That neighborhood place . . . where everyone knows your face!
Dogwood Inn
368 Dogwood Avenue
Franklin Square
(516) 640-5785
www.dogwoodinnfs.com
Brand new with flat screen TVs abound, Dogwood Inn is that cozy neighborhood pub where anyone can go and feel comfortable. Whether you are bringing your children to eat for free on a Wednesday, or are yearning for great wings with Monday night football, this is a place to enjoy. And the bonus is, much of what they serve is exceptional.
Joe and John Graziano opened Dogwood Inn last July. They chose to appeal to the entire community, offering family specials, an evening for college students, sports-themed events, and a place to grab a late night snack. They hired a creative chef who gives a slightly different twist to traditional pub food. Meats are always fresh, purchased daily, so nothing is frozen.
Maryland crab cakes were meaty, crisp and bite-sized, served on a bed of greens with chipotle sauce. Pork carnitas — a sensational version of quesadillas — offered tender smoky pulled pork and cheese grilled between tortillas, served with guacamole and sour cream. As for salads, the Dogwood, with field greens, cranberries, candied walnuts and crumbled bleu cheese is brought together with zesty raspberry vinaigrette. Adding chicken or steak is an option. Cobb salad (chicken, bleu cheese, bacon, etc.) is fine as a meal. For something truly different, their new beer battered jalapeno pickles with sweet relish dip will guarantee a kick.
The Dogwood smokehouse is a unique, incredible, burger. A huge patty of USDA Angus beef is grilled, topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar, slow roasted pulled pork and coleslaw, and served on a brioche roll with sweet potato fries. Dogwood chicken was laced with caramelized onions and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Teriyaki skirt steak was unbelievably tender, flavorful and juicy. This and the chicken joined garlic mashed potatoes and a mélange of roasted vegetables.
Starters range from $6.95 to $13.93 for the Dogwood sampler (wings, shrimp, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks). Soups, salads, burgers, wraps and sandwiches are $4.95 to $10.95. Entrees run from $12.95 to $17.95. Children’s dinners are $5.99, and desserts are $5.95 each. Portions are quite generous.
Dogwood Inn serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Hours are noon to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and noon to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Take-out is available, as are catering trays, which they will deliver, locally. Parties up to 25 can be accommodated. They take reservations for large groups only.
