Twain's Chicken & Ribs opens in Oceanside

New to Oceanside is Twain's Chicken & Ribs, a casual, counter-service spot specializing in fried chicken and slow-cooked ribs.

According to co-owner Bryan Copius, “everything here is homemade and fresh.” Except, he added, for the previously frozen fried appetizers and fries. The place has no heat lamps.

Ribs, Copius said, are boiled for an hour, steamed for half an hour, then dry-rubbed before being grilled to order and coated with either barbecue sauce or more of the house-made dry rub.

In addition to the ribs and chicken, the menu lists jumbo shrimp, fried clams and fried flounder, as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. An 8-piece order of fried chicken costs $11.99 (or, with 2 large sides, $15.99); half a rack of ribs is $10.59, and a simple burger is $5.95.

About the eatery's literary name: One of the partners is a huge Mark Twain fan,  Copius said. Add to that the cuisine's Southern slant, and the name was a natural.

Twain’s Chicken & Ribs is at 488 Merrick Rd., Oceanside, 516-678-7427.