Farmingdale Village Voted Best Downtown On Long Island For 2023

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village won best downtown in the 2023 Bethpage Best of Long Island Awards.

Farmingdale won the best downtown award eight times: 2015 - 2018 and 2020-2023. Huntington won in 2019, as well as 2010 through 2014. No other downtown has won a Bethpage Best of Long Island award.

Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said the village is "thrilled and honored" to win the contest again.

"We all work as a team, and the village has transformed into a vibrant Long Island downtown destination," Ekstrand told Patch. "It is truly amazing to be honored with this recognition, eight out of the past nine years. On behalf of the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees & myself, and all in the Village, thank you to everyone that voted & congratulations to all Farmingdale & All Long Island 2023 Best of Long Island contest winners!"

The village in 2019 was officially dubbed the "Culinary Quarter" in fall 2019. Main Street is home to a vibrant array of restaurants and bars, a diner, shops, a speakeasy and more. The village offers many ethnic cuisines, as well.

"Farmingdale continues to build in a solid foundation of small business, dining, and entertainment," Joe Garcia, president of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, said. "Every year, the stakeholders in Farmingdale find ways to make sure Farmingdale has amazing events and activities for visitors and residents. We will be better next year, and the year after, too!"

Two chefs who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America ply their trade in Farmingdale: reigning Long Island chef of the year Eric LeVine of 317 Main Street, Vico, and The Nutty Irishman; and Kristina Grimes of The Nutty Irishman Recovery Room.

"You’ll find lots to eat and drink there, from Vietnamese food and pizza to beers at the brewery or coffee at the cafe," the Bethpage Best of Long Island Awards page reads. "There are also some lovely retail stores to shop at, where you’ll find friendly faces and unique products. Long Islanders love a good downtown to walk around, and Farmingdale’s truly hits the mark and then some!"