The Long Island Bar

- 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

In the vibrant landscape of New York City's dining and cocktail scene, certain establishments manage to transcend the ephemeral nature of trends, becoming true neighborhood institutions. Among these cherished few is The Long Island Bar in Brooklyn, a celebrated locale that seamlessly blends rich history with modern culinary and mixology excellence. Far more than just a place for a drink, this establishment offers a unique and timeless New York experience, housed in a beautifully preserved mid-century Art Deco space. Its reputation is built on an unwavering commitment to quality, from the expertly crafted cocktails to the elevated yet comforting bar and restaurant fare.

The Long Island Bar, originally known as The Long Island Restaurant, has been a fixture on its Cobble Hill corner since the 1950s. It was a classic haunt for longshoremen working on the nearby Brooklyn waterfront, a simple, enduring diner run by the same family—Emma Sullivan, her husband Buddy, and her cousins Maruja and Pepita—for nearly six decades. After a brief period of closure in the early 2000s, the space was lovingly and meticulously restored and reopened in 2013 by two veterans of the New York bar scene: Toby Cecchini, a legendary bartender credited with creating the modern Cosmopolitan cocktail, and his partner Joel Tompkins.

The restoration was a masterful act of preservation, honoring the original Art Deco charm, the terrazzo floors, and the iconic pink and green neon sign that had been dark for years. This commitment to the past creates an ambiance of "timeless perfection," as one patron described it, a spot with the authentic soul of old Brooklyn but the polish and sophistication of a world-class cocktail bar. It is this rare combination of '50s-era casualness and elite-level execution that makes The Long Island Bar a beacon for New Yorkers seeking genuine quality without the fuss. It's a place where locals, industry professionals, and tourists alike converge for a perfect pour and a truly great meal.

The ethos here is unpretentious excellence, a philosophy driven by a "corps of wise-cracking, veteran bartenders" who prioritize making genuinely great, balanced drinks over mixological showmanship. The kitchen, with its roots in sophisticated training, elevates classic American bar food to an art form, making a night here an essential Brooklyn experience for anyone in the New York area.

Location and Accessibility

The Long Island Bar is perfectly situated in one of Brooklyn's most desirable and historic neighborhoods, Cobble Hill, on the border of Brooklyn Heights. The bar's corner location makes it a visible and easy-to-find landmark, marked by its famous, glowing neon sign. Its proximity to the Brooklyn waterfront and the Atlantic Avenue thoroughfare ensures it remains a bustling hub.

The exact address for your navigation is:

110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

The location is highly accessible via public transportation, with numerous subway lines and bus routes serving the nearby area, making it convenient for visitors from all boroughs of New York City. For those driving, the surrounding area offers both paid and free street parking options. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accommodating all guests, featuring a wheelchair-accessible restroom and wheelchair-accessible seating.

Services Offered

The Long Island Bar operates as a full-service bar and restaurant, providing a range of services designed for a casual, high-quality experience. The offerings span both food and beverage, delivered with the expertise of seasoned industry professionals.

• Cocktail Bar Service: Expertly executed cocktails from a renowned team of veteran bartenders, focusing on perfectly balanced classic and original recipes. The martini is noted as a perennial favorite, but off-menu requests are welcomed with confidence.
• Full Restaurant Dining: Table service for a full menu of upscale American diner-style fare, including acclaimed appetizers and mains.
• Bar Dining: Patrons can enjoy the full menu of food and drinks while seated at the iconic Art Deco bar.
• Takeout: The restaurant offers a takeout service for customers who wish to enjoy their food at home. Please note that they do not offer delivery at this time.
• Extensive Drink Selection: The offerings include a selection of craft beers, a great wine list, and a full spectrum of hard liquor to complement the cocktail program.
• Table Service: Dedicated service is provided for all seated guests, maintaining a high standard of hospitality.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Features and Highlights

What sets The Long Island Bar apart and secures its place as a New York icon is a combination of its historic setting, the quality of its offerings, and the skilled people who run it. The atmosphere is celebrated for its genuine, unpretentious charm—a true mid-century time capsule.

• Acclaimed Cocktails: Highlighted as having "Great cocktails" and often appearing on lists of NYC's best, the drinks here are expertly made by a team of highly-trained, veteran bartenders, including the likes of Toby Cecchini. The "A Martini," White Negroni, and Long Island Gimlet are highly praised.
• The L.I. Burger: A double-patty burger that has received national recognition, consistently ranked among the best in New York City. It is a neighborhood staple that "never misses," often served with house-made cheese, sour pickles, and 'fancy sauce.'
• Signature Appetizers: The Fried Cheese Curds are a must-try, lauded as some of the best in the city, frequently ordered alongside the refreshing Little Gems Salad and the outstanding Deviled Eggs.
• Historic and Retro Vibe: The ambiance is distinctly '50s Art Deco, preserved with an almost "religious reverence," creating a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that feels authentic rather than manufactured.
• Speed and Service: Known for "Fast service" and a staff that is both welcoming and highly efficient, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining or drinking experience.
• Upscale Bar Food: The food is described as "comforting but inventive," with an attention to detail and technique that elevates regular pub grub, thanks to the sophistication brought by the kitchen staff.
• Neighborhood Gem Status: It attracts a lively crowd that includes groups, local regulars, and tourists, fostering a community-focused environment that feels instantly familiar to everyone who walks through the door. It is highly popular for solo dining.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, here is the necessary contact information:

Address: 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 625-8908

What is Worth Choosing at The Long Island Bar

Choosing The Long Island Bar is an endorsement of authentic New York City character, masterful mixology, and surprisingly refined comfort food. It stands out in a crowded market because it offers something profoundly rare: a genuine sense of place that has been preserved and elevated.

Patrons repeatedly celebrate the core menu items that define its reputation. The L.I. Burger is often cited as a culinary landmark, an essential New York experience that justifies a visit alone. Equally praised are the Fried Cheese Curds, a snack that has converted even the indifferent, served piping hot with a delightful crunch and melted interior. On the liquid side, the focus on Great Cocktails is paramount. Whether you opt for a perfectly dry Martini, a balanced Boulevardier, or a spicy and fruity creation like the Dolores Del Rio, you are in the hands of some of the city's most capable bartenders.

One satisfied customer summed up the appeal perfectly: "The Long Island Bar is perfection. The food hits that sweet spot of comforting but inventive, and the drinks flow so easy you lose track of the decade you’re in... No gimmicks, just timeless perfection. Easily the best restaurant in South Brooklyn." The commitment to simple, impeccable quality—from the double-fried french fries to the sophisticated execution of mains like the Arctic Char or Paccheri Pasta—makes every dish a standout.

In a city constantly chasing the next big thing, The Long Island Bar is a reassuring constant—a classic neighborhood haunt that delivers world-class excellence with an easygoing, stylish charm. It is the ideal destination for anyone in the New York area seeking a casual but superb dining and drinking experience in a location rich with history.

Menu Sampler:

The full menu offers a tight, focused selection of highly-rated dishes:

• Must-Try Appetizers: Fried Cheese Curds ($13.00), Deviled Eggs ($7.00), Smoked Trout Spread ($16.00), Bowl of Fries ($10.00).
• Signature Mains: The L.I. Burger (double patty) ($22.00), Single-Patty Burger ($18.00), Fried Chicken Sandwich ($20.00), Arctic Char ($24.00), Paccheri Pasta ($22.00).

The Long Island Bar

110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA