Eating near the station

It's the answer to a hungry commuter's prayer: somewhere good to eat just steps away from the LIRR station.

We give you three such places, each, in itself, an easy response to the nightly question "What's for dinner?"

A change in ownership at this simply decorated spot means that its very good Turkish food has gotten even better. Start with a vibrant assortment of cold appetizers with warm house-baked bread. Don't miss the pide, the Turkish version of pizza, or, if it's available, the well-priced whole grilled fresh fish. Great kebabs, too.

514 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, 516-543-4258, ephesusturkishrestaurant.com.

Part of the Smithtown scene for the past six years, the restaurant is a short walk from the station. The kitchen comes across with the complex layering of flavors you crave in Thai cuisine. Past standouts include the sweet-tart tamarind duck as well as a nuanced Penang chicken curry and sliced beef salad.

53 W. Main St., Smithtown, 631-979-5242, thaihousesmithtown.com

You'll find appealing thin crusted, well-topped pizzas as well as a dependable array of pastas, Parmigianas, Marsalas and more at this unpretentious spot about a half-block down from the station.

8 Bond St., Great Neck, 516-466-9596