626444 Tue Jun 09 11:36:31 -0700 2009 9 20 General Tristate Archive 0 4756915 Things I have always loved about the Briars-- a relish tray full of crisp celery, radishes, carrots, and olives, and the family sized bowl of crunchy homemade coleslaw that the waitress brings before every meal. Honest food-- Prime rib, baked potato, home style green vegetables. Generous portions of fresh seafood. Tasty, huge portions of chicken parmegian with a nice side of pasta for my growing teenage sons. My only gripe was the dining room, which was a tired, poorly lit, with a grungy old carpet. But given the informality of the place and the prices, I was willing to accept it. Well, I went for a quick bite two Fridays ago, and lo and behold, the owners built a new addition to the restaurant, a new dining room. It has kind of a men's grill county club feel. High ceilings, faux mahogany paneling, well lit. It was a pleasure to dine there. It has been open for 6 months I am told, but I had not been in to see it. It takes the restaurant to a new level. I did notice the prices had been notched up a couple of dollars per entree, but it is still a good value. It is a real crossection of a crowd. Blue collar, white collar, and everything in between. Tue Jun 09 11:36:32 -0700 2009 58745 steelydad 1 4758319 I couldn't agree with you more... The Briars is a solid performer... My DW loves their cole slaw, and she hardly ever eats it anywhere else. And I like your term "Honest food". I think that sums up the place wonderfully. Although at times some of the wait staff can be less than stellar, we still love the place. It reminds me of places I went to with my parents while growing up on Long Island. We were there a few months ago, and I had meant to comment on the new room, which we only saw from the old dining room on our way out, but I never got to my computer that night and then that brain cell went dormant until I saw your post. And you don't have to be a growing teenager to love their chicken parm. Our friend who we go there with from time to time, always gives me grief as that is what I typically will order and then have for leftovers over the next day or so! Tue Jun 09 18:51:35 -0700 2009 4756915 12501 ltlevy 2 4778264 Glad we agree! What is a "DW" by the way? Please excuse my ignorance!:) I would definitely eat the chicken parm also, btw. I think the key at Briars is to keep things as simple as possible. And I agree that the service can be very uneven. Tue Jun 16 11:26:56 -0700 2009 4758319 58745 steelydad 3 4778923 Yes, simple seems to be the best there.... Our friend and her late husband typically got the liver and onions there and always enjoyed it. "DW" = "Dear or Darling Wife" = My better half :-) Tue Jun 16 14:21:23 -0700 2009 4778264 12501 ltlevy 4 4797552 Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!! I shold have known. Tue Jun 23 06:59:41 -0700 2009 4778923 58745 steelydad 1 4759132 I haven"t been to the Briar's in some time but I can remember remarking years ago they needed facelift. So am I assuming right that they built a whole new dining room without updating the old one. Does it get that crowded that they needed the space? Wed Jun 10 05:23:08 -0700 2009 4756915 92092 GIOny 2 4797580 Yes they did build the new dining room without updating the old one. Makes no sense, does it? I was there on a rainy Friday night at 700pm recently. The old dining room was almost full, and I requested a table in the new one. Within 15 minutes, there were 4 other tables taken in the new room. I guess they need the space. I think that they should give the rest of the place a good cleaning and a paint job. As for the bar, well, i think it is best left as is to keep the regulars happy. Tue Jun 23 07:09:18 -0700 2009 4759132 58745 steelydad 1 4759534 Where is this place? Wed Jun 10 07:46:32 -0700 2009 4756915 69187 biga290 2 4760421 512 North State Road. Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 Wed Jun 10 11:59:20 -0700 2009 4759534 23027 apples 1 4811758 I don't think I've been to the Briars since my 8th grade graduation dinner...so, about 11 years ago! I do remember going there when I was younger than that, and having to wait in the bar area for a dining room table, so if business was still good, I guess the update was long overdue. My family always thought of it as more of a special occasion place I guess (my graduation dinner, and my grandparents' 50th anniversary dinner), b/c I didn't go there often even though I grew up about 2 minutes away. I will have to try it again sometime when I am in the area. Sat Jun 27 17:55:25 -0700 2009 4756915 66556 Solstice444