Miller's Ale House To Take Over Grill 454

Miller's Ale House is looking to take over the space occupied by the former Grill 454 in Commack, hoping to fill the desires of some local residents. 

Miller's Ale House went before Smithtown's Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday night seeking a special exception for outdoor dining and four variances to move forward with plans to demolish the former Grill 454 and construct a new restaurant off Veterans Highway and Sunken Meadow Parkway. 

The proposed Miller's Ale House would be 9,589 square feet and sit up to 328 diners, slightly smaller than Grill 454 that had 344 seats. The new restaurant's layout would include 850 feet of outdoor dining. 

This would be one of two new Miller's Ale House restaurants opening in the area, with a second location currently under construction in Lake Grove near Smith Haven Mall. Miller's Ale House currently has locations open in Deer Park and Levittown.

The restaurant received approval to move ahead with its plans, with conditions. David Flynn, Smithtown's assistant planning director, said the town wanted to place limits on exterior lighting so it doesn't impact nearby residents and prohibit any outdoor entertainment. 

Some Commack Patch readers suggested they'd like to see a Miller's Ale House take over Grill 454 after it closed suddenly on New Year's Day. It was in business only a year after taking over Charlie Brown Steakhouse. 

"I think a Miller's Ale House or Buffalo Wild Wings type place would be perfect here. A place families could bring kids or groups of friends could go hang out, watch sports and have some good wings/beers etc. This area is sorely lacking in that type of spot," writes Laura Perocier.

Several other residents agreed that Miller's Ale House would be a welcome addition to the Commack's dining options. 

"I know they said Miller's is opening one near the mall. Why not here too??? It's a great place, good food, cheap prices. It will blow Applebee's out of the water," commented J. Calabrese. 

J.R. Kyres, director of real estate for Miller's Alehouse restaurants, said the Florida-based chain was already in negotiations for the Commack location when Grill 454 closed.