Great
American Dining
Leo’s: 355 Plandome Rd.,
Manhassett. (516) 365-0235
Cuisine: American
Hours: 11:30-4 a.m. weekends;
11:30-1 a.m. during the week. Lunch Monday-Saturday; brunch on Sunday.
Parking: Private lot
Credit: All major cards.
If the fourth of July has left you still
hungry for the foods that have made America great, then it’s time to ride out to
Leo’s.
Don’t worry . . . they have ample
parking of their own and the short ride outside the Queens border is certainly worth the
time, whether you’re exploring other neighborhoods with the family on a beautiful
summer weekend, running out for lunch or looking for a good place to watch a great
ballgame. The interior takes the best that "Cheers" had to offer, enhances it
with the elegance and beautifully hung lighting, comfortable booth, and the names of local
sports teams, and serves it all up in a setting that’s suitable for a family dinner
or a singles’ sports night out.
I pulled in for lunch and was immediately
– and happily – overwhelmed.
Co-owner Jim Falk (who shares
responsibilities with his brother Phil Falk and partner Kevin Boyle) explained that this
five-month-old establishment has picked up the tradition that he believes makes their
Garden City establishment (of 30 years) a great success. In addition to an extensive
standard menu, they offer a "specialties" menu daily, each with over 20 entrees
of their own. A large selection of regular favorites, and an equally impressive selection
of daily specials means there is always something perfect on the menu for every family
member, no matter their age or generation.
I tried a selection from the "Starters
& Munchies" section consisting of Homemade Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup (cup $3,
and they do mean chunky . . . delicious), the Pork Dumplings served with
"outrageous scallion dipping sauce" ($7.95, fried to a perfect and not-greasy,
crisp, and again, their description fits) and Leo’s Famous Chili (cup $3.95). The
chili was thick, mild, very flavorful and designed to whatever your chili desires might be
– you choose the topping and the spice level.
Full from just the munchies, I tried a
"Sandwich Board" selection of Baked Virginia Ham and Cheese ($6.25) that was
overstuffed with cold cuts and everything you could want from a sandwich.
But reliable sources indicated that once you’ve tried
lunch, you’ll have to go back for a dinner featuring their outstanding pasta dishes
and incredible lobster deals. I know I will.
— Tamara Hartman |
