The word “comfort” always brings me back to Sunday afternoons at my grandparent’s house watching the New York Mets in the late 80s. My grandfather always had a colorful way of describing his love for the Mets – it was tumultuous, and sometimes a tad vulgar, but memories of our Met-chats always make me smile.
Besides watching Mets games back then, a lot of the Sunday afternoon comfort came from food. Now in Douglaston, those two worlds collide at Strawberry’s Sports Grill, Mets legend Darryl Strawberry’s neighborhood eatery.
Since opening its doors in August 2010, Strawberry’s has served BBQ and comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Besides the food, Strawberry’s boasts 18 HD TVs and has since become a favorite place for sports fans to watch all of New York’s biggest games.
Sports aside, Strawberry’s gives eaters plenty of reasons to step up to the plate, starting with the appetizers. House favorites include chicken wings, in buffalo or BBQ; pulled pork sliders; crawfish and cheddar hush puppies; Philly cheese steak eggrolls; and Championship Chili, which was voted the best in Queens.
The fried macaroni cheese balls were a standout starter. The crisp exterior gives way to a cheesy-mac center for a comforting taste you’ll want to eat again and again. It’s served with a smoky horseradish sauce, adding a kick to your palate.
Strawberry’s lineup of dinner options is extensive and full of big hits – including dinner salads, burgers and sandwiches, BBQ straight from the smoker, and traditionally comforting entrees.
The grand slam dish without a doubt was Strawberry’s chicken fried chicken chop. The mouthwatering dish featured a panko crusted, thinly-pounded chicken breast with bacon-spiked white gravy, served with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The chicken was pan-fried to perfection – and the gravy was extremely rich and delicious.
Also try the seared fish tacos, the pepper-crusted filet mignon and the pecan-crusted local cod. Strawberry’s also offers an array of beef, lamb or turkey burgers, including the “1986,” which is a lamb burger with feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, red onions and tzatiki sauce.
As for BBQ, eaters can get meats seasoned with Strawberry’s Memphis-style spice rub and then slow cooked in a custom smoker with hickory and cherry woods.
For dessert, succumb to the deep fried twinkies. You’ll be glad you indulged, trust me.
Lunch specials and kids meals are also available and Strawberry’s also offers both on and offsite catering.
Strawberry’s Sports Grill
42-15 235th Street, Douglaston
Phone: 718-517-8787
Fax: 718-225-0086
www.strawberrysgrill.com
Kitchen Hours:
Monday – Thursday 12 – 11 p.m.
Friday 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday 11:30 – 12 a.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Full Bar open late
Takeout
Delivery
All major credit cards
