, or a fun evening out with friends, Whales Tale is the place to be. Celebrate your next meal with the sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful seaside eatery and create memories that linger long after the last bite. Come hungry and ready for a delightful adventure in dining—Whales Tale awaits!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as veteran-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Has private dining room
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

789 Reviews
Cate Janusz

21 Sep 2025

Great taco flavors but wasnt a fan of the tortilla, was almost stale? But they have great flavor combos. My favorites were the Korean Steak, the Raw Salmon (almost like a poke bowl taco) and the Spare Rib taco. Great views too

Emily Feder

09 Sep 2025

Had a great time with my mother & her friend, her food was cold so she didn’t like it. I liked mine and so did her friend. Our waitresses name is Leah and she was both nonchalant and funny which I really appreciate. She reassured my mother that she was okay for asking questions which I also appreciate.

Steph W

02 Aug 2025

Ambiance (5/5): It’s hard to beat the sunset views of the water. It can get extremely busy on even weekends so be prepared to call early or wait for 30min to 1hr. Service (4/5): Young staff members are hustling to give you the best service they can but it is extremely busy at times. They are always courteous! Dog friendly. Street Fries – usually their fries are great and cooked with a superior crunch and coated with a nice flavored. Other times, they can be a little soggy. Bang Bang Shrimp – skippable. I like the flavor but it is usually more batter than it is shrimp. Chicken BBQ Quesadilla – big fan. There’s a good portion of chicken. I might ask for the BBQ sauce on the side next time instead of drizzled on top (which is how it comes). Oysters - Questionable tasting freshness Tuna nachos - meh Tacos from best to worst – the tacos are sizable! Shells hold well too Kung pao cauliflower – surprisingly the best. thai chili sauce sticks well on the battered tempura Salmon poke – salsa and soy dressing worked well Spare rib //Korean steak – both remembered being good Hot chicken – pretty good Pork and plantain – pork belly was not too seasoned and way too much slaw portion (5:1 ratio) Surf & turf – steak was super chewy Tuna – quality of the tuna was chunky and was bleh Crispy fish taco – on both counts was the worst taco by far

Polom Construction

28 Jul 2025

I miss the "old" vibe of the restaurant. Food is still good, but missing the last touch of perfection from the past (6 years ago). Tacos are still good, but not excellent as I remember.

Regina DiBella

24 Jul 2025

Whale’s Tale is the best local spot around! The view is unmatched, the prices are great, food delicious, and drinks large. We LOVED our server Rose. She was filled with energy and happiness that exuded onto us as well. Thank you for always giving us a wonderful, fun, delicious summer experience!

Cathy Nelson

19 Jun 2025

Casual atmosphere with great staff and VERY good food. We were dining out with a 2.5 and a 4.5 year old; our waitress was patient and very understanding. The ceasar taco salad with chicken, and the burger w/fries, were delicious. My margarita was perfect too!

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