Chef Charles Drayton’s Elevated Breakfast & Lunch Experience Brings Fine Dining to Everyday Mornings
I recently had the pleasure of stepping into Patchogue’s newest culinary gem— ECC Eatery. Nestled at 140 River Ave in a space that once housed a craft sandwich spot, this eatery is the long-awaited dream of Chef Charles Drayton.
After years of serving high-end dining experiences—from catering celebrities to delivering exquisite meals right into people’s homes—Chef Charles finally opened a brick-and-mortar spot where we can savor his elevated cooking for breakfast or lunch 6 days a week!
A Culinary Legacy
Chef Charles Drayton’s journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. With over 32 years in the culinary business and 25 years in catering, he cut his teeth working for his father—the executive chef at Snapper Inn—and learned the craft under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
By the age of 19, he had already become an executive chef, and his passion for perfection has only grown since then. His previous ventures, including Exquisite Catering & Cuisine and Exquisite Healthy Eats, have set the stage for ECC Eatery, where every dish is a testament to his fine-dining roots and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
My Elevated Breakfast Experience at ECC Eatery
Walking into ECC Eatery felt like stepping into a kitchen where every detail mattered. Chef Charles is a perfectionist—he personally experimented with 15 different types of sausages (and bacon!) until he found the perfect flavors. This passion shows in every dish, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
The Short Stack Surprise
I kicked off my meal with Chef Charles’ short stack pancakes and sausage. Normally, I’m not a pancake person and rarely order them when dining out. However, these pancakes were a revelation. They had a surprising, flavorful twist reminiscent of French toast with a hint of cinnamon, and the sausage was juicy and spot-on. I’ve been craving them ever since my visit. These are a MUST ORDER when visiting.
Waffles Without the Excess
Next up were the waffles—a personal favorite of mine. At ECC, I didn’t even use syrup. Chef Charles only uses two types of butter for his dishes: clarified or garlic herb butter which elevates his dishes to perfection. It’s these small details that set ECC apart.
The clarified butter melted perfectly inside the grid of the waffle making every bite better than the next. It took all of my restraint to put the fork down.
Reinventing the Egg Sandwich
I also tried the egg sandwich served on house-made focaccia bread, baked fresh daily. While many Long Islanders might hesitate to try an egg sandwich on focaccia, Chef Charles proves that this twist on a classic bacon, egg, and cheese is simply outstanding. Every element—from the perfectly cooked bacon to the picture perfect eggs—blew my mind, and the affordable price of $6.95 makes it an irresistible deal. And yes, you can also choose to have your BEC on a kaiser roll instead of the focaccia if that’s more your style.
Sides That Shine
No breakfast is complete without sides, and ECC didn’t disappoint. I sampled their breakfast potatoes, seasoned with a secret blend that made them addictive, and the toast with garlic herb butter was nothing short of heavenly. Every bite confirmed that Chef Charles truly knows how to elevate even the simplest of dishes.
To see ECC Eatery’s Menu, click HERE!
Beyond the Breakfast Plate
ECC Eatery isn’t just about breakfast. I was also treated to items from their Lent menu for those seeking meat-free options. I enjoyed a dish of crispy fried shrimp and a perfectly fried piece of fish, accompanied by the chef’s signature tri-color fries—a playful medley of flavors that danced on my tongue.
Pro tip: Chef shared with me to eat 1 of each fry at the same time to taste each flavor when eating his tri-color fries. In addition, the homemade coleslaw was so delicious I nearly licked the plate.
And for the grand finale, I tried what Chef Charles calls his “OH Yeah” dish—a creative blend of zucchini, eggplant, tomato, artichoke, pulled mushrooms, banana peppers, and hummus spread on focaccia. The pulled mushrooms, slow-cooked for eight hours to achieve a steak-like texture, were simply phenomenal. This is also a MUST TRY when visiting ECC.
Local Love & Personal Touches at ECC Eatery
One of the standout aspects of ECC Eatery is its commitment to local ingredients and community. Chef Charles supports local suppliers by using locally sourced spices, mushrooms, and other fresh ingredients.
I was delighted to sample his candied walnuts, and I couldn’t resist taking home a make‑at‑home chicken pot pie kit along with some sourdough peanut butter cookies and garlic sourdough bread—baked by his wife, Megan. These thoughtful touches truly enhance the overall experience.
A Must-Try Culinary Experience at ECC Eatery
ECC Eatery is more than just a new spot in Patchogue—it’s a celebration of culinary artistry, passion, and local pride. Chef Charles Drayton’s background in fine dining is evident in every dish he creates, from the innovative breakfast pancakes to the reimagined egg sandwich on focaccia. Every bite tells a story of dedication, perfection, and a genuine love for food.
If you’re looking for a place where elevated breakfast and lunch dishes are served with heart and soul, I highly encourage you to add ECC Eatery to your must-try list. Experience for yourself how Chef Charles does everything the right way. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.
For more Breakfast Spots on Long Island, click HERE!
