The Refuge

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Refuge is absolutely top-tier when it comes to amazing food, drinks, and atmosphere! 🍽️🍸 From start to finish, our experience was flawless. The steak was cooked to perfection—juicy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Pair that with their ultra-creamy, decadent mac and cheese, and you’ve got comfort food on another level 🔥🧀🥩. Their desserts? Incredible. Sweet, beautifully plated, and the perfect way to end the meal. And don’t even get me started on the drinks—crafted with precision, bold flavors, and just the right kick. 🍷🍰 The service was just as excellent—attentive, friendly, and fast. Whether you’re out for a romantic dinner or a night with friends, The Refuge delivers every time. I’ll definitely be back!

The Refuge is an absolute gem that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive, making sure every guest feels welcome and cared for. The menu is filled with delicious options that showcase fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Every dish is beautifully presented and full of flavor, making it hard to choose a favorite. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between cozy and vibrant, ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

The Refuge in Melville is easily one of my favorite spots on Long Island! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming — the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed. The staff is always friendly and attentive, and you can tell they take real pride in what they do. The food? Absolutely fantastic. Every dish I’ve tried has been fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or just drinks with friends, everything hits the mark. Their cocktails are top-notch too — creative, balanced, and served with a smile. It’s the kind of place that works for any occasion — casual night out, date night, or a big group celebration. You can always count on great energy, delicious food, and excellent service. If you haven’t been to The Refuge yet, do yourself a favor and go. It’s truly a Long Island gem! 🌟

Located in the middle of Melville, one of the must go restaurant. The REFUGE offers Latin American and Italian variety of delicious dishes. Wonderful atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant is spotless and has many parking spaces. We went as a group of 14 people. Our table was ready for us and we enjoyed every moment we were there.

Ugh what a disappointment! Went for birthday dinner and everything was a pure disaster! From slow service to exhausted waitress! Food took almost an hr! It was completely empty on a Saturday night and only 2-3 tables were seated. A drunk guest from the party that had just ended in ball room, bumped into my chair and no one escorted the fool out instead the loud guests proceeded to outside bar and had more alcohol at their disposal! Rude waiters completely disregarded us! One of them was speaking like he is in the hood! Food was cold by the time it arrived and the slow waitress got angry and slammed plate on our table while clearing them because we tipped according to her lack of presence the entire time we were seated. Not the place for families or kids! It’s a complete mess and over rated facility so avoid at all cost!

Our server was great hands down. However I waited for nearly 10 minutes in front of the hostess station before I was acknowledged by a server and even then people who came after me were seated by a server before me. Now I was solo and the people after me was a four top sooooo yeah I know why but what ever. My issue was the owner/manager walked by with a drink in hand sipping it, seen me standing and not even eye contact or acknowledgement when I said hello. Hostess took a long phone reservation and did not even look up to signal me she would be right with me. This was incrediblely uncomfortable. I'm glad to see this absolutely beautiful restaurant is doing well in a tuff economy. I guess so well my single selfs moneys weren't a priority.... Wings were ok. Large juicy and baked not fried loves that. Salad was meh. Soda was a bit flat. All an all not a great experience but everyone has off days so I'll try again in the future.

I had such a fabulous evening at the Refuge. I was blown away by the decor, it has a very unique style. We truly had one of the best servers I've had in a really long time. His name was Brian. He had a fantastic personality & was very attentive. They also had a DJ playing music which was upbeat & enjoyable. I had a light fruity drink which was sensational. The atmosphere was phenomenal. The soft pretzel with cheese, that they light on fire was extraordinary. It was probably the best soft pretzel that I've ever had, with the perfect amount of salt. They also have a room off to the side where you can host events, & they were having an 80's Prom theme party that I got the opportunity to participate in. We stayed until after closing hanging out in their outside patio section. I also had the pleasure of meeting the manager who was very respectful & pleasant.

I like it! We only had appetizers and 2 drinks. We got the drink after the food even though we ordered first. Nicole was really attentive. We'll come back and try other plates.

Love the look of this place. It was my first time for brunch and so I was very excited. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. It's very pretty inside and I love the saloon vibe. It's HUGE. I ordered the chicken Parm pizza with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. It was pretty tasty. I did have to send it back because the bottom of the pizza was completely black. I know that it's hard with a wood fire stove, and they had no problem making me a new one. The chicken was a little dry. There were so many things on the menu, I did have a hard time choosing. Next time, I would order something other than the pizza. Everyone loved their food. I think the stand out was the crab meat eggs Benedict. The peanut butter espresso Martini was also a hit. I would come back again and I would go with a smaller group and reserve one of those cute little inner private sitting booths. Our group was too large for it, but I saw them on the way out and I thought they were cool for a group of six.

Party of 6, we had reservations and were seated promptly. Our server Maggie was nice and told us all about the specials. The decor was semi Latin inspired but also like they were a late teenager who didn't know what they wanted to be when they grew up. The menu didn't match the decor- lots of Italian style options. It was confusing. They were counting down the days until Cinco de Mayo- I really expected more Latin or Mexican type food. The live music didn't match the menu OR the decor. The live band was SO incredibly loud we couldn't hear each other during conversation. They didn't need to play outside AND put a speaker inside. So totally overwhelming. Did I mention it was way too loud?? I ordered the $6 margaritas (Ladies Night?). The drink was too sweet and unbalanced and they used table salt on the rim. They highlighted their margaritas on the menu so I expected better. I also purposely didn't order a flavored margarita because I didn't want it too sweet. For dinner I got the shrimp tacos, again because it was highlighted on the menu as a favorite. It came with plantains and Spanish rice on the side. The plantains were great. The rice was dry and flavorless. The shrimp tacos were disappointing- a lime crema, some sort of drizzle on top, something acidic to liven it up would have made ALL the difference. There wasn't even a wedge of lime on the plate to squeeze over it. Overall we had a good time because we had good company and the waitress kept the drinks flowing but based on what I expected, I was disappointed in basic quality of the food and drink.

Love the food, and the service was great. Good experience! Our server Ashley was professional and helpful. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Gone are the days of hanging out on the patio of The Refuge on a Friday/Saturday night. Those were the nights, when we would drink margaritas the size of our heads while trying to yell over the blaring DJs top 40 spins. But that's ok because this place doesn't just have a bangin' event/nightlife scene, it's also got really delicious food. I hadn't been since before COVID. A little fun fact is my sister catered her wedding from here in 2021 and the food was outstanding. I also had never been here during brunch, so it felt like a new experience overall. The brunch menu is great and has a Latin flare. My Abuelita Salad was recommended by our server and she did not steer me wrong. I was able to catch up with friends over my brunch cocktail, the Split Decision. It had tequila, triple sec, orange juice and Prosecco. I think this is my new favorite brunch drink. It was amazing. They have a vegan menu with a variety of options which is so great. Our server quickly brought it out to us. Speaking of, she was so wonderful and really knew her way around the menu. The Refuge itself hadn't changed much since my last visit. I think they have a bigger event space attached to the dining area now. The place itself has a wooden rustic charm. The guac still remains one of my favs. Honestly, it's one of my favorite spots on LI and if you don't come here, you're doing something wrong.

We had a nice dinner there last night. It's a very large space with a cool saloon vibe going. it's extremely loud so conversation is a challenge. the menu is nicely varied and service was excellent. shout out to Ayana our server and the other staff who were very attentive. Food is good, portions decent but very expensive imo. It's not like the food is organic or grass fed but i guess that's pricing in the area. They have a pizza oven which is a cool addition and my family enjoyed the margarita pizza.

I came here for my friend's beautiful baby shower. I have been here once before for lunch. I had no idea they had such a beautiful private room for celebrations.The food is always so good here. I need that Bella chicken dish in my life again.I love the attention to detail the refuge has.The staff is very nice too. Honestly such an amazing place to celebrate such a beautiful day. I really enjoyed celebrating my girl's special day. To know me is to know, how much I love a good brunch!!! Keep the mimosas coming . Oh and the carnival dessert package is a must. I cannot wait to come back.

Vegan brunch alert! Normally I avoid brunch. Rarely, unless it's a dedicated veg establishment, are there options for us, beyond adapting the good 'ol avocado toast, which I can easily make at home. The Refuge has options and they are good ones! You do need to ask for the vegan menu, however... if you don't know this and look at the typical menu, you'll think there are no vegan options at all. It might be helpful if they noted a vegan menu being available if they don't want to automatically hand one to each table. I love the environment. Somehow they made a huge building into a cosy, rustic environment and during the holidays, it's beautifully decorated. We were seated right away and our server was wonderfully attentive (bring on the bellinis, please!) Although one may not consider ravioli and meatballs as very brunch-like, if you grew up going to Sunday dinner in an Italian American household, you will feel it's just the thing you want at this time. I really enjoyed my food and liked how toothsome the meatballs are, which can often be mushy affairs when plant-based. The tomato sauce is also excellent and it's a generous portion of ravioli. I really enjoyed my time here and I'll be adding The Refuge to my Long Island list!

Love the place. The food is very good and A great place to hang out for drinks at their outside bar. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the Area.

I recently went to The Refuge for a birthday and absolutely loved it! My friends and I all got different things and we each were satisfied with our meals. I 100% recommend the nachos. The service was also amazing, super friendly, and patient with us when we couldn't decide what to order. The vibe inside is aesthetically pleasing from the entrance, to the bar, and the seating. My friends and I even got instagram pictures LOL!

Beautiful rustic decor, good selections and portion sizes, nice staff. Music is extremely loud making it difficult to hear.

We were blown away by the whole experience! Service: I gave our reservation and name to the hostess, she greeted us like family. That was the best greeting I've had at a restaurant. The waitress, Kayla, is such a sweet person! She was really personable, and showed her passion/adoration for The Refuge very well. She really is a gem! The Ambiance: As I said earlier...blown...away! This is a dimly lit restaurant themed so well. The ceilings are draped with "christmas lights" right now they are red, and there's a cute heart "chandelier" hanging down. Look around, there is so much to see from the ceilings to the chairs, not one detail left blank. It is almost like you are outside in the middle of a small town. Some people compare it to being in the Pirates of The Caribbean ride. We were lucky enough to have one of the beautiful high rise gazebos, it really makes you feel important, i can't get over the secluded beauty that it is. The Food: Phenomenal! We had a taste of the Valentine's Day menu to come. There is the filet mignon, crumbled lobster, with heart shaped ravioli in a cream sauce. You can't miss this! We also had one of the pizzas (there were two of us and we shared it easily). Shout out to the Volcano Shrimp Alfredo Pizza...they are handmade out on the floor (feel free to watch them at the special station). Everything was cooked perfectly, and with so much care. For dessert, we had a special Valentine's Day creation...A mini full Raspberry Cheesecake, with a sweet sauce to compliment it all, and a chocolate covered strawberry... So delicious and perfect for two! The cocktails were delicious and had a nice kick, wow, can't wait to come back!!!! Btw, check out their event hall and smaller meeting spaces inside, they are so beautiful and very separated from the noise and busyness of the restaurant.

I'm never disappointed when I go here. My husband and I are vegetarian so the vegan options are our go to and we always enjoy it! The drinks are great as well and it always a vibe.

Second time here in the past month and have to say best guacamole we ever had . Food and drinks were so fresh and on point . Bartender Joshua was amazing and made it a great experience. Will definitely be back soon . Must try restaurant and bar

The scene: Thursday late night drop in Music was great live dj playing a little of everything. Very loud though so not a good spot for chit chatting great for vibes ! Drink : spice spice baby (Spicey marg ) Very sweet. Prob bc they use sour mix? I wouldn't order it again. Service: was just okay our server was nice-ish no complaints but no compliments either. The ambiance: I do love the look of the place. It has a large bar a pizza oven station you can see a large dinning area and bar high tops. My favorite thing about this place is the outside. It's winter now so too cold for that but love coming here in good weather. The food: So far in my visits I've had the lobster mac, the charcuterie, the po boy, the pizza and some other things off the menu. Everything I've had has been great! Overall a go to for me for sure.

These nachos were the best I ever had. They even tasted amazing after I retweeted them at home. The drinks were delicious, they were very well balanced with no strange aftertaste. The food tasted fresh and everyone at the table loved their food regardless of what they ordered. The ambiance is very cool and they can accommodate large groups with eaze. The service was amazing. The full team worked together to make sure we got everything we needed. This is a great restaurant.

Very cute place to pop in! Had the grilled churrasco and it was delicious, would definitely recommend this entree. Had the "wanna peach of me?" drink and that was really good if you like something sweet. Service took a bit long, maybe because we came at a busy time but overall it was not too bad of a wait for the food.

This place looks great, both outside and inside. It's inviting and welcoming, the service was very good, our server Joe was friendly and attentive, the food was very good, from the appetizers (although a little small IMO) to the desserts, although I thought that the flan consistency was more of a custard than a flan ,but it was very tasty, the chocolate cake was a little of a disappointment, it was just ok, the main dishes were very good, I can't wait to come back and taste more of their options

Anytime I go out with people who like bland food or are picky eaters, they suggest this place...that's all I'm going to say.

I was here for a job Christmas Party. It's a large venue with parking. We were in a private room, which was great. The appetizers were really good, I liked them better than the buffet. The waiters/waitresses were very good and accommodating. We will be returning next year.

I always seem to forget why I don't go here -- until I go back a few years later. Unfortunately, last night was another reminder. For the price, it's just underwhelming. We spent $350 for a family of five, and the food was not great -- not terrible, but definitely not worth what we paid. Service was slow; we never even got drink refills. Our dinners came out in two parts: three meals were served first, then no server in sight. I had to ask a busboy for help, and eventually the other two meals were brought over. My wife's dinner was barely touched because it wasn't good. When the server came to clear the plates and asked if we needed a box, we said no -- she could clearly see the plate was untouched but just shrugged and walked away. No manager ever checked in, and no one running the place seemed to care. The venue itself is beautifully designed, but the service is lacking, and the food is just not worth the cost. To top it off, we had leftover mussels packed up -- but the server didn't seal the container properly, and on the way home, it spilled all over my car and my wife's clothes. Sadly, another disappointing visit.

Friday night hangout, it was jumping in here - almost every table full. There's a DJ playing some tunes - it's a very lively environment. We shared the Lobster Mac, Calamari, Shrimp Taco all very good. The waitress was super attentive and super sweet. Not happy they don't offer Happy Hour - but it is what it is

Everything was perfect!! The food was delicious, the drinks were great and our server was perfect! Ayanna was her name and she was so in tune to our needs ! I would highly recommend

Back after a year... and mehhh I really don't see the popularity of this place other than the great music that makes you wanna dance while eating lol Unable to have any type of table conversation though. The drinks are not it at all.... The foods ok, check out pics and prices. I don't care for the table set ups. Anyways... I appreciate the vegan menu but I ordered the same plate I had last time and it was completely different lol crazy !! There was NO ravioli at all, I mean you guys can compare the pics. They just tossed a vegan dish together & past it off as if was what I ordered. Have fun !!

I liked this place. Was in town for a work trip. Had a pizza. Great crust. Great flavor. Service was great. I think our server was named Gabriela, if I remember correctly. Good ambience. Lived up to its name for this road warrior.

The food was amazing, although there was a slight hiccup. The service was impeccable!! Gabriella is my favorite worker here, she was so kind and understanding. Not to mention, they were very generous in making up for the "issue" with the food. The ambiance is very relax but also date night style. Definitely can't wait to come back.

Big spacious place, well appointed. Plenty of party rooms. In door and out door dining. Large selection of food and drink. Generous portions and best of all everything was delicious. Service was very friendly. Will definitely be back for more next time when I'm out in Looong Island!

Super close to home, amazing esthetic and atmosphere, the music is always pumping. I will choose the Ref every single time.

Just off 110, large parking area, indoor and outdoor bars and seating (we were inside), loud constant rock and roll music, inattentive, inconsistent service. Will try outdoors next time. Entrees great. See below my order of "Fettuccini DeVinci" with shrimp, mushrooms, peppers and an added breaded chicken cutlet over a bed of fettuccini with delicious sauce. They serve complimentary bread for the table that's a submarine-sized, cooked loaf of pizza dough with oil and spices ... a little greasy, but good. The girls were happy with their Harvest Salad plus shrimp and the Quinoa Salmon (thick). Large portions, so we all took doggie bags home.

When they first opened, we liked it. It was something different, but now, the food has zero flavor. Their service and ambience is good, but the last few times we've gone, no bueno!

Went for a 730 dinner, after we were seated it took fifteen minutes for a waiter to take our drinks. The place was incredibly loud - that didn't bother us, but would likely bother some. We ordered appetizers, including the cheese dip. Those were brought out and we were halfway through before we even ordered mains. Service was a little slow, but the waiter was nice. However both me and my husband woke up at 4am with horrible stomach issues. The only thing we both ate in the past 48 hours was the cheese dip, and 8 hours after we ate it, symptoms hit like a freight train. It's a shame because we overall liked the place, but we won't go back now.

Came here with a girlfriend to celebrate a life event. This place was jumping. Several large tables with office parties going on. Luckily our server was the best. Kayla was a gem in all that was going on she still made our dining experience exceptional. We shared several appetizers and our paella entree. Everything was super delicious. My favorite was the baked clams, following closely was the mussels in white wine sauce. I love the food here. Definitely looking forward to returning soon.

