TLDR: This previously well respected historically accurate establishment has begun to gut the historic features and homemade food/ice cream that justified its higher prices, while hiking prices and replacing experienced staff. As a long time customer of Hildebrandt's I am extremely disappointed by the recent changes to the interior. My family and I like to go every few months, and while it is slightly pricey the atmosphere makes it well worth the meal. Tonight we intended to have dinner and dessert as usual, but were shocked to see the glass display cases were gutted and the classic telephone booth were removed and replaced by a modern freezer and a miniature desk. Once sat we were greeted by an entirely new modern menu missing whole sections of the old one (like all their pasta dishes!!) and some pretty extreme price increases. The new staff were extremely inattentive, and from the time we were greeted it took almost a half hour for us to order (although half the restaurant was empty), and we were not provided any waters until we asked. In the ample time we had to look around, we observed a majority of the decorations were removed, and the classic cups, napkin dispensers, and other accoutrements were replaced with cheap modern Coke branded items. The TV's were all set to foreign political stations, and the usual counter staff was not there. While some changes in previous months were productive and appreciated, such as new more comfortable seating that still maintained the old American atmosphere, this more modern and cheap look is concerning for an establishment that begged locals to sign petitions to preserve its historic heritage just two years ago. Will it still be eligible as a historic landmark if key aspects of the interior are modified? Our ice cream did not taste fresh, the cheque was provided to us with a QR code, and the atmosphere was dismal. I truly hope that the owner brings back the key elements that made Hildebrandt's special, and that the staff we have been served by for years has not been terminated. read more

I was in the area at lunchtime recently and decided to stop in to eat. I sat at the counter and took in all the retro vibes in the place. It actually reminded me of Krisch's in Massapequa, where I grew up. I was immediately handed a menu and quickly made the decision to have a burger & fries. It was ready in very good time. The fries were actually chips. It had been a long time since I had fries served that way. It was a large order too, hot and delicious. The burger was terrific too. It actually had a very similar taste to the Krisch's burgers I had so many times as a child. Everything was fine here. The food, service and ambiance were all top notch. The prices were a little better than what you'd expect to pay in 2024 too. I'll be back. read more

Where do I start!!!! Well when walking in it would great if there was an actual hostess. It tend to get a bit confusing if we're able to seat our self. Also the service is all over the places it seems like there is no order and no one knows what they're doing. Also every table was filthy. It does seem extremely over priced for the quality and quantity of food that you're receiving. read more

You cannot go wrong with Hildebrandt's! The food is delicious, but the ambiance is what I love most. The old school, 1950s vibe makes me feel at home. The nostalgic feelings I get there are wonderful. The service is wonderful, I really can't say anything negative. The milkshakes are a MUST. Word of evidence, you can easily share one between two people because you get a huge milkshake and then they give you the extra in another cup, which is pretty much full! Delicious burgers too. read more

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Old-time ambience, modern day, delicious food. There's nothing on this menu that I would not order.

When you come across something exceptional, I think you should take the time to acknowledge it. I believe that is why many yelp reviews are either five star or one or two stars. People seem to extend an effort when something is very bad.or Very very good. I had a simple meal , a couple of eggs over medium, so I'll focus on my encounter with the owner. He heard me inquire about the price of an egg cream and after I ordered asked the server to note that I would get 20% off the bill today. A very unexpected surprise and I thanked him I told him I used to come in with my son when he was little and we lived closer. Later in the meal , he offered me a free refill on the egg cream if I liked it. Of course I wouldn't expect this every time but it left a great impression of a business that cares about their customers. It will definitely bring me back again. Some one that goes out of their way to please should be rewarded, so I hope other people stop in. I also put my phone down and just enjoyed being in a place that I know has been there for many many years and reminds me of the 60s when I was growing up. (The local candy store with a creams and pretzel rods in a plastic canister there on the counter) And of course baseball cards at the register. No baseball cards here but definitely worth a visit! read more

