Shands General — Restaurant in Town of Brookhaven

Shands General: A Historic Patchogue Gem Shines Again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

Shands General is not just a restaurant; it’s a revival of Patchogue’s history. The building that houses Shands dates back to 1840, originally the J.S. Havens General Store, later becoming Shand’s Hardware Store in 1914. After years as Brickhouse Brewery, Shands has now been beautifully reimagined, blending historical charm with a fantastic dining experience.

I don’t usually give five-star reviews, but Shands has earned it. Burt, one of the owners, along with his team and partners, has created something special. The transformation is remarkable; from the beautifully designed interior to the exceptional food and drinks, this place has it all. The soft amber lighting, spacious family tables, and a bar that’s more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience. The bartenders; Tom, Anthony, and Olivia; are not just bartenders, they’re true mixologists, taking pride in crafting aromatic, flavorful cocktails. I was even told they hold regular R&D meetings to refine their craft, which is a nice touch.

One of the highlights of my recent visit was the brulee presentation of steak tartare by Dan, who came from the kitchen to do it tableside. He said, “I absolutely love working here; it’s so different from anywhere else.” That sentiment is echoed by everyone I’ve spoken to, from the bartenders to the staff—they all rave about the management and the overall atmosphere. It’s clear that this is a place where the employees are genuinely happy, and it shows in the service.

Shands General doesn’t just succeed in ambiance; the food is also exceptional. I’ve been there about five times now with Fran, and each time has been better than the last. The steak tartare with roasted bone marrow was outstanding, and the cheese platter was just as impressive. The menu strikes the perfect balance between elevated dining and comfort, making it a place I’ll keep coming back to.

Above the main restaurant, you’ll find the State Room, a prix-fixe dining experience that takes things up a notch. It’s a bit more high-end but well worth it if you’re looking for something special. The seasonal menus, with ingredients sourced from local farms, are a reflection of the care that goes into every aspect of this place.

I’m giving Shands five stars, something I don’t do lightly. My experiences have been consistently stellar, and I look forward to each return visit. It’s clear that Burt and his team have put their heart into this, and it shows. If you haven’t visited Shands General yet, you’re missing out on something truly special. It’s easily the best place I’ve been to in Patchogue, and having lived here since 1964,...

Last week, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Shands General for a much-anticipated date night, and I felt compelled to share the extraordinary experience we had. From the moment we walked through the doors, the atmosphere enveloped us in a warm and inviting embrace, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Our server, Gabriel, was exceptional. His knowledge of the menu was impressive—he could effortlessly detail each dish's ingredients and nuances. But it wasn't just his expertise that stood out; his friendliness and sense of humor made us feel truly welcome. Gabriel’s recommendations were spot-on, and his enthusiasm for the food was contagious.

The drinks were nothing short of spectacular. We enjoyed a dirty martini and the Pet-Nat Problems, which transported us back to the idyllic memories of our Mykonos honeymoon. The presentation of the drinks was as impressive as their taste, adding a visual delight to our experience.

Now, let’s talk about the food. We were initially hesitant to try the duck, but Shands General turned us into avid duck enthusiasts. The duck wings were a revelation—simply divine. The tuna special, paired with sliced melon, was a fresh and flavorful masterpiece. And the entrees? My wife’s pesto pasta was perfection, and I regret not ordering a second NY Strip—it was that good.

We are already looking forward to our next date night at Shands General to try the duck entree, which we’ve heard is equally exceptional.

Overall, Shands General delivered a dining experience that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the attentive service and exceptional drinks to the outstanding cuisine, every element contributed to a night to remember. If you’re looking for a restaurant that combines elegance with culinary excellence, Shands General is a must-visit. We’ll certainly...

2025 update: Shands remains as one of the best restaurants on Long Island. They have an amazing menu, the staff is great, cocktails are incredible and they change every season, and the food is amazing. Their events are also great, we went to one with a set menu and wine pairing, which had some of the best food we've had in a while. Still highly recommended.

What an amazing experience to dine at Shands General! They blew it out of the park right after opening.

TL;DR: Go eat here, you won't regret it, it's the best restaurant in Patchogue, and one of the best on LI.

Drinks: As expected considering how good the drinks are at The State Room, every cocktail we had was great. Flavorful, not strong, and refreshing. Also pretty inventive and not just the classics.

Food: We were so glad that the food quality was at the same level as The State Room, and maybe even higher! We had the chopped cheese as a starter and it was one of the most full of flavor dishes I've had in a while. We did the duck breast for two as a main and it was perfectly presented and cooked.

Location: They did a great job with the renovation. The place looks modern, stylish, and the huge windows at the front make it a perfect choice for a summer day meal. They also had great live music which was a nice surprise.

Service: This is where they truly excel! Everyone at the staff was attentive, full of energy and at no point we felt we needed to call someone's attention. Amazing they were able to open with a well functioning system right from the start.

Price: It's not cheap, so be prepared for that! The price is worth it for the quality you get though.

We will definitely be back, Shands has taken one of the top spots in our favorite Long Island...