His dream was to own a restaurant so that’s what he did.
Owner Dick Blakeslee, grew up “on the river,” his grandfather was a boat builder for A.C. Smith one of the best- known on the Great South Bay. This will be Mr. Blakeslee's 27th year owning the Sun DEK Marina, the existing building which now houses the restaurant was originally the “ships store.”
About 19 years ago, Dick decided to turn it into a snack bar and then “it evolved into the mainland gourmet of river front dining.” Since then The Oar has become a special place, regardless of the season the oar is always a great place to sit, relax and enjoy the river. Even in the dead of winter the oar is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Ten years ago a few family members gathered around the table and thought it would be great if Santa could ride up and down the river spreading holiday cheer. Within hours, Santa was dressed, boarded a boat and began his first journey. Today the tradition continues, the annual boat parade draws thousands to the river, a spectacular display of lights celebrating not only the holiday season but the beauty of living in a waterfront community.
“I thought, what Patchogue needs is a good restaurant, there’s a lot of history on the river, we have a loyal customer base and people come from all over.”
Over the past two decades the restaurant has grown and gone under many changes, we will continue grow and change with the time and always try to improve. “ I think that is what make us” After retiring from the school of dentistry 14 years ago the restaurant became Dicks’ full time job and it doesn’t matter what time it is, you will most likely find him talking to his patrons
Who would have thought this little hidden gem would turn it to what we have today.
Owner Dick Blakeslee, grew up “on the river,” his grandfather was a boat builder for A.C. Smith one of the best- known on the Great South Bay. This will be Mr. Blakeslee's 27th year owning the Sun DEK Marina, the existing building which now houses the restaurant was originally the “ships store.”
About 19 years ago, Dick decided to turn it into a snack bar and then “it evolved into the mainland gourmet of river front dining.” Since then The Oar has become a special place, regardless of the season the oar is always a great place to sit, relax and enjoy the river. Even in the dead of winter the oar is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Ten years ago a few family members gathered around the table and thought it would be great if Santa could ride up and down the river spreading holiday cheer. Within hours, Santa was dressed, boarded a boat and began his first journey. Today the tradition continues, the annual boat parade draws thousands to the river, a spectacular display of lights celebrating not only the holiday season but the beauty of living in a waterfront community.
“I thought, what Patchogue needs is a good restaurant, there’s a lot of history on the river, we have a loyal customer base and people come from all over.”
Over the past two decades the restaurant has grown and gone under many changes, we will continue grow and change with the time and always try to improve. “ I think that is what make us” After retiring from the school of dentistry 14 years ago the restaurant became Dicks’ full time job and it doesn’t matter what time it is, you will most likely find him talking to his patrons
Who would have thought this little hidden gem would turn it to what we have today.