Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails: Long Island’s Premier Italian & Bistro Destination

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Introduce

For discerning diners across Long Island, Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails represents a perfect blend of high-quality Italian-American cuisine, a sophisticated yet cozy bistro atmosphere, and an exceptional beverage program. Located in Merrick, NY, this establishment is celebrated as a true neighborhood favorite, where the staff provides an uncommon level of courtesy and attentiveness, making first-time visitors feel like long-time regulars. Customers consistently praise the "very pleasant and comfortable vibe," emphasizing that the restaurant provides a much-needed, amazing experience.

The menu at Off The Brook skillfully merges traditional Italian flavors with contemporary bistro fare. This ensures there is something for every craving, from light, shareable small plates like Sweet Potato Pillows and Fried Calamari to hearty large plates such as the Rib Eye Verde and classic Italian staples. Furthermore, the restaurant proudly identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local Nassau County business community.

Beyond the food, the "Cocktails" part of the name is equally important. Off The Brook boasts a reputation for having a "Great beer selection," "Great cocktails," and a "Great wine list," making it a premier destination for happy hour and evening enjoyment. The fast service and generous portions—which often mean you "have enough to enjoy it a second time the next day"—cement its status as a top-tier dining choice for lunch, dinner, and brunch on Long Island.

Location and Accessibility

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails is ideally situated on a key thoroughfare in Nassau County, making it easily reachable for residents across the region:

Address: 1810 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA

The restaurant’s location on Merrick Road ensures high visibility and ease of access. For drivers, a major convenience is the provision of a dedicated Free parking lot. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility is comprehensive and impressive, making it a welcoming space for all New Yorkers:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

This dedication to convenience and accessibility is part of the overall welcoming environment that patrons value highly.

Services Offered

Off The Brook provides a full spectrum of dining and catering services tailored for every occasion and need:

Dine-in: Available for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with cozy and casual seating. Reservations are accepted to ensure planning convenience.
Takeout & Delivery: Full menu is available for both takeout and standard delivery service across the local area.
Table Service: Provides professional table service, highly praised by customers for being "Extremely attentive and personable."
Brunch: A dedicated weekend brunch service is offered, providing a perfect opportunity for weekend gatherings.
Happy Hour: Specials on drinks are available Tuesday through Friday, 4 PM - 7 PM, featuring discounted well drinks and house wine, and a discount on regular-priced drinks.
Catering: Full catering services are available for events and gatherings.
Family Style Takeout Package: A convenient and value-driven option for families, allowing selection of one item from the Salad, Pasta, and Main categories for packages scaled for two, four, or six people.

Features and Highlights

The bistro is defined by a host of features that make it a compelling choice for Long Island diners:

Exceptional Beverage Program: Recognized for its Great beer selection (including local taps like Oyster Bay IPA and Montauk Wave Chaser), Great cocktails (with specialty options like the Cinnamon Old Fashioned and Brushfire Mule), and an extensive Great wine list featuring domestic and imported options by the glass or bottle.
Ambiance and Atmosphere: The setting is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with a Bar onsite, making it suitable for groups, family-friendly gatherings, and even solo dining.
Comprehensive Menu Offerings: The menu covers all bases, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy hour drinks, Hard liquor, Healthy options, Small plates, and Wine.
Family and Kid-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant offers a dedicated Kids' menu and provides High chairs, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating: For patrons with furry friends, Dogs are allowed outside on the patio or outdoor seating area.
Convenient Technology and Payment: Patrons benefit from Wi-Fi access and modern payment options, including all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Customer-Focused Service: Highlighted for Fast service and a genuinely considerate, non-rushing staff, which creates a uniquely pleasant experience for all guests.

Contact Information

Off The Brook is easy to reach for reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries:

Address: 1810 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA
Phone: (516) 608-6543

Calling ahead is highly recommended, especially for making reservations or arranging one of the convenient Family Style Takeout Packages.

