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The Village Idiot Pub in Lake Grove has officially closed, and its replacement is almost ready for its grand entrance.
Owner John Sarno confirmed that his new concept, Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails, will open its doors Sept. 3 at 2811 Middle Country Road.
“It was sad to see Village Idiot go, but times are changing,” Sarno told Greater Long Island. “This is a large space and I need to reach a different demographic. Rockefellers is a full-service restaurant, really focusing on families to come in and dine.”
A new era for the Lake Grove space
The 5,500-square-foot building at 2811 Middle Country Road has long been a landmark, from its Big Barry’s Steakhouse days in the 1980s to Sarno’s Village Idiot Pub since 2019.
Now, Sarno is reimagining the location with a Gatsby-inspired aesthetic, a private party room that can accommodate 50-100 guests, and a completely overhauled food and drink program.
The focus will be on elevated cocktails — think martinis and handcrafted creations — with “a little more flair behind the bar,” Sarno said.
What’s on the menu
Rockefellers promises a mix of American comfort food with modern touches, plus plenty of seafood.
Highlights include:
- Seafood risotto bowls
- Spicy tuna crisp
- Raw bar selections
- Steaks and lamb chops
- Chicken Milanese
There will still be wings, burgers, and bar staples, along with sports specials on game days (the TVs aren’t going anywhere).
Sarno also teased a $15.99 prix fixe lunch menu available Monday through Thursday, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring soup or salad and a choice from 10 entrées.
“It’s still going to maintain that sports bar edge,” Sarno explained. “But it’s a more elegant setting with better choices for food, especially for this area. You don’t really get fine dining until you head to Smithtown. We wanted to bring something new here.”
Top photo: The Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails team (L-R) chef Edwin Hernandez, partner Kenny Kortright, general manager Kathi Heggers and partner John Sarno.
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