Cafe Sport Restaurant

- 361 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596

For residents across Long Island and the greater New York area seeking an authentic taste of the Old World, the search often leads to the charming village of Williston Park. Tucked away on Hillside Avenue, the Cafe Sport Restaurant stands as a long-standing culinary gem, bringing the rich, robust, and heartwarming flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine to Nassau County. This establishment is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination that offers a welcoming, family-style atmosphere combined with a menu deeply rooted in the coastal and rustic traditions of Portugal. Since its inception, with the current owner having been affiliated with the family-owned restaurant since 1988, Cafe Sport has built a reputation for genuine hospitality and generous portions, making it a beloved local secret.

The ambiance at Cafe Sport is designed to feel approachable, casual, and cozy—a true European neighborhood café right here in Williston Park, New York. Imagine tile floors, rustic wood accents, and the comforting scent of garlic, olive oil, and grilling meats filling the air. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably relax after a long day, enjoy a quality meal without pretense, and feel a genuine connection to tradition. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch, settling in for a romantic dinner rendezvous, or gathering a large group of family and friends, the setting provides an intimate and character-filled backdrop for any occasion. Patrons appreciate the familiar atmosphere and the warm welcome, with the bar near the entrance providing a perfect spot for a pre-meal drink or catching a bit of a sports match, given the "Sport" in its name.

Location and Accessibility for the New York Local

The Cafe Sport Restaurant is conveniently situated for residents throughout Nassau County and Queens, offering an easy escape from the hustle and of New York City for a taste of authentic international cuisine.

The address is: 361 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA.

Located on a main thoroughfare in Williston Park, the restaurant is highly accessible. For those driving, the venue provides the highly valued amenity of Free street parking nearby, alleviating the common stress of finding a spot in the busy New York metropolitan area. Furthermore, in its commitment to serving all members of the community, Cafe Sport is noted for its accessibility features, including a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This makes it a thoughtful choice for a diverse range of patrons.

Services Offered at Cafe Sport Restaurant

Cafe Sport is a full-service restaurant that aims to cater to nearly every dining need, from a quick solo bite to a major life event.

• Dine-in Seating: Offers both lunch and dinner services in its casual, cozy environment.
• Full Bar Service: Features an expansive variety of the finest red, white, and traditional Portuguese wines, domestic and imported beers, and a complete cocktail menu with classics like the Mojito, Margarita, and Portuguese specialty drinks like the Caipirinha.
• Happy Hour Specials: Available Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM, featuring discounted Domestic and Imported Beers, and Sangria.
• Weekly Specials: Diners are encouraged to ask about rotating weekly specials, including a unique dish-of-the-week every Monday and a Ladies Night on Thursdays where ladies drink free all night long.
• Take-Out Service: All menu items are available for take-out, perfect for enjoying Portuguese classics at home.
• Full Catering Service: Provides catering options for special events, including weddings, baby showers, bar mitzvahs, and full outdoor barbeque stations.
• Reservations: The restaurant takes reservations, which are highly recommended for groups and peak dining hours.
• Family Amenities: Considered good for kids and provides high chairs, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.

Features and Highlights of the Dining Experience

Cafe Sport is celebrated in the community for several key aspects that set it apart as a premier Portuguese dining spot in the New York area:

• Authentic Portuguese & Seafood Menu: The menu is a focused collection of genuine Portuguese classics, with an emphasis on fresh, flavorful seafood and grilled meats (Churrasqueira style). Signature dishes include Bacalhau à Brás (shredded codfish with scrambled eggs and potatoes) and Carne Porco Alentejana (pork and clam stew).
• Exceptional Seafood Selection: Diners can choose from a delectable and varied seafood menu that includes popular items like Grilled Shrimp (Camarão Grelhado), Codfish Cakes, Grilled Octopus, a large selection of lobster dishes such as Lagosta Recheada (Whole Stuffed Lobster), and classic Seafood Paelhas (Paelha Valenciana or Marinheira).
• Signature Meat Dishes: The meat selection is equally strong, featuring dishes cooked to perfection, such as the Parrilhada de carnes (Grilled Meat Medley for two), Bife à Sport (House Steak topped with ham and egg), and Veal Marsala.
• Notable Desserts and Cocktails: Customers frequently highlight the Great dessert selection, which includes Tiramissu, Flan, and Mousse de Chocolate, as well as the Great cocktails offered at the full bar.
• Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The setting is described as casual and cozy, ideal for families and groups, offering an intimate feel that encourages lingering and conversation.
• Comfort and Healthy Options: The menu is versatile, offering hearty comfort food alongside healthy options, smaller plates, and quick bites to suit various appetites and dietary preferences.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about catering services, use the following contact details:

Address: 361 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA

Phone: (516) 742-6540

What is Worth Choosing: Signature Portuguese Specialties

When you visit Cafe Sport, you are there for the distinctive flavor of Portugal, a cuisine celebrated for its use of seafood, olive oil, and deep, satisfying flavors. For a first-time visitor in the New York area, diving into the classic Portuguese preparations is a must.

Start your meal with the Camarão à Guilho, shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic sauce, or the Ameijoas A Bolhao Pato, clams in garlic and wine sauce, which are quintessential Portuguese appetizers. For the main course, the emphasis is often on codfish, or bacalhau. The Bacalhau Assado, grilled codfish with green peppers and onions topped with hot olive oil and garlic, is a highlight of the fish menu and a beloved national dish.

Alternatively, for a truly grand presentation, one of the generous seafood combinations, like the Paelha Valenciana (a classic seafood combination with chicken and sausage in saffron rice) or the Mariscada Zarzuela (seafood combination in a tomato sauce), offers a feast of flavors and textures. Those who prefer meat should explore the Carne Porco Alentejana, a traditional dish of pork with clams that perfectly encapsulates the coastal and rustic influences of Portuguese cooking. Finally, be sure to finish with a strong Expresso or Café Português and one of their praised desserts to complete the authentic experience at this Nassau County favorite. Cafe Sport continues to deliver real flavor, real hospitality, and a welcoming, no-rush environment that makes it a quiet, yet reliable, favorite for authentic dining near New York City.

Cafe Sport Restaurant

361 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA