The typical bar scene tends to conjure up thoughts of “bros,” wings and wide screen TVs, but a spot in Huntington’s already popular nightlife destination is about to blow away the competition. This August, The Rust & Gold will open with an elevated menu and entertainment features.
Founded by partners Jay Janawsky, Ryan Sipp, Lou Cohen and Frank Antonetti, The Rust & Gold has several decades of hospitality experience behind its staff. Janawsky currently operates two successful bars in Harlem, Sipp owned and operated Tullulah’s of Bay Shore and Antonetti was a mixologist at Swallow in Huntington.
“We saw an opportunity in Huntington, which has proven to be one of the most progressive areas on the island for nightlife and dining,” said Antonetti. “We want to give people better food, drinks and professional service with a place to hang out—whether they’d like to watch a game or play their own.”
Expect hi-def 65-inch televisions, a retractable projector for marquee events and a sound system for screening top games just in time for NFL preseason. When their favorite teams aren’t in action, guests can get their own competitive juices flowing.
“It was important to make this a place to have fun in every off season,” said Antonetti. “Good music and an array of amusements like shuffleboard, bubble hockey, foosball and a photo booth will round out the space.”
Rust and Gold will be a jeans-and-jersey joint, but the menu will be off the BBQ-wings-beaten-path. There will be chef-driven twists on traditional pub fare, cool updates to stadium food and “funkier food truck grub.” Think buttermilk “popcorn” chicken with mini cheddar biscuits and fried olives stuffed with blue cheese and served with pickled pepper relish.
The owners are keeping a tight lid on the drink menu but are promising craft beverages with fresh fruits, herbs, housemade cordials, syrups and tinctures.
“I see the direction that craft cocktails are headed in and if I were to continue down the same path, I would be making drinks that only an intimate workplace environment could accommodate,” said Antonetti. “Here I want to show that everyone can get a level of cocktail they haven’t seen before, without sacrificing the overall experience.”
The Rust & Gold will be located at 345 Main Street, Huntington