Huntington: New owner at Abel Conklin's

Abel Conklin's, a Huntington mainstay for more than 25 years, is expected to be acquired by Restar Hospitality Group. Restar owns restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk, including Cafe Buenos Aires, Bistro Cassis. Toast and Co. and Bin 56 wine bar in downtown Huntington. The deal is in contract, according to lawyers.

Abel Conklin's filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Restar Hospitality is expected to keep the place a restaurant. But it wasn't immediately know whether Restar would retain the steakhouse-American food approach or change it.

When it opened, Abel Conklin's received a one-star rating in Newsday, mainly for its steaks and friendly style. It was a popular gathering spot early on, at a time when downtown Huntington didn't have the variety of restaurants it does today. The eatery became a bit more casual in recent years.

It's open for lunch and dinner. On Easter Sunday,  Abel Conklin's is serving an a la carte dinner. Main dishes include rack of lamb, fresh ham, sesame-seared tuna and pasta primavera with chicken.

The restaurant is at 54 New St.; 631-385-1919.