Strawberry's Sports Grill ... Fun Had By All!

As promised, we headed out to Strawberry's Sports Grill in Douglaston, New York to join them in their continued Grand Opening that started this past Wednesday. Since the decision to venture out to Queens was made a few days before, the only trepidation I had was how the parking was going to be.

Living out here on the Island, parking, for the most part, is never a problem when venturing out to unknown parts, but having been to Queens for both work and fun over the years, parking has always been a near deal killer.

As I drove through a quaint neighborhood, I began to wonder if my GPS was failing me, but then the street opened up to a row of small stores on both sides. It was then that I spotted Strawberry's on the right. I made it in better time than I thought I would, and found parking right in front.

Lucky me! I arrived early to watch a line of fans forming at the door. How did I know that they were fans? The abundance of blue and orange shirts, and ball caps with the Mets logo gave it away. The immediate area is metered parking until 7pm, but I later found out that if you park in the LIRR parking lot, let them know that you are going to Strawberry's. When you get your parking stub validated at Strawberry's, your parking fee is only $2. A definite bargain. They also have a deal with Ollie's Taxi. If you are within the Douglaston area, cab fare is only $5. Check Strawberry's website for additional information.

After tossing the needed amount of coinage into the meter, I headed in only to bump into MetsFanClub.com faithful Taylor Tears. After telling me that long time MFC member Shawna Shea could not make it, we got a table together. It takes a lot to get me excited about most things these days, but this seemed to have both of us ready to enjoy an experience, and what an experience it was!

First, we were greeted by a lovely trio of Hostesses ready to seat us. Jeannette, Stephanie, and Vanessa could not have been friendlier. Their excitement in welcoming us seemed to add to ours. Vanessa took us to our seat and while handing us our menus, made us feel like we were long time patrons. And the place just opened.

The first thing you do notice it the the inside decor. There is just enough sport memorabilia without being to over the top. The dark cherry wood look gives you a warmth in that comfortable homey manner.

As Taylor and I started to catch up, we looked over the menu and was immediately impressed with its offerings. There were items on it that I have never been offered before at other sports bars, let alone restaurants. Some of the Apps included Pulled Pork Sliders w/ Creamy Slaw, Crawfish and Cheddar Hushpuppies, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Roll, although sounding delish, it has to be renamed for obvious reason, the menu is also loaded with Salad choices, Entrees, and special selections for the Kids, both of us were hankering for a juicy burger and since neither one of us had ever had a lamb burger before, or even heard of one, we both ordered the Lamb Burger. When it was served it smelled 100 times better than it looked, and it looked juicy, so I dug right in forgetting to take a photo of the presentation. It was unbelievable. Take my word on this one. You must try the Lamb Burger. It is my new favorite type of burger.

Our server for the experience was Melissa. From first introducing herself and getting our drink orders, to checking up on us periodically to see if we needed anything to suggesting dessert, she was great, even while wearing the Yankee colors and not Mets, but that's OK. We let that one slide, we were in too good a mood and enjoying ourselves.

When the dessert menu was presented to us and we finally had to decide whether we wanted dessert. The choices were mouth watering, and dangerous to those who need to stay away from the treats.

First looking at the desserts listed the Deep Fried Twinkies jumped out at me. When we asked Melissa for suggestions she had suggested the Deep Fried Twinkies. The way a smile crossed her lips and eyes sparkled said it all. I was ready to dig into one, but it was our second choice, Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers, that we settled for. For a second choice that was awesome in itself.

What was also nice, and surprising, were the visits from Manager Rebecca Lory who stopped by our table to see how everything was going and if the food and service was up to par. She could not have been more cordial and accommodating.

Rebecca is the one that gave us the 411 on the parking at the LIRR lot, Ollie's Taxi, and Curbside To Go. Contact them for more information on that one. We were even introduced to Manager Chris Rhodes, who also took time out to talk with us. The one thing I did forget to tell them was that the strategically placed blackouts did add to the entire experience.

Hearing the gathered crowds banter was fun. As as the day went on the crowd did grow with the faithful hoping to get a possible glance at "The Darryl", but alas he was a no shown during our stay.

Before we left I continued to take a few more photos, that was when one of the Hostess, Jeannette, asked me if I had seen the backroom. I did not even know that there was one.

Where we sat there is a room adjacent to us. From that room there is a hallway that takes you back to another area, and if you keep following it, you end up in a room roped off that has a cool ceiling with banners of all of the New York teams logos and multiple televisions. Cool for that party room for a bunch of you and your friend to watch that long awaited playoff game.

We also chatted up with a table full of fans that were having a grand ole time, including Darren Meenan from The 7 line. As the place was a buzzin' with hoots, hollerin' and laughter we talked up a storm about the game, The Team, and what it was like being a fan. I had so much fun that I have been reconsidering coming out of my self-imposed exile and possibly go to a few games before seasons end.

From the moment we sat down, until the moment we left, more and more people started filling up the joint. The camaraderie was captivating.

For those who take the LIRR line that passes through Douglaston. It is a must stop, especially after that long day at work, or when that Friday Happy Hour is most needed. It is only a short walk to relief from the Summer Heat.

Whether a fan or not, visit Strawberry's Sports Grill. It is a guaranteed good time to be had by all ... if not, you must be a yankee fan...