Table for Two

Comfort food that’s clucking awesome

Posted

Copper Pot Chicken Co.
65 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre
(516) 600-9656
www.copperpotchicken.com

Created by Chef Art Gustafson — who also owns Chadwick’s American Chop House & Bar, Tony Colombo’s Italian Bistro, and Salsa Mexicana — Copper Pot Chicken Co. takes comfort food to a new level. This casual eatery brings back the American classics — fried chicken, bacon, pot roast, mac and cheese, biscuits, egg creams, shakes, floats, etc. — with culinary tweaks and twists that will wow all ages.
The concept evolved from a special served one night at Chadwick’s — twice-fried chicken crusted in matzo meal flecked batter, served in a copper pot. Seventy-out-of-100 customers ordered it. Hence, Gustafson soon opened his fourth restaurant in Rockville Centre, bringing in Chef Paul Grana, a Johnson & Wales graduate who has cooked from Maine to Key West, and on tour in London.
Chicken-themed, fun and quirky, the restaurant is housed in a space lined with booths and high-top tables that seats maybe 40. The bar serves wine, Sangria and craft beers. Brick walls display copper pots, large metal wishbones, and blurbs like, “Chicken Parking Only — All Others will be Plucked!”
Bacon Candy is a MUST — thickly cut slabs coated with brown sugar, served with apple sticks and chipotle-honey mayo for dipping ($7.95). Balance that with a salad — Cluckin’ Good Cobb ($12.5), or Super Food ($10.50), a generous mix of quinoa, shredded kale, Brussel spouts, cabbage, grapes, feta, and toasted almonds dressed with white Balsamic emulsion.
Burgers and dogs ($9.95 to $14.95) come with fries or potato tots. Cheddar Brat on a grilled brioche was bratwurst with lettuce, tomato, relish, cheddar, and onion Dusseldorf beer-mustard … yummy with a kick. From The Bucket List (free range fried chicken, four to eight pieces, $15.95 to $23.95) we enjoyed a crunch over juicy, with a wide variety of sauces. St. Louis Ribs (six ribs, $15.95) were moist and flavorful; they literally fell off the bone. Our side order of Collard Greens was sautéed in garlic oil, speckled with crisp shallots. Buttermilk Biscuits came with homemade raspberry jam and maple butter. Mac N’ Cheese was perfect as a side ($5), or have it as a meal ($10.95) topped with BBQ rib ends, candied bacon and Cheetos crumb topping.
Shakes ($5.50) were creamy, thick and delicious. Black & White had chunks of chocolate, and Strawberry Creamsicle, pieces of the fruit. Pies and cakes are all $6, served a la mode. We shared a decadent slice of Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Torte.
Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Delivery is available after 5 p.m. to a five-mile radius. Take-out and catering are an option. A day’s notice is suggested for the catering. Check the website for daily specials like pulled pork, lobster rolls, corn dogs, meat loaf and more.

Recommendations:
• Bacon Candy
• Super Food Salad
• Free Range Fried Chicken
• Buttermilk Biscuits with Homemade Jam
• Cheddar Brat
• St. Louis Ribs
• Mac N’ Cheese
• Collard Greens
• Black & White Shake
• Strawberry Creamsicle Shake
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Torte