In Roslyn since the late 1980s, Bryant & Cooper Steak House on Northern Boulevard has become a destination for not just local residents, but for numerous celebrities from the world of sports, politics and entertainment.

First open for business in 1987 by the Poll brothers, Gillis and George, the steak house is named for two figures from New York's rich history, the poet, editor, and Roslyn resident William Cullen Bryant and Peter Cooper, the 19th century American inventor, manufacturer, and philanthropist who founded Cooper Union, an arts and science college in lower Manhattan.

Professional athletes who either live in the area or play for Long Island teams also frequent the steak house. From the New York Mets' glory days of the late-1980s, Darryl Strawberry and Lenny Dykstra used to dine at the establishment. So do pro footballers Sean Landetta, formerly of the New York Giants and now of the Philadelphia Eagles and Boomer Esiason, the Long Island native who starred for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets. Players from the current Jet squad, including Jumbo Elliot, Jason Fabini, and Mo Lewis often unwind at the restaurant after Sunday games. Longtime Islander favorite Bobby Nystrom is another longtime patron.

Local politicians patronize the steak house, including Alfonse D'Amato during his long run as U.S. senator from New York. Former Vice President Dan Quayle also visited Bryant & Cooper in 1995, after making an appearance in Glen Cove. Former New York first lady Matilda Cuomo was a visitor during her husband's tenure as governor during the 1980s and '90s.

So why do the stars come to Roslyn? The Poll brothers cite the convenience of the restaurant, it is near the city and is also a place people like to frequent after going shopping at the Americana Mall in Manhasset. Celebrities like Bryant & Cooper because they are received at the door by the owners and they and their family members are not interrupted during the course of their meals.

The most interesting sports story involved Nelson Doubleday, co-owner of the Mets and another frequent visitor. One summer in 1998, Mr. Doubleday was at the restaurant's bar. He was told there was a phone call from Steve Phillips, the Mets general manager, for him. Mr. Phillips was calling with good news. The trade for Mike Piazza had come through and the former Los Angeles Dodger slugger was now a member of the Mets. A happy Mr. Doubleday told everyone at the restaurant the news well before it was reported on local media outlets.

The Poll brothers inherited their knowledge of the restaurant business from their father who operated Pappas, a well-known establishment in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Their uncle, William Poll, was proprietor of a famous delicatessen and catering establishment on Manhattan's Upper East Side for over 60 years. Along with Bryant & Cooper, the Poll brothers also operate Majors in Woodbury and East Meadow and River Bay Bar and Grill in Williston Park.

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