Rax Sports Bar & Grill

- Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in Long Island's Nassau County, finding a truly dynamic and engaging social venue can make all the difference for a great night out. Rax Sports Bar & Grill, a long-standing establishment in West Hempstead, stands out as one of the area’s premier destinations. More than just a typical bar, Rax successfully combines the atmosphere of a lively sports bar, a high-quality pool hall, and a casual eatery into one expansive, exciting space.

This venue is renowned for creating a vibrant, yet comfortable, environment that caters to serious pool enthusiasts, casual gamers, sports fans looking to catch a game, and groups simply seeking a fun night out. It is a place where patrons feel at ease, with a general consensus that the dress code is relaxed and comfort is key. The energy is consistently high, especially on the weekends when the venue often becomes packed with a crowd eager for competitive gaming and socializing. One of the most frequently praised aspects of Rax is the quality of its staff. Patrons consistently highlight the exceptional service, noting that bartenders and waitresses are friendly, attentive, and make a significant positive impact on the overall experience.

The menu at Rax is extensive, offering classic American pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers, alongside unexpected international choices like Latin dishes and Asian-inspired noodles. While the quality of the food has seen its ups and downs over the years, recent reviews confirm that the food has improved greatly, with one user specifically mentioning that the food was "great" and they would "return." The bar itself is fully stocked and famous for expertly crafted mixed drinks, notably "awesome" margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas, ensuring there is a perfect drink to accompany every game of pool or every major sporting event on screen.

Location and Accessibility

Rax Sports Bar & Grill is strategically located on one of Long Island's most well-known and bustling roads. The specific address is 510 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA. Situated directly on Hempstead Turnpike, the venue benefits from high visibility and excellent accessibility for residents across Nassau County and beyond. This central location makes it an easy meeting point for groups traveling from different parts of Long Island, whether from neighboring communities like Garden City, Franklin Square, or points farther east and west.

For customers driving to the location, a significant advantage is the readily available free parking, a welcome amenity in the often congested New York suburbs. This removes one of the common frustrations of nightlife in the region, allowing patrons to focus entirely on enjoying their time inside. For those utilizing public transportation or rideshare services, the location on the Turnpike is well-served and easy for drivers to find, providing a reliable option for a late night out, especially considering the venue’s late operating hours, which extend to 4:00 AM on weekend nights.

Its position in West Hempstead positions it as a vital entertainment hub in Nassau County, providing a casual, high-fun alternative to the more formal spots closer to New York City.

Services Offered

Rax Sports Bar & Grill is structured to be a comprehensive entertainment and dining venue, providing a wide array of services that go far beyond a simple neighborhood bar.

• Extensive Billiards Facilities: Rax is a premier pool hall, featuring nearly 30 well-maintained pool tables that cater to both league players and casual groups.
• Full Bar Service: Offering a complete range of spirits, beers, and expertly mixed drinks, including customer-favorite margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas, served by skilled and friendly bartenders.
• Diverse Culinary Menu: Serving a large menu of American staples like burgers, appetizers (wings, mozzarella sticks, nachos), and a unique selection of Latin dishes, wraps, and specialty pasta and noodle dishes.
• Sports Viewing: Functioning as a true sports bar, the venue is equipped for patrons to catch major games and sporting events in a dynamic group setting.
• Nightlife Entertainment: Featuring a lively social scene with a DJ and vibrant music, particularly on weekend nights when the venue extends its operating hours until 4:00 AM.
• Food Delivery and Takeout: Offering convenient ordering options for pickup and delivery, allowing local users to enjoy the menu’s offerings at home.
• Walk-in Seating: The venue typically accommodates walk-ins, although it is recommended to check ahead during busy league nights for table availability.
• Credit Card Payment: Accepts major credit cards, ensuring convenient payment options for all patrons.

Features / Highlights

The key features of Rax Sports Bar & Grill highlight why it is a standout choice for fun and entertainment on Long Island.

• Top-Tier Billiards Experience: With close to 30 pool tables, Rax provides a fantastic setting for billiards, establishing itself as one of the best pool halls in the West Hempstead area.
• Acclaimed Appetizers: Patrons frequently praise the food, specifically noting the high quality of the wings and onion rings, often calling the onion rings the "best in Long Island."
• Award-Winning Burgers: A menu highlight is the "Famous Raxx Burger," an award-winning half-pound burger that is a consistent favorite among customers.
• Superior Mixed Drinks: The bar is celebrated for its staff's ability to craft "awesome" mixed drinks, including highly-rated margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas, which contribute significantly to the lively atmosphere.
• Excellent Customer Service: The friendly, attentive staff, including the exceptional waitresses and bartenders, are a major draw, consistently enhancing the customer experience.
• Lively Atmosphere and Late Hours: The venue offers a "good environment" and "vibrant hub" feel, staying open until 4:00 AM on weekends, making it an ideal late-night destination for fun and socializing.
• Diverse Menu Options: The menu features a unique mix of pub standards and international flavors, including Latin Style Platters (with rice, beans, and plantains) and the "That Noodle Dish" (spicy Asian stir-fried udon noodles), providing a wide selection for all tastes.

Contact Information

To inquire about table availability, league nights, or general information, please use the following contact details.

• Address: 510 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA
• Phone: (516) 538-9896

What is Worth Choosing

Rax Sports Bar & Grill is absolutely worth choosing for any New Yorker looking for an energetic, casual, and reliably fun night out in Nassau County. It's an all-in-one entertainment complex. Unlike many competitors that excel in only one area, Rax delivers a top-tier billiards experience with its numerous tables, a high-quality bar offering excellent signature cocktails, and a full kitchen that serves satisfying pub and international fare, including the highly-rated wings and the Famous Raxx Burger. The fact that customers who returned after a less-than-perfect initial experience were thoroughly impressed by the improved food quality and the "great" service, specifically praising the bartender's drinks, speaks volumes about the current dedication to customer satisfaction.

For local users, the combination of free, readily available parking and extremely late hours (until 4:00 AM on weekends) makes Rax a superior logistical choice for social gatherings, ensuring a stress-free experience from arrival to departure. Whether you're a seasoned pool shark, a sports fan, or just someone looking to relax with a delicious margarita and some of the best onion rings in the area, Rax Sports Bar & Grill offers a vibrant, friendly, and exceptional atmosphere that keeps customers coming back again and again.

Rax Sports Bar & Grill

Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA