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