At LT’s Grill in Niskayuna, you’re a person, not a number.
“We really want to make sure everyone that walks through our door, as they’re leaving, is saying ‘I can’t wait to come back,’” said LJ Goldstock, owner. “There are a hell of a lot of the Applebee’s and other (restaurants) where the food’s really not good … and it doesn’t give you that personal bartender, personal waitress that you know these people are here for you.”
With restaurant chains popping up everywhere, a family restaurant like LT’s Grill is a “dying breed,” from the food to the service, which makes the Nott Street eatery a local favorite.
“What it really is is the whole pie. We are phenomenal on our steaks, our barbeque is the best … all that we do is unbelievable,” said Goldstock. “We do it for the customer.”
At LT’s, what the customer wants, the customer gets. And that stretches beyond ordering a steak well, medium or rare. Goldstock says diners frequently call ahead of time to request a dish they had before and want again.
“We do specialties. We have people call up if I don’t have it on the menu. We’ll get calls coming in that say ‘You ran this for a special once, can you make it for me again?’ and we do,” said Goldstock.
The grill has “the best steak, seafood and barbecue in the area” but there are some specific menu items that have become customer favorites over the past six years.
Goldstock said he’s known for his lobster mac and cheese, pulled pork, ribs, center cut steak and dry rub wings with 72 spices. A 15-foot salad bar is a recent addition that diners flock to, as is the lobster tank and renovated bar area with 10 televisions and the NFL package.
“We’re always constantly changing for what people are asking for or what we see will benefit the local community,” said Goldstock.
The restaurant also has theme nights, like a caricature artist providing free drawings on Tuesdays, a Kids Night where children 9 and under eat free, Trivia Night on Wednesdays with half price wings, Ladies Night on Thursdays with live music and Happy Hour on Fridays with free appetizers.
And aside from his customers, the community is Goldstock’s priority. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, participating in a fundraiser or hosting an annual golf outing to benefit ALS, Goldstock is determined to give back.
“We donate thousands and thousands of dollars for local community events, high school sports teams, synagogues, a couple big things with the Niskayuna PBA,” said Goldstock.
Each year, LT’s Grill and the Niskayuna PBA pool funds and provide needy families with a hot breakfast, a visit with Santa, gifts and a hot turkey dinner to take home.
This year, Goldstock is adding another notch to his philanthropic belt with a July 29 event in partnership with Broadway Choppers to benefit the Little People of America.
“Dwarfism is a big thing going on and this is a new group we’re working closely with to raise money,” said Goldstock.
His efforts don’t go unnoticed.
“If you could ask some regulars what we stand for, it’s how much we give back to the community and what we do for the local people in this area,” said Goldstock.
Goldstock also provides catering for everything from graduation bashes to backyard parties.
LT’s Grill is located at 2305 Nott St. East in Niskayuna. For a full menu and list of theme nights, visit www.ltsgrill.com.
