INDIGO
This upscale restaurant and bar is in tune with the newest American dining trends. The metropolitan vibes carry throughout the restaurant, inside and outside, especially when local DJs play at night.
With its industrial tin decor and indigo lighting, this steakhouse easily turns into a nightlife bar after 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Food is modern and pleasing to any steak-loving carnivore.
Popular on the menu are the Lobster Fries ($15), juicy lobster and béchamel sauce served over a bed of shoestrings. Many recommend the Hanger Steak served with a peppercorn gravy ($29) for a romantic, sophisticated meal. Get the S’mores Brownie for dessert.
Indigo, 32 W Main St., Patchogue, 631-730-7555,indigopatchogue.com
THE BEER GARDEN
Overlooking the water on The Nautical Mile is The Beer Garden, an outdoor bar and grill that serves fresh seafood, varied entrees, and local brews.
Picnic-style tables create a cozy, friendly atmosphere while guests dine looking at an attractive canal view. The Garden is open Thursday through Sunday and hosts a variety of music acts, perfect for summer weekends. On the menu, the full bar also offers lighter fare as well as seaside classics.
Eats include a Lobster Bao Bun Duo ($14), which presents a generous amount of buttery lobster, and Jalapeño Corn Fritters ($8), your classic, no-frills fried goodness with a spicy kick. The menu is small and streamlined, but as with the Bacon Cheesy Tots and Horseradish Aioli ($11), it delivers big, satisfying flavors.
The Beer Garden, 43 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport, 516-665-2585.
2 SPRING
The clean and cozy yet upscale 2 Spring of Oyster Bay makes fine dining local.
Executive Chef Jesse Schenker prepares sophisticated but timeless eats with locally sourced ingredients and is committed to freshness, simplicity, and elegance. Guests can choose to sit on an outdoor patio garden or one of the two levels inside. The ambience is trendy but comforting, with rustic touches like firefly lamps and cushioned booth seats. For after dinner plans, the restaurant is just a short walk from the sound.
The menu is small but curated, with appetizers like Chicken Liver Toast ($10), served with summery apricot jam and fresh herbs. The popular Crispy Branzino ($32) is noted for its generous portion and freshness, served with quinoa tabbouleh, eggplant, pistachio, and chilis.
2 Spring, 2 Spring St., Oyster Bay, 516-624-2411, 2springstreet.com
