Bites Nearby: Hemingway's

, located at 1885 Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh, offers patrons an exclusive dining experience with an array of tasteful menu choices to satisfy an appetite of any kind.

Flavorful sandwiches and pasta dishes accompany one-of-a-kind seafood and steak platters. A full bar that takes up nearly half of the lower level features signature cocktails and a large list of imported and domestic beers. The private party room can accommodate events of any size, up to 100 guests.

Decor: Upon entering, many may perceive Hemingway's as your average bar; it is certainly what catches your eye from the door. The bar is decorated in rich, dark wood and hangs just a few flat screen televisions. The televisions only consume the bar area though, so no need to worry about screaming fans while you enjoy your dinner. Each dining area provides seating for diners of all types, whether you want an intimate setting or are with a big group.

The Drinks: In addition to traditional soft drinks and coffee, Hemingway's fully stocked bar gives customers extensive beer and drink options to supplement any meal. Generally, the bar is recognized for its specialty martinis and lengthy wine list. The Hemingway's Cosmo mixes Svedka Raspberry Vodka, Cointreau Liqueur, cranberry and lime juice. The popular Chocolate Margarita consists of Cafe Patron, Godiva Liqueur and Guinness stout with chocolate brown sugar lining the rim.

Appetizers: A wide range of both cold and hot dishes are available for starters. The baked macaroni and cheese skillet ($8.95) cooked in Monterey Jack American and cheddar cheeses is a more basic choice but offers a ton of flavor and is generous enough to share between two. For mushroom lovers, the portobello stack ($8.95) is stuffed with three cheeses and lightly breaded for a crisp taste. Other crowd favorites include spinach & artichoke dip ($10.95) and kung pao shrimp & calamari ($12.95). Hemingway's lobster bisque ($6.95) is a creamy, tasteful soup which serves as a light alternative to the ample portions in most of the appetizers.

Entrees: The entrees at Hemingway's vary from seafood and steak, to salads and sandwiches and much more. Hemingway's Dry Rubbed Sliced Sirloin is a juicy steak cooked to order, served with delicious sides of spinach and garlic mashed. The rigatoni ala vodka ($14.95) is served with prosciutto, onion and plum tomatoes in a large dish that is guaranteed to fill up any eater (add chicken for $4). For a healthier alternative, generous entree salads are available such as panko crusted Mediterranean chicken ($14.95) or more standard selections like the caesar salad ($10.95). Basil marinated grilled shrimp ($21.95) and the blackened St. Peter's fish ($17.95) are excellent seafood platters.

Sides: With each entree, Hemingway's adds at least one of their famous side dishes. All burgers are delivered with an ample share of french fries, and dishes like steaks, ribs or fish are usually served with vegetables like spinach, potatoes, sweet peas or broccoli. Every side is available to order separately as well.

Desserts: Most patrons are drawn to the house favorite, the lava cake ($7.50), which is a delicious chocolaty treat. The chocolate dipped fudge oreo, snickers pie and jumbo New York cheesecake also make for a perfect end to every meal.

Service:  Even with almost every table filled, the staff at Hemingway's never misses a beat. Bread is delivered to the table promptly, drinks are refilled without request and each course is presented in a timely fashion.