3 new Long Island spots to grab fried chicken

Summer and fried chicken: a match made in heaven. Whether for the beach, in the backyard or at the playground, these three new poultry spots are giving Long Islanders options in their fried chicken consumption. 

Namkeen, Stony Brook

1320 Stony Brook Rd., Suite 25

Franchisees Shahab Cheema and Harjot Singh "looked all over Long Island," to find the Stony Brook Road spot for the new-to-Long Island chain Namkeen, which opened earlier this month, Singh said. Namkeen means "savory" in Urdu. The brand blends buttermilk-brined chicken with South Asian spices. This is the ninth location for the brand, which debuted in 2020 in Chatham, New Jersey.

The halal chain offers the Nashville sandwich ($13.99). made with fried chicken and choice of heat, pickles, coleslaw and house sauce on brioche. If you want to spice up your meal, Namkeen also serves the Tikka melt ($13.99), made with fried chicken, tikka sauce, pickled onions, American, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese on sourdough and mint chutney. Then there are the loaded Dhamaka fries ($12.99) with masala fries, fried chicken, tikka sauce, pickles, coleslaw and mint sauce.

Specialty shakes such as a rose-flavored summer drink, the rooh afza ($7.99), which could also be made as a slushie ($6.99) or a kulfi shake, plus classic chocolate and vanilla shakes ($6.99) are among the drink specials. Desserts include the Gulabi waffle ($12.99) made with pistachio, rose petals, kulfi ice cream on a gulab jamun-infused Belgian waffle. More Info: 631-675-0428, eatnamkeen.com.

Beach Bird, Long Beach

163 E. Park Ave.

Bayville resident and chef David Malinowski opened Beach Bird in Oyster Bay in 2023, and now he's added a Long Beach outpost, a bright and sunny space with pretty irresistible fried chicken served in blue-and-white checkerboard butcher-papered baskets.

The menu offers chunky, white meat tenders — in fingers (starting at three for $9), nuggets (eight for $9), sandwiches ($10+), over waffles, as well as breaded or naked wings (six for $12). Malinowski butchers those tenderloins in-house and brines them for 24 hours; made fresh to order, they're soft on the inside with a light, nicely seasoned crunch.

If you can’t decide among nuggets, tenders or wings, the Bird Basket features all three and costs $33. Don't forget the twice-fried french fries, which come in salted, ranch, Cajun, truffle and loaded (like a baked potato) styles ($5-$8). Lighter, greener, you say? Try the salads — Caesar, Cobb, southwest and watermelon — all topped with chicken ($15+). For dessert, the cinnamon-sugar waffle bites ($16) topped with breaded nuggets and maple syrup are not to be missed. A dozen side sauces are available  for dipping ($1 each). More info: 516-517-2899, beachbirdli.com

Dom's Famous Chicken Fingers, Plainview

1135A Old Country Rd.

Dom's, which opened in mid-June, showcases the cult-level chicken fingers made popular at the New Hyde Park deli, Dominick's, which has been open more than 30 years. The addictive fingers, which are marinated for a couple of days before being lightly breaded and served with requisite honey mustard dipping sauce, come in sizes from 8 ounces ($9.99) to 5 pounds ($69.99).

For the Plainview store only, it follows that three new chicken finger sandwiches will enhance the menu: Sweet Heat (lettuce, dill pickles, pepper jack cheese), Buffalo (Buffalo sauce, fresh mozzarella and blue cheese) and The Classic (honey mustard, lettuce, American cheese) all served on potato buns. Additionally, the favorite deli sandwich beloved in New Hyde Park — the Broadway ($9.99) — comprised of chicken cutlets, mozzarella, prosciutto, oil and vinegar on ciabatta bread will also be on offer. For the indulgent, there's a finger-topped mac-and-cheese bowl ($15.99). Sides like mac-and-cheese, pickles, coleslaw and garlic toast are also available. Combos start at $12.99 and include sauce, fries, garlic toast and a fountain drink. More info: 516-268-6050, domsfamouschickenfingers.com

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.