New Diner Opens Doors In Southold

Greenport resident Ethel Quillin celebrated her 91st birthday with her sister Bev Lehr on Friday with a lunch at the brand-new Six Three One eatery, which opened on Thursday.

The pair were some of the first customers to head to the brand-new diner, opened by Archie and Pat Dellaportas at the site of the former JD Steakhouse on Route 25 in Southold.
The couple also owns the popular  Bel-Aire Diner in Long Island City, Queens.

On the menu, said Pat Dellaportas, will be "mostly diner food," with everything from burgers, chops, fish, steaks, and sandwiches to frappes, cappucino, and a full bar — as well as a full breakfast selection, beginning when the restaurant opens at 6 a.m.

Also featured on the menu are a full range of Greek specialties, including spinach pie, saganaki, pastichio, moussaka — appetizers including crusted shrimp and mozzarella sticks, and crowd pleasers such as omelettes and hot open faced turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes.

The Dellaportas have owned a house in East Marion and are eager to open their second location, which they will run with the help of their grown children, Kal, Peter, and Theoni.

"I'm excited," Dellaportas said.

Although upscale entrees including cerviche will be offered as specials at times, Dellaportas said the goal is to offer "high class" dishes, but "not at crazy prices. Diner food is all about big plates. You'll get a potato and a vegetable," she said, adding that time-honored diner favorites including hot open turkey sandwiches, roast beef, and pastrami will be on the menu.

Dellaportas said in her other diner, the menu is known for its wide variety — and is many pages long.

And good news for those wanting a bite to eat after a night on the town — the diner will be open late. 

Dellaportas said the restaurant business is a perfect fit for her family — and personally, she enjoys making customers feel at home. "I like to talk," she said. "I love meeting people."

JD Steakhouse closed due to family illness last year. The restaurant, which was the longtime Sea Shell before JD Steakhouse opened in 2010, was put on the market last fall.