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    The Refuge

    3.7 (1.1k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    The Refuge Photos

    THE REFUGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Loud
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Refuge

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    inside
    Serena W.

    We had reservations here on Sunday night, we arrived on time and got seated pretty quickly. Our table ended up having a big sauce blotch on it that we only noticed after we lifted our glass off it which was pretty nasty and we only had knives and no forks when our appetizers came around. I know that businesses get slammed on holidays but they need to have more staff working to keep up with demand for days like this. The food was okay, we ordered a burger, pasta, and quinoa crusted salmon. The burger was fine but the salmon and the pasta were both way too salty. I can't give more than two stars seeing as we had a reservation, still got seated at an unprepared table, and 2/3 of the entrees we ordered weren't good. Pretty disappointing.

    Salmon..good but a bit too salty
    Melissa W.

    It was a holiday so I know it's more crowded but then again the restaurant knows they're gonna get more people on this particular holiday so I think they should be prepared. The table was dirty. We had to call someone over before we got any food and it took a few minutes, but they came in, but they didn't do a great job of cleaning it so we kind of didn't want our silverware to touch the table. Food was OK that's all I can say. I wouldn't say that I would recommend this place.

    Heily P.

    Parking can be a problem even though it's a huge lot but if they're having an event you'll be looking for a bit. Decor is really nice but food was just ok. I enjoyed the appetizers more than my meal. I got the angry shrimp and it was lacking flavor. Didn't enjoy it at all. My friend who has been before said she was underwhelmed before and still didn't really care for it. Service was great though!

    tres leches
    Maria S.

    My friends and I all decided to have a "girl dinner" at the refuge for the holiday season and we had a great time! This was my second time here, but I enjoyed this one even more than my last. Due to the holidays there was a DJ which set the perfect vibe for a Friday night. We made a reservation so we were seated immediately, and our server was the nicest ever! She was attentive, friendly and super patient with us. There is Sooo much to choose from on this menu which makes it hard, but we all got different things than we did the first time. For appetizer we got "the bomb" which is a cheesy bread with multiple cheeses and tomato. This was delicious and perfect to share amongst us four. I would get it again! For my entree, I got the sizzling shrimp, and it did not disappoint, it was hot, and the perfect amount. it also comes with tortillas to create your own tacos if you'd like! To end the night we had the delicious Tres Leches which is my favorite! I recommend and already want to be back!

    Julie J.

    The location is so beautiful. I've been here about twice in the past five years and I wish I went more often. The food, service and place was good then and still is now. Our waiter was Jarrett and he was very kind and patient with us, great guy. The food was delicious and well seasoned. I am unsure of the ratings but keep this location open guys ..so many great places are closing out here.. it is also a gem for the locals and its understandable they don't want this gem exposed. They also constantly have events and specials so its definitely a go.

    Lily C.

    Love the look of this place. It was my first time for brunch and so I was very excited. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. It's very pretty inside and I love the saloon vibe. It's HUGE. I ordered the chicken Parm pizza with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. It was pretty tasty. I did have to send it back because the bottom of the pizza was completely black. I know that it's hard with a wood fire stove, and they had no problem making me a new one. The chicken was a little dry. There were so many things on the menu, I did have a hard time choosing. Next time, I would order something other than the pizza. Everyone loved their food. I think the stand out was the crab meat eggs Benedict. The peanut butter espresso Martini was also a hit. I would come back again and I would go with a smaller group and reserve one of those cute little inner private sitting booths. Our group was too large for it, but I saw them on the way out and I thought they were cool for a group of six.

    Robert B.

    Cool outside bar ! Great bartender ! Gave us great recommendation! The nachos were generous with toppings! Chips were fresh and crispy! I would def explore more of the menu ! Cheers !

    Pizza
    Ash M.

    The Refuge has a beautiful ambiance with great service. Their menu is wide and full of variety including their drink selection. I wanted to absolutely love it here but thought it slacked which is why I gave it 4 stars. I loved their drinks but their food was just okay. I think their wings were great but my brisket bowl wasn't phenomenal and their skirt steak wasn't great either. The service is incredible and I'm glad I tried it here. It's a good place for large parties and celebrations!

    Samantha C.

    Gone are the days of hanging out on the patio of The Refuge on a Friday/Saturday night. Those were the nights, when we would drink margaritas the size of our heads while trying to yell over the blaring DJs top 40 spins. But that's ok because this place doesn't just have a bangin' event/nightlife scene, it's also got really delicious food. I hadn't been since before COVID. A little fun fact is my sister catered her wedding from here in 2021 and the food was outstanding. I also had never been here during brunch, so it felt like a new experience overall. The brunch menu is great and has a Latin flare. My Abuelita Salad was recommended by our server and she did not steer me wrong. I was able to catch up with friends over my brunch cocktail, the Split Decision. It had tequila, triple sec, orange juice and Prosecco. I think this is my new favorite brunch drink. It was amazing. They have a vegan menu with a variety of options which is so great. Our server quickly brought it out to us. Speaking of, she was so wonderful and really knew her way around the menu. The Refuge itself hadn't changed much since my last visit. I think they have a bigger event space attached to the dining area now. The place itself has a wooden rustic charm. The guac still remains one of my favs. Honestly, it's one of my favorite spots on LI and if you don't come here, you're doing something wrong.

    Chopped Baked Clams
    Micaela R.

    My partner and I have been coming to this restaurant for a few years. The place is BEAUTIFUL! The staff are attentive and caring. Though I would skip the pizza, the Chopped Baked Clams are a MUST TRY! And the Paella is delicious& can be split with a friend. The portions are generous, a rustic charm with indoor and outdoor seating. I would say this place is Picky-Eater proof. There's something for everyone! I highly recommend the Refuge (:

    Loved the room.
    Brenda F.

    I came here for my friend's beautiful baby shower. I have been here once before for lunch. I had no idea they had such a beautiful private room for celebrations.The food is always so good here. I need that Bella chicken dish in my life again.I love the attention to detail the refuge has.The staff is very nice too. Honestly such an amazing place to celebrate such a beautiful day. I really enjoyed celebrating my girl's special day. To know me is to know, how much I love a good brunch!!! Keep the mimosas coming . Oh and the carnival dessert package is a must. I cannot wait to come back.

    Lisa T.

    We had a nice dinner there last night. It's a very large space with a cool saloon vibe going. it's extremely loud so conversation is a challenge. the menu is nicely varied and service was excellent. shout out to Ayana our server and the other staff who were very attentive. Food is good, portions decent but very expensive imo. It's not like the food is organic or grass fed but i guess that's pricing in the area. They have a pizza oven which is a cool addition and my family enjoyed the margarita pizza.

    Our Mamma Mia Pizza was burned. It left a bad taste in my mouth and was unpleasant to eat.
    Frank R.

    My partner and I visited on a Wednesday evening around 7pm were seated quickly. We ordered the Mama Mia Pizza, the pizza came out quickly but they brought the wrong pizza. I believe they brought the mambo italiano. It's loud in the restaurant so it's possible our waitress misheard me. Our waitress came over to ask how everything came out and when we explained we didn't order this pizza she was very nice and put in another order. While we were waiting for our pizza the waitstaff came out to celebrate someone's birthday. Part of their celebration included a gun that shot out bubbles that were going into other guests meals. Once the new pizza came out it was over cooked and burnt. We ate the pizza because we felt bad and didn't want to complain again. The red sauce is very good! However the bottom and the edges were definitely overcooked/burnt. The decor of the restaurant was strange. It seems like they're trying to do too much with the decor. It creates a strange atmosphere. All of the wooden chairs are stained at the bottom. All Of the molding is also dirty/stained. Our table was being propped up with a drink menu. In my opinion for what they want to charge for a meal it's not worth it unless they make some Improvements all around. Personally I would give it another try, but I wouldn't recommend this place based on my first experience there. Hopefully my opinion will change next time I visit.

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    Food service ambiance all very good. The guacamole is so good with there chips. the drinks and service also good

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    Page 1 of 27

    Ask the Community - The Refuge

    Does this restaurant have self parking?

    Yes it does...Huge parking lot

    Is there happy hour anymore?

    All day

    Is the refuge good for an intimate anniversary dinner?

    I wouldn't go for a intimate date.

    Is the outdoor space dog friendly?

    Yes every Sunday for Brunch!

    What kind of music is played here, is it more upbeat/ Latin/ dance style?

    No, not especially. Pretty run of the mill popular music. There's no dance area so the music doesn't really cater to that.

    Is it loud place for a Saturday nite dinner?

    There is a separate area for dining and the bar. But you can hear the music throughout . It does get pretty loud with the music. But otherwise it's a great place

    Is their dancing? Or just loud music for pleasure?

    No dancing. Just music

    Is brunch bottomless drinks?

    We don't do bottomless we offer $5 per glass mimosas, bloodymarys, and champagne.

    Do you have a dress code on Saturday night? Looking to go out for drinks and appetizers for my husbands birthday! Also do I need a reservation?

    Hi Michele, Our dress code is trendy casual, we take reservations for parties of 6 or more… Read more

    Does this place have dancing on a Saturday night?