What is Worth Choosing

The menu at Off The Brook offers a plethora of worthwhile choices, but certain items consistently stand out as must-tries, blending classic comfort with sophisticated bistro flair. Patrons should focus on the chef's specialties and the high-quality beverage selections:

Appetizers and Small Plates:
- Sweet Potato Pillows: This dish is the fresh sweet potato gnocchi pasta served in an almond amaretto cream sauce, topped with sweet potato chips—a highly unique and decadent starter.
- Gouda Mac & Cheese: A rich and comforting bistro classic, often topped with crispy bacon.
- Mussels: Sautéed with prosciutto, spicy cherry peppers, garlic, and white wine, and notably served over French fries, making it an excellent small plate or light entree.
Large Plates and Entrees:
- Chicken Romano: A highly recommended entree featuring panko-crusted boneless chicken breast, prosciutto, and mozzarella in a pink cream sauce, served with penne ala vodka.
- Off the Brook Veal: Veal scallopine served with sautéed spinach, prosciutto, goat cheese, mushroom brandy, and roasted potato, showcasing the bistro's elevated touch.
- The Burrata Burger: An exceptional take on the classic, topped with creamy burrata mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, field greens, and a balsamic glaze on a brioche bun.
Beverages and Atmosphere:
- Specialty Cocktails: New York diners should explore the creative cocktail list, including options like The Jones or the seasonal offerings, which are known for their high quality.
- Happy Hour: Visiting during the Tuesday–Friday Happy Hour is an excellent way to sample the quality wine and beer list at a special value.

Whether you're craving a giant, generously portioned chicken parm or a unique pasta dish, choosing Off The Brook means opting for a place where quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service meet seamlessly on Long Island.

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Food & drink

Small Plates
Fried Calamari $15.00
traditional marinara or chipotle mayo
Gouda Mac & Cheese $14.00
topped with crispy bacon
Zucchini Chips $13.00
thin-sliced, crispy fried, marinara sauce
Wings (8) $14.00
Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Chili or Rosemary Garlic Parm
Crispy Mozzarella $12.00
fried fresh mozzarella with marinara sauce
Caprese $12.00
mozzarella, tomato, basil & balsamic glaze
Spinach & Artichoke Diip $12.00
with home made chips
Sweet Potato Pillows $15.00
fresh sweet potato gnocchi pasta, almond amaretto cream sauce topped w/ sweet potato chips
Crab Cakes $15.00
(2) jumbo lump crab cakes, panko bread crumb, served with a granny smith apple chutney

Charcuterie Board
Pick 3 $20 / $8 Each. Served lemon zested apples, marinated olives, and fig jam served with artisanal crackers
Assorted Cheeses
Brie / Gouda / Romano / Drunken Goat
Aged Meats
Prosciutto / Sopresata

Salads
Add: Chicken $5, Shrimp $9, Salmon $12
Beets & Goat Cheese $15.00
sliced beets, field greens, warm goat cheese rolled with pistachio, lemon vinaigrette
Meadowbrook Salad $14.00
roasted brussel sprouts, red onion, quinoa, carrots, field greens & Dijon apple cider ving
Caesar $10.00
chopped romaine, parmesan crumbled croutons & Caesar dressing
Gorgonzola Salad $15.00
granny smith apple, walnuts, cranberries, gorgonzola, field greens, balsamic vinaigrette
Warm Salad $15.00
sauteed artichokes, tomatoes, onions, roasted peppers, honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette over fresh mozzarella & field greens

