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A fresh new concept is coming to Patchogue’s Main Street.
Well, technically, we’re talking two concepts.
Let us explain.
Next door to That Meetball Place has sat a vacant spot that was supposed to become Munchies, a late-night dessert shop that never came to fruition. Before that, it was the old Platinum Day Spa.
Now the long-quiet spot is about to be buzzing.
The village Planning Board has approved plans to allow two concepts to operate in the 3,500-square-foot space at 50 West Main Street. The front, which will measure 900 square feet, will be a smash burger restaurant called Millie’s. The back will be a speakeasy lounge called Aces and Eights.
Both will be run by the same ownership team behind That Meetball Place.
And that team now includes Scottie Campbell, a local restaurateur who also co-owns Dublin Deck, Harbor Crab Co., and ITA Kitchen, which are all in Patchogue — among other establishments.
Why smash burgers?
Because they’re the latest delicious craze, says Campbell.
“I was visiting a friend in California about five years ago, and these smash burger places were all over the place. And they were all packed,” he said. “They had all different styles, and they did a lot of to-go.”
Campbell felt strongly that a smash burger joint was something Patchogue could use, a place for a quick bite — whether for lunch, dinner or a late-night snack.
Millie’s, which he and the team plan to operate from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., will also have a walk-up window. You can expect fries and fun milkshakes, and it’ll be 50s-themed — with some seating inside.
Aces and Eights will take up the remaining space toward the back of the building.
“I always really wanted to do a speakeasy,” Campbell said. “And I wanted to bring it to Patchogue.”
He was just waiting for the right spot.
For the uninitiated, Aces and Eights is known in poker as the “dead man’s hand” after drawing pairs of aces and eights. According to legend, this hand was reportedly held by Wild Bill Hickok, a famous Old West gunslinger and gambler, when he was shot dead during a poker game in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1876.
While there won’t be any gambling, the space will have a laid-back and underground feel to it. It’ll open at 4 p.m. with late hours. And you’ll be able to access Aces and Eights simply by walking through Millie’s, though the speakeasy will have a back entrance, too.
Once there, you can sip and lounge in velvet booths and order from an upscale tasting menu while taking in the music. It’ll be open to the public, but the ownership team is considering offering membership services for easier access for members.
Both concepts are expected to open sometime this summer. Check back with Greater Long Island for updates.
Top: Outside of 50 West Main Street in Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y. (GLI Photo/Nicholas Esposito)