    Hi, We do have a dj thrusday-Satruday starting at 6pm. We don't turn into a nightclub but dancing… Read more

    View All 11 Questions

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    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails

    4.6(45 reviews)
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    Surprised by the lovely, bright & open bar and well made cocktails & food. Bartender Madison did a…read moregreat job and has a promising future mixing up some fabulous drinks. Unassuming would be the correct word, in a strip mall where years ago we must have visited for one of the original AYCE sushi places. More recently, there was a pub that had live music. You may know it as the strip with the Post Office & Bottle Values (what I picture a liquor store in the former USSR feeling like. Lee & I made the mistake of not heading East into Carle Place/Garden City for a celebratory cocktail, we attempted to try The Foundry in Hicksville, but that was incredibly short lived. Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails turned out to be a nice choice. I enjoyed a Bee's Knees, perfectly made in a Nick & Nora glass (a way to place less spirits than a coupe) and Lee enjoyed a Mezcal concoction on the rocks which he enjoyed. We had some fabulous Mussels in a white broth and the Thai Calamari with peanut dressing. Both memorable. The owners are not novice restaurateurs. I believe if this is correct, one is of KYMA and the other was somewhere that I was familiar with the bunch of names. We would return, yes..but the overall setting and vibe was true to a strip mall. Lots of parking though !

    This was my first visit to pearl. Quaint little place in Bethpage strip mall. Nice bar , spacious…read morecouple TV's. Service is friendly and courteous. I had oysters and Fish tacos for apps. Oysters were great! Fresh, shucked perfect and chilled well. Fish tacos were deep fried a bit heavy but tasted good. I had seared Ahi tuna for main. It was cold and a bit tough but seemed fresh. It was decent but I wouldn't order it again. My girl had Salmon which was fine, unseasoned but was decent as well. Prices were fair not too expensive. I would return but I'll order other options .

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    Grexicana

    Grexicana

    4.2(75 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    I came here on a Thursday with 3 girlfriends. We made a…read morereservation but there was plenty of seating. We ordered the chips and guac as an app I ordered the moussaka enchiladas for dinner and it was so good. The béchamel was so creamy and I loved the meat and eggplant inside My friends got the lamb shank orzo and birria tacos. We all devoured our meals. We also loved the dessert. The churro nachos. The chips were cinnamon sugar and so crispy and covered in dulce de leche, strawberries, banana and a scoop of ice cream. The baklava cheesecake was also great. Our waitress was great, she didn't rush us. The restaurant was filled with tables of friends of all ages and it was so nice to see. They also have bar seating. All of the dishes had a little Greek, a little Mexican and I can't wait to come back and try them!

    The food is tasty. The service is good. The people are great. The ambiance is cozy. It's a small…read morerestaurant. I went with a couple of friends and the main dish did take a while to arrive. The appetizers were delicious, we got the calamari and yucca fries. The only thing I will say is that their portions do not match what they're charging. I thought it was a bit overpriced and we barely got calamari and yucca fries. Our main dish was tacos and we barely got anything. The whole idea of having a mix of Greek and Mexican cuisine is cool and wonderful. I don't want to stray you away from this place. I think if you want to give it a go, it's great, and hey maybe you end up liking it more than me and my friends

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    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar - Pollo Alla Griglia GF

    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar

    4.3(731 reviews)
    2.9 mi
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    An Italian restaurant located on the main street of Downtown Farmingdale. Came on a weekday evening…read morefor early dinner and found street parking out in front. The place has a good amount of seating area including high tops, low booths, bar table, and a private room. There is also two unisex restrooms. I came with my boyfriend before an event at Farmingdale State College and we were on a time crunch. I made a reservation on OpenTable but it was not busy at all. We got greeted and seated immediately upon walking in. Then, a server came with ice water for the both of us before our actual waiter came to introduce herself and ask if we were ready to order. Shortly after ordering, the waitress brought us a plate of complimentary bread that comes with garlic on top and olive oil dip on bottom. We got the fried calamari which was perfectly battered (not too little nor too thick) and fried perfectly (not too burnt nor too pale). The taste was great and went well with the marinara sauce. The Clams Oreganata were delicious too - very meaty and flavorful with a nice sauce and lemon to squeeze on top. The Clams Vespa is very unique and creamy. It reminds me of a white Alfredo sauce with baked clams. They had a huge variety of drinks and it was hard for me to choose, but the lady recommended me the Sicilian Kiss which is a strawberry flavored cocktail. It is supposed to be on the sweeter side but the alcohol was strong too. As for our main entree, we got the Papperdelle Bolognese which was a veal, pork, beef ragu on ribbon pasta. Very well cooked and the taste and texture went perfectly together. We were so full, but never skip on dessert! I'm personally not a fan of cheesecake, but they have creme brulee cheesecake and rainbow cookie cheesecake which I would have loved to try if it wasn't for the cheesecake. But I was happy to find out I could order the rainbow cookie gelato that usually comes with the cheesecake. That was yummy! The texture reminded me of the cake mix Ice-Cream from Carvel and the flavor is not too strong. Overall, great vibes and service. Will definitely be back to the the pizza and other pastas.

    Service is great and fast. Large space, larger than you'd think…read more Menu is large and they have something for just about anyone. Food is good! Good spot for dinner/drinks on Main St.

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    The Refuge - latin - Updated May 2026

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