Hand Helds
all burgers are beef at 8 oz. & with choice of French fries or side salad (veggie burger substitute available)
Classic Burger $15.00
American, lettuce, tomato, homemade pickles special sauce
Breakfast Burger $17.00
1 egg any style, American, bacon on sesame bun
Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini $15.00
grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, roasted peppers, pesto sauce on ciabatta
Crab Cake Sandwich $17.00
jumbo lump crab cake, tomato, field greens, chipotle mayo on a brioche bun
Veg Head Panini $14.00
portobello, melted mozzarella, fresh spinach, tomato, balsamic glaze on a toasted ciabatta
Burrata Burger $18.00
burrata mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, field greens, balsamic glaze on a brioche bun
Exit 9 East $17.00
gorgonzola stuffed, tomatoes, lettuce, homemade pickled jalapeno on a sesame bun
NY Shell Steak Panini $18.00
sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms on a toasted ciabatta

Kids Corner
Chicken Fingers $9.00
w/ french fries
Cheese Ravioli $8.00
w/ Tomato or Butter
Penne Pasta $6.00
with Tomato or Butter Sauce
Spaghetti & Meat Balls $10.00

Small Plates
Fried Calamari $15.00
traditional marinara or chipotle mayo
Gouda Mac & Cheese $14.00
topped with crispy bacon
Zucchini Chips $13.00
thin-sliced, crispy fried, marinara sauce
Wings (8) $14.00
Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Chili or Rosemary Garlic Parm
Crispy Mozzarella $12.00
fried fresh mozzarella with marinara sauce
Spinach & Artichoke Diip $12.00
with home made chips
Caprese $12.00
mozzarella, tomato, basil & balsamic glaze
Sweet Potato Pillows $15.00
fresh sweet potato gnocchi pasta, almond amaretto cream sauce topped w/ sweet potato chips
Crab Cakes $15.00
(2) jumbo lump crab cakes, panko bread crumb, served with a granny smith apple chutney. Gluten free available
Mussels $17.00
sauteed with prosciutto, spicy cherry peppers, garlic, white wine, or fra diablo marinara style; served over fries
Clams Casino $14.00
(7) whole littleneck clams, bacon, roasted peppers, onion, lemon butter sauce

Charcuterie Board
Pick 3 $20 / $8 Each. Served lemon zested apples, marinated olives and fig jam served with artisanal crackers
Assorted Cheeses
Brie / Gouda / Romano / Drunken Goat
Aged Meats
Prosciutto / Sopresata

Salads
Add: Chicken $5, Shrimp $9, Salmon $12
Beets & Goat Cheese $15.00
sliced beets, field greens, warm goat cheese rolled with pistachio, lemon vinaigrette
Meadowbrook Salad $14.00
roasted brussel sprouts, red onion, quinoa, carrots, field greens & Dijon apple cider ving
Caesar $10.00
chopped romaine, parmesan crumbled croutons & Caesar dressing
Gorgonzola Salad $15.00
granny smith apple, walnuts, cranberries, gorgonzola, field greens, balsamic vinaigrette
Warm Salad $15.00
sauteed artichokes, tomatoes, onions, roasted peppers, honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette over fresh mozzarella & field greens

Large Plates
Cavatelli Sausage & Peas $20.00
fresh cavatelli crumbled hot & sweet Italian sausage, shallots & peas in a pink cream sauce
Polenta Shrimp $28.00
(5) sauteed shrimp over spinach corn polenta & mild pepper marinara
Seared Salmon $29.00
over quinoa, steamed broccoli & lemon aioli
Frutti di Mare $28.00
little neck clams, calamari, mussels & shrimp over linguini pasta with marinara sauce
Off the Brook Veal $28.00
scallopine, sauteed spinach, prosciutto, goat cheese, mushroom brandy & roasted potato
The Burrata Burger $18.00
burrata mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, field greens, balsamic glaze on a brioche bun
Rib Eye Verde $32.00
12 oz. rib eye, salsa Verde, broccoli & roasted potato
Chicken Romano $27.00
boneless breast, panko crusted, prosciutto, mozzarella, pink cream sauce with penne ala vodka
Keep it Classic
parmesan or francese

Kids Corner
Chicken Fingers $9.00
w/ french fries
Cheese Ravioli $8.00
w/ Tomato or Butter
Penne Pasta $6.00
with Tomato or Butter Sauce
Spaghetti & Meat Balls $10.00

