|  FOODIE
Stake Out Maria’s
By Pete & Will / foodie@longislandernews.com
At the suggestion of a reader, the Foodies staked out a talked-about
takeout place known for their chicken and ribs.
Located in the heart of Huntington Station, Maria’s
Famous Chicken & Ribs is one of those spots where when
the craving hits you, it hits the spot. As the name implies,
they’re best known for their fried chicken and barbequed
ribs, though fried fish and shrimp dishes, along with pizza
are available. And while there are a few booths, one thing
Maria’s is not famous for is atmosphere. In fact, if
we gave out stars for décor, Maria’s would owe
us one. We recommend you take your food and fixin’s
to go.
That said, Maria’s is famous for her chicken for a reason.
It’s pressure-fried, according to the menu. And while
we admit we don’t know what that means, we can tell
you the chicken’s pretty good. It’s not the skinless
stuff your doctor recommends, so all you Lipitor takers should
just turn the page now. Skin-on, meaty and seasoned with a
zesty poultry spice, it’s chicken like you remember
it before healthy eating came into fashion. Chicken combos
are available ranging from the Chicken Snack (2 pieces, fries
and a roll, $2.85) to the Dinner Platter (8 pieces, fries
and roll, half-pint salad, $11.50) or the Bucket ($17-$25).
To our way of thinking, the chicken is best ordered as part
of a combo meal. Number-one on the list of a half-dozen combo
platters, Chicken ’n Ribs offers a chance to try Maria’s
barbequed ribs. A $7.95 plate includes two pieces of chicken
and three long ribs slathered in a sticky barbeque sauce;
or ribs and fired shrimp. Not the falling-off-the-bone style
rib, these are more like what you’d get at a Chinese
take-out place. They take work and are a six-napkin job. The
sauce is sweet, and slightly spicy.
Maria’s combo dinners – chicken and ribs, chicken
and shrimp, ribs and shrimp, chicken and fish, shrimp and
fish ($7.95), and the special fried seafood (flounder, shrimp,
clams and slaw, $9.95) are easily the best buy. Dinner for
two comes with change back from a twenty-dollar bill.
Maria’s is also a snack stop: Buffalo wings come with
bleu cheese dressing and a choice of barbeque sauces ranging
from mild to the fiery “suicide” sauce. Fries
and onion rings are also available as side dishes; or try
the breaded fried mushroom caps.
The eatery has an Italian side as well, serving pizzas, calzones
and a selection of pasta dishes, and since much of the neighborhood
clientele is Spanish-speaking, we’ve spied a few rice
dinners, empinadas and the like. However, we have yet to venture
there.
Like we said, Maria’s is for those days when you want
to throw caution to the wind and just enjoy something good
from the fry-o-later.
Maria’s
Famous Chicken & Ribs
1044 New York Avenue
Huntington Station
631-351-1353
Cuisine: Fry-o-later specialties and ribs
Atmosphere: Ultra-casual; make it take-out
Price Range: Inexpensive
Hours:
Open seven days: Mon-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.;
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight;
Sun, noon-10 p.m.
Main Menu
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