It’s difficult to say anything negative about Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails in Merrick. This is a MUST dine at venue, Long Islanders! The casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, extensive beer and drink list and uniquely tasty menu makes Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails the perfect spot for a Friday night dinner with friends or the family.
I have been there twice already and cannot WAIT to go back. The menu is so enticing. During my first experience at Left Coast with Alex, we started off with the Pacific Beach Wedge Salad with pico de gallo, bacon, and avocado. We substituted the blue cheese dressing for a ranch dressing. The combination of the pico de gallo, bacon, and avocado was AMAZING. It was definitely a nice size portion for two people to split.
For entrees, I was so intrigued by the Root Beer Glazed Pork Chop, I just had to order it. Good thing I did so, because it did NOT disappoint. This juicy, double cut chop was served with harvest yam, a rice salad and crispy onion rings. Alex opted for the Steak Frites – an angus strip served with truffle home fries, watercress with demi-glace and horseradish cream. He RAVED about it. Even I, who typically refuses to order steak from a “non-steak house,” must admit it was well seasoned and good for the quality/price. Still, I'd probably stick to some of the other dishes over this one (sorry Alex, don't yell at me!)
In subsequent weeks, I returned with my extended family and we ordered a ton! Thus, I can proudly say I have sampled most of the menu. Here’s some quick MUST ORDER tips… The Buffalo Turkey Wings are MASSIVE and out of this world! However, ask for extra blue cheese, they were pretty cheap on the initial portion. The Baja Style Mahi Mahi Tacos are a great appetizer to split.
For dessert, you cannot leave without ordering the Tower of Power! – A large tower of everything from cupcakes, brownies and cookies galore! It's a GREAT bang for your buck!
Ok, so there must be a few critiques, right? Parking is ROUGH. You definitely have to use their valet service, which is a bit frustrating. Furthermore, the restaurant is tiny, so be certain to make a reservation to play it safe. Left Coast Kitchen is unfortunately not on Opentable (they really need to be). Service was pretty good, but I’ve had a better. Additionally, my mother and aunt both ordered the Classic Lobster Roll, which is highlighted on the menu. However, both ladies agreed that it pales in comparison to Love Lane Kitchen's Lobster Roll, which is located on Love Lane in Mattituck.
Nevertheless, keeping the MANY positives in mind, Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails receives an excellent 4.5 Mints out of 5 Dinner Mints on our Dinner Mint Rating Scale.
For more of our restaurant reviews and tips, visit our blog Alex and Lauren EAT Long Island and follow our twitter @ALEatLongIsland.
