Here are some of the places I plan on reviewing next. If you have a suggestion, subscribe to my blog, and drop a line.
-Grumpy Jacks
-Tiger Lily
-Painters
-Lunch AKA the lobster roll south
-Flo's
-La Plage
-Love La. Cafe
-Saltwater Grill
-Magic's Pub/ The Artful Doger
-The Wooden Nickel (if I can ever find the place Dad!)
-Momo's
November 3, 2009
The Checkmate Inn
"YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO THE MATE?!" is my usual exclamation to Port Jeff, Stony Brook, and Setauket locals. Even if you're not from the area, it's a must visit. The main problem with this place is how hidden it is, but that is the point of this blog right? It took me a few visits to remember how to get there myself, but that was only due to the amount of beer I consume whenever I do visit.
Set north of 25a in Setauket, at 94 N. Country Rd, it is still near impossible to find with use of a map or GPS for that matter. Most Google and Mapquest links point you in the wrong direction too (I'm beginning to wonder if this is by design). So here's the best way I can describe how to get there. Take Nichol's Rd. Northbound ...all the way to the end. Make a right on 25a and a left at the next traffic light (after The Curry Club/ Velvet Lounge). Now, keep a look out on your left about a quarter to half mile down.
Set in a neighborhood of 18th and 19th century victorian homes, the only distinguishing feature will be the neon lights in the windows. I'd actually like to see the zoning permits on this place, because it must be grandfathered in since the 1800's that they can actually have a liquor license.
At first glance,it looks like a dive bar...at second and third glance, you're loving this dive bar. With shotty decor of surfboards, road signs, skis, and a busted up wooden plank floor, this is the ugliest of hole in the walls. This must have been a home at some point in history. After analyzing the layout, the bar is situated in the back of the house, where the kitchen most likely once inhabited. The living room area, complete with a woodburning fireplace, has two dartboards and a jukebox- that's it. A front foyer area sometimes houses tables, other times live musicians. A large front porch with portable heaters makes for a great cigarette and conversation spot. Up until only a few years ago, the only heat in the place was from the fireplace. I do recall chopping firewood a few times, which they have out back for anyone who complained about the heat (or lack there of).
A great selection on tap and by the bottle. Back in the day prices, and an eclectic mix of clientelle make this spot a favorite of mine.
You're sure to run into a local "sap person" (the guys that live upstairs work for a tree cutting company and often smell of fresh pine sap). As well as a professor or two from the nearby StonyBrook University. University students, and doctors from StonyBrook Hospital fill the bar nightly.
One TV, about 10" large usually features an old flick, like "Smokey and The Bandit" or "Blazing Saddles". Both of which the bartender, 10 years back, made me take home and watch before I was allowed to return to the bar! Be sure to ask someone how to play "Kill George", a locals favorite for killing time on slow nights.
Set north of 25a in Setauket, at 94 N. Country Rd, it is still near impossible to find with use of a map or GPS for that matter. Most Google and Mapquest links point you in the wrong direction too (I'm beginning to wonder if this is by design). So here's the best way I can describe how to get there. Take Nichol's Rd.
Set in a neighborhood of 18th and 19th century victorian homes, the only distinguishing feature will be the neon lights in the windows. I'd actually like to see the zoning permits on this place, because it must be grandfathered in since the 1800's that they can actually have a liquor license.
At first glance,it looks like a dive bar...at second and third glance, you're loving this dive bar. With shotty decor of surfboards, road signs, skis, and a busted up wooden plank floor, this is the ugliest of hole in the walls. This must have been a home at some point in history. After analyzing the layout, the bar is situated in the back of the house, where the kitchen most likely once inhabited. The living room area, complete with a woodburning fireplace, has two dartboards and a jukebox- that's it. A front foyer area sometimes houses tables, other times live musicians. A large front porch with portable heaters makes for a great cigarette and conversation spot. Up until only a few years ago, the only heat in the place was from the fireplace. I do recall chopping firewood a few times, which they have out back for anyone who complained about the heat (or lack there of).
A great selection on tap and by the bottle. Back in the day prices, and an eclectic mix of clientelle make this spot a favorite of mine.
You're sure to run into a local "sap person" (the guys that live upstairs work for a tree cutting company and often smell of fresh pine sap). As well as a professor or two from the nearby StonyBrook University. University students, and doctors from StonyBrook Hospital fill the bar nightly.
One TV, about 10" large usually features an old flick, like "Smokey and The Bandit" or "Blazing Saddles". Both of which the bartender, 10 years back, made me take home and watch before I was allowed to return to the bar! Be sure to ask someone how to play "Kill George", a locals favorite for killing time on slow nights.
Once and For All ...AKA "OaFA Cafe"
Ok, so maybe Main St. in Patchogue isn't exactly "off the beaten path". However, Once and for All Cafe is inconspicuously located in the center of this, soon to be, restaurant mecca town. On the South side of Main St. just 3 doors East of the intersection of S. Ocean Ave. and Main St., this European style bistro is deceiving at first glance.
Formerly a "cards n' gifts" storefront, proprietors Jean and Dave have done a fine job in this quaint location. From the outside, on a slow night, it would be very easy to pass by without a second look. The glass front somehow still disguises what's hidden within. Although the slow nights still exist, they are getting harder to come by as the popularity of this place is ever increasing.
Affectionately reffered to as "OaFA" by locals and regulars, each night brings something new. Open mic night has recently been moved from Monday to Thursday evenings. Local musicians play everything from the acoustic guitar to harmonicas as many gather to catch some immerging artists doing originals and covers. With the house piano situated in the front of the bar area, it's normal to see artists tickling the ivory from time to time.
Wednesday nights bring out the brainiacs, and curious alike for "Trivia Night". Steadily increasing in popularity, especially since the addition of cash prizes, many locals gather to test their intellect on a short "pop-quiz" style that is "graded" by the barkeep, complete with a bonus question for extra credit.
Live bands round out the weekend, and is always a treat. I've seen spectacular jazz bands, jammin' rock trios, zydeco, and irish rock. Always something new, and original.
The menu, although small at first glance, is filled with some real treats. Chef Brian brings his artistic touch to each plate. Mostly structured around small plates for "noshing", the specials are always a delight. Never too pricey, and always satisfying, it's Euro-American fusion at it's finest. I never pass up the opportunity to enjoy the White Cheddar Burger with Caramalized Onions. A brown butter sauteed, fresh ground patty, gently placed on a Portuguese Cheese Roll... I'm salivating just thinking about it!
With soft candlelights and low voltage pendant lighting, the ambiance is always comforting. Glance around the walls, as decor changes often with the work of local artists, some driftwood sculptures, and great black and whites all around. With only one TV (50" HD) in the place, usually tuned to a British soccer match, this may not be the place for a Sunday football gathering. However, the wide array of fine Belgian beer on tap and cask, rounded off by local micro-brews and an extensive tequila menu make for a great conversation spot.
The town of Patchogue in itself is slowly, but surely, becoming a restaurant-row of sorts. Just across the street from OaFA you'll find the seemingly cooked-with-love Columbian dinners of Gallo Tropical. Just next door to Gallo is the Thai home of Lawan. A few doors down from there is Public House 49 with a great dinner menu and DJ and dancing late night on the weekends. Of course you have The Brickhouse Brewery down the block, and the bluesy Bobbique. Lost in the middle (thankfully) is the Long Island chain J&R Steakhouse. For reviews of these and more places, check out my monthly rantings at http://DirtyBarRag.blogspot.com
Formerly a "cards n' gifts" storefront, proprietors Jean and Dave have done a fine job in this quaint location. From the outside, on a slow night, it would be very easy to pass by without a second look. The glass front somehow still disguises what's hidden within. Although the slow nights still exist, they are getting harder to come by as the popularity of this place is ever increasing.
Affectionately reffered to as "OaFA" by locals and regulars, each night brings something new. Open mic night has recently been moved from Monday to Thursday evenings. Local musicians play everything from the acoustic guitar to harmonicas as many gather to catch some immerging artists doing originals and covers. With the house piano situated in the front of the bar area, it's normal to see artists tickling the ivory from time to time.
Wednesday nights bring out the brainiacs, and curious alike for "Trivia Night". Steadily increasing in popularity, especially since the addition of cash prizes, many locals gather to test their intellect on a short "pop-quiz" style that is "graded" by the barkeep, complete with a bonus question for extra credit.
Live bands round out the weekend, and is always a treat. I've seen spectacular jazz bands, jammin' rock trios, zydeco, and irish rock. Always something new, and original.
The menu, although small at first glance, is filled with some real treats. Chef Brian brings his artistic touch to each plate. Mostly structured around small plates for "noshing", the specials are always a delight. Never too pricey, and always satisfying, it's Euro-American fusion at it's finest. I never pass up the opportunity to enjoy the White Cheddar Burger with Caramalized Onions. A brown butter sauteed, fresh ground patty, gently placed on a Portuguese Cheese Roll... I'm salivating just thinking about it!
With soft candlelights and low voltage pendant lighting, the ambiance is always comforting. Glance around the walls, as decor changes often with the work of local artists, some driftwood sculptures, and great black and whites all around. With only one TV (50" HD) in the place, usually tuned to a British soccer match, this may not be the place for a Sunday football gathering. However, the wide array of fine Belgian beer on tap and cask, rounded off by local micro-brews and an extensive tequila menu make for a great conversation spot.
The town of Patchogue in itself is slowly, but surely, becoming a restaurant-row of sorts. Just across the street from OaFA you'll find the seemingly cooked-with-love Columbian dinners of Gallo Tropical. Just next door to Gallo is the Thai home of Lawan. A few doors down from there is Public House 49 with a great dinner menu and DJ and dancing late night on the weekends. Of course you have The Brickhouse Brewery down the block, and the bluesy Bobbique. Lost in the middle (thankfully) is the Long Island chain J&R Steakhouse. For reviews of these and more places, check out my monthly rantings at http://DirtyBarRag.blogspot.com
The Hidden Gems of Long Island
It's been a long running joke between myself and many of my friends that, if you name any bar, pub, restaurant, dive, or hole in the wall, I most likely know where it is, have been there, and have an opinion on the place. I've decided to put together a collection of some of the lesser known, off the beaten path spots that I enjoy frequenting. Whether it be a small cafe, a pub, restaurant, or just a hole in the wall dive bar, there is something special about each of these places.
I plan on updating this blog each time I find a new gem. If you happen to know of any that I haven't covered, feel free to drop me a note. I'm always happy to check out new spots.
While this blog will contain small reviews or reasons I enjoy each spot, feel free to check out my other blogs for recommendations on where to find the best wings -at NYWingNut.blogspot.com- or where to get a delicious Lobster Roll -at LobsterRollReview.blogspot.com- or just some of this months hot spots and happenings in the bar, restaurant, or club world- at DirtyBarRag.blogspot.com.
Thanks for following. Click some sponser ads. Eat, drink, and be merry
I plan on updating this blog each time I find a new gem. If you happen to know of any that I haven't covered, feel free to drop me a note. I'm always happy to check out new spots.
While this blog will contain small reviews or reasons I enjoy each spot, feel free to check out my other blogs for recommendations on where to find the best wings -at NYWingNut.blogspot.com- or where to get a delicious Lobster Roll -at LobsterRollReview.blogspot.com- or just some of this months hot spots and happenings in the bar, restaurant, or club world- at DirtyBarRag.blogspot.com.
Thanks for following. Click some sponser ads. Eat, drink, and be merry
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