Brownstones in West Islip replaced by Prospect on Union
The short rib mac-and-cheese at West Islip's new Prospect on Union. Credit: Newsday/Melissa Azofeifa
Popular brunch spot Brownstones has entered the dinner scene with the opening of Prospect on Union, West Islip’s new eatery serving elevated comfort fare. The space at 306 Union Blvd., the former Brownstones, has been reimagined as a New American dinner concept under the same ownership.
"We just felt like the original Brownstones location was too good of a spot to just give up," said owner Chris Kourounis. "We decided that we wanted to do something with it and we pulled from the theme, from Brownstones, to make them like sister restaurants."
Carol D’Angelo, director of operations, said the menu is "our spin on dinner with the Brownstones vibe at nighttime."
The decor at West Islip's new Prospect on Union is inspired by the silent film era. Credit: Newsday/Melissa Azofeifa
Appetizers include sticky ribs ($16), rice croquettes ($14) or short rib mac-and-cheese ($16). Entrees include pan-seared salmon ($29) or the heritage pork chop ($29) made with Brownstones' coffee rub and brown butter served with mashed yams, asparagus and honey sage au jus. They also have handhelds such as the Hollywood Smash Burger ($22) made with two 4-ounce patties, cheese bread, sauteed onions, pickles and house sauce. Prospect on Union’s salads include a farro grain bowl ($16) and golden beet salad ($15) with arugula, marinated beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, berry beet vinaigrette.
Prospect on Union serves house cocktails ($15), red and white wine by the glass and beers on tap, as well as canned cocktails such as High Noon and Surfside ($9).
There are seats for about 90 diners, including a bar with seating for 12. The decor is inspired by the silent film era and Prospect Hall, a historic former Brooklyn jazz club and silent movie house. Kourounis said it took about eight months to fashion the space's 1920s aesthetic.
"We’re trying to create a casual environment so we can appeal to the same clientele that we have during the day," he said.
There are four more Brownstones Coffees on Long Island in Amityville, East Northport, Centereach and Sayville.
Prospect on Union, 306 Union Blvd., West Islip, 631- 587-2078. Open 4 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Melissa Azofeifa is a restaurants reporter with Newsday's FeedMe team. Having grown up on Long Island, she loves talking about food and its impact on culture. A graduate of Stony Brook University, she joined Newsday in the fall of 2024.
