Oak Room Tavern in Sea Cliff: First bites

Oak Room Tavern cheerfully keeps a pubby style, and adds some good food. It's a warm stop on a cool night.

But if that night is Saturday, you're likely to be standing for a while. About 40 diners can fit into this Tudor-style joint and, by the time your appetizer arrives, just as many will be waiting for your seat. Oak Room gets noisy and crowded very fast.

Whenever you go, try the shrimp cocktail (three big ones) or the pulled-pork sliders (more like little sandwiches); and the roasted chicken with a truffled potato puree (juicy, tender). There are some good brews on tap. And service is friendly, even the 10-seat bar is three deep.

Oak Room Tavern, 242 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff; 516-277-2350.

Pulled-pork sliders at Oak Room Tavern.