Willistons’ located at 17 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park is an American chophouse and tavern that co-owners Joe Leone and John O’Hara say hopes fill a void they think has existed since the 1980s.
“We had a view of bringing back to the neighborhood what has been missing for a number of years,” O’Hara said. “A local, quality food and drink establishment along the lines of what the community knew with Mahoney’s back in the day.”
Lifelong friends Leone and O’Hara opened up the doors to Willistons’ in October 2021 after buying the location that was previously T.R.’s Great American Pub, which closed in 2020. The two, who went to school together at Saint Aidan’s, each have dived into each of their first restaurant venture at a location that has meaning to them.
“Joe and I were patrons of T.R.’s and I met my wife there in 1986,” O’Hara said. “We thought it was a good opportunity to get involved and create something we thought was missing in town.”
During renovations, O’Hara cut a section of the bar where he met his wife that currently sits in his home with a plaque that reads “Where John met Mary.”
“We took a leap of faith,” O’Hara said. “And it’s been a labor of love.”
The brick building underwent extensive renovations before opening that included moving the kitchen downstairs, adding an elevator and making the restaurant ADA compliant.
The restaurant features a 14-seat bar, black leather booths and a ground floor that seats over 40 people.
There is an event space open to the public during hours on the second floor which can be reserved for formal, informal and private events.
“We wanted to maintain the old-time charm of the location and update it to accommodate the modern diner,” O’Hara said
O’Hara said the menu featured eclectic items when first opening but has since shifted to one he and Leone believe are the taste of the Willistons and surrounding communities.
There’s nothing on the menu O’Hara said he wouldn’t try, but specifically shouted out the braised short rib quesadillas, bama wings, tomahawk pork chop and the prime rib as one’s to keep an eye out for.
“We want this place to be somewhere friends, families and individuals could come to a relaxed, clean atmosphere to enjoy quality food and drink among their neighbors.
More information about Willistons’ can be found on their website.
