Library Cafe
| Address: | 274 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA |
| Phone: | +1 516-752-7678 |
| Site: | thelibrarycafe.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–3AM 11:30AM–3AM 11:30AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
WI
William Kucmierowski
Welcome all you Food Hounds out there... its Brim again bringing you another Food Hound: Tidbit, this time from The Library Cafe. First and foremost - the cool factor for this specific location, is that it was literally the Village Library up until they converted it into an eatery about eleven years ago. That being said, the pure uniqueness of this Farmingdale hot-spot is second to none that we have personally seen thus far in terms of ambiance alone. Thirty-foot ceilings offer a feeling of wide open space offering any seat in the house a dynamite view! The bar was astounding taking up an entire length and height of the wall with rows of various liquors including a VERY interesting bottle of King Louis a 75 year old cognac that goes for $165 a shot! In a nutshell, this place is a standout on a small strip full of bars and eateries that specializes in Martinis, Wines, Beer and most importantly... fine foods! Etan Wish and I could not wait to dig in and give it a shot. We started off with a variety of different goodies that they call appetizers... The Sicilian Wings weve never seen before. They had a delightfully mellow flavor and offered a light touch of cheese via the mozzarella with drizzled garlic and oil to taste. The Chipotle BBQ wings were tangy with a hint of spice. Neither wings were crispy; however they were certainly NOT mushy and had a simple yet delicious taste, no overwhelming saucing needed. The Tuna Tataki can best be described as a refreshing taste with a bite! Seared Tuna with a helping of an avocado puree and a jalapeno served on a crispy-crunchy wonton crisp. In accordance with St. Pattys Month, we decided to dine on some Mini-Reubens that we doused with a killer Grain Mustard on a toasted cocktail rye (which was a nice touch), covered in kraut with a hint of the Swiss. Our last starter was the best of all... Southwestern Chicken Spring Rolls! The Spring Roll was an awesome blend of corn, black beans and Cheddar with a fantastic spicy seasoned chicken tucked away in an Asian style egg-roll shell. On to the Entrees!!! The Chicken Bruschetta was off the hook! A large portion of TWO crisped pan fried cutlets (pan fried makes a HUGE difference in retaining the flavors), intertwined with asiago cheese, tomato basil, kalamata olive bruschetta and laid over a colorful generous bed of Arugula Salad then drizzled with aged balsamic. Ladies and Gentlemen, I declared this the WIN for the day! To my surprise, Etan argued with me that his choice for the WIN was the Killer Mac & Cheese! It was hard to agree to make it another TIE; but Ive got to tell you... a four cheese sauce with SMOKED BACON, BBQ PULLED PORK (D-lish), topped with butter and bread crumb crust and corkscrew pasta really made it a tough call. Ok... a TIE WIN for these two game changers! Lastly, we were presented with a nicely sized Marinated Skirt Steak with crispy fried onions covering a heaping load of mashed potatoes. I asked for it well-done; but knowing how delicate skirties can be, I should have went medium-well to avoid being too well-done for my personal taste... my fault on that one folks. The steak held a lightly seasoned flavor that worked very well when scooped up with the mashed and onions. OMG... the specialty desserts were mind-blowing! Cinnamon Buns made fresh from scratch were warm, gooey and had a fantastic doughy texture! Followed up with a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with a UBER-THICK fudgie ganache flowing like Wonkas wading rivers from the center of a delicious and moist chocolate cake. WINNING! At last, I felt as though I took a ride to Tasty Town and this next baby was the Mayor... a slam-tastic Banana Chocolate Empanada with toasted pecans! Toasted pecans were a nice addition to this dessert. The shell was light and crispy reminiscent of old school Hostess Apple Pies, except fresh, warm and delicious! Day or night, youve gotta drop by.
A
A Private User
Terrible food and slow service. Took 20 minutes to serve obviously frozen shrimp cocktail and another 15 before my boyfriends salad came. This was 2 minutes before the entrees came. Salmon smelled strongly of fish, was very overcooked, and was topped with canned artichokes. Instead of sauteed vegetables and rice or potato, like the menu stated, I got a pile of steamed broccoli. Bow tie chicken dish had stringy, dry chicken and lacked the garlic wine sauce. It was swimming in what appeared to be dishwater. Warm molten lava cake was served ice cold and then thrown in the microwave, along with the ice cream and re-served. The waitress was pleasant, but obviously the only one there and was overwhelmed by her five tables. Over $80 for a terrible birthday dinner, a stomach ache and a bad taste in my mouth.
JO
Joe Yelner
One of Lessing groups restaurants, it is a wonderful atmosphere for after work drinks with co-workers casual first date, or for simple walk in quick off the street dining. They have a delicious selection of beers and wines as well as simple old classic style bar food, some classic classics and some new spins on classics, its a wonderful place for a roast beef sandwich with aju, specialty tacos, assorted pub appetizers like wings, buffalo empanadas, loaded tots, as well as other delightful snacks. If you are looking for a heavy entree those are available, specialty ones like Mac and cheese or steak entree and others as well, I personally had the roast beef sandwich amazing bread and aju as well as quality roast beef. If your pallet is looking for a good read there is no place else to go but the Library Cafe
DA
Daljit Chandi
This place used to be great. Ive been here several times, and unfortunately each time was a bit less wonderful than the last. Its not bad by any means, but its not what it once was. My favorite thing here is their Buffalo Chicken sandwich. My least favorite thing is their brunch. Definitely stay away from their brunch. Its really not great. Their lunch/dinner menu is much better. Aside from th3 buffalo chicken sandwich, they have some great salads and appetizers. Decently stocked bar, but as a beer guy, I wish they had more taps. Ill be going back soon, so Ill update this review should anything change.
JE
Jessica OLeary
This week was the second time I tried to attempt this restaurant and it was the second time I walked out because there apparently is no hostess or as it seemed any staff at all. Maybe this is a seat yourself type place but I stood there for about 10 minutes since I was waiting for friends anyway and not one person approached me to ask if I would like a table. Ive heard good things about the food but Im not willing to give this place a third chance. There are plenty of great restaurants in LI with far superior service I would rather give my money to.
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Bonnie Ellman
Good food in a nice elegant setting right in the middle of Farmingdale. It is really spacious inside, but I kind of wish that it had a library with books and more of a book theme. I went for an appetizer with friends and the service was excellent and though we werent eating much, they didnt rush us out like many other establishments. It was a nice place to chat with friends and hang out in a relaxed atmosphere. Will definitely consider visiting again when Im in the area.
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A Private User
I never write reviews. However, I used to love this place. The drinks are wonderful and the atmosphere is great. Yet the past several times over the last year the service has been nothing short of awful. It makes me want to stop going out with my friends there. I have waited 20-30 mins to be seated when staff has seen me waiting and have been straight up ignored. Then have had my server act like my tables presence was a inconvenience.
