Rail Road Inn

- 151 S Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Introduction / Overview

For Long Island residents and New York City commuters, the Rail Road Inn in Valley Stream, NY, is more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a genuine local institution. Nestled adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks, this bar has earned its reputation as an essential stop for travelers and a beloved hub for the Valley Stream community. It embodies the classic, comfortable, and no-frills "commuter bar" aesthetic, offering a solid, unpretentious place to unwind.

The atmosphere at the Rail Road Inn is consistently described by locals as warm and cozy, providing a welcoming retreat from the often-frenetic pace of life in the New York metropolitan area. It serves as a social meeting point, particularly attracting a younger, hip crowd, especially on nights when live music takes the stage. While some reviews for a similarly named hotel exist outside the area, the specific local Rail Road Inn on S Franklin Ave is renowned for its vibrant bar scene, friendly service, and reputation for being a place where regulars and newcomers alike can find a seat at the bar.

This establishment is proudly a "solid bar," a perfect waiting room to "wait out all the nonsense the LIRR puts you through," as one loyal customer noted. Its unique location and vibrant entertainment schedule—including occasional live bands and specialized theme nights—make it a distinctive and valued part of the Nassau County nightlife landscape. It is a spot where you can enjoy a casual night out, shoot some pool, play darts, and experience a genuinely local Long Island atmosphere.

Location and Accessibility

The Rail Road Inn boasts a highly strategic and central location that is intrinsically linked to its name and character. It is situated at 151 S Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA. This address places it directly in the vicinity of the Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, a crucial factor in its identity as a commuter-friendly venue.

For commuters traveling to or from New York Penn Station, the journey is quick and convenient, typically taking only around 36 minutes via the LIRR. The proximity to the train tracks means the bar is easily accessible on foot immediately after stepping off the train, making it a perfect spot for that transition from the workday to evening relaxation. This convenience eliminates the need to drive, allowing patrons to fully enjoy the offerings. Some customers even advise taking the train to avoid parking hassles often associated with the area beneath the LIRR tracks.

For local Long Island drivers, Valley Stream is conveniently located near the Queens border, serving as an accessible destination for residents of the southwestern part of Nassau County. While driving is an option, the location's closeness to the train station highlights its superb public transport accessibility, a major advantage for New Yorkers seeking a safe and easy night out. Its placement in "the Village" of Valley Stream, close to a hub of activity, further ensures it is a well-known and easy-to-find spot.

Services Offered

As a lively local bar and community hangout, the Rail Road Inn focuses primarily on providing a high-quality, friendly, and engaging social experience. Its services are centered around drinks, entertainment, and a comfortable environment.

• Full-Service Bar: Offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks, all served by friendly and efficient staff at decent prices.
• Live Music Performances: The venue frequently hosts live bands, often featuring up-and-coming local artists playing music from genres like 90s and 2000s, contributing to a consistently energetic and vibrant weekend atmosphere.
• Special Event Nights: The bar organizes specific theme nights, such as popular "Mojito nights," providing unique and specialty drink experiences for patrons.
• Bar Games: The space is equipped with entertainment options, typically including a pool table and darts, allowing patrons to engage in casual competition and socialize.
• Cozy Waiting Area for Commuters: Its essential function as a "solid bar" offers a warm and safe place for LIRR travelers to wait for their next train or decompress after a long trip.
• Jukebox Access: The inclusion of a jukebox ensures a fun, customizable soundtrack to the evening when a live band is not performing, appealing to a diverse crowd.

Features / Highlights

The distinguishing characteristics of the Rail Road Inn are deeply rooted in its location and the atmosphere it cultivates. These features make it a memorable and frequently recommended spot among the Long Island community.

• Authentic LIRR Location: A key feature is its physical position literally "under the tracks" of the Long Island Rail Road. This creates a unique, raw atmosphere—a classic "hole-in-the-wall commuter bar" vibe where patrons feel the rumble of passing trains, adding to its authentic local charm.
• Vibrant Atmosphere and Crowd: It maintains a lively and engaging social environment, largely attracting a younger, "hip" crowd. The energy is high, especially during live music performances, and the bar is often packed on Saturday nights, suggesting a high level of popularity and a dynamic social scene.
• Exceptional Staff and Service: Customers consistently praise the friendly, excellent service and knowledgeable staff, which contributes significantly to the establishment's warm and welcoming feeling.
• Affordable Pricing: The bar is known for its "decent prices," positioning it as an accessible, cost-effective option for a fun night out in Nassau County, a valuable quality for local New York users.
• Entertainment Focus: The regular scheduling of live bands, combined with the availability of pool and darts, establishes it as a major entertainment hub in the Valley Stream area, offering more than just drinks.

Contact Information

For New York area residents looking to inquire about the live music schedule, special events, or general information, the Rail Road Inn can be reached using the following details:

• Address: 151 S Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA
• Phone: (516) 561-9397

While a mobile number (+1 516-561-9397) is also listed, the main line is typically the most reliable point of contact. Given the focus on local patrons, visiting in person is often the best way to experience the energy and gather the most current information.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Rail Road Inn is an invitation to experience a piece of authentic Long Island local culture, distinct from the sometimes sterile environments found elsewhere in the greater New York region. It is worth choosing for three primary, compelling reasons.

First, for the LIRR commuter, it is the quintessential, convenient "third place." It provides a solid, warm, and friendly environment where you can de-stress immediately upon leaving the Valley Stream station. It transforms the often-tedious experience of waiting for a train or decompressing from a long commute into an enjoyable social occasion, complete with a reasonably priced drink and a friendly face behind the bar.

Second, the entertainment factor is a major draw. The Rail Road Inn is a significant supporter of local music, offering live bands that create an electric, high-energy atmosphere that is perfect for a weekend night out. The opportunity to enjoy quality music, play games like pool and darts, and socialize with a lively, typically younger crowd makes it an exceptional destination for fun and entertainment in Nassau County.

Finally, the bar's overall character—described as a "cool local dive" (used affectionately by patrons)—is its most enduring quality. In a world of chain restaurants and generic nightlife, the Rail Road Inn offers a genuine, unpretentious, and uniquely local Long Island experience. It is a place with history and personality, where you are guaranteed to encounter "great people" and enjoy a warm, cozy atmosphere with friendly service and fair prices. For a truly local, reliable, and vibrant bar experience in the Valley Stream area, the Rail Road Inn is the clear choice.

Rail Road Inn

151 S Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA