Unlike other Long Island dining hubs like Huntington or Patchogue, Bay Shore retains its unpretentious seaside charm despite recent revitalization. Nestled on the Great South Bay, its culinary scene is anchored by neighborhood gems where chicken isn’t just a menu item—it’s a local obsession. The good news? You’ll find exceptional versions all across town.
Pigs on a Wing
$ | (631) 450-4454 | WEBSITE
Pigs on a Wing is where you should go before you head out for the evening so you don’t have to settle for mediocre takeout or bland chain food. The best dish to try is their signature BBQ pulled chicken sandwich that packs in a ton of smoky shredded meat and tangy sauce on a perfectly soft and toasted bun. Grab some extra buffalo wings and bring them home to make everybody jealous.
Buttermilk’s Chicken
$ | (631) 581-3000 | WEBSITE
Finding Buttermilk’s Chicken means navigating a strip mall parking lot in Bay Shore that’ll leave you circling and second-guessing your dinner plans (the smarter move is grabbing a spot near the entrance). Once you’re inside, you’ll be greeted with the aroma of frying chicken and the sight of a cozy dining area that feels plucked from a Southern grandmother’s kitchen.
It’s a chicken restaurant that also happens to be one of the neighborhood’s go-to spots for family dinners and casual lunches, complete with a team of friendly staff. The food leans comfort-classic—think crispy half chicken, giant chicken sandwiches with homemade sauces, and sides like mac & cheese and cornbread. It’s all solid, but you’re here for the chicken at any hour. Stay for a meal, and try not to stare too obviously at someone’s plate when the jalapeño poppers arrive at the next table.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (631) 225-3100 | WEBSITE
Nothing says “I’m treating myself” like grabbing lunch at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Bay Shore with a crispy chicken sandwich in hand while sipping sweet tea. Popeyes is one of those restaurants that’s been satisfying cravings for years—you can actually taste the Louisiana tradition in every perfectly seasoned bite. Don’t miss staples like the Chicken Sandwich or Truffle Chicken Sandwich, the Cajun fries that come with other fresh sides, and the red beans and rice topped with savory spices.
After your meal, ask the friendly staff about their daily specials while you enjoy the clean, welcoming atmosphere, where you can continue to chat with the polite employees, maybe even plan your next visit.
Tex’s Chicken & Burgers
$ | (631) 650-1727 | WEBSITE
When you pull into Tex’s Chicken & Burgers, which sits in a busy Bay Shore strip just a short drive from the main roads, you’ll spot the clean, welcoming storefront with families coming and going. Inside, you’ll find a bright, tidy dining area with simple wooden tables and cheerful staff. Start by ordering some fresh, crunchy French fries and the Double Cheeseburger, a juicy, tasty patty on a fresh roll that’s made to order.
Don’t skip the chicken, which is very juicy and flavorful, served with delicious biscuits that are worth the short wait. The mix of crispy fries and tender chicken is insanely good, and should probably be illegal.
KFC
$ | (631) 665-9559 | WEBSITE
You should spend your afternoon in Bay Shore grabbing a satisfying meal and enjoying really good extra crispy chicken fresh from the fryer. Do all of that and more at KFC, where they have plenty of seating to sit, customize your order, and do some people-watching while your food is ready in a jiffy. Order some deals that help you get more value for your money, and take in the friendly atmosphere where the staff is polite and courteous.
The manager Jorge who warmly greets customers might just inspire you to come back for another visit when you’re craving that excellent service.
Pollo Campero
$$ | (833) 226-7376 | WEBSITE
Pollo Campero feels more family-friendly than fast-food—bright lighting, and cheerful murals depicting farm scenes. The Bay Shore location of this chicken-focused chain is in a bustling commercial area, where the parking lot is packed and neighboring shops come with drive-thrus and dollar-deal signs. It looks like a classic casual eatery, and they even display fresh salads behind glass for you to admire before choosing your lunch. Despite the chicken presentation, salads are what shine.
The chicken salad is crisp and satisfying, and the grilled chicken drizzled with tangy dressing is tender enough to cut with a plastic fork. Come here when you want to grab something reliable, and pretend you’re on the kind of family outing that people remember fondly for seasons.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (631) 499-1280 | WEBSITE
A visit to Chick-fil-A is a lunchtime mission that requires some strategy. This spot sits in a busy shopping plaza in Bay Shore, and it feels like a cross between a fast-food joint and a proper sit-down restaurant. When you get there, use the mobile app to order ahead before joining the inevitable line—this is something you very much can and should do at Chick-fil-A.
When you finally make it to the counter, get some classic chicken sandwiches, fresh waffle fries, and that new passion fruit lemonade to round out your meal. After you feel like you’ve eaten enough to fuel an afternoon, get yourself a chocolate chunk cookie or a frosted lemonade for dessert. Just know they’re card-friendly with a solid rewards program.
