Life is good at "The Good Life" in Massapequa Park

I can't believe it has taken me this long to try this place, but now I'm just glad that I finally did!  The Good Life is a bar/restaurant/beer haven that replaced the old Sidekick's restaurant on Park Blvd. in the village of Massapequa Park.

I visited this new hot spot on a Saturday evening and it was comfortably packed, but I was able to score a table for two without having to wait.   First of all, if you love beer, YOU MUST COME HERE!  The food/beer menus are displayed on a unique "newspaper," making for a fun read.  Visit the website or the restaurant's facebook page for more detailed information including detailed descriptions of the many beers (international and american) and ABV (alcohol by volume) stats.

I wasn't super hungry, but was in the mood for a light appetizer while waiting for our entrees.  I (gasp) ordered my standard cocktail, a french martini.  I usually have complaints (too much chambord, not made with the right ingredients, etc.), but I can honestly say that this was one of the best martinis I've ever had.  Frothy, strong, and chilled just right!  So, non-beer lovers can rejoice in other cocktails or fairly priced bottles of wine if they so desire.

We chose to start with the mediterranean platter (hummus, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, marinated olives, and toasted flat bread).  This was one of the best platters of this kind that I have ever had.  The hummus had a swirl of olive oil on top which enhanced the texture, the olives were flavorfully marinated, the flat bread triangles were seasoned well and the perfect combination of crispy on the outside/soft on the inside.  Yum!

I ordered the house salad topped with grilled shrimp, mainly because it is not your traditional "house salad."  The Good Life's version is comprised of mixed greens, golden raisins, feta cheese, walnuts, and honey balsamic.  The shrimp were flavorful, grilled perfectly, and paired well with the other ingredients. The dressing was a perfect mix of tangy balsamic and sweet honey mustard.  I would definitely order this again.

I also tried a bite of "The Good Life Burger" which is made of hand crafted sirloin, gruyere cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon jam.   Can you say, IN LOVE?  Anything with the term "bacon jam," is probably good in my book, and the combination of gruyere and blue cheese was uniquely delectable against the tender sirloin.   The french fries were not very exciting, but I tend to prefer the thicker, steak fry variety.

Now, on to the beer.  The Good Life is like your standard great beer haven, offering "shot" tastings of their tap beers, in order to help you with your massive decision.  In an attempt to match something with my sweet salad, I tried the "St Louis Framboise," a fruity, strawberry-colored brew that I had tried once before at Last Chance Cheese near Hunter Mountain.  The beer is very sweet, but interesting if you like that type of flavor.  Next time, I will have to sample more beers (and will be sure to report on it).

The table next to me was busy picking at delicious looking appetizers like "mashed potato wontons," covered in cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives.  Yes, super fattening, but also super delicious and more gourmet-looking than your standard potato skin.  After all, it is January, and comfort food is in season (postpone worrying too much about your beach body for another month or so- it's OK).

All in all, I will definitely return to The Good Life for inventive bar food and to try a few different beers. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is welcoming, and the menu offers a perfect mix of healthy options and comfort dishes.  They also offer 5-course beer dinner's that showcase the pairing of beer with food (note to self: attend one asap). Check them out on facebook to book a table for Super Bowl!