Family Style Takeout Package
2 ppl for $40, 4 ppl for $78, 6 ppl for $114. Select 1 from Each Item
Salad
Garden / Caesar
Pasta
Marinara / Alla Vodka / Garlic & Oil
Main
Chicken Parmigiana or Francese / Eggplant Parmesan / Crab Cakes (Served w/ Granny Smith Chutney)

Specialty Cocktails
$14
White Cosmo
Citrus Vodka, White Cranberry, Lime, Elderflower
The Jones
Gin, Aperol, Blood Orange, Thyme Garnish
Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Bourbon & Jack Fire
Brushfire Mule
Vodka, Ginger Beer, Bitters, Muddled Lime & Jalapeno
Cucumber Mint Refresher
Cucumber Mint Vodka, Club Soda, Muddled Mint & Lemon Twist

Importered Bottled Beer
$8
Peroni
Corona
Heineken
Odouls

Domestic Bottled Beer
$7
Coors Lite
Bud Lite
Budweiser
Sam Adams Boston Lager
White Claw Black Cherry

Tap Beer
$8
Brooklyn Lager
Oyster Bay IPA
West Hampton Stout
Mustache Milk & Honey
Montauk Wave Chaser

Wine
Merlot $10.00
Cabernet $11.00
Pinot Nior $10.00
Malbec $12.00
Resling $10.00
Sauvignon Blanc $11.00
Prosecco $12.00
Moscato $12.00
Pinot Grigio $11.00

Happy Hour
Join us for Happy Hour! Tuesday - Friday 4 Pm - 7Pm
Well Drinks $7.00
House Wine $8.00
$2 Off Regular Priced Drinks

Red Wines
Cabernet, Carmel Road, 2018 (California)
Has aromas of blackberry and sweet oak that lead to a rich yet structured palate with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and notes of vanilla bean
Cabernet Savignon Oak Farm Vinyards, 2017 (Lodi, California) $56.00
Composed of complex aromas of black currant, cedar, and vanilla. The wine is full bodied with echoing aromas on the palate, and the finish is abundant in textured tannins, yet smooth and velvety. (92 Points, Gold – 2020 Monterey International Wine Competition)
Pinot Noir, Prophacy (California)
Bouquet of toasted oak and ripe raspberry. Luscious layers of red cherry and strawberry are complimented by notes of brown spice for a plush and smooth finish
Pinot Noir, Murphy-Goode (California) $39.00
Vibrant black cherry character and bring out hints of dried sage. Aging in both French and American oak contributes subtle notes of vanilla, and a dose of Syrah added an accent of pepper
Malbec, Bousquette (Mendoza, Argentina)
In the nose it presents intense aromas of blackberry with notes of red and blackcurrant and plum. The mouth highlights notes of ripe plums with a soft and elegant tannins
Chianti Classico, Carpineto (Italy) $52.00
A complex red wine ranges from cherries and plums to gladiolus flowers and earthy flint. The tannic, oak-aged flavors are bright and round, with a dry, warm, fresh earthy finish
Deloch, Merlot (California) $38.00
Opulent flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and dusty chocolate all underlined by toasty vanilla oak. It has a soft, lush, texture, and smooth tannins
Mollydooker, The Boxer, Shiraz (Mclaren Vale, Australia) $59.00
A bold Shiraz with hints of spiced plums, blackberry jam, and cherry, all at the fore, finishing with coffee cream, licorice, and vanilla. Full bodied with vibrant berry fruit characteristics, yet elegant with restrained
Super Tuscan, Centine 2018 (Tuscany, Italy) $38.00
Bright ruby-red youthful cabernet sauvignon- wine, intensely fruity with a lingering finish – a testament to its overall balance
Montepulciano, Barba (Abruzzo, Italy) $40.00
Ripe red and black cherry aromas are complicated by licorice and herb notes, juicy but smooth. Closes medium-long and with a vibrant, clean edge
Rioja, Martin Codax (Rioja, Spain) $42.00
Vibrant aromas of blueberry and juicy blackberry, and the palate shows alluring complexity. Fine tannins, hints of leather and forest floor integrate with vanilla and toasted oak to create a long, smooth finish

