Addition of Burgers at Snaps Proves Popular

Life is never dull lately for chef/owner Scott Bradley of Snaps American Bistro in Wantagh. With three-year-old plus infant twins at home, sleep is not often on the menu for the former Executive Chef at Mirepoix, La Coquille, and PassionFish, but he's not complaining. Business is brisk at this 60-seat local eatery; in fact, Bradley says this is "…the best summer we've ever had."

When he first opened Snaps in February 2004, the menu was "eclectic" and "out there," according to Bradley. The menu has evolved to be more "straightforward," appealing to a broader audience. The addition of burgers six months ago has proven to be a popular choice, perhaps accounting for the steady flow of customers in the traditionally "soft" summer season.

"People like to know they can come in for a really good burger and a beer," said Bradley.

This is also not your everyday burger. Bradley house-grinds the meat, a mix of Angus beef with chuck, hanger steak, and short rib ground in, and tops the 10-oz. burgers with extras such as lobster salad, barbecued pulled pork, lobster mac 'n cheese, or short rib and bleu cheese topped with a fried egg. A cone of hand-cut herb-seasoned fries accompanies each burger.

The three-course prix-fixe menu is also available nightly for $28.95 per person and includes appetizer or salad, entrée, and dessert. Tasting menus are a specialty at Snaps and range from three to as many as 14 courses, selected by Chef Bradley. Specials change daily; customers can sign up to be e-mailed with these specials. Drink specials and dinner specials are also posted on the Snaps Facebook page; a recent choice was an 8 oz. cheeseburger for just $5.

A wide variety of wine and beer is available at the full bar and changes daily. Happy hour, featuring $5 martinis, $5 wine, and $3 beer, is available daily till 6:30 p.m. Currently Snaps is open only for dinner Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) from 4:00 pm till closing. When asked whether Snaps serves lunch, Scott Bradley chuckles and replies, "We're working on it. We've been working on that for seven years, but not yet."

Snaps is located on 2010 Wantagh Avenue south of Sunrise Highway, with free parking available on premises. Dress is casual. Major credit cards are accepted and reservations are suggested.

Check out the latest review of Snaps to learn more.