“Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.”

– “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” Lyrics by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

Do the lyrics above sound familiar? It’s the opening to the hit show, Cheers. Who knew that the simple idea of frequenting a local bar would become an insanely popular sitcom? Well, it’s something we’ve been doing for the longest – visiting our favorite spots, ordering “the usual,” and a brew or two. We even catch up on the week’s news be it last night’s game or the front page of the Times. And the thing is, we can’t get enough of our favorite bars. The thought of visiting instantly perks us up and we think about the good times and dishes there. So, in that spirit, I’ve decided to feature some of my favorite local bars and grills on the island. No mater the day or time, good times and good eatin’ are always on the menu…

Croxley’s Ale House and Eatery

(Multiple locations

www.croxley.com)

Whether you’re looking for a hearty bite or rearing to go for game night, Croxley’s Ale House & Eatery’s got you covered. The ale house brews its own beers and has a wide array of national and international selections. With 60 on tap ranging from light to dark lager, angry ales to beer cocktails, Croxley’s is sure to engage the “brew-curious” and brew enthusiasts’ pallets. And for a limited time, there’s a seasonal Croxley’s Pumpkin Ale served with a cinnamon sugar rim. I may not be a “brew guru”, but I’m a “food guru” and their eats are not to be missed! The savory menu has American and English pub classics such as crispy fish and chips, stand out burgers such as the Ale House Burger with bacon, glazed with an addictive 1,000 Island dressing sauce.

But my favorite fare there arethe finger lickin’, 5 napkin needin’ wings! Fried to fall-off-the-bone perfection, the chicken is doused in your choice of mild, medium, hot or BBQ sauces – all of which are tangy and tempts diners to lick the plate. Not into sauces? No problem. The wings are served plain as well. Served in groups of 10, you can literally feast on them all day long.

Best of all Monday – Wednesday the wings are $.10 and unlimited. Ready for more? Thursdays, the $.10 wings go boneless and Saturdays and Sundays the wings are $.20. Still that can hardly be beat. Wings and beer go hand-in-hand when it comes to football. Croxley’s a is great spot to watch fights or the game but get there early, by kick-off, it’s packed and for good reason too!

Meal:

20 wings : $2.00

Glass of Angry Orchard Cider: $6.00

Total: $8.00

Other tidbits:

• Multiple locations:

• Long Island: Franklin Square,* Rockville Centre, Farmingdale, and Smithtown

• NYC: Brooklyn, Manhattan
• Multiple huge flat screens
• Follow on Facebook and Twitter (@Croxley_FS) for news and events

* Location reviewed by Canny Candi

Shakers

(267 Mineola Blvd.

516-294-0445

www.shakersny.com)

We’ve all done it while driving. No, not texting. (Shame on you!) I mean, noticed a new restaurant on a street we always travel and say “hmm,… I should try that one day.” Well, that happened to me recently. On a residential corner in Mineola, sits a rompin’ good time within four walls. Applebee’s, known as your neighborhood grill, has nothin’ on Shakers. This no fuss, true neighborhood hangout spot lets the guests set the mood with a decked out touch screen jukebox, and serves up fresh, flavorful bar bites all day long. Locally sourced, the food is delivered daily and is never frozen offering a truly fulfilling made to order experience for diners. All of the selections looked delicious. It was hard to decide, but I ordered a flawless Long Island Ice Tea, and Chicken on a Stick, three Panko crusted breasts on skewers and a side of perfectly golden French fries. What really won me over was the chipotle mayo served as a dipping sauce.

It was just enough spice to add some south of the border zest to the whimsy chicken dish. Next time, I can’t wait to taste their finger lickin’ Colossal Wings or their Frito Pie!

This hidden jewel’s popularity has grown in the short six months it’s been in Mineloa. That’s not surprising because it has so much to offer: a legendary Level 15 Wing eating challenge, guests can play “bar tender” on Sunday’s with the Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar, live music on the weekends and Way Back Wednesday (a weekly blast from the past with a themed menu and stellar prices based on the decade, i.e. 80’s night). And no local joint could proudly hold the label of “bar” without honoring footballs nights. Shakers offers $5 Football meal deals and drinks specials every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday game nights. It’s so easy to order a round of beer and wings, watch the game and root for your team without breaking your budget. If you’re looking for a low-key place to unwind from a busy day or somewhere to catch up with friends, Shakers is your place.

Meal: $15.00

Other tidbits:

• Daily happy hour: 3pm – 7pm
• Outdoor seating
• Like on FB (site listed above) and follow on Twitter for promos and event news (@ShakersMineola)
• Free local delivery
• Comfy leather seating in lounge
• High top bar seating
• Multiple huge flat screens