Open: Barrique bustling in Babylon
Although it’s only been open a week, Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar in Babylon is apparently going gangbusters. I stopped by last night and found the handsome place packed to overflowing. There was a minimum of an hour’s wait for a table, so I decided to return another time.
Barrique (under the same ownership as Argyle Grill, across the street) not only occupies the former Emerson’s space but has Emerson’s chef-owner Pierre Rouget in the kitchen. Rouget’s tasting menu of small plates and “share items” includes thin-crust pizzas, grill-pressed sandwiches, salads and such items as braised short ribs and roasted baby octopus. Nothing costs more than $15. The wine list features 150 bottles, all under $100 and many under $20. Choose from among 30 wines by the glass; co-owner Greg Bartolotta said that the restaurant will pour from any bottle in the house so long as a two-glass purchase is guaranteed.
Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar is at 69 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 631-321-1175. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and is wheelchair accessible. Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight; happy hour is Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.