The Harp and Hound, Islip eatery on Main Street, shuttered by kitchen fire

An early morning kitchen fire has temporarily shuttered an Islip eatery.

The Harp and Hound, which served Irish-American eats for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch on Main Street, will close "until further notice," the restaurant announced in a post on Facebook and Instagram.

"We’re heartbroken to share that a recent kitchen fire has forced us to close temporarily," the restaurant said in the post. "We’re so grateful for your understanding and support during this difficult time. We look forward to reopening soon."

The eatery could not be reached by telephone Wednesday afternoon.

One person was in the restaurant at the time of the fire, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Department told Newsday.

Detectives with the Suffolk County Police Arson Section are investigating the fire, the cause of which "appears to be non-criminal in nature," the Suffolk police spokesperson said via email.

The Harp and Hound is known for its "late night vibes," said Christina Ferretti, the manager of Bubba's Burrito Bar across the street from the damaged eatery.

"Every single night ... there's always a crowd," Ferretti added. "Sometimes there's a line during the holidays ... to even get in the door. They'll survive this, definitely."

Three doors from Bubba's, Laura Solano, the general manager of seafood restaurant Bayberry, called The Harp and Hound "a staple in Islip."

"It's not only a loss to the community ... but all the people who work there," Solano said. She added that Bayberry might be able to temporarily hire some of The Harp and Hound's employees "especially with the holidays coming up."

The Islip Fire Department received the first call regarding The Harp and Hound at 7:34 p.m., a Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service spokesperson told Newsday. The fire was deemed under control at 8:21 a.m.

Firefighters from departments in Bay Shore, Central Islip, East Islip, North Babylon and West Islip also responded, the spokesperson said.