Great food great atmosphere . Catering and outdoor area went there Thursday night hope they bring back the veal chops

Loved the eclectic vibes! Mel was a fantastic server. A+++. Very accommodating to our large group

Nice spot for lunch and after work drinks. Great food, above average drink and exceptional friendly service

This is the kind of place to go to for good music, drinks at the bar, and their apps. The interior of the place is definitely stylish, spacious, with really cool seating on elevated platforms for a more secluded dining experience. Our waiter was great and helped tremendously with what we should get to eat, and was attentive and fast. Started out with the ropa vieja nachos, which were huge and delicious. Easily could have fed 5 people, and I was basically stuffed before dinner even arrived. We were offered a garlic bread which came out looking pretty good, and it was straight from the oven, but it had no flavor and was too greasy; it was completely saturated in a tasteless oil. The main dinners, aside from the farfalle with escarole, were just not good. For a restaurant to specifically specialize in only two ethnic cuisines: Latin and Italian, I would hope they'd do it right, but I have to be honest, both the pizza and the Binonna dish were just not good. The chicken cutlet and broccoli rabe pizza sounded good until it arrived on soggy dough with both watery pizza sauce AND sweet balsamic glaze. The combo is not good. The meatball in the Binonna was so odd, a texture that just mushed in your mouth, indicating very heavy breadcrumbs, and the taste was just, no. The sauce on the penne was not good either. I think it's was supposed to be vodka sauce, but like the pizza sauce, it was watery and the flavor was not there. I truly would not recommend any of the Italian food on this menu, especially if you are Italian, especially if you know quality Italian food. I think this place is fine for drinks, music, and the apps like the nachos, guac, or pretzels and cheese.

nice place, good quality food. would come back again. Brunch time is recommended i went at dinner and staff didn't seem to know which tables were their tables

Recommended For lunch and dinner and a live music was amazing food was delicious I will be coming back again

Enjoyed great guacamole, a tasty Mediterranean shrimp bowl and excellent service from our server, Nicole.

Waiter messed up soda orders for 2 of 3 people. Soda was flat. Food was too salty. My dish for appetizers was filthy with food. My entre was over salty. I've been to Refuge several times and loved it. Our table rocked and the chairs were unstable. The waiter had to be asked to take the menus away WELL AFTER we ordered. Only came one time to see if we needed anything. Today changed my mind there standards have plummeted and I will not go again.

Don't come here if you want to be able to speak to the people you are with. I was here at 5pm on Friday and I couldn't hear anyone, it was ridiculous and really took away from our gathering. If it was 9pm I would have understood but it was early. I asked 2 people politely if they could turn it down and I was ignored. Management was bad vibes, done w this place.

These reviews are incredibly misleading. This was one of the worst meals my friends and I have ever had. I ordered a burger and it was boiled and unseasoned, $9 mocktails that are 90% ice, $7 for a side of 2 bacon strips. Rock hard unripe avocados, unseasoned eggs, toast was stale, eggs Benedict tasted too sweet. Our server was nice, but the food was not.

Joe was the best bartender!! Drinks are always so good here, especially the Ice Loves Coco!

Food was amazing and service was even better- brunch was fun and they had a lot of options. Amaya recommended a lot of great things and I will be coming back !!

When for my wife's birthday and had an amazing time. The service was great and the food was really good. We had the Salmon, Calamari and paella. All was delicious and recommended by the waiter. They also have DJ Robbie Love who played amazing music. Make a reservation for the weekend and expect a good time. PS. If your going to order the Paella it takes about half an hour which is ok because it means it's being made fresh.

Food and service was amazingly good, ambiance was very nice definitely a place to take your wife or date. Food was tasty sat down for dinner with my wife and she likes the vibes and music playing. Had a couple of drinks at the bar as well. Live music band overall place is unique.

Pros Waiter Joey was energetic and fabulous Cool space Cons Charged $1.50 for egg whites, nowhere on the menu Only 2 pancakes shouldn't cost $18

Service was quick and friendly, but some foods left a lot to be desired. I ordered the paella, and though it's BIG, it lacked flavor and the rice was mushy. My aunt ordered a farfalle verde dish and just had far too much oil. However, the wanna peach of me cocktail was amazinggggg. I'd like to come back and explore the happy hour menu. Randomly, the bathrooms are also extremely small, just a heads up.

I came here at 5:15 on a Thursday. When I first got there were very few people. By the time I left at 6:15 it was absolutely packed. It was the waitress' first day and she did a great job! She did a really good job of explaining to me what did and did not have dairy in it. We started with a chips and guacamole appetizer. The guacamole is made fresh and the chips are huge. It tasted great. I then ordered the chicken paillard. The balsamic dressing on the salad was delicious and very enjoyable. The chicken was just okay. It was a little dry. I would definitely go back but would order a different entree.

Always amazing service and food. Our go to place West of the Suffolk border that's open late