In Nassau County, history isn’t confined to museums and historic homes. Sometimes, it’s served alongside an amazing meal.
Here, some of the most historical sites in Nassau County are, now, popular restaurants – modern menus served inside colonial farmhouses and stagecoach stops, Gold Coast-era markets and former presidential offices. These places have hosted travelers, presidents, merchants, and generations of local families.
As the nation approaches America250, Nassau County offers visitors the chance to experience history in a uniquely flavorful way. These restaurants don’t just serve memorable meals – they serve stories. Here are a few Nassau County dining destinations where the past is always part of the experience.
The Milleridge Inn | Jericho
Few restaurants on Long Island carry a story quite as old or as colorful as The Milleridge Inn.
The property dates back to 1672, when Quaker settler Mary Willets built a two-room home with a central fireplace in what was then colonial Jericho. Over time, the site evolved into a stagecoach stop, welcoming travelers moving between early Long Island communities.
More than three centuries later, the building still stands. The Milleridge Inn is widely considered one of the oldest continuously operating restaurant properties in the United States. The historic grounds resemble a colonial village, and for decades visitors have been greeted by one of the Inn’s most beloved traditions – a flock of roaming peacocks that wander the property.
Like many historic buildings, the Inn carries its share of folklore. After a 19th-century fire destroyed the second floor, local legend holds that the property may even be haunted. In 2024, the Milleridge Inn underwent a major renovation, blending modern updates with the historic charm that has made it a Long Island landmark for generations.
Hendrick’s Tavern | Roslyn
In the heart of historic Roslyn, Hendrick’s Tavern stands on the site of a home once owned by Hendrick Onderdonk, one of the village’s most prominent early residents. The property traces its origins to the 18th century and is remembered as the place where President George Washington stopped for breakfast during his 1790 tour of Long Island.
On April 24, 1790, Washington arrived in Roslyn from Oyster Bay and began his day at the Onderdonk home. At the time, Onderdonk owned both the Roslyn Grist Mill and the Onderdonk Paper Mill, which played a role in passing messages during the Revolutionary War.
The house – then known as the Pine-Onderdonk-Bogart House – had already experienced the turbulence of the Revolution, including a British raid in 1781 during the occupation of Long Island.
In the early 1900s, the property was converted into a restaurant and has remained a dining destination ever since. Following a major renovation in 2012, it reopened as Hendrick’s Tavern, offering a modern dining experience within one of Nassau County’s most historic settings.
Gatsby’s Landing | Roslyn
Overlooking Hempstead Harbor, Gatsby’s Landing sits in one of Nassau County’s most picturesque waterfront settings – but the story of the building itself stretches back to Roslyn’s earlier commercial days.
The structure was originally Bert Sussel Market, a meat market and grocery store built by the Sussel family. The one-story commercial building was constructed using cinderblock and distinctive black opaque glass tiles, reflecting the mid-20th-century architectural style common in small-town American commercial districts.
Today, Gatsby’s Landing has transformed the space into a vibrant waterfront restaurant, drawing visitors for seafood, cocktails, and harbor views. Its name pays homage to Long Island’s Gold Coast era, when nearby estates inspired the glamour depicted in The Great Gatsby.
Rothmann’s Steakhouse | East Norwich
Few restaurants on Long Island can claim a guest list as storied as Rothmann’s Steakhouse. Established in 1907 by Charles and Franziska Rothmann, the restaurant quickly became a cornerstone of the North Shore dining scene. The original building itself dates back to 1851, adding another layer to the property’s deep history.
Located just a short ride from Sagamore Hill, Rothmann’s soon became a favorite destination of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was known to ride over on horseback from his Oyster Bay home.
Over the decades, Rothmann’s reputation for exceptional food and impeccable service attracted a remarkable list of guests, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and countless dignitaries and celebrities.
Cooper Bluff | Oyster Bay
At the edge of Oyster Bay Harbor, Cooper Bluff offers one of the most scenic dining spots in Nassau County – but the surrounding waterfront carries a history that stretches back centuries.
The restaurant sits within the Oyster Bay Marine Center, an area deeply tied to Long Island’s maritime heritage. Since the 1600s, Oyster Bay has been home to fishing fleets, shipbuilders, and shellfishing operations that helped sustain the region’s coastal economy.
Today, Cooper Bluff blends this maritime setting with a lively atmosphere of waterfront dining, live music, and harbor views, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the same harbor that has shaped Oyster Bay’s story for generations.
Wild Honey | Oyster Bay
Tucked into the historic heart of Oyster Bay, Wild Honey occupies a building with an extraordinary presidential connection. The restaurant is located in the historic Moore’s Building, which served as the local office for President Theodore Roosevelt during his presidency when he operated from nearby Sagamore Hill – often referred to as the nation’s “Summer White House.”
From this office, Roosevelt conducted government business while spending time on Long Island’s North Shore, helping place Oyster Bay at the center of national politics during the early 1900s.
Today, Wild Honey welcomes diners into this historic space, offering modern American cuisine in a setting that continues to be featured on local historical tours.
Taste the History of Nassau County
From colonial farmhouses and presidential visits to harbor markets and maritime centers, Nassau County’s restaurants reflect the many layers of the region’s history. Whether you’re exploring Revolutionary War landmarks, walking through historic villages, or enjoying a meal overlooking the water, these dining destinations offer a chance to experience Long Island’s past in a uniquely memorable way.
Discover more places to eat, explore, and experience Nassau County at NassauCountyTourism.com.
