FOODIE

Who’s Got The Beef In Huntington?
By Peter & Rosie / foodie@longislandernews.com

Who’s got the best burger in Huntington? Well that depends on just what kind of burger you’re in the mood for. One thing’s for sure… the restaurant capital of Long Island has as many types of burgers as there are tastes. From the classic burger to deluxe to fine restaurants that put the deluxe in burger, there’s a burger for your every mood.

The fast-food end of the burger spectrum is ruled by American Roadside Burger (337 New York Ave., Huntington 631-935-0300; 80 E Main St., Smithtown 631-382-9500 americanroadsideburgers.com). The reincarnation of American Burger Company, Roadside’s motorcycle road trip-themed eatery is perhaps the perfect setting to enjoy the classic American burger. And don’t be too quick to call it fast food because really the only thing that makes this fast food is the time it takes for them to bring it to your table. Roadsides classic burger ($3.22 single, $4.82 double) is high on the quality scale. Down the Roadstar – four burgers stacked on a bun – and you’ll get your name inscribed on the wall of fame. The only drawback with Roadside is that there’s no ordering the number 6 to get a plateful of food delivered to your table; fries ($2.33) are a separate buy, as are all sides. But the ability to pour yourself a Bosco chocolate soda from the fountain makes it all worthwhile.

Roadside makes for great road food, but sometimes what you have in mind is a pub burger. Huntington is hardly lacking in those, and two favorites can be found within as many blocks in the village. Both Canterbury Ales (314 New York Avenue, 631-549-4404 canterburyales.com) and Christopher’s Courtyard Café (8 Wall St., Huntington 631-271-0111) both offer quality burger favorites in a relaxed pub atmosphere. As one foodie friend said, the difference is do you want a beer with your burger, or a burger with your beer?

Billy Hoest’s Canterbury Ales is a local mecca for beer lovers, with an international selection of beers and ales on tap. The Canterburger ($10.50) is eight ounces of quality beef on a Kaiser roll with Canterbury’s chips where fries might be. Lettuce, tomato and onion slices complete the platter but for beer lovers it’s the beverage that does that. As exotic as the beer selections are – there are nearly as many burgers to suit one’s fancy. The Archbishop of Canterburger ($12.50) adds mushroom, peppers, bacon, ham and two cheeses. California Canterburger ($13.50) tops it with avocado, mushrooms, tomato, sprouts, slaw and mozzarella. If nearly a dozen choices don’t do it, the build-your-own-burger menu lists your choices.

One block over at Christopher’s Courtyard Café (8 Wall Street, Huntington 631-271-0111) you can get a burger with your beer, or any number of specialties from the pub’s fine kitchen. A hearty stack of a sirloin burger with lettuce, tomato and the obligatory pickle is the least of it. Add bacon, barbecue sauce, bleu cheese… you name it, they’ll make it. If you’d like to convince yourself that you’re eating healthy, try the Turkey, Veggie, Bison or Ostrich burgers (up to $12.95).

There’s another level of burger beyond the burger deluxe we all grew up on. Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington 631-549-0055 jonathansristorante.com) puts a different kind of deluxe spin on the American classic. Jonathan’s burger ($16) — a generous sirloin patty of the quality one expects from Roberto Onofre’s restaurant — is served on crusty toasted house bread with a tangy arugula salad and skinny-cut fries. The whole package is a beautifully presented square plateful. One warning – it’s a commitment. Once you wrap your hands around that burger and take your first bite, there’s no putting it down until the very last crust. But then, that’s what a burger should be, isn’t it?

We’re sure our readers will be writing to tell us we missed their favorites. Know that Mac’s, Blackstone’s and Black & Blue are all on our must-try list. Otherwise, send your suggestions for Huntington’s best burger part two.

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