7 Secrets Of Long Island Bar Atlantic Ave: How A 1950s Diner Became Brooklyn's Hottest Gastropub In 2025

Long Island Bar on Atlantic Avenue is more than just a cocktail spot; it is a genuine piece of Brooklyn history, a celebrated gastropub that has successfully bridged the gap between a mid-century diner and a destination for modern culinary excellence. As of late 2024 and early 2025, this iconic corner establishment continues to thrive, maintaining its reputation for classic cocktails, a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere, and a menu of dependably excellent food that draws both neighborhood regulars and industry veterans alike.

The bar's enduring appeal lies in its commitment to preserving its original Art Deco charm while delivering a contemporary, high-quality experience, a balance that few establishments in New York City manage to strike. From its famous neon sign to its celebrated French fries, Long Island Bar is a must-visit anchor of the Cobble Hill/Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.

The Untold History and Key Figures of Long Island Bar

The story of the Long Island Bar & Restaurant is an epic tale of New York City resilience, spanning over seven decades and featuring a cast of dedicated owners. Understanding its past is essential to appreciating its current status as a Brooklyn landmark.

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• Original Founding (1951): The establishment first opened its doors as The Long Island Restaurant, a classic American diner and bar catering primarily to the longshoremen and dockworkers who frequented the nearby Brooklyn waterfront.
• The Sullivan/Fernandez Era (1951–2007): For over 50 years, the bar was a beloved, family-run institution managed by Emma Sullivan, her husband Buddy Sullivan, and her cousins Pepita and Maruja Fernandez. This era saw the bar become a true neighborhood fixture, a "fossil of old Brooklyn," before it closed its doors in 2007.
• The Revival (2013/2014): The abandoned space, identified only by its iconic neon sign, was leased and revived by two industry veterans: Toby Cecchini and Joel Tompkins. Cecchini, a renowned bartender and author, brought a level of cocktail expertise and industry gravitas that instantly put the bar back on the map.
• The Culinary Architect (Chef Gabriel Martinez): The kitchen is helmed by Chef Gabriel Martinez, who is credited with crafting the bar's small but mighty menu of gastropub favorites, elevating simple dishes to critical acclaim.
• Location: 110 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Corner of Atlantic Avenue and Henry Street).
• Vibe: Art Deco, retro, classic cocktail bar, unpretentious, cozy.

The Iconic Art Deco Design: A Time Capsule on Atlantic Ave

Walking into the Long Island Bar is often described as stepping into a time capsule. The owners, Toby Cecchini and Joel Tompkins, went to great lengths to preserve the building’s original features, ensuring the new iteration honored its history.

The most striking feature is the exterior's red and green neon sign, a landmark in its own right that glows over the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Henry Street. This sign is a quintessential piece of New York City nostalgia. Inside, the design is pure mid-century Art Deco diner. The long, inviting counter remains a focal point, perfect for solo diners or cocktail enthusiasts watching the "bartending vets" at work.

The atmosphere is intentionally low-key and unpretentious, defying the typical "mixology" bar stereotype. It’s a place where you can enjoy world-class drinks and food without the fuss. This commitment to a neighborhood feel is what makes it one of the absolute best bars in Brooklyn.

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The Must-Try Menu: From Critically Acclaimed Fries to Seasonal Delights

While the Long Island Bar is co-owned by a cocktail legend, its food menu is equally famous and often the subject of critical praise. Chef Gabriel Martinez has created a concise menu where every item is a standout, proving that high-quality, simple gastropub fare can be as memorable as a complex cocktail.

The Legendary Savory Staples

Three dishes, in particular, have achieved near-mythical status among New York food critics and regulars. These are the core entities that define the Long Island Bar's culinary identity:

• The French Fries: Often cited as some of the absolute best French fries in New York City, these are a mandatory order. They are perfectly crisp, well-seasoned, and served with a signature aioli that elevates them from a side dish to a main attraction.
• The Merguez Sandwich: A spicy, flavorful sandwich featuring Merguez sausage, a North African-style lamb or beef sausage. This dish is a seasonal highlight that showcases the kitchen's culinary creativity and boldness.
• The Burger: A consistently excellent, no-frills American classic. The burger is a staple that harks back to the bar's diner roots while being executed with modern, high-quality ingredients.

Cocktail Excellence and Bartending Vets

Under the guidance of Toby Cecchini, the bar's focus is on perfectly executed classic cocktails. The beverage program is a masterclass in simplicity and precision, drawing an industry-heavy crowd who appreciate the expertise. Instead of chasing trends, the bar perfects the fundamentals. Patrons can expect flawless Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and, of course, a range of expertly prepared Gin and Tonics and other classic highballs. The quality of the drinks is what solidifies its reputation as the perfect neighborhood cocktail bar.

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The Enduring Legacy in 2025 and Beyond

In the ever-changing landscape of Brooklyn dining and nightlife, the Long Island Bar stands as a beacon of consistency and quality. Its current operation—open Tuesday through Sunday, often until midnight—makes it a reliable destination for both an early dinner and a late-night drink.

The bar's ability to remain relevant, even attracting attention for filming (such as the rumored shoot for "The Devil Wears Prada 2" in 2025), speaks volumes about its cultural staying power. It is a rare example of a historic space that has been successfully revived without losing its soul. It is a place where the ghosts of dockworkers and the glamour of the modern cocktail scene coexist, making it one of the most unique and essential spots on Atlantic Avenue.

For anyone seeking an authentic slice of old Brooklyn, paired with a modern, critically-acclaimed menu and world-class cocktails, the Long Island Bar is a timeless answer to the question of where to eat and drink in NYC. Its combination of history, Art Deco design, and culinary excellence ensures its place as a favorite well into the future.