Long Island eateries pivoting for nighttime crowd

The Long Island nighttime scene is transforming as more breakfast and coffee spots stay open later, pivoting to espresso martinis, boozy milkshakes and DJ vibes to attract a different crowd.

In Williston Park, diners have long been able to stop into the iconic 1920s luncheonette Hildebrandt’s for an after-dinner ice cream, but owner Randy Sarf recently added late-night hours with an overt bar theme, down to neon lights and boozy milkshake shots.

"There’s not enough hours of people coming in to really sustain the rent," said Sarf, who took over the space in 2022 after years of uncertainty about the corner shop's viability.

Peconic’s retro-futuristic coffee shop, Panoramica, which opened earlier this year, launched its "dark side of the menu" hours in late September, opening from 4 to 8 p.m. two nights a week. Co-owner Travis Zurawski said he put himself in his customers' shoes when coming up with the concept.

"I think the late-night coffee shop feel has an enticing atmosphere to it and it was something that I think is kind of missing, at least outside of Greenport, in our little area," Zurawski said.

At Massapequa’s The Rich Pour, which also opened earlier this year, owners Dana Masi, Melissa Schrade and Philip Schrade are hosting "after pour" nighttime special events that transform the swank space into a lounge with a DJ.

"We had all these hours that would be a missed opportunity if we didn’t do something with them," Dana Masi said. "So rather than just being open and just having the same thing all the time we figured it would be a good opportunity to be creative and always change it up."

The Long Island all-day brunch chain Toast just opened a new java-infused concept in East Setauket with the nighttime vibe in mind. The Study by Toast is a library-themed coffeehouse-meets-cafe that, beginning Nov. 1, will serve dinner with live music and a cocktail menu.

Chef Scott Andriani said he and owner Terence Scarlatos wanted to "make a place where we would want to go hang out and have a cup of coffee with the music we want to listen to and the food we want to eat."

Here are some newer Long Island spots offering something different at night:

Hildebrandt’s

84 Hillside Ave., Williston Park

AFTER HOURS 8 p.m. to close Thursday, 9 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday

One of Long Island’s oldest ice cream parlors transforms into a bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Their after-hours events were launched on October 3. Enjoy a shake shot ($8) — vanilla, chocolate, mango or peach milkshake mixed with tequila or vodka in a shot glass. The after-dark food menu includes munchies like a chicken cutlet wrap ($10) and chicken nuggets with fries ($8) "It has the old-school menu with a newer vibe," Sarf said.

More info: 516-741-0608, hildebrandtsli.com

The Rich Pour

4683 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park

AFTER HOURS: Next open mic night is Nov. 7, 7 to 10 p.m.

The upscale coffee shop isn't consistently open at night yet but has started nighttime offerings with a biweekly open mic night on Thursdays or Fridays featuring comedy, storytelling and live music. Evening drinks include an espresso martini ($14) and  dirty soda ($5.95-$6.50), with eats such as the croissant-meets-waffle "croffle" ($12-$13.95). Also planned: a Nov. 10 DJ and psychic medium night ($60-$70 for readings by reservation, includes beverages).

More info: 516-804-0222

Kismet Coffee Company

45 W. Main St., Bay Shore

AFTER HOURS 5 p.m. to midnight daily.

After two years, the Kismet Coffee Company has just moved into the former ITA Kitchen space in Bay Shore. Owner Jackson Davis said offering nighttime hours, which started Oct. 18, is going to be "just a complete game changer." 

Fans will recognize Kismet’s signature red lamps and the elegant backlit bar. Films are projected on the back wall. The menu includes alcohol-infused versions of fan favorites such as the whipped honeycomb espresso martini ($17) and specialty cocktails like the Ruby Sipper margarita ($14) with blood orange hibiscus.

"With this new space people can enjoy their coffee, then they can come back after the workday and sit down again and enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine and a really great meal," Davis said.

Menu items include charred shishito peppers ($11), chimichurri steak frites ($36) and diver scallops with corn puree and crispy pancetta ($42).

More info: kismetcoffeecompany.com 

The Study by Toast

100 S. Jersey Ave., East Setauket

AFTER HOURS 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, starting Nov. 1

This stylish new coffee shop from the popular brunch chain Toast is starting nighttime dinner service with cocktails and live music. Fried chicken and octopus with beans and whipped ricotta will run $18-$24, Scarlatos said. 

More info: 631-380-3395

Tiki Tacos (within Crazy Beans)

159-14 Rte. 25A, Miller Place

AFTER HOURS 4 to 10 p.m. daily

The all-day breakfast spot recently launched an entirely new concept at night: Tiki Tacos, a casual and laid-back atmosphere for Hawaiian-inspired tacos and mai tais from chef Madison "Maddy" Bender, who has appeared on the reality cooking show "Hell's Kitchen." Besides tacos, there's a Spam burger ($11.99) and loco moco, which is grilled spam served over coconut rice topped with soy ginger sauce and a sunny-side up egg ($11.99).

More info: 631-403-4954

Panoramica

2745 Peconic Lane, Peconic

AFTER HOURS 4-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays

This futuristic coffee shop launched by the trio behind Little Creek Oysters, now has a "dark side of the menu" at night, featuring comfort food from grilled cheese to soup and sandwich melts beside a selection of mocktails.

More info: visitpanoramica.com