A Perfect Prix-Fixe Experience at 43 Green
Right in the heart of Huntington, 43 Green at Finley’s, is the kind of place that makes date night feel effortless. With its warm ambiance, creative and delicious menu curated by renown Chef Lewis Vargas, and a three-course prix-fixe deal for $42.95 (available Wednesday through Sunday), it’s the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail, enjoy a great meal, and make the night feel a little extra special (…almost as special as the lucky date you’re with).
First Impressions: The Best of Both Worlds
When you step into 43 Green, you’re immediately met with two distinct atmospheres under one roof. To the left is Finley’s, a lively bar with an upscale pub feel, warm lighting, and a cozy, inviting ambiance, perfect for grabbing drinks and catching up with friends.
Upon entering 43 Green’s dedicated dining area, you’re welcomed by a friendly hostess beside a sleek bar, setting the tone for an elevated meal. As you’re led through the restaurant, the cozy yet refined setting comes to life with the exposed brick walls, timeless black-and-white photography, and an intimate atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed yet special night out.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back cocktail or a full sit-down dinner, 43 Green offers the best of both worlds.
The Prix-Fixe… and Then Some
The prix-fixe menu includes one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. It sounds simple enough, however once we started reading the menu, we got a little distracted by how delicious everything sounded. Everything sounded too good to pass up, so we did what any reasonable food lover would do: we ordered more. No regrets!
The “dEATS”
To Start: The Bread Basket
A good bread basket is always a great start to a meal, and this one didn’t disappoint. It came with a tasty olive tapenade alongside the usual butter, which was a nice touch. I also loved that there were two types of bread, crispy baguette and fluffy focaccia. The focaccia was my favorite, especially with the sea salt flakes that made every bite even better.
Drinks: A Perfect “PEAR”ing for Date Night
Guinness
A classic—nothing more needs to be said for beer lovers.
Spicy Pear Margarita
Pears and tequila? Yes please, (especially with a little spicy kick)! Unlike overly sweet margaritas, this one was refreshingly different, with a perfect balance of heat and fruitiness. It was smooth, slightly spicy, and the ideal start to the meal.
Appetizers: Too Good to Skip
Harvest Crostini
(not included in the prix-fixe, but impossible to resist)
Ingredients: Roasted butternut squash, whipped feta, honey, fig chutney, sage, toasted sourdough
dEATS: Before even taking a bite, this dish was a showstopper…almost too pretty to eat (but obviously, we still did). The sweet fig chutney and honey balanced beautifully with the salty whipped feta, while the roasted butternut squash added a velvety richness. But the honeycomb was the real MVP, bringing in a rare textural contrast that tied everything together. Sweet, savory, crispy, creamy (absolute perfection)!
Harvest Salad
Ingredients: Baby kale, apples, toasted hazelnuts, dulce gorgonzola, raspberry vinaigrette
dEATS: A light, refreshing start to the meal. The dulce gorgonzola was milder and creamier than a typical blue cheese, adding just the right touch of richness. The toasted hazelnuts? Addictive (so much so, I was about to ask for more)! Their deep, nutty flavor balanced the crisp granny smith apples, while the raspberry vinaigrette brought it all together.
Lobster Bisque
dEATS: Rich, indulgent, and all about the lobster. Unlike some bisques that are overly creamy, this one lets the lobster flavor shine with just the right amount of saltiness. But the real highlight? The grilled bread on the side was smoky, perfectly charred, and ideal for soaking up every last drop.
Entrées: Elevated Comfort Food
Spice-Rubbed Tuna
Ingredients: Pan-seared tuna, bagna sauce, baby arugula, shaved fennel, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes
dEATS: Tuna steak is always a great choice for those who enjoy a heartier, meatier texture, and this preparation delivered exactly that. While some prefer their tuna rare, this version leaned on the more cooked side, making it approachable for a wider range of palates.
One standout element? The crisp, salty capers that coated the exterior, adding a surprising contrast to the fish. The bagna sauce was applied just right, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the tuna itself.
As for the side, the lightly dressed arugula salad brought a refreshing balance, with the shaved fennel and oven-roasted tomatoes tying everything together beautifully. A well-rounded, flavorful dish that didn’t overpower the star ingredient.
Braised Short Rib (+$5 prix-fixe upgrade and worth it!)
Ingredients: Served over mashed potatoes, charred broccolini
dEATS: When ordering braised short rib, one would expect it to be tender, which is exactly what this and this dish was delivered to a T. The meat was braised in a rich, savory sauce that paired beautifully with the savory, yet creamy mashed potatoes, which had their own depth of flavor rather than serving as just a side.
The charred broccolini wasn’t just an afterthought because it added a touch of smokiness and the perfect bite of greens to round out the dish. Comforting, flavorful, and well-executed, this was a standout option worth the small prix fixe upgrade.
Desserts: Ending on a High Note
Seasonal Fruit with Whipped Cream
dEATS: A fresh, light, and slightly tart way to finish off the meal. The mix of strawberries, Granny Smith apples, and citrusy orange paired beautifully with the fluffy whipped cream, a great option for those who want a sweet treat without feeling overly full.
Crème Brûlée
dEATS: One of my all-time favorite desserts, and this one did not disappoint. The crack of the caramelized top was ultra-satisfying, revealing a smooth, creamy custard underneath. Not too rich, not too sweet, just the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. A classic, done right.
Final Thoughts: Is 43 Green Worth the Date Night Hype?
Absolutely. 43 Green delivers on flavor, atmosphere, and quality. Whether you’re sticking to the prix-fixe or letting curiosity lead you to order more (like we did), the menu is thoughtfully crafted, with dishes that complement each other perfectly.
If you’re looking for a go-to date night spot with great food, solid drinks, and a cozy vibe, this place is a winner. Pro Tip → Order the Harvest Crostini and Braised Short Rib (…thank me later) 🙂
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