It’s a sweet bonus to be a Manhattanite: people can’t really understand the glittering existence of a New Yorker until they’ve tasted the celebrity-riddled, maximum-priced, doorman-dominated nightspots that this island regularly spits out. But while socially Manhattan is like no other place on earth, those of us who live between the rivers are often caged by that luster. Who among us would dare suffer the embarrassment of being caught in a bar somewhere in the boonies?
Pop quiz, city-dwellers: did you ever notice all that land between the Van Wyck and the Shinnecock Canal? Better known as Long Island, Nassau and Suffolk (west of Southampton) Counties are made up of millions of people, and almost none of them have ever driven a tractor. In fact, there’s a lot of million$ among those millions, and those people like a classy party too. (Better yet and lest we forget, how many of us actually grew up here? Mmm-hmm, you’re so busted.)
Plenty of places beyond Manhattan's borders host celebrity DJs and charge lots of money for drinks…just like your money-makin’ home zone!
Four Foods Studio
515 Broadhollow Rd. (Rt. 110)
At Baylis Rd.
You can’t miss this gorgeous restaurant and lounge as you head down Rt. 110 into Melville (the outskirts of very-tony Dix Hills). Feel free to valet – or park about 1000 feet away – and you’re in. You’ll notice how various sections of the large space are different in hue and design; thus the name – each part of the overall room represents a season, most noticeably the “winter room”, where the VIP area holds a suspended monitor featuring a roaring flame. The menu changes seasonally and runs about $20-$40 per entrée. The bar is surrounded by well-dressed folk who range from trust-fund progeny to businessmen, with the occasional shiny-shirted guy with spiky hair and an orange tan. DJs spin light lounge fare on weekends, and there’s a roomy outside area that extends from the main eating space. If celebrity spotting is your thing, keep an eye out for the many Jets players who are frequent patrons (will they bring Brett?) and dance artists. The high-profile patronage is little surprise: Kim Sozzi, Lucas Prata and their brethren just happen to live in the neighboring area.
Click here for more info on Four Foods Studio, Melville NY
Honu
363 New York Ave, 25A
Between Elm St. and Main St.
Don’t fear the 25A! Here in hot Huntington, the same number that denotes Northern Blvd. in Flushing refers to Main St. here – possibly the classiest, salon-filled and trendy Main St. on the island. And, mixed in with several upscale eateries, bars and lounges you’ll find the spot formerly known as “Blue Honu”. Now just Honu, the daybed got junked and the space is super-fab, with lots of wood moorings, long red draperies and pop-art all sitting pretty between the exposed brick of this decades-old building. The menu is set with tastings only, so don’t think you’ve beat the system when you see a $15 steak, because you’ll be receiving a cute little sampler instead. But while everything is small, you and your group are invited to share – so make sure to order table faves like the ribbon fries. Meanwhile, the bar swells all night, and this crowd runs from well-dressed 20’s to you-earned-it, relaxed 40’s, all of them sipping tasty cocktails in the $8-$14 range.
Click here for more info on Honu, Huntington NY
Mulcahy’s
3232 Railroad Ave.
At Wantagh Ave.
516-783-7500
Chances are you’ve heard of this one, as it’s been in business for over 40 years in one incarnation or another; yet it remains one of Long Island’s hottest destinations. Mulachy’s is just really one giant sportsbar, but it also features DJ nights, cover bands and B+ big acts alike. The crowd is blessedly clubhead-free, drawing collegiate and post-collegiate patrons who miss the old KTU. Come for an easy shot-and-beer night out, and don’t worry about stumbling home from the sticks: it’s right across the street from the Wantagh LIRR station. Ocean Beach, Fire Island (Ferries run from Bay Shore) http://www.ocean-beach.com/ While Fire Island is the classic summer stop for hundreds of gay and lesbian beach lovers, there are plenty of other communities besides Cherry Grove. During the summer months, many party people of all ages jump on the ferry from Bay Shore and take it across to Ocean Beach, where a slew of seasonal bars magnetize monstrous crowds. Bay Shore itself happens to be a growing town, and its Main St. features several fun restos and bars (for food, do Smokin’ Al’s; for drinks and wild bar action hit The Nutty Irishman) to keep you occupied. The Mermaid Inn gets positively awash with revelers on weekends, so feel free to walk into any of the many watering holes and grab a frozen drink. *Note: just make sure and get on that last ferry, because water taxis can cost 2-4 times as much and the wait can be brutal.
Click here for more info on Mulcahy's, Wantaugh NY
