47 East Main Street, Smithtown
(631) 360-3383
chopshopbarandgrill.com
Nestled on Main Street in the heart of Smithtown, Chop Shop is a concealed gem that, at times, goes unnoticed. Once you have visited Chop Shop, you will question why you have not discovered it sooner. The restaurant exudes a sophisticated ambiance, complemented by brick and hardwood flooring, with large retro lamp fixtures that evoke the feeling of entering a chic club in the city. Upon entering, you will be greeted by an enthusiastic host that will lead you, if you wish to a welcoming bar where you can begin your culinary experience with one of Chop Shop’s delectable cocktails including their exclusive martini menu.
The dinner menu offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to a wide spectrum of diners, all of which are artfully crafted. Featured are a variety of steaks, fresh locally sourced seafood, notable pasta dishes evening specials followed by an array of desserts, all of which are prepared in-house by their masterful pastry chef. Currently, Chop Shop Bar and Grill is promoting a prix fixe dinner menu on Tuesday and Wednesday featuring a nice selection of food from the land and sea. Included are appetizers and desserts all for just $55 a person. With dining out becoming more expensive these days, it’s great value to take advantage of mid-week.
Upon entering the restaurant on a Tuesday evening, it was nice to see the bar bustling with patrons, enjoying a relaxing cocktail before dinner. For appetizers, consider their Avocado Salad; Featuring a generous mound of mixed greens, accompanied by ample sliced avocado, ripe tomato, pickled red onion, and feta cheese, all brought together in a red wine vinaigrette. The perfect palate cleanser to get your appetite going. I opted for the Mussels, which were plump and succulent, immersed in a flavorful elixir infused with crispy applewood bacon, sliced jalapeño, and roasted garlic, devilishly spicy!
Going to a place called Chop Shop for the first time meant that a good steak was my only possibility. The Porterhouse: ordered medium rare is the only way I roll. A rich beefy flavor with contrasts of textures, offering the buttery tenderness of a filet alongside the robust chew of a strip steak, all perfectly cooked with pink center and a slightly caramelized crust is… well fantastic.
In contrast, my partner ordered the Swordfish; Laid atop a mound of creamy basil mashed potatoes was a beautifully executed sword steak with a cracked pepper sear and chopped tomato placed atop. A satisfyingly dense texture like a well-done steak, beautifully seared on the outside while staying moist and tender within was an excellent choice for my finicky sweetheart.
We completed our meal with cappuccinos accompanied by a Creme Brulé. You don’t see many restaurants featuring them, so it was a wonderful treat. A rich and creamy custard with a layer of hardened sugar was a delightful change of pace. The staff at the Chop Shop is eager to please and for me it is the first thing that I look for. If you haven’t found what you’ve been looking for, search no further. Pay a visit to Chop Shop Bar and Grill. You’ll be glad you did.
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 