42 Woodbine Ave., Northport
631-754-6348
www.ritzcafenorthport.com
The Ritz Cafe of Northport is a neighborhood restaurant whose appeal is grounded by a friendly staff that is proud of its town while serving food that is of the freshest of quality with a symphony of textures and flavors.
Led by resident Chef John Hatem, the menu offers a plethora of options that will satisfy the craving of even the fussiest of food enthusiasts. Saying that The Ritz menu is vast is an understatement. You could go to this place every week for a year and still not hit everything on the menu. From classic comfort food like their well-known bountiful burgers and Chicken Parmigiana, to their Crispy Peking Duck and Blackened Ribeye Steak, there is something for everyone.
When we sat down to eat, our server was proud to tell us that the Lobster Bisque was an award-winning soup and that it was the best in town. Chunks of lobster and crab bathing in a savory creamy texture was nothing short of luxurious. Following suit was the Maryland Crab Cake, served over a bed of greens with three different kinds of aioli drizzle. Crispy on the outside and delicate within, it was minimally seasoned, allowing the fresh taste of this seafood classic to shine through.
Well-known for their burgers, I ordered mine medium rare with sautéed onions and mushrooms. It had to be at least 1/2 pound, beautifully cooked to temp. You know it’s good when you take that bite and a little bit of juice from the burger runs down your chin. Umm, comfort food status! My associate had the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli in garlic and oil. Far more delicate than spaghetti, the angel hair pasta was tossed with sautéed shrimp and steamed broccoli with just enough garlic to make the dish fresh and light.
The Ritz has a wonderful lunch special offered Monday through Friday. For only $18 you get a choice of soup or salad with over a dozen entrees to select. Plenty of burgers, club sandwiches and wraps too, all served with French Fries. In these times, when dining out has become expensive, it’s a great value worth exploring.
For a good time, enjoy some live entertainment every Wednesday from 6-9pm. Reservations are recommended as it can get crowded. The Ritz Cafe has been a staple in Northport Village since 1986, which should reveal to you that once you step through the door, you’ll want to come back for more.
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 