First-look at Whiskey Down Diner in Babylon

Whiskey Down Diner, which opened in Farmingdale in 2019, is currently in the midst of construction on its Babylon location. Co-owner Alyson Kanaras gave Newsday a behind-the-scenes look at the in-progress build-out of the restaurant's next location. 

Still on track to open in early September, the Babylon space mimics the diner-with-a-twist concept that made Farmingdale’s Whiskey Down a success, but doubles seating capacity to 100. Babylon will also feature an outside patio facing East Main Street that will seat up to 50 additional diners under a retractable awning. 

 Kanaras' and her brother John's father, Peter Kanaras, owned The Olympic Diner in Deer Park and the siblings, she said, "grew up" in their dad’s restaurant.  But by the time they reached their 30s, they felt ready for a culinary project of their own. Now comes Babylon, in Alyson Kanaras’ hometown, which makes the expansion "even more exciting. Farmingdale is my baby, but this is where I live," she said.

With a larger foyer, brand-new logo in mosaic tile beyond and a host stand fronting a merch counter, the space itself is anchored by a large bar (which was installed just after we left) with 22 seats — the front of which will function as a grab-and-go specialty coffee bar. Typical diner booths line the back half the restaurant. Against a newly installed panel of windows, the high ceilings will be enhanced by — what else — a disco ball, a perfect detail for the spirit of Whiskey Down. 

The state-of-the-art kitchen is massive, with perimeters housing multiple walk-in freezers; Kanaras credits the blueprint for the kitchen to her dad. A family affair, Peter, as well Kanaras’ sister, Kristina, and her two sons, were present as we toured the site.

In Whiskey tradition, the Babylon offshoot will serve a long list of all-day breakfast fare, including pillow-soft, loaded pancakes; sandwiches and fries at lunchtime, like such as their famous lobster roll; and dinner plates both small and large, from tacos and burgers to meatloaf and fried chicken. There’s also a killer late-night menu of items like sloppy, delicious disco fries and milkshakes. At those disco-ball-spinning brunches, don’t miss their Bloody Marys.

Whiskey Down Diner, Babylon Village, 175 E. Main St., Babylon; whiskeydowndiner.com