Longhorns Saloon & Barbeque
12 S. Park Ave,
Rockville Centre
516-255-9191
Joe Markowski and Jay Dugan (who also owns Dugan's in East Meadow) recently took over what was previously BBQ. Inc. Keeping the menu's favorites, they frequently add creations like the scrumptious pork and brisket quesadillas. There's an Internet juke box with endless music mixes, and outside tables and couches for the warmer weather. Live music — usually an acoustic guitarist/singer — happens every Friday night. Service is friendly and swift.
Meats are dry rubbed, hard wood smoked, and slow cooked for at least 12 hours. "Apps 'n Sides" are $2.95 for grilled corn on the cob with chili maple butter, to $9.95 for monster nachos with the works. Sandwiches, served with 28-spice fries and 'slaw, are $9.95 to $11.95. BBQ entrees, served with fries, 'slaw and a potato roll, run from $13.95 for grilled Texas hot links, to $28.95 for the cowboy rib eye steak with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Desserts are $2.95 to $6.95. The children's menu offers kid-friendly entrees with ice cream and a beverage for $7.95.
Family combos, feeding 3-4 people or 4-6, are $46 and $59.
Mac 'n cheese was comfort in a bowl, and the ale battered onion rings, addictive.
Burnt ends — those luscious morsels scraped from the outside of a brisket — arrived in slider form, on mini potato rolls. Grilled corn on the cob dripped with savory chili maple butter. Sweet potato fries were crisp, paired with jalapeno gravy for dipping.
Baked beans boasted a blending of burnt ends and country bacon — amazing in flavor.
"The Pig Out" is a platter to share. Served with 'slaw and their not-to-be-missed 28-spice fries, it consists of a half-rack of baby back ribs, a hot link (extremely spicy Andouille sausage) and a choice of one other BBQ meat (pulled chicken or pork, or brisket).
Choose from ice cream, Bourbon pecan pie and Mississippi mud pie for dessert. We opted for the latter, an enormous slice of chocolate layer cake sided with ice cream and whipped cream — rich and decadent.
Currently closed on Mondays, Longhorns will soon be open seven days a week. Kitchen hours now are Tuesday through Thursday 5 to 10 p.m., Friday 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. The bar stays open until 4 a.m. Private parties up to 50 can be accommodated. Take-out and catering is available.