Long Island

Dinner, Drinks & Good Company: Long Island Restaurants for Your Next Night Out

August 21, 2026 | What To Do

By: Ashley Rea

Sometimes the best nights out don't need a special occasion. Whether you're planning a long-overdue girls' night, looking for a new date night spot, or simply want to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks, Long Island has plenty of restaurants that make an ordinary evening feel a little more special.

From creative cocktails and shareable plates to intimate wine bars and lively downtown destinations, these four restaurants have everything you need for your next night out.

Sparrow Kitchen & Cocktails

Credit: Sparrow Kitchen & Cocktails

For a night that calls for great cocktails and an elevated dinner without feeling overly formal, Sparrow Kitchen & Cocktails in Garden City is an easy choice. The restaurant combines a lively, approachable atmosphere with a seasonally inspired menu featuring fresh seafood, homemade pastas, premium meats, and plenty of plates made for sharing.

The cocktail menu is just as much of a reason to visit, with creative seasonal drinks ranging from a Spicy Watermelon Margarita to a Coconut Negroni. Sparrow also offers its Golden Hour Tuesday through Sunday, making it an especially tempting place to start the evening with cocktails, oysters, and a few bites for the table. Whether it's dinner for two or a table full of friends, Sparrow strikes just the right balance between sophisticated and fun.

Hermanas

Credit: Hermanas

Sharing is encouraged at Hermanas Kitchen and Cocktails, making this Lindenhurst favorite a natural choice for a group night out. Inspired by Hispanic food and drink, Hermanas takes a thoughtful approach to its dishes and cocktails, with nearly everything made from scratch in-house each day.

The menu is filled with small plates that practically beg to be passed around the table. Start with house-made guacamole and chips, elote, tostones or pupusas, then order a few more dishes to share as the night goes on. Pair dinner with cocktails and good conversation, and you have an easy recipe for a girls' night, casual date, or much-needed catch-up with friends.

The State Room

Credit: The State Room

If you're looking for something a little more intimate, head upstairs at Shands General to The State Room. Tucked away on the second floor of a historic Main Street building in Patchogue, the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge has just 30 seats, low lighting, rich textures, and a bar program centered around house-made syrups, curated spirits, and seasonally changing cocktails.

The State Room recently returned to its original format, offering an intimate selection of snacks and more substantial plates designed to be shared over a couple of cocktails. The slower-paced setting makes it especially fitting for date night, but its creative drinks and shareable menu work just as well for a smaller group looking for something beyond the usual dinner out. And since you're already in the heart of downtown Patchogue, there are plenty of reasons to keep the night going once dinner is over.

Alpina

Credit: Alpina

For a night out on the North Fork, Alpina brings something completely different to the table. Located on Front Street in Greenport, this intimate Swiss-Italian wine bar takes inspiration from Ticino, Switzerland's Italian-speaking region, blending Alpine and Italian influences into a dining experience that feels right at home on the East End.

Alongside its Swiss and Alpine-inspired cuisine, Alpina offers a curated selection of high-altitude wines, European beers, craft cocktails and a full bar. There's even a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., giving you an excuse to arrive early and settle in for the evening. Its cozy atmosphere makes Alpina an obvious date-night destination, while the wine-bar setting and location in the heart of Greenport make it equally fitting for dinner and drinks with friends.

Make a Night of It

You don't need a birthday, anniversary, or special event on the calendar to make plans for a great night out. Sometimes all you need is the right restaurant, a few good drinks, and even better company. Whether you're sharing plates in Lindenhurst, sipping cocktails in Garden City, settling into a speakeasy in Patchogue, or enjoying wine on the North Fork, these four Long Island restaurants offer plenty of reasons to get the group chat going—or finally plan that overdue date night.

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