Publicans

- 550 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030

Introduction / Overview

For Long Island residents seeking the ideal blend of a classic American restaurant and a welcoming, upscale pub, Publicans in Manhasset stands out as a genuine local favorite. Located conveniently in the heart of Nassau County, Publicans is much more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a community hub that offers a lively, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, from a quick weekday lunch to a spirited weekend dinner or a celebration in their exceptional private dining space.

The menu at Publicans is a celebration of elevated comfort food and American tavern classics. It strikes a perfect balance between satisfying hearty cravings and offering fresh, high-quality plates. Patrons can explore an expansive selection of options, from juicy burgers like the signature All American Burger and the 8oz Burger, to robust main courses such as the Salmon Entree and the Steak Frites. The focus is on quality ingredients and delivering deeply satisfying, flavorful dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes.

A significant part of the establishment’s allure, especially for New York literary enthusiasts, is its historical connection as the famed local bar depicted in the Pulitzer Prize-winning author J.R. Moehringer’s memoir, "The Tender Bar," and its subsequent film adaptation. This history adds a layer of depth and nostalgic charm, reinforcing its status as a cherished neighborhood gathering spot. While the restaurant has been modernized and is now a sleek, contemporary space, the spirit of a convivial, talkative, and welcoming 'watering hole' endures.

Publicans also distinguishes itself with a robust drink program. It is known for a great beer selection, excellent cocktails, and a solid wine list, making it a premier spot for happy hour. They even pay homage to the Manhasset area with a well-known local drink that celebrates the town's appreciation for a well-made cocktail. The establishment is clearly focused on providing excellent service, which has earned it high praise from those who have hosted events or simply stopped in for a meal. Whether you're planning a corporate event, meeting friends for the big game, or dining solo, Publicans in Manhasset promises a high-quality, memorable experience that has cemented its place as a Long Island destination.

Location and Accessibility

Publicans is ideally situated in the affluent North Shore community of Manhasset on Long Island, making it an accessible spot for both Nassau County locals and visitors coming from Queens and other parts of the New York metropolitan area. The location on a main road simplifies travel and provides necessary convenience.

The restaurant's full address is:

550 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA

For guests arriving by car, parking is a breeze, which is a major benefit in the Long Island area. The restaurant offers:

• Free parking lot
• Free street parking

Publicans is dedicated to welcoming all members of the community and features comprehensive accessibility provisions:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

Publicans provides a comprehensive range of services, catering to various dining and event needs across the Long Island and Queens communities:

• Full Dining Service: Available for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable seating and table service.
• Event Hosting: Features a Private dining room with spacious, bright, and inviting settings, making it an excellent choice for team parties and special celebrations, as highlighted by numerous customer testimonials.
• Bar Service: A full Bar onsite offering an extensive menu of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, often featuring Happy hour drinks and food specials.
• Off-Premise Services: Offers Caterer services for events outside the restaurant.
• To-Go Options: Convenient Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, standard Delivery, and Takeout services are available for those who prefer to dine at home.
• Planning & Payment: Accepts Reservations for dining, and accommodates modern forms of payment including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Late-Night Options: Serves Late-night food for those craving a bite after hours.
• Digital Amenities: Provides Wi-Fi for all guests.

Features / Highlights

Publicans’ blend of an American restaurant and a community pub is underpinned by several key features that draw customers from across the region:

• Literary History & Legacy: It is famously known as the location documented in the popular memoir "The Tender Bar," creating a nostalgic and storied atmosphere that attracts both locals and literary tourists.
• Exceptional Private Events: The venue is highlighted for its spacious, clean, and well-managed private room, which, with its high ceilings and excellent staff (like managers Kaiser and Ben, and server Lauren, as praised in a review), ensures any party or celebration is a “10 out of 10.”
• The Manhasset Cocktail: A signature feature is its historical connection to the "Manhasset" cocktail, a local twist on the classic Manhattan, which celebrates the town’s cocktail culture.
• Sports Viewing: A popular spot for watching Sports, creating a lively pub environment perfect for catching a Monday night football game or the Knicks game with friends.
• Great Drink Program: Known for a Great beer selection, including local and craft brews, and Great cocktails, making it a fantastic destination for a drink and a quick bite.
• Comfort Food Excellence: The menu is centered on satisfying Comfort food and Small plates, ranging from the popular Baked Mac & Cheese to the savory Manhasset Dip (braised short rib with Swiss cheese).
• Convenience and Atmosphere: Combining a Trendy and Cozy atmosphere with Fast service and easy Parking in a free lot, it provides an all-around pleasant and hassle-free dining experience.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is truly Family-friendly, offering Good for kids options, High chairs, and a specific Kids' menu that includes popular items like Kids Cheeseburger and Kids Pasta Butter.

Contact Information

The Manhasset location of Publicans can be reached using the following information for reservations, general inquiries, and catering requests:

Address:

550 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA

Phone:

(516) 627-7722

What is worth choosing

When deciding what to order at Publicans, a few items stand out as essential choices that capture the spirit of this premier Long Island establishment. Start your experience with one of their fantastic appetizers. The Giant Bavarian Pretzel with queso blanco and horseradish mustard is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing, while the hearty Manhasset Dip—a savory mix of braised short rib and Swiss cheese—is an excellent example of their elevated comfort fare.

For the main course, you can't go wrong with their extensive burger selection. The Publican Burger, featuring an 8oz USDA prime angus beef patty, or the simple but satisfying All American Burger, are always solid choices that highlight their quality ingredients. If you’re looking for a slightly more substantial entrée, the Steak Frites or the classic Shepherds Pie are excellent comfort food options.

Beyond the food, the choice to visit Publicans is also about the experience. The Greek Salad has been positively reviewed for being "packed with olives," a sign of generous and authentic ingredients. More importantly, Publicans is the perfect setting for a group gathering. Whether you book their Private dining room for a major celebration, as one reviewer did, or simply grab a table to watch the game and enjoy their Great beer selection and Great cocktails, you are choosing a venue known for its welcoming, family-friendly vibe and accommodating staff. Publicans truly excels as a local institution that delivers quality food, a lively atmosphere, and a storied history, making it a reliable and engaging choice for the Manhasset community and all of Long Island.

Publicans

550 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA