FILLMORE’S: 166-02 65th Ave.,
Fresh Meadows;
762-2727

CUISINE: American (large portions and famous for blackened spices)

HOURS: Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
(Fri. & Sat until 12)

ENTERTAINMENT: Calendar filled with activities for every day of the month.

SPECIALS: Specials menu every day plus Skillet Breakfast every Sunday ($6.95)

PARKING: Curbside (no meters)

CREDIT CARDS: All major

Named for Millard Fillmore, our 13th President of the USA (1850-53), Fillmore’s has long been a neighborhood favorite with a history going back to horse and buggy days. It is also one of our favorites for an entertaining evening out.

It is always a pleasure to visit Fillmore’s. It’s like visiting a favorite relative who’s cooking your favorite foods. There are always special dishes and special events planned by owner Rick Rickenbacker. Check the amusing monthly calendar on your table, watch the announcements of events stream by on the visible monitors or talk to Carolyn, the amicable manager.

For starters, we shared the ample appetizer "Saloon Sampler" made up of great batter coated fried popcorn (small) shrimp, sticks of fried zucchini and onion rings ($7.99). Then, from the evening’s specials, we chose Meatloaf Monday, four tasty slices along with real mashed potatoes and fresh string beans.

From the regular menu my companion, who enjoys the relaxed atmosphere at Fillmore’s, chose Porkchops Rickenbacker — two center cut chops with Hunter Sauce of brown gravy ($11.99). This dish was plentiful, nicely presented and came complete with a house salad. Our server, Lisa, was attentive and fast.

Prominent on the regular menu is their famous Blackened Steak ($14.95). NOTE: The spices used for this dish has been so popular that it is now available for sale at the restaurant.

For seafood lovers, one Monday night special was Broiled Seafood Scampi with scallops, swordfish, clams and shrimps over linguini ($13.95). Also available was Stuffed Catfish with lemon-butter sauce.

Fillmore’s favorites on the regular menu include Paddy’s Shepherd Pie ($8.95) and Camp David Chicken- boneless with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil over penne ($8.95).