Grecian Grill closes in Farmingdale

Grecian Grill, the Greek restaurant in Farmingdale, has closed after more than 20 years serving the bustling corner of Main and Conklin streets.

“We are retiring,” read a message posted on the restaurant's Facebook page from the owners, the Konstantatos family. Calls to the restaurant for further comment were not returned.

“Being part of the Farmingdale community for the past 20 years has brought us unending pride and joy. We have poured our hearts and souls into this restaurant and couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished. We have seen so many faces over the years, and have had the most loyal and amazing customers a business could ask for. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it,” the post continued.

The mainstay Greek restaurant had been a local favorite and replies to the post were swift. Many bemoaned the closing, lamenting the loss of “the best Greek food around,” while wishing the family well.

The family-owned spot was diner-like in scope with Greek specialties like gyros and souvlakis, spinach pies and pastitsio joining more classic American fare like sandwiches, tuna melts, homemade soups, salads, omelets and pancakes.

According to the post, Maria and Fred Konstantatos took ownership of the downtown’s prime corner restaurant in 2001. Maria, who died in 2019, and Fred met working at a diner after Fred came to the United States at 22 years old. The two went on to launch culinary adventures of their own — a coffee shop in the '80s, a Greek restaurant in the '90s — finally settling into Grecian Grill in 2001, just blocks away from where they would raise their three daughters. 

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.