Drifters Kitchen & Bar in Ridge has been planning its opening day since early 2020 with a new building, great interior and plenty of space for drinking, dining and parties. As with many other restaurants looking to open this spring, the folks at Drifters had to wait out their grand opening allowing diners to enjoy food in their new space until June, kind of. That was when outdoor dining was allowed but within a few weeks, when Long Island entered phase three of reopening, restaurants were bringing patrons back inside at a limited capacity.

 

All the while, Drifters Kitchen & Bar, has been shining up its new building and its menu. Right now the restaurant is still advertising its pre-opening menu that features just about everything from starters to entrees. The menu also includes a wide selection of draft and bottled beers and cocktails.

 

Starters include the Drifters Nachos with housemade tri-color chips, house queso, salsa fresca, black olives, fresh jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole ($11). Add chicken, chili, pulled pork (+$5) and steak or shrimp (+$9). The Tuna Avocado Crostini offers  toasted crostini, sliced everything crusted tuna, avocado mash, pickled santa fe peppers, blackened sesame seeds, and wasabi cucumber drizzle ($15). The hand held menu includes lobster roll ($25), prime rib baguette ($15) and a variety of burgers ($12-16).

 

Photo: Drifters Kitchen & Bar Facebook page.

 

The entree menu features a 14oz NY Strip with garlic mashed potato, roasted asparagus, frazzled onions ($27), Mediterranean Half Roasted Chicken with roasted chicken, eggplant caponata, grilled fennel ($21), and Pork Chop contadina with panko crusted center cut chop, red wine vinegar, tomato marinade, cherry peppers, onions, bell peppers, tri-color potato hash ($22).

 

“First visit to the new neighborhood restaurant. What a great experience,” said Steve S, of Ridge on Yelp. “Food, decor, staff and Management are top notch. Kudos to bartender Jake and his fabulous rum punch. Skirt steak was awesome as was the Drifters Classic burger… Can't wait for the post COVID menu!”

 

Photo: Drifters Kitchen & Bar Facebook page.

Drifters Kitchen & Bar Location: 1600 Middle Country Road, Ridge, (631) 775-8888.