Finding a venue that handles a massive South Asian guest list without breaking a sweat is, honestly, harder than it looks. For years, Antun's by Minar Hicksville was that reliable anchor for the community on Long Island. Located at 244 W Old Country Rd, it wasn't just a building. It was where thousands of people saw their cousins get married, celebrated their grandmother's 80th birthday, or sat through long but lively engagement ceremonies.
But things changed recently. If you’ve been searching for their website or trying to book a tour, you might have run into a bit of a wall.
The Major Update on Antun's by Minar Hicksville
Here is the news that caught many by surprise: Antun's by Minar Hicksville officially announced it was closing its doors on January 6, 2025. They had a solid thirteen-year run under the Minar management. It’s a huge blow to the local event scene. For over a decade, they were known for being inclusive, specifically catering to the diverse needs of the South Asian, Spanish, and Italian communities in the area.
Why does this matter so much? Because finding a place with a "Hamilton Room" that can squeeze in 400 people while still serving authentic, high-quality catering isn't exactly a dime a dozen in Nassau County.
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What Made the Venue Stand Out
Kinda rare for a hall to be so versatile. Most places do one thing well—either the food is great but the room is cramped, or the lobby is gorgeous but the catering is bland. Antun's by Minar Hicksville managed to strike a balance that made it a go-to for major milestones.
- The Ballroom Suite: This was the sweet spot for many. It held up to 250 guests. Perfect for a Sweet 16 or a smaller wedding reception where you didn't want the room to feel empty, but you still needed space for a massive dance floor.
- The Lux Room: A bit more intimate. Maxed out at 200 people. It had a specific vibe that worked well for Mehndi parties and Henna designs.
- The Grand Entrance: You probably remember that dramatic lobby staircase. It was basically designed for "the shot"—that one photo every bride and groom wanted before heading into the main event.
The culinary side was arguably the biggest draw. They didn't just do "buffet food." They specialized in South Asian, Spanish, and Italian cuisines. We’re talking about real diversity—from jerk chicken and stewed oxtail to traditional South Asian delicacies that actually tasted like they came from a specialized kitchen, not a mass-production line.
Disentangling the Names: Hicksville vs. Queens Village
There is a lot of confusion here. You've probably seen "Antun's" mentioned in history books alongside the Kennedys and the Clintons.
That legendary history actually belongs to the original Antun's of Queens Village, which opened in 1945. That location is still a landmark and is not the same as the Hicksville branch that was managed by the Minar group. While they share a name that carries a lot of weight in New York, the Hicksville location operated with its own specific flair under the Minar brand.
If you are looking for that 70-year-old historic landmark, you're looking for Springfield Blvd in Queens. If you were looking for the hub of South Asian events in the heart of Long Island, you were looking for the Hicksville spot on Old Country Road.
Real Experiences and Critiques
No venue is perfect. Honestly, if a place has five stars across the board, you should probably be suspicious.
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While many loved the "all-inclusive" nature of their Platinum Wedding Package—which literally threw in a limousine and overnight accommodations—others had gripes. Some past guests mentioned that the parking lot at the Hicksville site had seen better days, often needing a fresh coat of paint or some paving work.
Service was another mixed bag. You’d have nights where the staff was "on it," moving like a well-oiled machine. Then you’d have the occasional review where a server seemed a bit more interested in their phone than the buffet line. It’s the reality of the hospitality industry, especially when dealing with massive crowds and high-pressure events.
Why it Still Matters to the Long Island Community
Even though the doors are closed, the legacy of Antun's by Minar Hicksville stays relevant because it filled a specific niche. It was a place that understood cultural nuances.
They knew that a Mehndi party isn't just a "party"—it’s a specific cultural ritual that requires a certain layout and a certain energy. They understood that when someone asks for a "customized culinary experience," they aren't just being picky; they are trying to honor family traditions through food.
Moving Forward: What to Do Now
If you were a former client or had high hopes of booking here, you aren't totally out of luck. The management has stayed somewhat accessible for inquiries regarding past events or future transitions.
- Check the Queens Location: If you loved the "Antun's" brand and level of service, the Queens Village location is still very much active and continues to host massive events for up to 800 people.
- Contact the Management: For those who still need to reach the Minar team specifically, they have directed people to use their dedicated email (minar212@gmail.com) for any lingering business.
- Explore Hicksville Alternatives: The area still has several banquet halls, but you'll want to verify if they can handle the specific catering requirements (like Halal or specific regional cuisines) that Minar was known for.
Basically, the era of Antun's by Minar in Hicksville has come to an end, but the memories of those 13 years of celebrations aren't going anywhere. It served as a bridge for many families as they settled into Long Island, providing a touch of elegance and a taste of home.
If you're looking for a new venue in the area, prioritize visiting in person during a "set-up" time. It’s the only way to see if the staff actually cares about the details before the guests arrive.
Check out the original Antun's website for their current Queens-based packages, or look into local Nassau County venues that allow outside South Asian catering if you need to replicate that specific Minar flavor.