Avenue Social Kitchen & Cocktails — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Can't say enough about Avenue. We have been going there since they opened, it is our local go to spot. Food and service are always amazing. On Mother's Day, I had the shakshuka special and OMG, it was awesome. Hope they add it to the regular brunch menu!

Original Review:

We've been anticipating Avenue's opening!

Yesterday was their soft opening for regular customers, and we went right around opening time, had the pleasure of being their first customers after their F&F soft opening.

Everything was amazing, service, drinks, appetizers, mains, dessert!

We had the buffalo cauliflower, duck tacos and calamari for apps, followed by the pan seared scallops, margherita flatbread, and whiskey shrimp. We ended with the cheesecake and cookie (peanut butter chocolate chip cookie w/ice cream in a warm skillet). Drinks-we had margaritas: mango habanero, strawberry jalapeno, grilled pineapple and a mule: El Diablo something! With dessert we had scotch.

Ambiance was great, there were some updates from the old Top Hat that used to be there, and some color changes (mood lighting in the walls w/the scotch and other bottles were an inviting blue).

Jessy(ie)? took care of us and we spoke with Ron & Pete a bit (who own the new spot). Ricardo was managing the dining room.

Everything was cooked perfectly and brought out at the right time. Figured I'd really give it the test with scallops. They were perfect. Cooked perfectly and very flavorful. The risotto they were served over also perfectly cooked. The same for the other entrees. Desserts, well, they were very good, but that cookie!!!!

Their menu is great overall, I think everyone can find something, from small plates and salads, to entrees.

Our daughter (almost 11) loved it.

We're looking forward to going back, will be our new regular...

If you're looking for a spot that hits every mark--ambiance, taste, and a fantastic vibe--look no further! This place is a hidden gem where the food is just as incredible as the service, making each bite feel like a small celebration. Their ladies' night every Thursday turns the space into a lively, vibrant hangout, perfect for catching up with friends in a festive atmosphere.‍

We kicked things off with a Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini, which struck the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, exactly how I like it. The Pink Lemonade Vodka was another gem--a delightful mix that brought a fresh twist to our drinks. Both were beautifully crafted, making them the ideal start to our meal.

Now, the appetizers were something else entirely. First, the Hanging Bacon--it's not just a must-try, it's a must-experience! Savory and smoky, it's one of those dishes that turns heads as it's brought to the table. Next, the Tuna Tartare Taco--I'm still dreaming about the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth flavor! And for a healthier option, the Roasted Cauliflower was a great addition, perfectly tender with a subtle hint of smokiness.

When it came to the main course, the Chicken Donatello was a true standout. Thanks to our server's spot-on recommendation, we discovered this dish, which combines bold flavors in a way that was absolutely satisfying. The Skirt Steak was also a showstopper--juicy and cooked to perfection, with each bite more savory than the last.

To end on a sweet note, we went for the Cookie Skillet, and it did not disappoint. Warm and gooey, it's the perfect comfort dessert--just be careful; it's served sizzling hot! Every bite was heaven.

Overall, this place deserves all the praise it gets. From start to finish, it's a feast for the senses. Can't wait...

I wasn't sure what to expect of this place at first cause it was brand new to me, had never heard of it personally but I'm glad to say I was thoroughly impressed. Avenue has a smaller menu than I'm used to seeing but that seems to allow their chefs to really make everything that comes out excellent. We got fried calamari, risotto balls, buffalo chicken dip and the avenue burger. Everything was delicious. The cocktails were also really good, tries several drinks I'd never had before, my personal favorite being the opal essence. Our waitress was awesome, very friendly and helpful and checked on us, for me, with perfect frequency. Not too often but we were also not craning out necks looking for her, she always came back when we were just about ready for something else. The place was full but did not feel crowded and it was surprisingly big inside considering it's location. There is a parking lot right around the corner from the building, maybe a 1 min...