In Garden City, claiming you know the best bar and grill is like declaring you’ve found the perfect parking spot—every local thinks they have the inside track. You probably have your regular haunt for burgers and beers, the place where the bartender knows your name and your usual order. But step away from that familiar stool. This guide reveals the hidden gems, from sizzling steaks to craft cocktails, that deserve a spot on your must-try list.
Elsie Lane Lynbrook
$$ | (516) 218-2392 | WEBSITE
Elsie Lane Lynbrook has a lively bar and warm glow from the TVs showing the game. But you don’t need a big bright screen—you’re here for the bar food. While we like the burgers and disco fries, our favorites are the massive Fried Chicken Mac Vodka Quesadilla and the must-try boneless chicken wings. Those wings are the kind we’d find a way to shrink ourselves just to dive into the basket and hang out on a drumstick.
There are also delicious sliders and sandwiches, like the great big burgers that come with crispy fries. The servers really hustle with awesome service, and parking is easy breezy across the street after 6pm.
Brixx Bar and Grill
$ | (516) 804-9954 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance that when the attentive bartenders at Brixx Bar and Grill check on you, you’ll be so satisfied by one of their all day egg sandwiches that all you’ll be able to manage is a contented grin. And they have seen it all before. This clean, welcoming Garden City spot is full of regulars enjoying beer and the aforementioned egg sandwiches—which are a triple “C” experience of quality (comforting, consistent, and completely delicious).
And make sure to start your visit with a drink from their variety of beers, which come with the friendly atmosphere of meeting new people during events like Music Bingo and Karaoke.
Del’s Bar & Grill
$ | (516) 922-4444 | WEBSITE
Del’s Bar & Grill’s main room feels like walking into your favorite local haunt where everyone gathers at high-top tables cheering over a game on the big screens. But this neighborhood spot is far from hidden. On the straightforward menu, we gravitate towards the juicy burgers, crispy wings, and that aforementioned beer selection. These brews start at five dollars and can go all the way up to ten, so come prepared to enjoy with friends.
The golden-brown wings have a trove of tender meat underneath that pairs perfectly with cold pints and lively conversation. Before you do anything, though, grab a seat at the bar first.
Croxley’s Ale Franklin Square
$$ | (516) 326-9542 | WEBSITE
Croxley’s Ale in Franklin Square looks like your typical suburban bar and grill—but there’s nothing typical about the wings. Habanero mango wings arrive with a sticky-sweet glaze that works just as well coating each tender bite as it does pooling at the bottom of the basket for strategic dipping. Shepherd pie tastes like comfort-food perfection. Cajun waffle fries have the outer crunch and inner fluffiness of a well-made hash brown.
The care goes beyond the menu, too—staff like CJ will slide over to check your beer level and manager Max will personally deliver that hard-to-find turkey burger with cole slaw.
Brews Brothers Grille
$ | (516) 216-5008 | WEBSITE
This cool neighborhood bar and grill excels in all aspects, but you’re not here for just any casual meal. The award-winning honey BBQ wings are a standout favorite, featuring crispy, tender chicken that only sweetens slightly on contact with the smoky, tangy sauce. The burger option is also delicious, with a juicy patty and melted cheese stacked to the perfect thickness with fresh lettuce and tomato for a classic finish.
The service is exceptional, with staff taking great care as you enjoy the welcoming atmosphere over a cold drink.
The 3rd Rail Bar & Grille
$$ | (516) 590-7220 | WEBSITE
This Garden City bar and grill on 3rd Rail is our favorite spot to slip away for a Monday night dinner. While the menu is loaded with great burgers, baked clams, and cocktails, we would come here solely for their half-off Peter Lugar burger, or a couple rounds of frosty beers and crackly baked clams. Enjoy it all at their clean bar complete with lively games and a fun bartender, or out in their dining room with warm service and weekend live music.
West Bar and Lounge
$$ | (917) 300-2497 | WEBSITE
There aren’t many spots where you can enjoy garlic crab legs and get swept up in a DJ’s set at the same time. That alone makes this cozy neighborhood lounge in Garden City worth checking out. Add fresh, tasty food and a lively atmosphere, and you have a terrific night out on Long Island. The crab dip is wonderful, whether it’s scooped up with bread or enjoyed alongside a strong, $12 hurricane.
But we especially enjoy the ribeye steak and the curry lobster, it’s flavorful and satisfying—definitely worth turning down the music for a moment to give it your full attention.
Whiskey Reds Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (516) 605-0099 | WEBSITE
You might know this lively spot as just another sports bar in Garden City. But Whiskey Reds now offers two non-game attractions we’ve replayed in our minds like a classic rock anthem. Even if the bar only served their crispy pizzas alongside cold beers poured by Debbie and Charlie, we’d be content. But then there’s the karaoke on Wednesdays and Saturdays that we could attend weekly. We can’t think of a better late-night destination to bring friends who appreciate good drinks and a fun crowd.
Nunzi’s American Bistro
$$ | (516) 775-0047 | WEBSITE
This American bistro in Garden City offers just a handful of standout dishes, but they’re all seriously delicious. If you’re feeling seafood, go for the wild salmon—it arrives perfectly cooked on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with crisp-tender vegetables on the side. Nunzi’s functions as mostly a sit-down restaurant, with just enough modern decor to make the space feel comfortable and relaxing.
But if you’re with a group, stick around to share plates like the calamari and chicken parm with a glass of wine from their well-curated list.
Memories 2 Bar & Grill
$$ | (516) 248-0695 | WEBSITE
We’d brave the Garden City crowds for Memories 2’s calamari that’s fried to a perfect golden crisp, or the chicken Francese that’s tender in its lemony sauce. But at this lively bar and grill you shouldn’t miss the mozzarella sticks, otherwise known as the best bar snack in the neighborhood. They’re served with a tangy marinara, stretchy cheese pulls, and a sprinkle of herbs.
Really, you’re in good hands with any appetizer they bring to your table here—and while you’re at it, grab an excellent espresso martini or a side of fresh veggies, too.
Boss Crokers
$$ | (516) 679-2967 | WEBSITE
The sign above Boss Crokers reads like a promise of cold drinks and good times—and it delivers. This cozy Irish pub-style bar serves up some of the best wings in Wantagh (and for around $12). They’re crispy and flavorful, paired perfectly with an ice-cold PBR can. Any regular here knows to take full advantage of the Wednesday wing and drink specials.
A heads-up that the atmosphere is divey but approachable, and on busy nights, you might find yourself squeezed into a booth next to a diverse crowd of millennials and boomers all trying not to make direct eye contact while someone digs into a plate of fresh, top-notch food. But the bustle is part of the charm.
Bayview Tavern
$$ | (516) 809-6997 | WEBSITE
If you were looking for a spot to unwind with a steaming bowl of clam chowder and a cold beer while soaking in that easygoing neighborhood vibe, that might sound like a simple craving, but it finds its perfect match at Bayview Tavern. This Seaford hangout is both welcoming and lively enough that on a Thursday happy hour, one round of those affordable specials naturally leads to another.
Share the tasty, slightly cheesy chopped baked clams and the well-cooked $5 burger for the table, but keep that unique New England and Rhode Island style chowder, brimming with clams, all for yourself.
North Village Tavern
$ | (516) 766-0181 | WEBSITE
Just like the LIRR schedule and the Garden City bar scene, good service can feel increasingly rare these days. That’s why we keep returning to this conveniently located tavern where Gina handles private parties with genuine flexibility and accommodation. The staff ensures events run smoothly from start to finish, and bartenders Jenn and Rosie maintain that positive experience throughout the night. It’s consistently reliable no matter what kind of gathering you’re planning.
Still Partners
$$ | (516) 200-9229 | WEBSITE
It’s easy to overlook Still Partners in Garden City’s bustling restaurant scene, but it’s consistently packed with locals seeking a phenomenal dinner after work. If you’re tempted to stick with standard bar fare, think twice. You’d be passing up more exciting choices, like the exceptional baby back ribs or the delicious squash soup (our top pick). The ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, have a wonderful smokiness from the grill, and somehow feel heartier than typical pub grub.
The homey decor and welcoming staff, including the conversational owners, make every visit feel like catching up with friends. With live entertainment adding to the lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder this casual spot has become a neighborhood favorite.
Jetty Bar & Grill
$$ | (516) 442-1338 | WEBSITE
The menu at this coastal bar-and-grill is tighter than a ship’s galley, and it’s packed with winner after winner. The grilled shrimp skewers are a masterful dish with their charred edges and a good dose of spice, the jerk chicken over creamy rice can salvage a rotten Tuesday, and the personable bartenders serve up some of Garden City’s best vibes. And much like a classic grill, you could also just slide into a high-top for a basket of fries with aioli alongside a round of local drafts.
Only here, the aioli is citrus-kissed. Just the thought of a Jetty meal dominates our casual weekend plans.
