LIRR eats: Babylon branch
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LIRR eats
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Front Street Pizzeria , 49 Front St., Rockville Centre, 516-764-1871, Cuisine: pizza. You can grab a slice the moment you're off the train at this pizzeria with an extensive Italian menu. $
Tandoor Grill , 222 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-766-4440. Cuisine: Indian. Vivid color photos on the menu tell you what your chicken korma and Peshawari naan will look like. Flavors are vibrant, too. $$
Ayhan's Shish Kebab , 201 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-255-0005. Cuisine: Mediterranean. You can rely on restaurant impresario Ayhan Hassan for zesty Greek and Turkish food, generously portioned, economically priced. $$
Cannon's Blackthorn ,, 49 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-594-1222. Cuisine: Irish-New American. Chef Axell Urrutia brings a worldly mindset to this spirited Irish pub serving shrimp and crab shepherd's pie, six-hour braised lamb shank and fine fish and chips. $$-$$$
Monaghan's , 48 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-764-6372. Cuisine: Irish-American. The menu at this friendly Irish-American pub-restaurant is augmented by a gluten-free roster. Dinner only. $$
Thai Table , 88 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-678-0886. Cuisine: Thai. A friendly place to get such Thai dishes as whole snapper sauteed with fresh basil, roasted duck with red curry sauce and charcoal-grilled beef salad. $$
Greek Town , 90 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-678-4550. Cuisine: Greek. The allure of simple homestyle Hellenic fare keeps this local spot bustling. Standouts include a lush moussaka, flaky spinach pie and lovely chicken lemonato, half a chicken baked in lemon-oregano sauce. $-$$
Chadwick's at the Station , 49 Front St., Rockville Centre, 516-766-7800. Cuisine: New American. Steps from the tracks is this attractive spot. Recent standouts include ponzu tuna and a lovely roasted apple salad with toasted almonds. $$-$$$.
George Martin , 65 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-678-7272. Cuisine: New American. The flagship restaurant of a mini-empire remains a handsome classic serving anything from a tuna burger to pot roast to petit filet mignon. $$$.
George Martin's Grillfire , 13 North Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-678-1290. Cuisine: burgers, American. In addition to burgers, this affordably priced bistro serves such dishes as edamame with chile oil and chicken meatballs Marsala. $-$$
MacArthur Park , 1 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-766-8375. Cuisine: Irish, American. A casual pub where you can grab a burger, a panino, a salad or else relax over shepherd's pie or shrimp scampi. $-$$
Rockville Diner , 263 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-678-2318. Cuisine: diner. For a quick and casual meal, this diner-luncheonette can serve you a Philly cheesesteak, a souvlaki sandwich or a classic BLT. $
Serenata Kaffe , 220 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-255-0770. Cuisine: European. This informal Euro-style spot serves three meals. There's an interesting mac-and-cheese roster and, at breakfast, baked eggs. $
Dario's Restaurant , 13 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-255-0535. Cuisine: Italian. An intimate in-town ristorante featuring specialties from Istria (once a part it Italy, now shared by Slovenia and Croatia). Try the jota, a soul-warming soup made with sauerkraut, meat, beans and vegetables. $$$.
Blue Moon , 26 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-763-4900. Cuisine: Italian. At this nostalgic Italian restaurant, Neapolitan pies are robust and crisp-crusted. Hearty pastas and entrees are worthy of your appetite. $$.
