LocalGrubber.com

Author: David Brensilber

7th Street Burger: A Nostalgic Concept, a Mediocre Bite

November 14, 2025

We tried 7th Street Burger in Mineola to see what the excitement was all about.  7th Street Burger has carved out a niche for itself, promising a no-frills, old-school smash burger experience. While the concept is compelling, the actual burger often falls into the realm of mediocre, leaving a craving for something truly exceptional unfulfilled. […]

2025 10 Top-Rated Ice Cream Shops on Long Island

November 13, 2025

We have a broad selection of ice cream shops on Long Island.  To come up with the top 10 is a really big challenge.  We may miss some excellent shops and may want to include some others but you can only have 10 places in our top 10 list.  Here is our list of the […]

Danny’s Chinese Kitchen: Don’t Judge a Book (or a Takeout Spot) By Its Cover

November 12, 2025

Sunday night and Chinese takeout are a timeless pairing. This past weekend, a friend’s recommendation led us to Danny’s Chinese Kitchen in Syosset, a spot I’ll admit I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism. My usual preferences lean towards restaurants with a sit-down dining room (offering that reassurance of a full establishment) and names […]

Best Ice Cream in Williston Park: Hildebrandt’s

November 11, 2025

We wanted some ice cream and we decided to try Hildebrandt’s in Williston Park.  IT has been there for 100 years.  It has the classic ice cream parlor décor.   It was clear that the new owners invested some money to refresh this shop.  The vibe remains an old-school soda shop vibe with vintage décor.  Everything […]

Bettina: A Slice of Artisanal Pizza Perfection in Santa Barbara

November 7, 2025

We were in Santa Barbara and people recommended Bettina in Montecito.  The atmosphere is a balance between modern sophistication and cozy warmth. The space is often bright and airy, with clean lines and tasteful decor that speaks to a relaxed yet refined dining experience. But the best part of Bettina is the outside eating area […]

Naya is a Poor Man’s Cava

November 6, 2025

I have enjoyed my trips to Cava with their build-your-own bowl concept and fresh, vibrant ingredients  My only complaint has been the wait time there.  A Naya restaurant has opened in the food court in Roosevelt Field so we wanted to see how it measured up.  Naya offers a similar concept of build you own […]

The Tipping Point: Why Suggesting a Tip After Tax is Just Plain Wrong

November 4, 2025

The act of tipping has always been a confusing and awkward part of dining out.  Tipping has evolved over the last 20 years.  There was a time that you would tip 15% to 20% on the food cost and another percentage on the drinks.  This evolved to an across the board tip for the entire […]

Buttermilk Farmhouse: Homestyle Brunch in Bay Shore

November 3, 2025

Buttermilk Farmhouse in Bay Shore has become a beloved local gem with its charming ambiance. But even more important, they serve delicious pancakes. Atmosphere & Ambiance: The decor perfectly balances rustic farmhouse charm with modern, cozy touches. Think reclaimed wood, soft lighting, comfortable seating, and tasteful accents that create a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The […]

Arturo’s: A Fading Legend on the Upper East Side

October 20, 2025

We headed over to Arturo’s on the Upper East Side for dinner with the extended family.  Our first reaction was that we stepped into a restaurant from another era.  This restaurant opened in 1982 with its classic red-sauce Italian joint feeling.  Arturo’s is a classic Italian Neighbor Restaurant. The menu at Arturo’s is classic Italian-American, […]