Long Island Bar - Bar Review
Cracked Coupe Cocktail Guide Ed. 12
In Cobble Hill, just at the point where you start to say “man, this is a bit of a walk from the subway,” sits The Long Island Bar. Its original 1951 neon sign illuminates the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Henry Street, a welcoming beacon to all those passing by. If you’re passing by The Long Island Bar, though, do make an effort to stop in for a drink.
One of the owners, Toby Cecchini, invented the Cosmo, but the Long Island Bar is far from the Odeon. It still looks like the 1951 diner that it opened as. LIB is a neighborhood spot where the phrase “no frills” is practically law. They’ve got the classic diner booths, there’s no standard uniform, the drinks are approachable, and they don’t trim their garnishes. Your fries and cheese curds (which you better get) come resting on paper bags to catch the grease. The owners are clearly more interested in spending money on excellent service and fantastic food and drink rather than dressing up a meaningless foam-fest cocktail. Boy do I appreciate it. The bar feels authentic, which, in an age of viral food, feels difficult to come by.
I have been to this bar a whopping two times, and I have some insider tips for you. If you think that only going twice doesn’t grant me “insider” status, I’ll have you know that I met the owner and we talked. Swell guy.
Here are the DOs and DON’Ts of the Long Island Bar:
DO order a Frozen Cosmo or three. Even if you’re a cosmo-hater, you’ll love it. What’s not to love?
DON’T tell the host you’re “just here for drinks.” They’ll tell you that if you’re not ordering “dinner” that you may only sit at the bar. It will be packed.
DO tell the host that you are getting dinner. You don’t have to get a full meal, just a few appetizers is enough to be respectful.
DO order the cheese curds. Cecchini is from Wisconsin; show his home state the respect it deserves. They’re also delicious, if you need another reason.
DON’T go here with friends that don’t like to share drinks. Everything is good, and you should try everything. Sharing is caring; go here with friends who care.
DO get The Erin. Even if you’re not familiar with Suze or Bigallet China Amer, just trust me. It’s tied with A Martini for my favorite drink on the menu. While we’re talking about it, DO order A Martini.
DON’T try to make a reservation. They’re walk-in only; don’t waste time scouring their website and Yelp for any kind of reservation link like I did. You have better things to do.
I am a big fan of this spot, if you couldn’t tell. It carries the exact kind of ethos I would like to channel in my own bar someday. Excellent, approachable drinks with some challenging aspects and an overall welcoming feel. There’s no show here; it’s just damn good.
My Rating
For The Long Island Bar in Cobble Hill, Iain Says Go!