Kasey's , 23 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-766-5049. Cuisine: American pub. Warm ambience, a busy bar scene, TV screens and a classic pub-style menu define this casual neighborhood spot. $$
R.J. Daniels , 279A Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-536-6258. Cuisine: American, pub. A popular family spot as well as a big bar scene, this sprawling pub offers a wide ranging menu: chicken wings, Asian lettuce wraps and shrimp pomodoro. $$
Sushiya , 9 N. Park Ave., 516-536-6816. Cuisine: Japanese. A popular spot for sushi, sashimi and ornate maki rolls as well as cooked dishes, too. $$
Mr. Miceli Pizza , 19 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-764-7701. Cuisine: pizza. Classic neighborhood pizzeria that also offers gluten-free pies along with a full Italian menu. $
Kookaburra Coffee Company , 69 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-255-1750. Cuisine: coffee. A quick pit stop near the station for freshly brewed espresso drinks. $
Cabo , 3A N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-255-0065. Cuisine: Mexican. A jumping bean of a bar scene goes with such Margarita-friendly dishes as jalapeño "snappers," fajitas, tostadas and tamales. $$
El Mariachi , 213 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre, 516-536-6661. Cuisine: Mexican. Chimichangas, enchiladas and tostadas rule at this family-friendly Mexican spot. $$
BALDWIN
Baldwin Coach Diner , 790 Sunrise Hwy., Baldwin, 516-223-2161. Cuisine: diner. A classic diner menu is augmented by lots of daily specials (potted beef, stewed lamb shank). There's a full breakfast menu and various midweek dinner deals. $-$$
Rozza Pizzeria & Ristorante , 773 Brooklyn Ave., Baldwin, 516-223-4600. Cuisine: Pizza and Italian. A friendly pizzeria across from the trestle where you can get slice, a pie or a pasta.$
FREEPORT
Dunkin' Donuts , 35-37 E. Sunrise Hwy., Freeport, 516-546-3333. Cuisine: donuts. $
La Mia Pizza , 42 S. Main St., Freeport, 516-377-1700. Cuisine: Dominican, pizza, Latino, Italian. Something for everyone at this combination spot with a Dominican - Italian accent. There's a casual pizzeria with a Latin-style steam table on one side and a sit-down restaurant offering pastas, mofongo and chimichurri on the other. A sports bar, too. $-$$
Genesis Churrasqueria Restaurant , 48 Guy Lombardo Ave., Freeport, 516-377-0258. Cuisine: Brazilian, El Salvadoran. Care is evident here, both in the decor and food served at this combo spot that's a Brazilian-El Salvadoran restaurant on one side and a takeout steam table pupuseria on the other. $-$$
La Palma II Restaurant , 69 S. Main St., Freeport, 516-771-2445. Cuisine: Peruvian. In a colorful dining room, enjoy a wide range of Peruvian specialties, such as lomo saltado (sauteed beef, vegetables and French fries) and arroz chaufa (Chinese-style Peruvian fried rice). $-$$
MERRICK
Thai Station , 2161 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-868-1168. Cuisine: Thai. In a small storefront, savor such nuanced Thai specialties spicy basil beef and drunken noodles. $$.
Brooks & Porter , 16 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-379-9400. Cuisine: steak. Named for two LIRR locomotives, this handsome railroad-themed spot offers prime steaks and chops as well as a raw bar. $$$-$$$$.
Outback Steakhouse , 2124 Merrick Mall, Merrick, 516-377-7761. Cuisine:steak. $$
George Martin's Grillfire , 33 W. Sunrise Hwy., Merrick, 516-379-2222. Cuisine: burgers, American. Bigger than its Rockville Centre sibling, this affordably-priced bistro offers a wide range of burgers and an eclectic assortment of entrees. Fab brownie sundae. $-$$
La Strada , 2100 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-867-5488. Cuisine: Italian, pizza. A space designed to look like a courtyard in Italy, you'll find fine wood-oven pizza and very good pasta dishes. $$
Jade Dynasty , 2140 Merrick Mall, Merrick, 516-223-8212. Cuisine: Chinese-Japanese. Sushi meets General Tso. $-$$
San Marzano Brick Oven Pizzeria , 38 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-546-3300. Cuisine: pizza. The fragrance of wood smoke fills this small cafe where pizza is sold by the slice or the pie. Try the bright Margarita on a chewy-crisp slightly smoky crust. There's also a bacon-and-egg pizza and steak and onion pie. $
Mary Bill Diner , 14 Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-378-9715. Cuisine: diner. In a vintage 1949 Silk City diner, Mary and Nick Kolkos serve old-fashioned classics, like the definitive Western omelet and lacy, thin, tender pancakes. Service is unfailingly warm. $
BELLMORE
Cafe Symposio , 2700 Sunrise Hwy., Bellmore, 516-785-6097. Cuisine: Italian. At this attractive Italian restaurant, best on quiet weeknights, the Margherita pizza and linguine with white clam sauce are noteworthy. $$
International Delight Cafe , 322 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, 516-409-5772. Cuisine: diner. At this something-for-everyone sibling to the Rockville Centre original, the menu ranges from omelets to waffles to burgers to entrees like chicken scampi. A big draw is the gelato in myriad flavors. $ to $$
Mediterranean Diner , 195 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, 516-221-8721. Cuisine: diner. A friendly and attractive spot serving breakfast, lunch and dinner classics along with a large contingent of Greek specialties. $-$$
