FOODIE

Meehan’s Of Huntington
By Peter & Will / foodie@longislandernews.com

The 1980s television staple Cheers – as the theme song stated – was the place “where everybody knows your name.”

Warm, bustling and always friendly, Cheers could easily have been modeled after Huntington’s Meehan’s, a friendly pub-style restaurant where the bar is always busy, the food hearty and families welcome.

Meehan’s occupies a good stretch of New York Avenue’s “restaurant row,” behind an impressive brick façade. Wrought iron lamps, carved wooden signs and a clean, contemporary oak interior are signs that the restaurant is run by folks who care. The family operation is run by brothers and native Huntingtonians Michael and Patrick Meehan whose hands-on management is evident throughout. Service is friendly and attentive, food is always fresh and portions are generous.

Meehan’s is, at its heart, an Irish pub, and its menu offers hearty fare. Famous for its burgers, they don’t disappoint. A solid half-pound of beef with char-broiled flavor and served with a generous helping of the pub’s signature waffle fries, it could be Huntington’s best burger value at $10. The house burger adds Swiss cheese and sautéed onion and mushrooms ($11), and the Bison Burger ($16) is billed as a leaner, tasty alternative.

Being a pub at heart, Meehan’s has an extensive menu of finger foods and appetizers to start a meal or just for picking. Favorites include fiery Buffalo Wings ($12) – ask for more napkins – and Baked Clams ($10), a spicy and flavorful start to any meal. Maryland Crab Cakes ($12) are tasty with lump crab meat and served with a sun dried tomato remoulade.

If it’s bar food you’re after, choose The Good, The Bad and the Ugly ($17), an assortment of wings, potato skins and mozzarella sticks with a dipping sauce.
Being Irish at its roots, Meehan’s offers a selection of specialties from the Emerald Isle. Shepherd’s Pie ($17) is “Mother Meehan’s recipe.” Irish Stew is a hearty, traditional bowlful, generous with the meat and made better with a splash of Guinness Stout. And there’s no place better for Corned Beef and Cabbage ($17) which, in our minds, is a great excuse to eat mustard. It’s lean, available year ’round and, yes, there’s a hint of beer there.

The kitchen handles a number of entrées well. Meehan’s is one of the few spots in town with pot pies. Turkey Pot Pie ($16) is a crispy-topped helping with potatoes, carrots, peas and – here’s the kicker – stuffed with mashed potato. It’s a favorite.
Or try Tipperary Chicken ($13) – a sautéed cutlet in a wine sauce with red potatoes.
For lighter fare, Meehan’s salads are a meal. A favorite is the Waldorf Salad with grilled chicken ($14). The Char-Grilled Steak and Portobello Salad ($16) brings a NY Shell Steak to the plate.

Desserts at Meehan’s are traditional – Apple Strudel’s a must – and lingering over coffee is a welcome activity.

Family-friendly and always busy, Meehan’s is a perfect mid-week meal or weekend destination. Summer brings patio dining to the restaurant scene.

Meehan’s of Huntington
371 New York Avenue
Huntington village
631-351-0831
www.meehansrestaurant.com

Cuisine: Modern Irish American

Atmosphere: Casual, Irish pub with class

Price Range: Inexpensive to moderate

Hours:
Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Saturday - 11:30 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Sunday - 11:30 a.m. – 4 a.m.

Main Menu