Great Neck residents who fondly remember Bistro Grill, a French steakhouse that closed in 2011 after a decade of success, can now rejoice since Serge and Yardena Gorge are back in the neighborhood with their upscale burger bar, aptly named Bistro Burger. Since its opening in December 2013, the restaurant has already gained a following with both families and a younger crowd, including students from local schools, for whom they offer $8 student specials from 10 am to 3 pm. It has also been featured in New York Times as one of the selected Long Island restaurants to serve “classy burgers in relaxed settings”. The contemporary bright décor in yellow, orange and grey colors, adds to the youthful vibe and casual atmosphere of the place. The restaurant features an open kitchen, offering a view of how their homemade dishes are being created. The seating is the combination of chairs and cushioned booths, with some outdoor seating in the front in the summer. Bistro Burger also has a liquor license for wine and beer and can accommodate private parties for up to 50 people.

Bistro Burger’s popularity is largely due to the reputation and culinary expertise of their passionate and innovative Executive Chef, Serge Gorge. Born in Luxemburg and trained in Switzerland, he has a long track record of success in the kosher restaurant industry, including The Blue Fish in Eilat (Israel), Box Tree in Manhattan, and Bistro Grill and Bistro Deli in Great Neck. Bistro Grill was a true culinary gem, for which Chef Gorge received the Gold Medal Award from Long Island Food Critic as the Best Kosher Restaurant in Long Island.

While Bistro Burger is casual in look and feel, Chef Gorge has taken his years of experience to put out a top quality menu. Some of the signature burgers customers’ favorites are Bistro Burger with corned beef, Chili Burger Deluxe with crispy smoked turkey, and Fire House Burger – a Jalapeno burger with crispy pastrami. All their sauces are homemade, including BBQ sauce, Sesame Teriyaki Sauce, Sirarcha Honey Chili Sauce, and other inventive concoctions. Salads are also a popular choice on their menu (try, for example, their Bistro Burger Salad with pan seared salmon filet and marinated wild mushrooms), and Chicken Tex-Mex Poppers are one of the most requested items among appetizers. In addition to burgers, the menu features a range of sandwiches and Panini, pasta, fish and chef special entrees, including their popular Baby Chicken Skewers. Highly recommended is their Bistro Special Sandwich, made with grilled marinated chicken breast and grilled vegetables, and topped with their much raved about Pesto Sauce. Their homemade desserts feature such specialties as Chocolate Lava Cake among others.

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Review 3/10/16

Review 5/21/20