Sunrise Kafe & Grill , 216 Pettit Ave., Bellmore, 516-785-5715. Cuisine: diner. An informal restaurant with table service and an all-encompassing menu of burgers, wraps, panini, pastas and even steaks. Daily specials - like hot open roast beef sandwich or a pastrami Reuben - augment the regular bill of fare. $-$$
Ice Screamin' for Dessert Now , 212 Pettit Ave., Bellmore, 516-804-8179. Cuisine: ice cream. Owner Sandy Nassau makes his own ice cream and gelato and offers locally baked organic desserts. Indoor and outdoor seating. $
WANTAGH
Brick & Rail , 3274 Railroad Ave., Wantagh, 516-308-3476. Cuisine: New American. A railroad motif informs this New American restaurant that offers prix-fixe deals and Sunday brunch. $$-$$$
Thom Thom Steak & Seafood , 3340 Park Ave., Wantagh, 516-221-8022. Cuisine: New American. A sophisticated spot with a vibrant bar scene and menu to match. Seafood and steak are emphasized; standouts include kung pao calamari, sushi "pizza" and cowboy rib steak. $$-$$$
Showa Hibachi , 1929 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-785-0558. Cuisine: Japanese. Communal hibachi tables are separated from the rest of the restaurant, so you can enjoy your sushi in peace. $$
Snaps , 2010 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-221-0029. Cuisine: New American. At this chic-informal restaurant, chef-owner Scott Bradley offers several multicourse menus, but not on Monday or Tuesday, when the restaurant is closed. $$-$$$
Teriyaki Express , 3245 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh, 516-783-0888. Cuisine: Japanese, Korean. In addition to teriyaki dishes, this neat little takeout-eat-in spot does sushi, tempura and even Korean bulgoki. $
Hemingways American Grill , 1885 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-781-2700. Cuisine: American. An attractive bi-level spot whose menu combines the classic and the contemporary - i.e., Kobe beef sliders and Buffalo wings. $-$$$
Cherrywood , 1919 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-826-3077. Cuisine: Italian. There's a pizzeria on one side and a full service cherry wood-paneled dining room on the other at this attractive Italian spot. $-$$
Prince Umberto Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlor , 1910 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-221-7823. Cuisine: pizza. Side-by side pizzeria and ice cream shop, the dessert place open seasonally. $
Lighthouse Diner , 3240 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh, 516-826-8111. Cuisine: diner. A voluminous menu offering a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. $-$$
The Nook , 3195 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh, 516-785-4043. Cuisine: Continental. What looks like a weathered lighthouse on the outside is actually a cozy Continental restaurant with a fireplace. $$-$$$
Wantagh Inn , 3264 Railroad Ave., Wantagh, 516-785-0809. Cuisine: American. Directly across from the tracks is this welcoming spot with a fireplace and polished woods; the menu is straightforward American; kids meals, too. $$
Sunrise Diner , 3201 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh, 516-221-5907. Cuisine: diner. Greek and American specialties at breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$
SEAFORD
Butera's , 3930 Sunrise Hwy., Seaford, 516-795-1929. Recently relocated from Massapequa Park, this of a three-restaurant chainlet offers pizza as well as pastas and entrees. Portions are immense. $-$$
MASSAPEQUA
Massapequa Diner , 4420 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa, 516-799-5234. Cuisine: diner. At this bustling spot, you can get everything from pancakes to panini to a full-course steak dinner. $-$$
Minami Japanese Restaurant , 12 Central Ave., Massapequa, 516-799-4799. Cuisine: Japanese. Serene ambience and quality Japanese dishes like tuna tartare, poached striped bass and sukiyaki, this restaurant rises above the generic. $$
Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour , 11 Central Ave., Massapequa, 516-797-3149. Cuisine: ice cream, luncheonette. For almost a century, this old-fashioned luncheonette has been making its own ice cream. You can also get breakfast, lunch or dinner. $
China Royal , 23 Broadway, Massapequa, 516-882-0328. Cuisine: Chinese-Japanese. Want a rainbow roll with your Shanghai shrimp? Get it at this popular in-town spot. $-$$
MASSAPEQUA PARK
Veranda II , 1020 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-798-1555. Cuisine: Italian. You can get both individual and family-style portions of hearty Italian food at this gracious ristorante: stuffed artichokes, pasta Bolognese, chicken scarpariello, either on or off the bone. $$
Ephesus Mediterranean Cuisine , 514 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-543-4258. Cuisine: Turkish. Deftly prepared Turkish food is exemplified by the meze (starters), to be spread on house-made bread; kebabs are superior. $$
Thai Taste , 1013 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-541-3867. Cuisine: Thai. Attractive contemporary surroundings Thai. Try the yum nuea salad made with chargrilled beef. $$
IHOP , 4870 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa Park, 516-541-4467. Cuisine: pancakes $
Dunkin' Donuts , 4886 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa Park, 516-798-3602. Cuisine: doughnuts. $
