Side Street Dive is bringing pizza, cocktails and fun to Patchogue

A familiar Patchogue address is getting a fresh start.

Long Island restaurateur Max Feinberg is set to open Side Street Dive at 11 Railroad Avenue, transforming the former Burgerology space into a high-energy, pizza-and-cocktail-driven destination in the heart of downtown.

Burgerology closed in 2024, following a run by Sneaky Pete’s at the same address. Now, Feinberg, who also owns Bull Smith Tavern in Smithtown and Borelli’s Tap Room in Long Beach, is preparing to bring his own vision to the space and turn the page on its next chapter.

“We had explored this location years ago, pre-COVID,” Feinberg told Greater Long Island during a walkthrough just days before launch. “When it became available again, everything just kind of came together.”

‘Fun is undefeated’

Feinberg’s philosophy is simple.

“I always feel that fun is undefeated in this industry,” he said. “We want a dining experience, a drinking experience, a hanging out experience where people wake up the next day and say, ‘That was a great night.’”

At the center of that experience: 12-inch pizzas built for the table, plus a menu that blends Italian inspiration with elevated bar food.

The food program is being led by the team behind Alitalia Pizzeria & Restaurant in Center Moriches, who Feinberg says is passionate about taking things to the next level in a full-service setting.

Guests can expect:

• Classic and creative pizzas
• Pastas and chicken parm-style favorites
• Fun entrees, including an Italian twist on disco fries with vodka sauce, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella
• A brunch program in the works, featuring breakfast sandwiches and oversized garlic knots

“We’re trying to have some fun with the menu,” Feinberg said. “And have some fun with the cocktail program.”

Food offerings at Side Street Dive

Vintage charm meets modern edge

Rather than gut the space, Feinberg leaned into its bones — wood floors, wood tables and existing architectural elements — layering in a pop-art, 1950s and ’60s-inspired aesthetic.

The design features industrial-style signage, nods to classic cinema — including a quote from “Casablanca” — and playful details throughout, even in the bathrooms.

“Sometimes it’s easier to go downstream instead of against it,” Feinberg said. “This gave us the ability to have a strong theme without tearing the whole place apart.”

Grand opening

After a pair of invite-only preview nights and a soft-opening stretch for friends and family, Side Street Dive is slated to officially open Wednesday, Feb. 25, with special late-night surprises planned for that weekend.

Side Street Dive will begin with evening-focused hours, operating from 4 p.m. to about midnight Tuesday through Thursday, with extended late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Check back with greaterlongisland.com for updates on brunch, patio season and more from Side Street Dive.