“I don’t know if we are ever going to get to Dunkin’ or Starbucks level, but let’s give it a shot.”
Those bold ambitions match the bold flavors behind Brentwood native Steve Giordanella’s newest venture, Pilar Coffee Bar. The fast-growing boutique café chain plans to open its first three Long Island locations in Roslyn, Elwood and Huntington within the next few months.
But Giordanella says a visit to Pilar is about more than just grabbing a drink — it’s about the atmosphere.
“We want to fill the void that Starbucks got away from,” Giordanella told Greater Long Island. “We want people to come in and relax, not pick up and then leave.”
The menu includes signature drinks like a Toasted Marshmallow Latte, Raspberry Matcha Bliss and an Affogato al Cafe Flight, along with a large selection of hot and cold teas and juices.
“We also have hot and cold Campfire S’Mores,” Giordanella said. “The kids love those drinks.”
There are also sandwiches, salads, bakery items and gelato, served in a European-style space with music playing.
Drive-thru service is not part of the company’s current model, Giordanella said, in part because of the type of food Pilar serves.
“Our food is all made fresh. It’s not microwaved,” he said, noting that the preparation time would make a traditional drive-thru line difficult to maintain.
The concept, which first opened in 2024 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, was partly inspired by a conversation with his daughter.
“I asked her why she spends all her money in coffee shops and she said to me, ‘Would you rather me go to a bar?’” Giordanella said. “I said absolutely not, and that was the inspiration behind this.”
The goal, he said, was to create a social gathering place that appeals to younger customers.
“We want to attract the younger generation without the alcohol,” he said.
In addition to coffee and food, Pilar Coffee Bar hosts social events such as “Sip and Spark,” a speed-dating program held on the second Wednesday of every month.
The first Long Island shop is expected to open near the Roslyn train station in a new mixed-use building with apartments above by the end of April.
The Elwood location is expected to open in July, while the Huntington café is slated to open by the end of 2026 in the space formerly occupied by the popular Christopher’s bar.
The café’s name also carries a personal meaning: Pilar is the middle name of Giordanella’s wife.
Giordanella, who has also been part of the ownership team of the Inn at New Hyde Park catering facility for the past 15 years, said bringing the brand to Long Island is especially meaningful.
“I grew up on Long Island, so it’s always had a place in my heart,” he said.
Stay with Greater Long Island for updates on the grand openings.
Top: The Smoked Gouda & Bacon Sandwich at Pilar Coffee Bar. (Credit: Steven Martine Photography Inc/courtesy)
