Burger bar set to revive former Rabbit Hole location in Merrick

Merrick is getting a new vibe this summer — laid-back, coastal, and built around burgers.

Betty’s Burger Bar is set to open at 1960 Bayberry Avenue on July 15 in the space most recently home to the short-lived Rabbit Hole Bar and Grill, which closed back in 2024.

Before that, it was the longtime home of Anchor Down Bar and Grill.

The new concept blends classic hamburgers, over-the-top desserts, and a casual theme into the South Shore dining scene.

“We felt like the Merrick community could use something like this, and being so close to the water was the perfect spot for it,” co-owner John Breeze told Greater Long Island.

The menu will center around burgers made with a proprietary beef blend, along with smashburgers.

But the menu goes well beyond that. Betty’s will also serve other comfort food like Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and foot-long hot dogs, and will feature a full bar with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Alongside bar fare, Betty’s will be dishing out oversized, indulgent desserts inspired by the popular Manhattan restaurant Serendipity.

“I like to call this a ‘substitution meal’ because I know people don’t always want to go to a restaurant for a big meal,” said Breeze. “So that’s why we came up with the idea for Betty’s.”

The name itself is part of the owners’ vision.

“We named it Betty because that’s the vibe we are going for,” he said. “Betty is another name for a female surfer, and that makes me think of a chill, surfer vibe.”

Breeze has already made his mark on Long Island’s burger scene through his involvement with Burgerology and Babylon Burger Bar.

“We’ve been hearing from a lot of people in the community, and everyone seems very excited,” Breeze said.  “And so are we.”

---

Top: Betty’s Burger Bar is set to open at 1960 Bayberry Avenue on July 15 in the space most recently home to the short-lived Rabbit Hole Bar and Grill, which closed back in 2024. (Credit: GLI/Andrew Rappaport)