The ‘new’ Argyle restaurant is readying for relaunch in Babylon

Joe Flanagan knows every in and out of Babylon’s Deer Park Avenue, every line and crack in the sidewalk. A native to Babylon Village, Flanagan was born in the heart of the downtown and has worked there his entire adult life.

At 18, he started his hospitality career as a barback for Lily Flanagan’s (no relation).

And for the past decade, he’s been a bartender at its sister restaurant, The Villager, also on Deer Park Avenue in the village.

Now, he’s been elevated to a partner position by Lily Flanagan’s Restaurant Group —which owns Lily’s and The Villager, along with five other establishments on the Island.

He’ll be leading the helm at the restaurant group’s latest venture. And this is a significant one, right in the heart of Deer Park Avenue, with lots of history.

Plans for another restaurant to fill the space fell through, prompting the Lily’s team to step in.

The “new” Argyle is now ready for launch later this month.

“It’s a staple in Babylon,” said Flanagan, a 2012 Babylon High School graduate. “It’s been here for ages.”

He and his team have been hard at work refreshing the space, which includes new flooring, upgraded LED lights, reupholstered seats, and a deep cleaning.

But the restaurant’s bones remain strong.

“When they built this place, they didn’t spare a penny,” he said. “You can see it in the craftsmanship and woodwork.”

Sharp-eyed visitors may recognize some new features, such as the chandeliers from the old Garden City Hotel and a vintage angel figure from the former Oak Beach Inn.

But what else is in store?

“Think chophouse, fine wines, bourbons and cocktails,” the team has said.

Some fan-favorite dishes and cocktails will stay on the menu, such as the skirt steak and memorable watermelon martinis.

“The Babylon Village people and everyone that would come here are gonna be very happy, very pleased,” said Flanagan.

Keep scrolling for some sneak peek interior photos of The Argyle by Nick Esposito.