Walking into this place makes you feel like you're not even in NY. The service was great because everyone is so nice! The staff must not be from NY!!! Anyway this feels like a walk back in time. it has a nice homey feel to it. You have an option of sitting on the stools by the counter or getting a table. Stopped by for some ice cream which was delicious! They offer regular diner food and ice cream and shakes. If you're in the neighborhood, I suggest you stop by! read more

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I had heard that Hildebrandt's would be closing last summer (2020) and I was so saddened. It's important that every neighborhood has their own unique and local businesses and Hildebrandt's is certainly one of them. It's a classic soda shop that's been around since 1927. Not many restaurants have survived for that long and we hope Hildebrandt's continues to. Hubs and I already had dinner so just stopped by for ice cream sundaes. They're everything you'd expect, simple and classic, nothing like the crazy concoctions that are popular and all over IG right now. And just the right size. We're planning on returning soon for lunch or just dessert, gotta support our local businesses! read more

Hildebrandt's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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Delish and creamy!! Had a cone today with my son. Staff was very nice. I had never been there and didn't know that they didn't have a take out counter but we ordered at the side fountain area. So tasty we'll surely go back. read more

Food was disappointing. Terrible potato chips and flat soda (there should have been a warning) Skip the food and just get dessert. Ice-cream was excellent. read more

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After eating dinner a mile away, we didn't want our evening with friends to end, so we went to the famous Hildebrandt's for ice cream. The window was filled with vintage ice cream shake mixers and a cash register from the "olden" days. This was our kind of place! When you first walk in, Randy, the owner, warmly welcomes you with his gruffy voice. The front of the store has a counter like an old time soda shop (think Eddie's Sweet Shop as a comparison) on one side, and a counter filled with candy and fun stuff on the left side. Tables filled the back. They were tight, but we managed. We all ordered ice cream, which was creamy and decadent. 2 of us got the Chocolate Quad and the Mallomar. Wow!!!! Mallomar is exactly that in ice cream form, while chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, chocolate ribbon, and Oreos filled the Chocolate Quad. Another got a sundae with a little creamer filled with chocolate sauce to pour on his own, but with all the ice cream, I don't know how he fit it. Hubby got Cookies and Cream and enjoyed it. The service was great with the servers being very polite and calm, despite the Saturday night crowd. Upon leaving, we all emphatically thanked Randy and complemented everything. When he asked if it was the first time we'd been there and we said yes, he went behind the counter and gave wmeach couple four 20% off coupons. We definitely plan on using them soon. read more

The ice cream is old tasting and awful I threw it out Just terrible I can't believe we paid 17 dollars for those cup read more

After passing this place is 1 million times my wife and I finally decided to finally go in after having dinner. Cute little throwback spot that makes you feel like you're going back in time. We sat at the stools when you first walk in by the counter and were greeted by the pleasant owner. With her eyes bigger than our stomachs we ordered a four scoop sundae, maple, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream and butter pecan. It came covered in delicious amazing whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate syrup on the side. My wife tapped out before I did and I ate as much as I humanly could appoint as every flavor was amazing. Definitely will be coming back, probably gonna try some of the food that they have there and then get ice cream. read more

Hildebrandt's - mint chocolate chip, maple , Butter pecan and cookies and cream, covered in whipped cream, sprinkles, walnuts and chocolate fudge - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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Came with my friends to get dessert. One of my friends strongly recommended this place due to how amazing it has been for years, especially due to their delicious ice cream. Ive tried this place twice and both times it was amazing. The restaurant is small and cozy, the staff were very warm and friendly. Our waitress was helpful and had great recommendations. I ended up picking the warm apple pie a la mode with the Maple Walnut ice cream and it was amazing. My friend made a sundae as well with warm nuts and the marshmallow sauce which I tried a bite from - the sundae was delicious as well. I definitely recommend trying it out and I would return to try some more of their other ice creams. Ive also heard that their hot food is also really good. Will definitely have to give that a shot someday as well! read more

Hildebrandt's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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Was excited to try this local ice cream shop with my family, we were quickly disappointed and did not feel welcomed at all, sat at the bar just waiting, no greeting from any staff no menus offered, another family sat right next to us and was quickly greeted by a server ready to take their order, that family gestures to the server that we were there first, we weren't ready to order yet so told the server to go ahead and take their order first, expecting the server to come back to us after but she never returned, we sat another few minutes looking around to see if anyone would come and help us but nope we were just ignored so we left, definitely not coming back here read more

Walked in on Saturday afternoon to this hidden gem in our neighborhood. It was bustling with mostly families, and the smell of grilled cheese and fries made me nostalgic of my childhood. We had banana split ice cream Sunday, which was delicious. Service was super fast, and we left very satisfied. read more

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Awesomeness on a plate. A piece of history experienced while a great meal and service is enjoyed

Great old fashioned place. Picked up dinner to go. Omlette was good, potato's the classic round slices they also serve with burgers. Bananas foster so yummy. They also have a little area in front you can buy chocolate too. read more

Hildebrandt's - Bananas foster. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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I'm befuddled by any negative reviews or comments. My wife and I have taken our grandchildren here many times. Always welcoming, super-friendly staff. I mean, above and beyond. The kids absolutely love the place and the food is always great. I'd encourage anyone who had a bad experience to give it another try. We're going with 2 of our little ones again tonight! read more

Love that the staff is on top of things. The kids love that they could order breakfast items and sundaes. read more

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Five of us had lunch here - terrific burgers, grilled cheese, wraps, and of course delish ice cream Sundaes. Always drove by but never stopped which was a missed opportunity! Staff super friendly and food fresh and delish. Must go back to try the bananas foster waffle that looked amazing. read more

Please do yourself a favor and make this you new favorite place!!! Amazing from the moment you walk in to gaze upon the old time charm and be greeted by the truly wonderful owner and staff. This should be the model every place should emulate to make this world just a little bit sweeter and it's customers a little bit happier. I say customers out of necessity but in all seriousness they make you feel like family. I know it sounds odd but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. If there was an Oscar for restaurants, Hildebrandt's deserves the Platinum Oscar. Yes I know the Oscar is gold, but Hildebrandt is so good they should create a platinum Oscar just for them. Burger and fries, both wonderful. Ice cream, Well Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerrys step aside, there's a new (old) king in town. If you value yourself and your family, you deserve the best. read more

The welcome committee here was horrible. We were a family with two children, one 10 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. This look on the host face who was at door and the host who seated us. We were seated and given menus with no words exchanged. He placed utensils on table with silence as well. God forbid he crack a smile. As we sat ready to order confused as to who our waiter was. We wondered why we were treated different. Since the next group who came was greeted and seated and even asked how you guys doing. Is it cause we are brown. Finally a young I don't care kid came as our waiter. Food: Appetizers: Fries soaked in oil and not crispy cut like potato chips. Soggy fries. Chicken basket with fries- nothing to write home about Ice-cream- This was the only good thing here. Ice-cream was nostalgic diner style. Not good enough to go back though. read more

Always a good time whenever i drop by. Staff is fantastic and the food is amazing. Inside feels like old school diner. Ice cream is made in house and soda is made the old fashion way. Coming here is one of the highlights of my day. read more

Hildebrandt's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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BEST burger I've had in a while! Hildebrandt's doesn't need to do anything extravagant or out of the ordinary to serve a great burger. This small-town, old school diner feel does a simple job that is enough to serve a great burger. Potato buns, burger meat, American cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato. Nothing complicated, nothing crazy, yet I still found myself so satisfied. The meat itself was so juicy & full of flavor, placed between two of the softest potato burger buns. The burger was served with "fries", which were cut into thick chip slices. I enjoyed them very much, as there was a variety between thicker ones that had your typical french fry consistency, and some were thin & more like a potato chip, which I personally was more of a fan of. I had also ordered a milkshake, which was VERY enjoyable! Hildebrandt's offers a variety of milkshake flavors that I couldn't choose between. The girl working at the counter had recommended fusing Chocolate & Espresso Chip together, and I was not let down. Overall, I'm looking forward to coming back to this enjoyable old school, small-town joint! read more

Hildebrandt's - Burger with Fries - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

Been here once before and it wasn't bad. But today was like no other experience and a phone call of complaints to the so called "owner" hoping to ease and be understood would have totally avoided this. Instead we got a cook/ice cream employee who didn't take our complaints serious along with us as customer. Now i'll have to share everything from taste to experience and treatment. We called the day off to ask when the establishment closes. We were told 7pm, we get there by 6pm and told that they are short staffed and have sat the last table. I made a comment about driving and calling before hand and if this was mentioned we would have made the travel regarding being seated and the man was courteous to give me a seat since i said i was also having food. (Not before telling us to grab ice cream for free and that they were closing but this is besides the point) We sat down and wanted to have a fun experience for the kids. Instead we waited about 15 mins for glasses to pour our waters. They had one waitress who was busy and trying her best to do her job. Still no complaints made we understood being short staffed would cause issues. We ordered 2 bacon cheese burgers there version of fries (among other things) with lettuce tomatoes and we were supposed to get cold slaw and pickles with the order. The food comes missing tomato's lettuce and my plate had 2 small pickles the pieces that are usually what is thrown in the garbage when you cut the picketed and get to the end. The bacon weren't even full pieces almost what ever small pieces they had left to split with the 2 orders that came in (pictures below)...The so called fries had no crisp and were soft to touch, not to mention the cook literally was using his hand with no gloves. (the moment i saw that i knew it was going to only get worst) The burger went from grill to his bare hand to our plates. After touching papers and ice cream scoops moving dirty plates and so on. The Soda float had not even a full ice cream scoop in it but all of that still wasn't a problem we gave them the benefit of the doubt because they are "short staffed". The problem was realized when my husband asked for some pickles and the waitress asked the cook/ice cream man and his response was "for them? no we are all out" but another man was sat at closing time "because they felt bad" and got all the special treatment that wasn't given to us. Burger with lettuce tomato pickles. Even asked for more pickles and the man cut some up after we were told they didn't have any. We should of equally been treated the same. The same attention to the guy that came in after should of been to us. No excuse to serving the butt part of the pickle or a bacon cheese burger with a piece of bacon. This does more harm then good i rather they had not sat us and let us leave upset about the change of times and inconsistency. At least i probably would of gave the place another chance. Instead we called in after this experience to explain because it caused a huge fight in our drive back home and the "owner" said your mad over pickles and tomatoes totally missing the whole point and insisted he did us a favor and would refund us the total money back. And it's like hey man we aren't caring about the money we even left the poor young waitress a tip (it isn't her fault no supervision) he did us a favor by sitting us down no your doing us a favor to never come back and instead of being understanding over the phone so i wouldn't feel the need to make a review you made light of the situation saying how much of a nice person you are to give a discount and let us sit when it was at a time that was before you closed. not sure how this works in the business world but this is why so many mom and pop shops close & don't stay around to long. Wish I could give this disgusting place 0 stars. read more

Hildebrandt's - "Bacon cheeseburger " I feel my 11 year old can make a better burger than this . - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

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growing up in Mineola I've been going here for years. Yesterday 5/26/24, I ordered a bacon burger cooked medium with cri bacon, something I've ordered many times here. The burger was cooked as well done as possible with bacon burnt to leather, on a hard roll that I've never gotten before. Wont be returning until I hear something changes. I could almost understand if the place was jumping, as stuff happens, but it was almost empty when I picked up. Not sure if ownership changed but I was very disappointed read more

The hubby & I went this afternoon after going to North Shore Animal League and had a great lunch. We got lucky around 230pm. We've wanted to go here ever since we saw on News12 how great this place was. We both got the steak & mozzarella on garlic bread , fries, onion rings and a banana shake & coffee shake. Omg the food was a perfect portion , it was delicious. The flavor of the steak was great. The sides were good and crispy & hot. The shakes were so so good. The shop is very cute, cozy, the music playing was great(I might be biased grew up in the 80's & 90's). The staff was friendly & let you enjoy your meal without hovering. We live in eastern Suffolk so coming out to Nassau is not that often. This place is wonderful & we will absolutely be back . Don't forget to check out the chocolate candy counter & t-shirts. The food was so good I didn't get a chance to take a picture. read more

