You've just finished hanging out with friends and your stomach is growling for a little something. But, it's late and there isn't time to hit a restaurant for a sit-down meal. Plus, you are tired and on a budget. The solution? Taco Bell. Grab a hard or soft taco, a cheesy gorditta crunch or have some cheesy fiesta potatoes. And, since the fast food chain is open until at least 4 a.m. on the regular and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, you know that you can almost always grab something to satisfy your late night craving. Did someone say chalupas? Information Address: 1709 Merrick Road Phone: (…

There are a lot of things that can change the way you feel about the place you live and there are issues that come up all the time. From private water and sewage to neighborhood beautification and safety, there are a lot of issues that civic associations tackle, both big and small. Merrick is lucky enough to have multiple civic associations, but two associations that are major and active. North of Sunrise Highway, there is the North and Central Merrick Civic Association, which is run by president Claudia Borecky. In the south, Joe Baker and Berta Weinstein bring issues to light with monthly …

Do you love to bike? Are you a spin class addict? Put a new twist on your workout routine or love for cycling and head to Core Ryder, a spin studio on Merrick Avenue that has a unique flair – RealRyder bikes. Only at a few locations scattered across Long Island, RealRyder bikes are on an articulating frame that tilts and leans while you ride, giving your workout a whole new feel. An avid outdoor biker that thinks stationary bikes are no fun? Give these a whirl and it will most likely have you come back for more, especially in the winter months. Want more information? Call Core Ryder at (516) …

Living on the South Shore of Long Island, there are plenty of reasons to have a boat – fishing, travel and sunbathing are just a few of those reasons. Want a boat? Need tools to get yours ready for summer? Interested in a new fishing pole? Ocean Outboard has you covered. Located by the Whaleneck Marina, Ocean Outboard has a full selection of boating and fishing supplies. The store also offers both indoor and outdoor boat storage for all seasons. In addition, boat hunters can check out skater boats, venture boats and pre-owned inventory in Ocean Outboard's Freeport showroom. Information Hours…

It's spring and what could be better than spicing up your life with a new look? That's where Osio Salon comes in. Osio, located on Merrick Road, offers standard cutting and styling options for men, women and children, as well as conditioning and scalp treatments, colorizing and texturing services. While customers wait, they can relax at Osio's two Internet terminals or grab a drink at the espresso bar. Osio also provides bridal services and special events for children and teenagers and offers a number of specials and package deals. Please call for more information. So whether you want a new …

The Merrick Fencing Club, where experts and the inexperienced alike gather to practice the famous Olympic sport, welcomes all ages at their meetings at the Cure of Ars Church on Merrick Avenue. Check out Patch's video report on this fun and challenging social group.

The weather is getting nicer, summer is coming and the kids are home this week. Looking for a way to get them out of the house? Pack them up and bring them to your local track. With tracks at all the local high schools – Calhoun and Kennedy – as well as at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Administration building, there is one close to your home. Get some exercise in the fresh air, while still being able to track your workout. Have your kids bring their bikes to ride around while you jog or have them bring some friends and a ball to play catch in the middle of the track. With school …

Always wanted a tattoo? Yearning for a new piercing? Head to Wyld Chyld Tattoo and do something a little daring. The studio is equipped with two piercers and six tattoo artists that specialize in black and gray/white, color, portrait, touch-up, cover-up, traditional, tribal and Oriental tattoo styles. The establishment offers a variety of deals available, so breaking your bank account is not a concern. Wyld Chyld offers free virgin tattoos every day of the week, in addition to $40 kanji and $30 stars. During their “Wyld on Wednesdays” special, you can swap your stuff for a free tattoo. …

Everyone has it – unwanted body hair. Whether your eyebrows are unruly or you want to clean up some facial hair, head to the European Wax Center and be taken care of by the specialists. Woman can rest easy knowing that everything from facial hair to your stomach, chest or shoulders will be smooth and sultry after leaving the salon. Waxing isn't just for women at this business – men can also be pampered and come out looking as handsome as ever. Choose from options such as your back, shoulders, chest, legs, underarms, neck, eyebrows and even ears. In addition, first-time customers receive a …

Looking to get pumped up in ways you never thought possible? Crossfit Merrick, a high-intensity personal training gym located on Merrick Road, might just be what you're looking for. Patch reporter Chris Boyle spoke with Crossfit owner Cliff Brown about why you should drag your out-of-shape self there so he can put you through the paces. (Editor's Note: Crossfit Merrick has since change locations. It is now located on Newbridge Road in Bellmore.)

