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Construction has started on a new restaurant and pickleball court in Babylon Village, with hopes to open later this summer.
The spot, called Courtside Sport + Social, has been in the works since owner Frankie Bragaglia and his team took over the former Pekin Long Island restaurant at 96 E. Main Street last year.
Pekin closed suddenly in September. Bragaglia said he then signed the lease in October.
“We liked the location of Pekin so we decided to take advantage of that space because it’s the perfect size,” he told Greater Long Island.
The 3,000-square-foot storefront is being completely gutted to be transformed into a lively polo club-style hangout that will feature an oyster bar, craft drinks, a dining area, high-top seats, a pool table, darts and a pickleball court out back.
The possibilities, Bragaglia said, are endless. They plan on hosting private leagues as well as lessons for those looking to learn the sport.
“Pickleball is exploding and Babylon Village was so welcoming to it,” he said. “It’s a cool idea to bring the community together with a sports bar and lounge.”
The menu is still being worked on, but Bragaglia said there will be a variety of specialty cocktails and upscale handhelds.
Courtside will operate under Standard Provisions Restaurant Group, which also operates The Brixton in Babylon, Standard Rec in Patchogue, and Moonrise Motel in Kismet.
Renderings of the planned Courtside Sport + Social courtesy of Standard Provisions Restaurant Group.