Absolutely Awesome!!!' Food is on point!!! The servers are great and friendly..... I absolutely love the vibe and the ambiance!!!! All retro candies and toys for the grabbing!!! From the Burgers to the meatloaf to the pasta dishes!!!! Everything is fresh and fantastic!!!! The ice cream selections are to die for!!!The new ownership has its pulse on what the customers are looking for and I'm sure they will expand sooner, than later!!! Good luck and can't wait to get back...Spencer was friendly and inviting!!! Good luck brother read more

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Upon arrival, you're hit with the nostalgia of days when everything was simple. We were immediately seated. The service on the other hand was far from simple. Servicing staff consisted predominately of young adults that were hanging out more than actually providing service to patrons. As for food, the classic soda fountains and shakes were spot on but the burger on the other hand left much more to desire. The spice from the pickled jalapeños over powered the actual burger patty as if you were biting into a fresh pepper in between two buns. Though the balance of flavor was a bit off, I would give this place another opportunity at a later time. Get out there and give the place a try!! read more

Extremely popular ice cream parlor on LI. Just do not take them seriously when they offer free dinner. It's a soup and sandwich if that and they sometimes run out of food. The ice cream is excellent and the owner is generous. read more

Old school luncheonette that serves breakfast lunch and dinner. Don't expect perfection. It's a local place but you can't beat the ice cream. read more

Had dinner across the street so decided to stop in for some ice cream. It was busy so there was a wait for a table, so we decided to sit at the counter. One of the waiters seemed annoyed that we were going to stay. He looked so grumpy. We sat down and had to ask for a menu. Then within less than a minute asked what we wanted. Mind you we had 7 people and only 2 menus. We ordered 3 sundaes and a Milkshake. He seemed annoyed at that too. 4 adults and 3 kids, that seemed like more than enough. Anyway the ice cream was just ice cream, nothing spectacular. I wouldn't go back. The only plus was that we were acknowledged when we walked out the door, I think by the owner. read more

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I have driven past this place for years and finally went in. Sadly I was disappointed. I tried FIVE of their ice cream flavors and not one thing had any flavor. It tastes like nothing! What a waste of calories. I also don't like that you can't see the ice cream displayed. read more

Was recommended to come here for either a dinner meal or ice cream and ice cream it was. Step back into a 1950's style of ice cream parlor and I need not say more. Street parking was fine. Plenty of tables and sitting at the counter. Waiters were quick, attentive, courteous. Ice cream took awhile to come out but worth the wait! My banana split was spot on and my wife's sundae looked and tasted great. Not disappointed and very full. Will go back for their dinner/lunch menu. read more

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Old-style soda fountain feel! This place has been around since i think 1927(?) and still going strong. Extensive menu along with the staples like burgers and malteds! Family feel, parking can be a challenge. Enjoy! read more

Hildebrandt's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Williston Park, New York

Their French Toast was perfect! While I like Challah French Toast occasionally, it really should be the exception, not the rule. The French Toast here was made with sandwich bread and had the right amount of cinnamon. I will be thinking about this dish for a while. Shared a walnut sundae with my wife and it was a great treat. Keep up the good work Hildebrandt's! read more

Great throwback spot. Friendly, great food and treats. Perfect spot for the family to enjoy some old school fun and yums.

A trip down memory lane, this luncheonette stirs feelings of nostalgia through its decor and the comforts of home through its friendly service and delicious food. I came here as a child too-many-years-ago to admit and from the metal hammered ceiling to the milkshakes and egg creams, the details remain the same. At the table, collectively we had a burger, eggs, tuna sandwich and egg cream which were all basic but all yummy! Bonus is that the establishment is SO kid friendly with its food options, seating arrangements and entertainment (my toddler especially loves watching them cook on the grill while sipping kid-sized chocolate milk). Kudos to the new owners for keeping this local gem still great! read more

Not what it used to be. The ice cream is several levels below what it was in 2000. Very disappointed. The great reviews must be from younger folk who never had good home made ice cream. Also the selection of chocolate is a fraction of what it was. Not sure how the other food is, but I hope its better than the ice cream. read more