Whether you want a romantic night with your significant other or a fun night out with friends, you will get added entertainment by making your own dessert. Enter fondue at The Vine-Wine Bar. The Vine-Wine Bar offers fondue for two for a price of $18. Your choice of dippers includes Rice Krispie treats, pound cake, bananas, strawberries, marshmellows, pretzels and melon. The price includes your selection of three and you have the option to add more dippers for $2.50 per choice. And don't forget to pair your fondue fun with some fabulous drinks! Wine, beer and martini's are readily available at…

Recently, Patch started a new contest about the bests in town. Not even on the original ballot, Via Roma came out on top as Merrick's best place to get chicken wings. Receiving 38 percent of the votes in the contest, Via Roma is a small pizzeria offering a standard mix of pizza, pasta and other Italian-American dishes. The restaurant caters small to medium size events. Delivery is available. This week, take some time and head down to Via Roma to see what everyone is talking about. Wings are made with a choice of mild, medium, hot or nuclear sauce and are served with blue cheese and celery. …

Looking for a place to grab a drink and unwind with your friends? How about a place that you can kick back with your significant other for some cocktails but not spend a fortune? Enter martini night. Every Thursday night, Nicholas James Bistro hosts live entertainment and $5 martini's. Choose from the classic martini to an appletini, try a cosmopolitan or get your martini extra dirty. No matter how you like your martini, Nicholas James will provide you with a satisfying drink that won't bust your bank account. Feel free to stop in an relax at the bar or dine at a cozy table while you listen …

Say what you will, but it is never too early to start thinking about bathing suit season. Not even in February. Even if you aren't trying lose weight, eating healthy is always a good option to have in your back pocket and a create your own salad is just the way to go. So where is this place where you can get a make your own salad exactly the way you want it? The answer is Crave Deli. The salad bar at Crave is extensive. Using only the freshest ingredients like oven-roasted meats and crisp vegetables, the eatery has about 50 different mix-in options for your plush salad. That's so many …

It's Valentine's Day in Merrick! Play hooky from today and spend the day with your loved one relaxing with a couple's massage, brought to you by Massage Envy, located on Merrick Road. There are an array of massages to choose from depending on your needs. You can start with the basic Swedish massage or you can ask for a deep tissue massage, if you aren't a newbie to the spa treatment. Massage Envy also has sports massages, pre-natal massages, geriatric messages, cranial sacral massages, reflexology and more. You can also customize your massage with hot stones, aromatherapy or deep muscle …

Nothing makes Sunday special like Sunday brunch and Merrick's own Left Coast Kitchen offers something for everyone. Newly extended, brunch is served from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the eatery and boasts mouth-watering options like oreo pancakes with whipped cream, six egg make-your-own omelets, crab and lobster hash and other specials like biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles and burgers. Need a Sunday pick-me-up? Not only does Left Coast Kitchen offer its patrons coffee (free at brunch!) and a variety of juices, but mimosa's, Bloody Mary's and sparkling wine are also available at brunch. …

Berne Jewelers is located in the Merrick Plaza shopping center. The store has been open since 1996 and offers an assortment of jewelry from watches to earrings. The store is small but staff is professional and helpful. Patrons can ask for advice for anything from a birthday gift to picking out an engagement ring. The shop also does repairs, will replace watch batteries and offers gift wrapping.  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, stop in and find that perfect present for that special someone. Information: Hours: Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.                    Saturday: …

Looking to do something different to get in shape or want to expand your dance horizons? Head over to LaMystika studio on Wednesdays to take a level-one Salsa class. Each class has two instructors and covers basic steps, rhythm and timing. The studio claims the class will give patrons a strong foundation to learn Salsa. Classes are one hour long and the cost is $12 for drop-ins or $10 per class if you are previously signed up. In addition to Salsa, the studio also offers yoga and other fitness instruction through a variety of classes weekly. An unlimited one-month pass is available for $150 …

For some delicious Thai cuisine, stop in Thai Station. The restaurant offers traditional favorites including pad Thai, panang curry and pad see ew. Appetizers include chicken satay, vegetable dumblings or shrimp soup, among others. For something exotic, try a Thai iced tea made with tea and coconut milk. The restaurant also offers take out and everything is reasonably priced. They do not take reservations, but it's conveniently located just one block north of the Merrick railroad station, so stop in on your way home from work. Information: Hours: Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30…

Inmotion is a local fashion shop that serves boys, girls, teens and adults. The shop is filled with the latest fashions, accessories, outerwear, shoes and much more. The shop also has special occasion dresses. Popular brands include The Northface, Birkenstock, Steve Madden, So Low and other fashion forward designers. The shop will also try to find you any items they may not have in stock. Workers are extremely accommodating and friendly. The store also offers specials and coupons which can be found in local papers and on their website. Their website also features an order online option. …