Long Island’s food scene is constantly evolving, but for many of us, some restaurants never truly left—they just live rent-free in our memories. Whether it was the burger spot with a toy train, the lakeside German inn, or the steakhouse with a gunshot in the commercial, these places were more than restaurants—they were part of the fabric of life here.
Here’s a look back at Long Island restaurants we wish we could visit just one more time.
Classic Chains and Fast Food Favorites
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Wetson’s (Levittown and beyond) – Opened in 1959 by Herb and Errol Wetanson after a trip to California’s original McDonald’s. Their mascots Wetty and Sonny were local icons before McDonald’s and Burger King took over.
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Beefsteak Charlie’s – All-you-can-eat steak, shrimp, salad bar, and unlimited beer, wine, or sangria. The ads were just as legendary as the food.
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Boulder Creek (Smithtown) – A mountain-lodge-themed steakhouse that opened in 1999 and closed in 2011. Replaced by Insignia Prime Steak & Sushi.
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Cooky’s Steak House – Founded in 1946 in Brooklyn, Cooky’s grew to 11 locations, including Long Island. Named after Charles “Cooky” Rachelson. The last one closed in the mid-1990s.
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Houston’s (Roosevelt Field Mall) – A polished chain that opened in 1996 and closed in 2015 so the company could focus on smaller concepts. They still operate East Hampton Grill.
Breakfast Favorites and Burger Icons
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Pancake Cottage – Started in Centereach in 1965 and grew across Long Island. Known for budget-friendly breakfasts and first-job memories.
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Hamburger Choo Choo (Huntington) – Burgers delivered by toy train. Burned down in the early 1980s, but still talked about fondly.
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Big Barry’s – Known for steaks sold by the ounce, zany commercials, and locations in Rocky Point, Lake Grove, and Huntington. Closed in 1994. Owner Barry Layne made it to the quarterfinals on America’s Got Talent in 2012. Watch a retro Big barry’s commercial below.
Steakhouses, Supper Clubs, and Saloon Vibes
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The Schooner (Port Jefferson) – A schooner yacht turned restaurant, open from 1946 to 1968. Brothers Charles and Elmer Mapp rescued the Ilikamo from a Riverhead boatyard and turned it into a waterfront dining icon.
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Cricket’s (Sayville) – A lively Main Street favorite that shut down in 2021.
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Jimmy’s Backyard (Port Washington) – A 350-seat seafood spot that served locals for 27 years before closing in 1993.
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Caruso’s (Levittown) – A well-loved Italian restaurant on Hempstead Turnpike, fondly remembered by longtime residents.
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Bonwit Inn (Commack) – Ran for 41 years until the pandemic forced its closure. Known for everything from casual lunches to elegant affairs.
Tiki Bars, Lakeside Taverns, and Quirky Icons
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Bali Hai / Cow Harbor Inn (Centerport) – A 1960s tiki bar with Polynesian dancers and tropical drinks. Later became Cow Harbor Inn, which eventually closed after struggling with competition.
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Bavarian Inn (Lake Ronkonkoma) – A festive German restaurant that stood vacant for six years after closing before being demolished in 2013.
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The Monster (Fire Island) – Opened in 1969 in Cherry Grove, this restaurant-turned-institution took its name from a sea serpent carving salvaged from a Coney Island carousel.
History, Heritage, and Local Legends
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John Duck’s (Eastport and Southampton) – A family-run institution dating back to 1900, with the last location closing in 2008.
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The Maine Maid Inn (Jericho) – Built in 1789 and once home to Valentine Hicks, a Quaker and abolitionist. The restaurant eventually closed and fell into disrepair before being revived as One North.
The Ones That Still Hurt
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The Good Steer (Lake Grove) – Opened in 1957, famous for burgers, milkshakes, and those unforgettable onion rings. Closed in 2022 after 65 years of family-run service.
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56th Fighter Group (Farmingdale) – Located on the grounds of Republic Airport, this WWII-themed restaurant served Long Islanders for nearly 30 years with Big Band music and historic flair. It closed in 2012 and was demolished in 2023. Click to read crazy facts about the 56th Fighter Group.
If we missed your favorite, let us know which Long Island restaurant you’d bring back if you could.
Photo: YouTube.
