Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails opens in Lake Grove

Lake Grove’s newest restaurant, Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails, has opened in the former Village Idiot Pub. Pivoting the 5,500-square-foot space on Middle Country Road to a Prohibition-inspired eatery was driven by a need to expand the demographic, its owner said.

"A lot of the younger crowd that I always depended on in the pubs, they stay home now," said John Sarno, of the Silver Lining Restaurant group, which also owns Castaways in Port Jefferson, Chops Steakhouse and Drift 82 in Patchogue. The Village Idiot Pub at the Indian Island Golf Course in Riverhead remains open.

Renovations added Art Deco touches such as black velvet seats, royal blue damask wallpaper and a large mural with New York City landmarks. There's seating for 200 and a private party room for up to 50.

The new menu offers a modern twist on American fare, including more seafood. For appetizers, think lobster bisque ($16), "drunken" mussels ($24) steamed in a garlicky beer broth and crispy pulled pork croquettes ($14) served with spicy horseradish and Parmesan cheese. As for mains, there's a "drunken" chicken melt ($22) and crab-stuffed shrimp pomodoro ($35). Desserts include churros ($9) with chocolate dipping sauce, Key lime pie ($9) and a brownie sundae ($9).

"We just took what we know and put our own spin on it," Sarno said of the menu.

An expanded cocktail menu includes the Flappers Folly ($14) served with gin, cucumber and lychee syrup, lemon juice and St. Germain topped with tonic; the Giggle Water ($16) is made with blueberry- and butterfly pea-infused vodka, elderflower, simple syrup and lemon juice topped with prosecco.

Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails, 2811 Middle Country Rd., Lake Grove, 631-750-7625. Dining room open noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.