Patchogue dining: 5 restaurant picks
Patchogue's downtown area, once a culinary wasteland, has come into its own as a true dining destination. Stroll about and you’ll find a restaurant to satisfy your particular craving. Here are just five options.
PERABELL FOOD BAR, 69 E. Main St., 631-447-7766
A booming bar scene is just one attration at this energetic gastropub. Here, you can make a meal of appetizers -- expertly fried calamari, an impressive tuna tartare pizza and surprisingly light potato pierogies, among top picks. Great burgers and crabcake sandwich, too.
HOSHI SUSHI & HIBACHI, 35 W. Main St., 631-627-8090
Dinner theater at this stylish downtown involves knife-clanging, food-flinging pryotechnics. Or take refuge in a quieter dining room, where top picks include lightly crunchy-creamy tofu teriyaki, yellowtail with jalapeño and shrimp tempura.
BOBBIQUE, 70 W. Main St., 631-447-7744
Live blues pairs well with chef-owner Eric Rifkin’s smoky ribs, chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket. Finish with Lincoln logs -- little French toast sticks -- or a warm brownie soufflé, to be ordered at the start of your meal.
GALLO RESTAURANT, 3 E. Main St., 631-475-4667
This attractive dining spot does justice to the forthright flavors of Colombia. Try the refreshing shrimp seviche, crisp empanadas and barbecued chicken, with some of owner Dave Bustamente’s original avocado sauce on the side. Another original: creamy five-milk flan. $$
LAWAN AUTHENTIC THAI RESTAURANT, 13 E. Main St., 631-687-1313
In a well-appointed room, savor bracing tom yum goong, peppery larb (a warm pork salad) and peek gai yad sai, chicken wings boned and stuffed with ground chicken, clear noodles and vegetables. Fine curries, too.