By Jano Tantongco

jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

The Rust & Gold features bar room games like foosball, bubble hockey and shuffleboard to let patrons get involved for those who aren’t satisfied with just spectating.

The Rust & Gold has stepped up pub fare in Huntington village by building on a tradition of local favorites while sprinkling on some “gold,” uniting past and present.

Frank Antonetti, co-owner of the establishment, said the location has been a bar in the village in some form for about 70 years. It’s most recent incarnation was Rookies.

“When we took it over, myself and my partners decided that we wanted to keep the idea of a sports bar, but bring it a little bit into more of a modern sense,” Antonetti said. “We wanted a cross between chef-driven twists on traditional sports stadium fare and some food truck stuff, as well.”

Antonetti is partners with Jay Janawsky, Lou Cohen and Ryan Sipp. In deciding the name for the bar, they chose “The Rust & Gold” to pay homage to Long Island’s rich marine history, while also highlighting the concept of revamping the old into a glittering new form.

The early sailors of the Island commonly dealt with rust in wear and tear on their ships. It also calls to mind the storied history of Huntington. The gold is a shout out to the common trope of the north shore being known as the Gold Coast. Additionally, the dual name format is reminiscent of old British pubs, Antonetti said.

Pub fare it is, but look for those modern twists.

The Flat Top Burger is a traditionally simple take on a pub standard, and ranges from no frills to more decadent options including additions of bacon, mac and cheese, fried egg and jalapenos. It’s available in single ($8), double ($10) and triple ($13) stacks. The patty itself is powerfully flavored, featuring a gourmet ground beef house blend of steak, brisket and top round cuts. Adorned with American cheese, chef’s sauce, lettuce, tomato and onions on a potato bun, this burger packs big taste into a modest package.

The Flat Top Burger serves up a gourmet patty that’s a blend of steak, brisket and round top cuts of beef that’s bursting with savory sensations.

The Kale Caesar salad ($11) serves up fresh kale, toasted panko croutons and housemade caesar dressing. This salad is a perfect way to balance out what may be some richer companions to this dish. The occasional crunch coupled with the savory dressing makes this salad just as delicious as other appetizers on the menu and brings a natural texture to complement the meal.

The Buffalo Soldier dip ($10) brings together cheese dip, pulled chicken, buffalo sauce, all topped with scallions for a zesty kick. Though you may be courteous, double dipping is excused here, since you’ll want each bite of your tortilla chips covered in this hearty, cheesy blend of ingredients. You’ll find yourself happily digging into your main course, but coming back to this appetizer time and time again.

The Buffalo Soldier dip will have you double, and maybe even triple, dipping throughout your meal.

The Sesame Buffalo Wings were a sweet and spicy treat bringing together classic buffalo flavors with a bit of inspiration from a certain Chinese general. They’re offered in batches of eight for $9, 16 for $17, 24 for $23 and the “beast” portion of 40 for $35. Other flavors include classic buffalo, BBQ dry rub, pineapple habanero, lemon pepper dry rub and smokey honey BBQ. They’re paired with spiced blue cheese and crunchy celery sticks.

The Sesame Buffalo Wings are sweet and spicy, bringing together flavors and spices of Asian cuisine with a classic buffalo taste.

It’s the kind of food that calls for a beer, and The Rust and Gold delivers eight on tap, including some Long Island craft beers. Look for some artistry from behind the bar as well with a menu of craft cocktails.

Price: Modest

Hours:

Monday through Friday: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. - 2 a.m.

The Rust & Gold
70 Gerard St., Huntington village
631-629-4431

Facebook.com/therustandgold

Cuisine: Trendy Sports Bar
Atmosphere: Casual