Long Island Beer Scene

In the March/April 2012 issue, Joshua Bernstein tells the tale of Long Island, New York evolving into a craft-brewing hotspot. Want to taste the bounty for yourself? Here’s where to go for Long Island’s best beer.

NASSAU COUNTY
Barrier Brewing Company
This seaside brewery is open to the public on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., with kegs and growlers sold to go. Additional tours are offered by appointment.
3595 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside; 516-316-4429

Black Sheep Ale House
With more than two dozen taps dedicated to local and global craft brews, this bar is a great place to start or end a weekend on Long Island. Open daily.
78 Second St., Mineola; 516-307-1280

SOUTH SHORE
Black Forest Brew Haus
Take a trip to Germany via this Farmingdale brewery and beer garden. Enjoy a German-style lunch or dinner any day of the week, or duck in to fill a growler with German- and American-style house brews.
2015 New Highway, Farmingdale; 631-391-9500

Blue Point Brewing Company
This popular and long-running brewery’s tasting room is open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. Brewery tours are offered only on Saturdays.
161 River Ave., Patchogue; 631-475-6944

Brickhouse Brewery
This brewery has been making craft beer since the ’90s and an onsite restaurant features the best of its brews on tap daily.
67 W. Main St., Patchogue; 631-447-2337

Great South Bay Brewery
This Bay Shore brewery hasn’t been around long, but it’s already a mainstay. Fill a growler at the tasting room Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m..
2309 Union Blvd., Bay Shore; 631-392-8472

The Good Life
With more than 25 taps and monthly beer pairing dinners, this Massapequa Park restaurant is all about craft beer.
1039 Park Blvd., 516-798-4663

T.J. Finley’s
This Bay Shore pub features 26 taps, Sixpoint on cask and a lengthy bottle list.
42 E. Main St., Bay Shore; 631-647-4856

SOUTH FORK
Southhampton Publick House
Beer has been brewed at this pastoral Southhampton site since the 1800s, with Babe Ruth and Clark Gable reportedly bellying up to the bar in its former incarnation as a speakeasy. Now a full-service restaurant and craft brewery, fresh beers are offered on tap daily.
40 Bowden Square, Southhampton; 631-283-2800

NORTH FORK
Greenport Harbor Brewing Company
The popular tasting room at this picturesque former firehouse is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Even the mayor has been known to fill a growler here.
234 Carpenter St., Greenport

NORTH SHORE
John Harvard’s Brew House
This English-style brewpub offers a range of beers on tap daily, purportedly brewed according to recipes created by William Shakespeare, alongside a full restaurant menu.
2093 Smithhaven Plaza, Lake Grove; 631-979-2739

The Lark Pub & Grub
The gigantic beer selection, featuring both local New York brews and global heavy hitters, is the main draw at this quirky eatery.
93 Larkfield Rd. E., Northport; 631-262-9700

Port Jeff Brewing Company
Tucked into downtown Port Jefferson, this nanobrewery is open for tours on Saturdays and 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A tasting room is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
22 Mill Creek Rd., Port Jefferson; 877-475-2739

Tap & Barrel
With more than 50 craft brews on tap on any given day, this Smithtown bar has beer geeks covered.
550 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown; 631-780-5474