Overlooking the Swan River is a gem of a restaurant, and if you can believe it, it’s been around for nearly a century. Since 1910, Patchogue’s very own Pine Grove Inn has been known for its impeccable, personalized service and excellent German cuisine. Michael Rizzi has owned the Pine Grove Inn since 2001 and since that time he has led his family and staff in taking the restaurant to the next level. From catering events to holiday dinners to Octoberfest, they do it all.“We’re really proud to have something for everyone, especially German and lighter fare,” said Rizzi. “We have wine dinners and psychic nights, and we have more of a family friendly kind of thing.” Michael Rizzi and his staff will accommodate different tastes and are willing to make something that’s not on the menu- all you have to do is ask.
Executive chef Robbie Rizzi creates traditional German dishes like the Pine Grove Inn’s award-winning roastbraten and sauerbraten along with sandwiches, burgers, and seafood dishes. The Rizzis take pride in the fact that they use locally grown produce and utilize local businesses for all of their needs, from electricity to foodservice. The organic greens are from Deer Run Farms in Brookhaven, and the seafood is all locally caught.
Patrick and I sampled the eggplant rollatini and the fried soft shell crab appetizers. The fried soft shell crab is only in season for another week, so hurry up and try it! It was crisp and went well with the mashed potatoes and tartar sauce. The eggplant rollatini was also a delightful appetizer. Our main courses, however, were beyond our expectations. I had the sesame-crusted tuna on rice pilaf, an eclectic dish with a pleasing balance of sweet and savory. The homemade wasabi added a huge kick to the tuna and added to the overall effect. Patrick had the tenderloin of beef stroganoff, which he described as “just perfect, the sauce was rich and flavorful.” Dessert was Kahlua coffees, which were absolutely delightful with German rock candy sticks – a nice, sweet touch!
Speaking of which, for all of the beer aficionados out there, take note: the Pine Grove Inn offers a menu of German, Belgian, and local brews. Not into beer? Dana, the bartender, can whip up one of the Pine Grove Inn’s specialty drinks like the Perfect Cosmopolitan or the Concord Grape Martini, made with fresh grapes. There is also a complete wine list with premium wines sold by the glass as well as by the bottle. According to Michael, Dana makes the best cocktails, so you should definitely come on down.
Check out their Octoberfest, which will continue through the month of (duh!) October. The Pine Grove Inn also offers a Sunday brunch buffet for $25.99 as well as a three course prix fixe dinner for $24.95. Happy hour is from 12-6pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with a complimentary buffet at the bar on Fridays from 4-7 pm. They cater events, large and small, and they also have live music on Friday nights and Saturday nights. Bottom line: the Pine Grove Inn truly offers “something for everyone”.
The Pine Grove Inn is located at #1 First Street in Patchogue. For more info, visit www.pinegroveinn.com or call (631) 286-9843.
