Another local Landmark gone
I’ve heard the rumors from several sources in the last week or so. I didn’t want to believe it, but today I had to drive by and see for myself…If Nate and I had to name a favorite local hangout it would probably be the Landmark Cafe. It has been on the corner of Route 112 and the railroad tracks forever. The food isn’t gourmet by any means, but the menu icludes an eclectic mix of styles from the old standby chicken fingers, to shrimp and chicken Louisiana, and sauerbraten.
Back in the day it was one of the few restaurants where we could treat ourselves without breaking the bank. Now it is one of the few places we feel comfortable bringing the kids…not deafeningly loud like some of the popular chains, but just right for kid noises to melt into the mix. Nate would sometimes stop by and have a beer after work while waiting for our takeout order (always those good old chicken fingers).
So on to the rumors. We heard from several people that the Landmark was closing. I feared it was true, but hoped it was a mistake or just rumor. Well I took a slight detour on my way home today and stopped by. There were no cars anywhere and the side lot hadn’t been plowed since last week’s snow - not a good sign. I pulled up to the doors, and saw a hand lettered sign: "Closed for remodeling.." a brief flash of hope "…coming soon…Another J&R Steakhouse".
One more local Landmark gone in favor of the rampant commercialism taking over Long Island. I guess they couldn’t compete with the new Appleby’s and Friday’s that went up nearby.
I don’t think we’ll be dining at J&R’s anytime soon.
Update Oct, 2005: The J&Rs thing never panned out, and our old haunt is still sitting empty. They stripped off the siding at some point so you can see the old ‘HOTEL’ painted on the side, it’s so sad. Lots of good memories of that place.
Comment posted on 2-4-2004
Wow! I can\’t believe it. My very first \"date\" was at the Landmark. I was 16 years old and George picked me up in his blue Chevy pickup. We talked about sailing around Shelter Island and laughed about our boring English teacher, Mrs Oszarchuck. I ate the chicken fingers with honey mustard sauce (always a favorite on mine there). I think we went to a movie in Patchogue after, but I don\’t remember which one.
I don\’t think I\’ll be going to J&R either.
Comment posted on 2-4-2004
That last name is so unique I wonder if she was related to the kid I knew by that name in High School!
Comment posted on 10-16-2005
Driving by the other day, the place is still empty and looking long in the
tooth. Strange that this place closed - I don’t know the real story by the
way - just that it used to be packed most of the time you couldn’t get a
table. It was one of those local spots that everybody went, and had
such a nice homey atmosphere. The glass porch was cool too. You
could bring the kids for dinner, or you could hang out in the bar. We
miss this place.