You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. East Hampton-Portland Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's our latest choice:
FARRELL’S
Overview: Proudly run by Art and Mary Ellen Hetrick, Farrell’s has been celebrating Irish tradition since the early 1900s.
Decor: Wood-beamed ceilings wrapped in twig garland and twinkling lights lend a warm, cozy feel to the dining area. Wooden tables and booths are set with a small vase of flowers while a big screen TV provides footage of the latest sports games, news and entertainment.
The drinks: Wine comes by the glass or bottle with some choices from Clos Du Bois ($30), Woodbridge ($19-$23), St. Michelle ($28) and Mirassou ($26).
From the variety of martinis, the espresso tini is rich with a chocolate drizzle.
A long list of beer options presents pitchers and 16 oz drafts of Budweiser, Bass Ale and Guinness, bottled Killian’s, Blue Moon, Mike’s Lemonade, Beck’s & Beck’s Dark, Sam Adams, Sam Light and many more.
Unlimited refills are offered for soda and juices.
Appetizers: The new spinach artichoke dip, artichoke hearts, spinach, and creamy Parmesan, is served warm with tri-colored tortilla chips ($6). Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon ($8). For a spicy starter, the Texas chili is a mixture of zesty beef and beans covered in melted cheddar and Jack cheese ($5.50/bowl).
Entrees: Farrell’s highly esteemed burgers, layered with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted red peppers and mayonnaise, have been served as the areas best steamed cheeseburger since 1991 ($7.50).
A wide selection of clubs, sandwiches and wraps offer classics such as Farrell’s Rueben, corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese grilled on rye bread ($8).
The sizzlin’ fajitas, with chicken ($13), beef ($13), shrimp ($14), veggie ($11) or combo ($14) are marinated and grilled with sautéed onions and peppers and come with all the necessities: warmed wraps, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa and sour cream.
The hearty quiche is a tall, thick slice served with melon ($8), or a side salad ($9).
The new turkey Cobb salad is a satisfying serving of cubed turkey breast, bacon, olives, corn, onions and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of mixed lettuce with a light, honey lime dressing on the side ($9).
Sides: The French onion soup is a favorite among regulars with its touch of sherry and layers of melted Swiss and provolone cheese ($5).
The soup of the day is made fresh and comes in a cup ($3) or bowl ($4).
Desserts: The bread pudding, cherry or chocolate chip, is a savory way to top off a meal.
Service: Be seated by the hostess or grab a stool at the bar.
Nineteen years of catering has helped Farrell’s tailor their buffets to fit occasions such as stag parties, showers, golf outings and barbeques.
Signature dish: The area's best hand-carved prime rib is a well-known favorite with a choice of the 12 oz regular cut ($16), 16 oz Farrell's cut ($19), or the French onion filet mignon ($18).
Farrell’s (http://farrellscaterers.com/) or ()
Address: 245 Marlborough St., Portland
Chef: Rob
Cost: With an appetizer, entrée and beer, average meal costs $24.
