Whether it's for a day at the beach or an evening at an outdoor concert, people are drawn to the Jones Beach-Long Beach area in summer. Since a picnic lunch or dinner isn't always an option, it helps to know where to satisfy an appetite. Here are just a few suggestions for everything from a quick bite to a long, leisurely meal:
Akari (Inexpensive to moderate), 2063 Merrick Rd., Merrick, 516-378-9888
Every town needs a reliable Japanese spot like Akari, which offers fresh, well-turned out sushi rolls and respectable favorites, like tempura and tatsuta age.
All American Burger (Inexpensive) (Child-appeal), 4286 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, 516-798-9574
It's just the basics - hamburgers, hot dogs and fries -- and therein lies the appeal of this longstanding Massapequa favorite. Be prepared to wait on long lines to place your order before elbowing your way to an outdoor table.
Corbin & Reynolds (Moderate to expensive), 20 W. Park Avenue, Long Beach, 516-431-4600
This handsome spot, done in brick and wood, is hung with photos of old Long Beach. But it's very much in the present, with a lively bar scene and an appealing menu. Black Angus steak and New Zealand lamb are recommended, as is the savory onion-crusted chicken.
Fresco Creperie (Inexpensive, Child-appeal), 150A E. Park Ave., Long Beach, 516-897-8097
There should be more places like this casual downtown spot for tender crepes, both sweet and savory, as well as superior salads, sandwiches and coffee drinks. Standouts include the tonno salad, made with imported tuna, shedded Gruyere, roasted red peppers and olives over field greens and a dessert orange caramel crepe.
Himawari (Inexpensive to moderate), 116 E. Park Ave., Long Beach, 516-431-4768
Fresh, imaginative sushi rolls (one comes wrapped in rice paper and is studded with peanuts) is a big attraction at this newcomer to the Long Beach ethnic dining scene. The place (which used to be Sushi Yaki-Ten) could use a decorative overhaul, though.
Jessie's Lip Smackin' Roadhouse (Inexpensive to moderate; Child-appeal), 1810 Merrick Road, Merrick, 516-379-7140
Early in the evening, Jessie's makes an ideal family spot. Later on, the scene heats up, when live music, cold beers and red-hot barbecue fuel appetites. Even though the restaurant doesn't have a smoker, it manages to put out a dandy pulled pork sandwich and very good barbecued chicken.
Mixing Bowl Eatery (Inexpensive to moderate), 2601 Merrick Rd., Bellmore, 516-826-7971
In an informal dining room that's tasteful and uncluttered, an eclectic mix of dishes keeps value-conscious diners happy. The zucchini pancakes are both light and satisfying, the grilled salmon simple and fresh.
Nick DiAngelo (Moderate to expensive), two locations: 152 West Park Avenue,
Long Beach, 516-889-3366; 33 W. Sunrise Hwy.,
Merrick, 516-379-2222
Both the older Merrick restaurant and the newer branch in Long Beach offer huge portions from a menu that runs the gamut from Italian to New American to traditional steak house fare. Those who don't choose to share, family style, will probably end up leaving with doggie bags.
Onzon Thai House (Inexpensive to moderate), 2618 Merrick Rd., Bellmore, 516-409-6113
This diminutive storefront is a source for Thai favorites executed with skill and elan. Among standouts is tom ped, a spicy duck soup with galanga, lemongrass, tomato, sacllions and lime juice. Service can be spotty, however.
The Pit Stop (Inexpensive) (Child-appeal), 1706 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh, 516-223-7799
Tony and Carolyn Rubano give fast food a good name at their informal Merrick eatery, which, in a former life, used to be a Carvel stand. A crab cake po' boy is made with lots of jumbo lump crab meat and no bready filler. Wraps excel, among them a vibrant combination of grilled shrimp, mango salsa and black beans.
Whether you like your roast beef rare or well done, with or without gravy, you can have your sandwich your way at these informal South Shore spots. The Chinese roast pork on a garlic roll is also a treat. Service is order-at-the-counter only.
Snaps (Moderate to expensive; value-priced specials), 2010 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-221-0029
Chef Scott Bradley, who has cooked at such former hot-spots as Mirepoix in Glen Head and PassionFish in Woodbury, offers a repertoire of well-executed New American dishes, like a warm lobster "knuckle" sandwich and wok-seared duck. Value-conscious diners snap up Bradley's prix-fixe specials.
Thom Thom (Moderate to expensive), 3340 Park Avenue, Wantagh, 516-221-9022
Named for "culinary director" Tom Schaudel, this sushi and steak house covers a lot of territory, from spicy tuna rolls to "kung pow" calamari to a 40-ounce Porterhouse for two. Schaudel's signature chocolate "bag" is a popular conclusion.
Chef Nicholas Lucchese celebrates Long Island, both with the photographs that line the walls of his cozy bistro and in his New American menu, which draws largely on local bounty. That means that the grilled tuna is from the East End, as is the roasted Crescent Farms duckling.
Trevi (Moderate), 3357 Merrick Road, Wantagh, 516-783-6837
From the wood burning oven of chef Christopher Vacca comes chicken that's crackling-crisp on the outside, its juices infused with a subtle smokiness. That, as well as the divine bucatini carbonara, are reasons enough to visit this informal Wantagh dining spot.
