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Community Corner

#94: A Taste of Shelter Island, With a Side of Hash Browns

Come join locals for a bite to eat at the Shelter Island Pharmacy.

Things have changed quite a bit since 1920, but across the ferry on Shelter Island one establishment remains a local tradition and island favorite. At 8:30 a.m. on any given morning, 12 old-fashioned bar stools reach full occupancy at the Shelter Island Pharmacy, and the aroma of hash browns, coffee brewing, omelets, bacon and more hash browns create the perfect start to any islander’s day.

Often found behind the soda fountain, clad in a striped shirt, owner, Greg Ofrias is seemingly multi-talented, while overseeing both the fountain and store front. Whether shoveling after a snow storm, taking food orders, or managing the register, these are minimal to Ofrias’ many talents as a business owner. Perhaps most recognized, is his ability to greet each returning customer by name.

While you can pick up your doctor’s prescription, birthday cards or lottery tickets, it is the board of daily specials, character and charm of the soda fountain that magnetizes the local fisherman, the summer homeowner, or youth to their favorite stool. Four breakfast and four lunch specials are re-invented daily, making it an arduous task when deciding what to order over the standard menu items. Still, Chef Michael DeMarscio finds that each morning is welcomed with “a race for an everything bagel,” which is a staple to any breakfast or lunch order.

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Amongst the rustling of papers, morning groans, and whispers of conversation, the mixing of milkshakes can be heard in the heat of summer or subsequent to a blizzard. A long-held tradition in the era of soda fountains, the Shelter Island Pharmacy is a soda fountain lover’s dream! Offering milkshakes, malts, ice cream sodas, floats, egg creams, or simply a couple scoops of ice cream on a sugar cone, can make any visitor with a sweet tooth blissfully full. 

This past Saturday, sophomore at Union College, Justin Reilly made sure to pay a visit to the Pharmacy for his long anticipated Pharmacy special, the Chickwich. A perfectly crafted sandwich appeared on a paper plate with homemade coleslaw oozing out the sides of the roll. A best kept secret, although I’d love to share the recipe to this popular selling sandwich, I don’t want to risk being voted off the island. As Reilly indulged, he reminded me, “who needs high school reunions when you can just come to the Pharmacy.”

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Visit the  Shelter Island Pharmacy, located at 19 Grand Avenue, for the paper, and a hearty breakfast at the soda fountain. Island gossip comes free of charge. Or place a t0-go order call 631-749-0445.

Category: Family, Food
Price: Affordable
Season: Year-round
Note: Cash, Credit

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