Tasty Summer Dining Worth the Drive in Westchester
- Morris Gut
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Hit the road and end this summer with these great food destinations in mind!
ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE
I have been enjoying Alex’s Bar and Grille in North White Plains for more than a
decade. Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj has matured this restaurant beautifully. You can sit in
the warm dining room with its cozy nooks and crannies or take a seat in the bustling
bar/lounge. The classic Italian American fare coming out of Chef Nick Demaj kitchen are
hearty and pleasing. Check out the Oysters Rockefeller, delicious fresh Halibut with
seafood, an awesome Osso Bucco the size of Mt. Vesuvius. Steaks and chops here
rival the very best. There is a big juicy burger on the menu, too. The smooth house
made cheesecake is a must for dessert. Alex’s, 577 N. Broadway, White Plains. 9!4-
358-1444 www.alex577.com
JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN
Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an
enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it.
Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include decadent
Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven;
Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Wings and big juicy Burgers. Check out their
decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The full Irish Breakfast at brunch is awesome. The staff
could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St.,
Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
THE BEECHMONT TAVERN
I like vintage pubs and taverns. They have so many stories to tell. They are a living
history of the communities they serve often filled with nostalgia and memorabilia. Also
enjoy the good pour from the bar, hearty finger foods, wings, big juicy burgers and fries.
I recently got back to the Beechmont Tavern, across from IONA University in New
Rochelle. It has been around since 1928, they say, and proprietor Rob Hayes, a former
bus boy and IONA student, has had it since 2018. We ordered their popular chicken
wings, a big juicy Gael burger and fries, and a summery goat cheese and pear salad.
We shared. We will be back. Beechmont Tavern, 750 North Ave., New Rochelle. 914-
636-9533 www.beechmonttavern.com
TESORO D’ITALIA
I first met Peter Lucaj when he was managing Ciao in Eastchester. Just over a dozen
years ago, he and his brothers Mark & Don took over Tesoro d’Italia in Pleasantville. I
have enjoyed watching them evolve this expansive multi-faceted restaurant into a
destination for fine regional Italian cuisine and full-service catering. You can sit along the
handsome wine wall. Lovely private rooms are available for groups. Dive into such
specialties as Chicken Payard, Black Linguine Pescatore, Chicken Scarpariello, Broiled
Veal Chop, or Grilled Pork Chops with the works. Happy hours in the bar/lounge are
most inviting starting at 3 p.m. weekdays. There is a special weekday luncheon: $24.95,
noon to 3 p.m. Tesoro d’Italia, 160 Marble Ave., Pleasantville. www.tesoroditaliany.com
SQUIRE’S OF BRIARCLIFF
A good old-fashioned tavern. Squire’s is approaching a milestone 60 years in Briarcliff
Manor. Kudos to owner Kurt Knox and his team. You may have heard about their
popular classic Burgers and massive Prime Rib (served on weekends). They offer a big
menu filled with delightful tavern specialties. There is literally something for everyone in
your group from tasty finger foods and sandwiches to a giant portion of Fish & Chips.
Don’t forget the wings and onion rings. Ample portions, all reasonably priced. Squire’s,
94 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor. 914-762-3376 www.squiresofbriarcliff.com
JILL’S BAR & RESTAURANT
Partners Ro Flanagan and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jill’s Bar &
Restaurant in Mamaroneck, are always updating their seasonal menu. Jill’s is a colorful
ode to modern Ireland serving a winning combination of gastropub favorites and
modern-American and European specialties sprinkled with a good dose of hospitality.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. So is the Lobster Roll. Loaded Nachos.
Jameson Seafood Chowder. There’s also a wonderful Lobster Cobb Salad, 8-hour
Braised Beef Short Ribs and fresh Ahi Tuna Bowl, a mighty good Reuben on rye,
Shepherd’s Pie, Lamb Lollipops, and Beer Battered Cod & Chips. Jill’s,100 W. Boston
Post Road, Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Happy Hours. Weekend
brunch. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
FREEBIRD KITCHEN
Fat Tuesday or any day, the southern themed menu and hospitality at Freebird is a solid
draw. Owner Nick Fusco and his team do a fine job. Their bustling rooftop is now open
for dining and spirited conversation. Truly enjoy their Happy Hours throughout the week.
The weekend brunch is relaxing and there is a live music schedule Friday & Sunday
night. The kitchen offers many tasty surprises including Oysters, delectable Smoked
Chicken Wings, Pulled Pork Fries, Louisiana Creole Shrimp Toast, Chicken & Waffles,
and, yes, fried Pickles. Their meaty pork ribs. Love the artsy birds fluttering from the
ceiling. Oh, I must mention their wonderful Pimiento Burger. Big TVs for sports
watching. Freebird, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 9!4-607-2476
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine
editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater
Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail:
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