I was a wee lad of 26, looking for a wild night out in Fair Harbor, FI. And since I'm not a member of the Snot-Club, usually, that means I have two choices: suffer with the drunken teenagers inhabiting DoK or ride my bike all the way to Kismit to slum with burnt cougars at the Inn. In general, if I'm not willing to fist-pump, push-up, chapstick with guidos and guidettes in OB, my age group is poorly represented in bars on FI.
Enter Raebo's Rooftop Bar and Grille. This wooden sanctuary, nestled snugly into the tree line, is hard to see from Lighthouse. I was invited by the owner, Josh, to come grab a beer there one night and it was pleasant and quiet. The decor was a little worn and I would occasionally get a splinter or two, but it was a welcome change from the insanity of other places. Me and my girl went there before the Clam Shucking contest because they were having a pre-game drink special (the annual "Get Drunk Before Getting More Drunk" beer and sangria special). Josh had sent up an incredible delivery train which ran around the bar, delivering beer to places as far away as Tannenville. Together with the shade sail and mister, it was really amazing.
About a year ago, the Bar went through a massive renovation. And now, all I can say is OMG! The woodwork was totally redone, and while some of the seating was removed in the renovation (we're told it was done for safety reasons... P.S. the owner is a fireman), the place is so much more open. The new woodwork and floral arrangement make the aesthetics so much more appealing. Also, the larger shed and added pergola allow a nice retreat from the sun if it gets too much. We went here once again for the Clam-Shuck pregame and it was even better than it was the first year. I mean, hello hammock...
I do have to say there are some negatives though. The bathroom situation is a little limited; the place is located next to the Saltaire security shed, so you always have to deal with those guys when leaving; it can't get too crazy in terms of partying because it's located in a quiet neighborhood; and in all honesty, it is pretty exclusive... so you wind up hanging out with the same people again and again (luckily, "the same people" are cool so it's not too big of a deal). However, these negatives are really slight and don't detract from the bar's great service and appeal.
The upshot: If you're looking for a quiet pint or glass of wine with a small group of intimate friends at an incredibly reasonable price, this good looking and secluded place is definitely your best bet. If you're looking for fist pumping craziness with a whole bunch of underage drinkers or swingers, get out.
.... no seriously, get out...
Last summer I was relatively new to Fair Harbor/Saltaire, but I was immediately welcomed into Raebo's by the whole crew -- Proprietors Josh & Sarah and, of course, Harper with a lot of jumping (from everyone -- they love an impromptu dance party especially when "Party Rock" comes on) and chew toy in mouth (that's just Harper...unless it involves a meat stick).
The vibe embodies all the great adages about bars...
- "where everybody knows your name"
- "no shoes, no shirt, no problem" (BUT I do agree with the other reviewers who mention that you should definitely wear bug stuff!)
- "Man, I love this bar"
I love that they never let you go hungry at Raebo's -- they wouldn't dare think to serve a drink without including something to nibble on. The guac or the hummus are my go-to...that is, if you can get to it before Josh!
And a couple times a summer they offer a sunset booze cruise -- naturally boxed wine is the libation of choice. I highly recommend snatching up this offer when it's available!
I'm already looking forward to next summer and decorating my "house cup" behind the bar to solidify my status as a regular.
No free crustinis when I walk in? What's up with that? The service is terrible, the music isn't loud enough... I mean, if the neighbors don't like it, they should just move. And with all that renovation, they couldnt afford cushions that are actually comfortable? Terrible...
Over all, you should just go to le dock. I mean, who wants to drink with people over 21?
Perfect for any occasion. A quiet evening, a pregame drink, an all day drink, or even a night cap, Raebo's Rooftop Bar and Grille is where it's at.
The wine is popping. The beer is flowing. Forget those red solo cups. Raebo's offers some of the finest plastic on all of Fire Island!
Tips and Tricks:
Try the Blenderita!
Depending on the thirst level of patrons the kegerator can change daily, weekly, or monthly. Check with Raebo on the current draft of choice.
The bouncer's name is Harper.
BYOBS- Bring your own bug spray!!
Overall a great experience!
I will never forget the nights I can't remember at Raebo's Rooftop Bar and Grille!
Whether I'm there for a special occasion, or just looking to enjoy a nice quiet night with a couple buddies and a beer in hand, Raebo's Rooftop Bar and Grille is the place to be. My favorite aspects of the place include the house puppy, Harper (who the proprietors refuse to admit is named after an alcoholic beverage) and the seemingly never ending supply of ice cold beer, not to mention the train that delivers it. If you don't know what I mean, you'll have to go check it out and see for yourself.
Just off the beaten path, Raebo's is nice and secluded, nestled above a private residence and partially concealed by evergreen trees. Seating is varied and plentiful, including couches, a variety of comfy chairs, and even a hammock, giving it that "lounge in the great outdoors" feel that is so difficult to cultivate these days.
If you're searching for food and drink, look no further. Raebo's also boasts a wide variety of dishes and libations that cater to any palate. From the grilled fresh crab stuffed with garlic cloves to the classic "blenderita," I never leave there unsatisfied.
In terms of nightlife, I've been witness to the "Club Raebo" rave-type atmosphere, the "Shut up or Big D (the landlord) will get really pissed" type of quiet evening, and everything in between.
In short, Raebo's has a little something for everyone, and I never cease to find new ways to enjoy myself in what I like to think of as the perfect alternative to the hustle, bustle, and general ridiculousness that seems to be characteristic of most alcohol-serving establishments on Fire Island.
Raebo's Rooftop Bar & Grille is a staple of Marine Walk, which I couldn't live without.
Having been a loyal patron since I was practically in diapers, I have considered this establishment a home-away-from-home as it always offers a cold drink, great company and solid entertainment. Sometimes the animals are a bit feisty (be it Harper, the owners' lovable pup or the mosquitoes that nibble on your ankles) but it adds to the homey feel that makes this place a gem.
And nothing tops the view of Saltaire and the beautiful sunsets that you see from the upper deck!
In my most memorable visit to Raebo’s Rooftop Bar & Grille, the occasion started out innocent enough with the group donning some ridiculous beach clothing, cutoff sleeves, nascar tans, fireman hats... the drinks here are delicious, with a steady flow of jack daniels, and byob’s, they do have a draft beer rotation, that typically rotates one different beer depending on what’s the cheapest at the time…
As far as the food goes, it ranges from lobster, and fresh crab, to their famous “Raebo’s Frozen Grilled Chicken Nuggets”
I would definitely go back to this place, and I have – just make sure one of your friends doesn’t answer the door naked and talk back to the rental cops on the island - you will get kicked out and asked to write a written apology to management…
Being a long time Fire Island resident and a lover of all things alcoholic there is no place like Raebo's! Service is super fast and the staff couldn't be friendlier! I always walk in expecting to be greeted by friendly faces and strong drinks and I stumble out satisfied. Best place to go for a quiet night to catch an outdoor movie snuggled up with your friends and a fresh beer straight from the tap, or to pregame, practice your fist-pump while sucking down specialty drinks like their delicious bloody marys and secret sangria all the while being misted with cool water like royalty. Even on a rainy day there's always a place to hide from the rain and an abundance of wine, beer and great conversation to keep you dry for hours! I am a loyal fan and count down the days till its warm out again so Raebo's will be open for the season!