Neighborhood spot that’s got it all!

Whether you’re in the market for a panini or burger, a soup-to-nuts dinner, or some wings and a beer, P.J. Harper’s will accommodate. This is your friendly neighborhood staple … the place you can depend on. And the history behind it earns landmark status.

Historic photos of the area grace the walls. In the 1930s, the current building housed the Valley Stream Diner. In the ‘70s, it became the Night Cap. In 1990, Paul Pandolfi, one of the current owners, took over and changed the name to P.J. Harper’s. He and his partner, Mark Salmon, both grew up in Valley Stream and attended Valley Stream South High School. They maintain an obvious love for their community with a family-friendly atmosphere, offering generous fare for every age, taste and penchant.

Tables were topped with a deck of Trivial Pursuit cards, so if there was a wait for the food, we didn’t notice. Servers were friendly and attentive. Both chicken and the shrimp dumplings were delicately delicious, drizzled with a teriyaki glaze. A hearty starter, Harper’s Quesadillas, came stuffed with three cheeses and chicken (or steak) and tiny tubs of guacamole, salsa and sour cream. Of the salads, we enjoyed Gorgonzola, boasting plenty of crumbled cheese, candied walnuts, sliced pears, and red onions over greens.

Steak lovers will adore P.J. Harper’s Black Angus shell, grilled to your request and sliced, topped with crunchy onions. Homemade mashed potatoes joined this dish. Sea scallops and shrimp in lemon pepper cream sauce were sensational, paired with spinach orzo.

With coffee we enjoyed a tasting of desserts: pistachio ice cream, rice pudding and Granny Smith apple pie ala mode. Brownie Sundae, which is plenty for two, was a decadent heaping of warm brownie, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and ice cream.

Snacks, starters, burgers and salads range from $3 to $11. Paninis and sandwiches, served with fries or coleslaw, are $11 to $14. House favorites (entrees), served with soup or salad, rice or potato, and a vegetable, are $15 to $24. Desserts are $4 to $8. Through Labor Day, Tuesday is “Splat!” night - $25 for lobster, mussels, steamers, corn, potato, soup or salad, and steak or ribs. Monday Wing Night offers 25 cent wings and $4 pints. Harper’s Lunch Club means after five lunches, the sixth is free. Blue Plate Specials, live music and karaoke are also featured. Call for schedules.

Four-hour private parties for up to 60 people can be arranged for weekend afternoons, and they will close the restaurant to the public. Off-premise catering is available as well. Kitchen hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.