Farewell to a Northport Icon: The Whales Tale Set to Close After 16 Years

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Whales Tale

Northport’s Beloved Whales Tale Bids a Final Farewell

After 16 years of sunsets, fish tacos, and laughter echoing off the marina, Whales Tale in Northport will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, November 8th. Known as the place “where everyone knows your name,” this waterfront favorite has been a cornerstone of the Britannia Yachting Center and a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Owner Sosh Andriano, who opened the restaurant in 2009 with his brother-in-law Brian Autz, announced on social media that the Northport location will be closing due to the expiration of their lease. Despite hopeful discussions to extend it, an agreement could not be reached.

After 16 unforgettable years, they’re saying goodbye the only way they know how — with good vibes, good people, and great memories.

A Place Where Community Came Together

Over the years, The Whales Tale became far more than a restaurant — it was a community hub. The casual, beachy spot served over a million people, employed more than 1,500 local teens and college students, and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations and causes.

For many, it was the setting of first dates, proposals, and family milestones. It’s where summer evenings stretched long past sunset, margaritas were shared among friends, and the staff made every customer feel like part of The Whales Tale family.

The restaurant’s laid-back menu — filled with Baja-inspired favorites like fresh fish tacos, hand-crafted flatbreads, and signature margaritas — reflected the easygoing, nautical charm of Northport’s harbor life.

Whales Tale
Taco Tuesday at The Whales Tale was like no other

The Final Week: Let’s Make It Count

Before Whales Tale says goodbye, the team is inviting everyone to join in one last week of celebration. From November 1st to 8th, each day will be filled with special events and nostalgic fun — a fitting tribute to 16 years of memories.

Here’s what’s happening:

Nov 1–2: The Final Week Begins – Kick off the farewell with all the Whales Tale classics.

Nov 4 (Tuesday): The Last Taco Tuesday – Tacos, tequila, and throwbacks one last time.

Nov 7 (Friday): The Final Friday – A farewell happy hour with the whole crew.

Nov 8 (Saturday): The Grand Finale – Celebrate 16 incredible years and “drink the bar dry.”

Whales Tale
Farewell Celebration

The Whale’s Tale Legacy Lives On

While the Northport chapter is closing, the Whales Tale spirit will continue in Hampton Bays, where the team opened a new location in June 2025. The seaside sister spot has already been warmly welcomed by the East End community and will carry forward the same energy, hospitality, and coastal comfort that defined Whales Tale Northport.

A Toast to The Whales Tale

As the countdown begins, the message from the Whales Tale crew is clear: Get down here, Northport — let’s make it count. For 16 years, Whales Tale has been a place where locals came for food but stayed for friendship. This final week offers one last chance to raise a glass, share a taco, and say goodbye to a restaurant that helped shape the soul of Northport’s waterfront dining scene.

Whales Tale Northport Farewell Week:

📍 Britannia Yachting Center, Northport Village

📅 November 1–8, 2025

Come for the tacos. Stay for the memories. Leave with a full heart.

For more Dining on Long Island, click HERE!

Photo credit: Photos sourced from The Whales Tale Instagram account. Follow them HERE!

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