Our History
The Modern Snack Bar has evolved in the years since John & Wanda Wittmeier took ownership back in the early 1950’s. Originally a true a snack bar with a grill, six counter seats and a pass-through window to a few stools outside, it is today a full-service restaurant with two dining rooms seating 125 guests. The iconic sign, created by the Neimeyer Sign Company, went up in 1956 and has become a North Fork landmark.
Customers were family to the Wittmeier’s and with the addition of a full kitchen they could serve some of the many requests that have become our most popular menu items. Roast duck (from Crescent Farms across the street), chicken croquettes, lemon meringue pie, and our award-winning lobster salad are but a few. Not to mention Wanda’s famous mashed turnips.
Wanda & John retired in 1988. They began their restaurant with a simple premise: to serve good food at a reasonable price. Their sons, Otto & John, know they’re living up to this premise when long-time customers tell them their dining experience is just as good as ever. Generations of families have been dining at the Modern Snack Bar for over 60 years. It has become a part of their family history. We hope it will become part of your family history too.
