Dining tips if you're going to the Ducks

Originally published: June 26, 2009 9:37 AM
By PETER M. GIANOTTI peter.gianotti@newsday.com

Photo credit: Newsday / Ana P. Gutierrez | Sofia Suarez, 10, of Huntington, cheers during the Long Island Ducks' season opener at Citibank Park in Central Islip.

It's the 10th anniversary season for the Long Island Ducks. You can supplement the hot dogs and other specialties with some selections from these restaurants en route to or departing from Citibank Park:

Gino's Tuscany , 517 Main St., Islip; 631-581-9510 COST $-$$ AMBIENCE Good SERVICE Good Pizzas, pastas and panini are the all-stars at Gino's Tuscany. You can lead off with baked clams, fried calamari, Buffalo-style chicken wings or, for a curve, escarole and beans. There are some good salads, too. Middle of the order: eggplant and chicken Parmesan, hero sandwiches.

Irish Coffee Pub , 131 Carleton Ave., East Islip; 631-277-0007; irishcoffeepub.com COST $$ AMBIENCE Very good SERVICE Very good In addition to the namesake beverage, the Irish Coffee Pub delivers hits with fish-and-chips, corned beef and cabbage, steaks, prime rib, broiled flounder, potato-crusted chicken. Lighter fare: steak sandwich, Reuben sandwich, the combo of turkey, tomato, bacon and artichoke.

Tellers Chophouse , 605 Main St., Islip; 631-277-7070 COST $$$-$$$$ AMBIENCE Excellent SERVICE Excellent New chef Marc Anthony Bynum had made Tellers Chophouse the grand slam of restaurants near Citibank Park. The steaks are first-class. So are the shellfish cocktails, rack of lamb, pan-fried lobster, pan-seared striped bass, baby back ribs, sushi and sashimi. Dramatic, high-ceiling, bank-building dining room

Vinnie's Mulberry Street , 15 W. Main St., East Islip; 631-277-9500 COST $-$$ AMBIENCE Good SERVICE Good Satisfying Italian-American dishes top the lineup at Vinnie's Mulberry Street: eggplant Parmesan, eggplant rollatini, lasagna, pasta e fagioli, penne with escarole and beans, fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers, plus pizzas Sicilian, Neapolitan, Grandma-style.

HOW THEY RATE $$$$ Average meal $100, per person $$$ Average meal $60, pp $$ Average meal $30, pp $ Average meal $15, pp