Uncle Bacala's

- 2370 Jericho Tpke, Garden City Park, NY 11040

Uncle Bacala's is a true gem in the heart of Long Island's dining scene, offering residents and visitors alike an exceptional experience centered around authentic Italian and Seafood cuisine. Located in Garden City Park, NY, this restaurant has established itself as a must-visit destination for those craving high-quality dishes in a warm, friendly, and accommodating atmosphere. From classics like perfectly fried calamari and rich Bolognese to sophisticated seafood specials, Uncle Bacala's delivers a diverse and delicious menu that caters to every palate, including dedicated gluten-free and vegan options. More than just a place to eat, it's a spot where families gather, friends celebrate, and solo diners can enjoy a great meal and impeccable service.

The restaurant successfully blends the feel of a casual, cozy, and romantic Italian eatery with the broad appeal of a modern family restaurant and a specialized seafood restaurant. Its reputation is built on a commitment to fresh ingredients, generous portions (many dishes are offered in Family Style sizing), and the kind of fast, attentive service that makes every guest feel like a valued part of the family. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or hosting a large private event, Uncle Bacala's provides a memorable New York dining experience right on Jericho Turnpike.

Uncle Bacala's is conveniently situated in Garden City Park, a central and easily reachable location on Long Island. Its physical address is 2370 Jericho Tpke, Garden City Park, NY 11040, USA. This prime spot on Jericho Turnpike makes it a straightforward drive for Long Island locals.

Accessibility is a clear priority for the restaurant, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The establishment features wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating, allowing everyone to enjoy their meal without hindrance. For those driving, the location offers convenient free parking lot, free street parking, and even valet parking—a significant convenience in the busy New York area. Furthermore, the atmosphere is suitable for a wide variety of crowds, including families, groups, and even tourists exploring the region.

Uncle Bacala's is committed to flexibility and convenience, offering a wide array of dining and hospitality options to meet the needs of the Long Island community:

• Dine-in Service: Full seating and table service available for lunch and dinner in a cozy, casual, and sometimes romantic setting.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and given its popularity, dinner reservations are recommended to secure your table.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying their authentic Italian and seafood dishes at home, including no-contact delivery.
• Catering Services: Extensive On-Premise and Off-Premise Catering is available, perfect for hosting special events like bridal showers, corporate events, birthday parties, and rehearsal dinners.
• Bar Service: A full bar onsite offering an excellent selection of beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine.
• Private Dining: A private dining room option is available for groups looking for an exclusive space for their events.
• Special Menus: Dedicated Kids' menu and a wide selection of Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options, including specialized items like the Cauliflower Crust Pizza and Gluten-Free Chicken Francese.
• Outdoor Seating: Offers outdoor seating for those who prefer to dine al fresco when the weather is accommodating.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed outside, making it a great spot for pet owners enjoying a walk.

Known for its quality and inviting atmosphere, Uncle Bacala's boasts several features that set it apart in the competitive New York dining landscape:

• Specialty Cuisine: A masterful blend of classic Italian restaurant fare and high-quality, fresh seafood restaurant offerings. Specialties include multiple preparations of Mussels (Cozze), perfectly fried Calamari Fritti, and signature pasta dishes like Spaghetti Ai Frutti Di Mare.
• Exceptional Beverages: Highlights include a great wine list, an impressive beer selection, and creative cocktails. They also serve excellent coffee for the end of a meal.
• Menu Diversity and Accommodation: Features include healthy options, small plates (Appetizers, Soups, Salads), and comforting classics. The commitment to inclusivity is evident with many designated Gluten-Free and Vegan options.
• Acclaimed Desserts: Known for a great dessert menu, featuring delightful items like Warm Chocolate Cake, Crustless Pecan Pie, and house-made gelato and sorbet.
• Atmosphere and Comfort: The environment is described as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, and Trendy, making it ideal for various dining occasions. It also provides modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom.
• Highly Recommended Dishes: Customer favorites often include the fresh and tender Calamari Fritti, the rich Shrimp Risotto, and the satisfying Stuffed Rigatoni. Daily specials like Fusilli Sausage Bolognese on Monday and Grandma's Lasagna on Saturday keep the menu fresh and exciting.

For anyone in the Long Island area seeking an authentic, satisfying, and dependable dining experience, Uncle Bacala's is a superb choice. What makes it stand out is the seamless combination of a welcoming, family-friendly ambiance and genuinely high-caliber cooking, especially the emphasis on fresh seafood.

The menu provides a magnificent journey through Southern Italian cooking. You can start with their highly-praised Calamari Fritti—described by patrons as "fresh, soft and fried to perfection"—or dive into an appetizer like the Cozze Marechiere (mussels in marinara). Pasta lovers have a wealth of options, from the creamy Penne or Rigatoni Alla Vodka to the hearty Pappardelle with veal Bolognese. For those seeking seafood mains, the Cod Alla Siciliana and Tilapia Oreganata are wonderful choices, not to mention the show-stopping Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, loaded with shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams, and mussels.

Beyond the everyday dining, Uncle Bacala's is uniquely suited for solo dining, business lunches, and groups. Their proven capability in handling on-premise catering for major life events, such as bridal showers and corporate functions, speaks volumes about their professionalism and attention to detail. This is a restaurant that delivers not just on food quality but on the entire dining experience, ensuring fast service and a great selection of drinks to complement your meal. With its wide-ranging menu, ample accessibility, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Uncle Bacala's truly is a treasured local specialty.

Uncle Bacala's

2370 Jericho Tpke, Garden City Park, NY 11040, USA