Don Juan

Don Juan

4899 Merrick Rd.
Massapequa Park, NY

(516) 798-1172

www.donjuanny.com/

Here We Go:  Don Juan's is a nice, sleek Mexican restaurant that serves up some good dishes in close quarters.  The food is kind of pricey (an average of $18), but I like that there are simple options for kids, like tacos, burgers and chicken nuggets.  You'll find parking in back lot, but I'd suggest calling for reservations before just showing up and trekking up to the door.  And now for the bad:  the bar is small and fills up easily, so don't bank on hanging out there to wait for a seat.  Even then, the sangria wasn't anything special (Tango's in Central Islip takes The Sangria Award).  We tried to revisit Don Juan's and when we asked the hostess to put us on the list, she informed us that she didn't know how long we would have to wait since they had reservations to wait on.  So we had the option of waiting for an indefinite period of time, looking at the empty tables and waiting for reservation holders who weren't even there, or leaving.  We left.  If you're looking for a place where you'll get more bang for your buck and some spectacular food, check out Pancho Villa's in Huntington.

No Pictures at This Time

Bottom Line:  Take it or leave it.

D'Franco's Pizza

D'Franco's Pizza

2038 Sunrise Hwy.
Islip, NY 11751

Here We Go:  D'Franco's looks like any other pizzeria, and it basically is: young people behind the counter, seat-yourself dining area, and pre-made pies with slices ready to get tossed in the oven for you.  But then you look over the slices and, once you get past the plain cheese pies, you see toppings like penne, salad and even Fritos.  I wouldn't say that the quality of pizza here is completely different from any other pizzeria, but I can that D'Franco's knows how to give pepperoni a run for its money.  Oh and don't worry about parking, since this place is in a shopping center, you're covered.

Feast Your Eyes:

Just a few of the options available for you to try!

Bottom Line:  If you're looking for something a little different, you should give this place a try.

Dixie's Smokehouse

Dixie's Smokehouse

12 Indian Head Rd.
Kings Park, NY 11754

http://www.dixiessmokehouse.com/

Here We Go:   Dixie's is just a nice, laid back place to grab some good BBQ, a cold beer and a breezy spot in their outdoor seating area.  You'll find Dixie's in a shopping plaza, so parking isn't an issue, and the dress is casual.  The ribs are always delicious, the atmosphere is relaxed, service is quick and the staff is always friendly.  Best of all, you'll undoubtedly leave full and satisfied.  Another bonus is that there's something for everyone on the menu.  The kids menu (for Little Outlaws) includes a drink, a side and favorites like mac and cheese and chicken fingers, but you'll also find pulled pork and riblets - all for under $6!  You can't beat that.  And for those who want some BBQ, but want to trim down on the calories (crazy, I know) you'll find  the rotisserie turns out some good options. 

Feast Your Eyes:

Rotisserie Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries

Full Rack of Ribs with Waffle Fries, Mac N Cheese and Corn Bread

Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Texas Toast and Mac N Cheese

Hot Wings

Bottom Line:  Check it out!