Massapequa Perk , 117 Front St., Massapequa Park, 516-541-7375. Cuisine: coffee. This adorable little coffee house opposite the station has a cool vibe and excellent espresso drinks. $
Liu's Green Garden , 113 Front St., Massapequa Park, 516-798-7300. Cuisine: Chinese-Japanese. Just steps from the station, this Asian oasis offers chirashi as well as roast pork. $-$$
Mary's Pizza & Pasta Restaurant , 1026 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-798-6100. Cuisine: pizza. A friendly order-at-the-counter pizzeria that also serves heros, salads, pastas and entrees. $
Adam's Rib , 1026B Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-798-4400. Cuisine: barbecue. Ribs and chicken, not pit-smoked but very good. Also hot dogs, wraps and sandwiches. $
AMITYVILLE
Rebecca's Cafe , 178 Park Ave., Amityville, 631-598-4618. Cuisine: American. Breakfast and lunch spot much beloved by locals. Pancakes, quiches, salads and sandwiches are fortes. So are house-made desserts. $
Vittorio's Restaurant and Wine Bar , 184 Broadway, Amityville, 631-264-3333. Cuisine: Italian and New American. An urbane dining spot for such options as garganelli with veal-and-sage ragu and marinated skirt steak with mashed potatoes. $$$
Mike's Pizzeria & Restaurant , 217 Broadway, Amityville, 631-598-0747. Cuisine: pizza. A friendly in-town pizzeria offering grandma pie, heros, pastas and entrees.$
COPIAGUE
Alicja's Restaurant , 1635 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, 631-225-2500. Cuisine: Polish. Satisfy a craving for pierogi, blintzes, stuffed cabbage and kielbasa at this authentic Polish spot where portions are ample and tabs low. $
Delicias Latinas , 1700 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, 631-328-5122. Cuisine: Colombian, bakery. At this multipurpose spot, get Colombian-style rotisserie chickens or grilled steak; a bakery showcase takes up half the space. $
Albert's Pizza ,1642 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, 631-842-6039. Cuisine: pizza. The excellent Sicilian style pizza is the draw at this little pizzeria. $
LINDENHURST
Village Lanterne , 143 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, 631-225-1690. Cuisine: German. Both old world and contemporary, this haus serves a fine roast chicken larded with bacon along with sauerbraten, Hungarian goulash and addictive pretzel rolls. $$
Spoon Coffee House & Eatery , 125A Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, 631-957-7666. Cuisine: American and coffeehouse. A casual, lounge-7 spot where you can get a Thai wrap with a fruit smoothie while admiring the work of local artists. Some nights, there's musical talent performing, too. $
Goccia D'Oro , 118 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, 631-225-6161. Cuisine: Italian. An old fashioned ristorante serving dishes like baked clams oreganata, risotto alla pescatore and bistecca alla pizzaiola. $$
Fanelli's , 95 E. Hoffman Ave., Lindenhurst, 631-226-2999. Cuisine: Italian. A splashy, snazzy new spot for contemporary Italian fare. $$-$$$
BABYLON
Pronto , 111 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-422-7955. Chef-owner Anthony Marrali, born in Sicily, serves a homestyle menu that includes dishes like pulpo (octopus) salad with orange peel and crunchy-creamy rice balls. $$
Lily Flanagan's Pub , 345 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-539-0816. Cuisine: Irish, pub. A lively spot for simple Irish pub-style fare: "spud skins," shepherd's pie, fish and chips as well as burgers and steaks. $$
Horace & Sylvia's Publick House , 100 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-587-5081. Cuisine: New American, pub. This smart bar-restaurant serves hot biscuits before such dishes as wild mushroom meat loaf and potpie du jour. Finish with a fragrant house-made apple crisp. $$-$$$
Biagio's Pizzeria & Restaurant , 128 N. Carll Ave., Babylon, 631-661-3222. Cuisine: pizza. A casual pizzeria where you can grab a slice, a pie or a chicken-Parm hero. $
Bagelicious , 114 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-321-9049. Cuisine: bagels Bagels and more at this takeout and eat-in spot. $
Cold Stone Creamery , 255 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-539-7570. Cuisine: ice cream. $
Rungsit Thai , 117 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, . Cuisine: Thai. A popular in-town Thai eatery. $$
Sakura , 111 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-893-1811. Cuisine: Japanese. Fresh sushi and Japanese kitchen dishes in simple surroundings. $$
Lucy's Cafe , 135 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-669-1640. Cuisine: New American, small plates. Hidden off the municipal parking lot behind Main Street, this atmospheric little gem serves a menu of small plates and entrees. Lucy's burger is one of the area's best. $$-$$$
Joe Michaels Steakhouse , 262 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-321-5580. Cuisine: steak. You can order a steak marinated, Cajun style or plain at this red meat-centered restaurant that also offers some Italian dishes. $$-$$$
Pisces Cafe , 14A Railroad Ave, Babylon, 631-321-1231. Cuisine: coffee. More than just a coffeehouse, this lively spot also serves up finger foods, sandwiches, salads and panini. Play a board game and check out the local art scene. $