White Wines
Chardonnay, California Landscapes, "The Oak" 2018 (Lodi, California)
Fresh fruit forward chardonnay, small amount of French oak barrel aging with tropical fruit notes in the nose and palate. Great natural acidity
Sauvignon Blanc, Whites Bay (Marlborough, New Zeland)
Pungently aromatic, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc assails the senses with red capsicum (bell pepper) and gooseberry characters, lush passionfruit and tropical fruit overtones
Pinot Grigio, Barone Montalto 2019 (Sicily, Italy)
Fresh and clean fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches in the nose with fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes with a crisp finish on the palate
Pinot Grigio, Bottega Vinala 2019 (Trentino, Italy) $45.00
Highly aromatic with distinct citrus and floral notes. Medium bodied and elegant with a bright freshness
Reisling Bex (Germany)
A fragrant bouquet and flavors of apple and peaches. Finishes with a distinctive mineral tone and a crisp mouthwatering finish!

Sparkling
Moscato, Riunite (Italy)
Bright, light pink, with aromas of succulent ripe peach, hints of honey and with a soft clean finish
Prosecco, Prima Perla (Italy)
Crisp, clean, and refreshing. Creamy yet zesty

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Photos

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Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Location

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails

New York Nassau County Merrick Merrick Road

1810 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA

Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 174 user reviews.

brunchburgerflightspricesmargaritadrinksdinnerbirthdaycrab cakesfig glazed chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I just arrived home and cannot wait to write this review.I have never been in an establishment where staff has had this amount of courtesy, respect, friendliness, just an overall very pleasant and comfortable vibe. My first time here felt like I was coming here for years,.Servers were Extremely attentive and personable. We had about 30 minutes of limbo, My wife and I did not know if we were staying or not , due to a babysitting issue. No one rushed us out, we were checked on several times, and accommodated to with consideration.The menu is amazing, the seasonal drink menu is amazing, you could tell their draft beer system is very well taken care of,.All I’m gonna say about the food is “Incredible “Prices are average, The quality and portions are more than you could ask forWill definitely be returning***My wife and I have had a very difficult couple of months and things are finally winding down, this was An amazing experience that we really needed, thank you so much❤️
October 11 · V M
This is the 2nd time here, we normally don't repeat resturants. The food is great and generously portioned. You'll have enough to enjoy it a second time the next day. Lol. The flatbread is great. Chicken Parm is huge. Just everything is great. The flight margaritas taste great.
October 12 · Dee M
Was here last night to celebrate my birthday and we had a wonderful time. Food is absolutely delicious and the service was fantastic. Server and owner were super cool and made it a very memorable birthday dinner which I appreciate fully. I had the crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun and my beautiful wife had the fig chicken with the sweet potatoe mash and they were both dynamite. Apps were fantastic as well while prices are extremely reasonable! Highly recommend and thank you again for a great night. We will see you soon! 🙂
August 30 · J Pass
Came to watch my friend perform acoustic guitar Saturday night. Thanks for having him! Restaurant is a cute little cozy spot! First time here and we enjoyed our food. It tasted great. Enjoyed the wine flight too. The wait staff was friendly where we sat by the bar.
January 09 · Yael W
We went for a burger.. ended up sharing a stuffed pepper appetizer (nightly special). - outrageously delicious!! Could have had it for dinner! Great burger, fries & salad. I just wish i could have finished it all!! I'm a picky cosmo drinker & she made it just the way I like it. They had a singer in the bar area - we enjoyed his music very much and we're still able to hear our conversation. Great neighborhood find!!
June 21 · Jean Messina