The best breweries on Long Island have exploded in number over the past decade, and I set out to visit every one of them to find out which were actually worth recommending. When I started, there were 59 breweries across the island. I was living on the North Shore at the time and made it my goal to visit every single one. By the time I finished, the brewery scene had already begun to change. Since then, more than a dozen breweries have closed, several new ones have opened, and others have relocated or expanded. That’s the nature of Long Island’s craft beer scene, and it’s why this has become a living guide that I continue updating as breweries open, close, and evolve.
Today, there are more than 50 breweries spread across Nassau and Suffolk counties, from Long Beach and Glen Cove to Greenport and Montauk. Whether you’re looking for farm breweries on the North Fork, waterfront taprooms, destination brewpubs with great food, or some of the best IPAs on Long Island, you’ll find them here.
People often ask me which brewery is my favorite, but I don’t really have one answer. It depends on who I’m with and what kind of day I’m looking for. If I’m grabbing lunch with my daughter, I’ll usually pick a brewery with a great food menu and outdoor space. If I’m with Janice, who isn’t much of a beer drinker, I look for breweries that also serve cider or wine. Other days, I’m simply chasing a great hazy IPA or checking out a brewery I haven’t visited in a while. Instead of naming one “best” brewery, I’ve highlighted my favorites across several categories, including my four overall favorites. Within each region, I’ve also loosely organized the breweries with my personal favorites near the top.
I’ve organized this guide by region, starting with Suffolk County before working west through Nassau County. You’ll also find the best brewery clusters on Long Island, making it easy to plan a brewery crawl without spending your day driving across the island.
Before you head out, keep in mind that brewery hours change frequently, especially at smaller taprooms that may only be open a few days each week. I’ve also noted which breweries have full kitchens, food trucks, are dog friendly, or offer cider, wine, mead, cocktails, and other options for non-beer drinkers.
Table of Contents
Long Island Breweries Top Picks
Not sure where to start? These are my top brewery picks across Long Island, whether you’re looking for outstanding beer, great food, live music, or a family-friendly afternoon.
BEST OVERALL BREWERIES
Root + Branch Brewing
Sand City Brewing
Noble Savage Brewing Company
Barrier Brewing Company
BEST BREWERIES FOR FAMILIES
Long Island Farm Brewery
Twin Fork Brewing
Greenport Harbor (Peconic)
Blue Point
BEST BREWERIES FOR LIVE MUSIC
Blue Point Brewing Company
Great South Bay Brewery
Bright Eye Beer Co.
Southpaw Brewing Company
BEST BREWERIES FOR FOOD
Stone Goat Brewing
Garvies Point Brewery
Southpaw Brewing Company
Root + Branch Brewing (Pizza)
BEST FOR NON-BEER DRINKERS
Motion Craft Brewed
Po'Boy Brewery
Garvies Point Brewery
Alizé Brewing Company
BEST HIDDEN GEM BREWERIES
Blind Bat Brewery
Eastern Front Brewing Co.
Noble Savage Brewing Company
Somerset Brewing Company
Long Island Brewery Clusters: How to Visit Several in One Day
If you’re planning a brewery crawl, a handful of Long Island towns make it easy to visit several breweries in a single afternoon. Whether you want to park once and walk or don’t mind a short drive between stops, these are the best brewery clusters on Long Island.
Lindenhurst
Lindenhurst is one of the most walkable brewery clusters on Long Island. Sand City’s South Shore location, Breslau Brewing, and 27A Brewing are all within a few blocks of one another on and around North Wellwood Avenue, making it easy to park once and spend the afternoon exploring on foot.
While Great South Bay’s former Lindenhurst brewery has since become Breakers Burrito Bar, it’s still owned by the Great South Bay team and serves their beers on draft, making it a great stop if you’re looking for lunch or dinner between breweries.
Riverhead
Riverhead has more breweries than any other town on Long Island. Twin Fork Beer Co. on Raynor Avenue, North Fork Brewing Co. in the historic firehouse on Second Street, MoonFish Brewery on East Main Street, and übergeek Brewing on Hallett Avenue are all in or just outside downtown. Most are only a short drive apart, and the Long Island Rail Road stops right in town if you’d rather leave the car behind. Montauk Distilling Company, located next to North Fork Brewing, also makes an easy stop if you’d like to mix in local spirits.
Holbrook
Holbrook isn’t walkable, but it packs three excellent breweries into a very short drive. Spider Bite Beer Co., SquareHead Brewing, and 1940’s Brewing are all within a couple of miles of one another on Lincoln Avenue and High Street, making this one of the easiest brewery crawls on Long Island if you’re traveling by car.
Bay Shore
Bay Shore remains one of the best brewery clusters on Long Island, even after the closure of DUBCO. Great South Bay’s original brewery, Ghost Brewing in the back of the same building, and Take Two Brewery near the LIRR station are all close together. The shared outdoor Tipsy Terrace between Great South Bay and Ghost effectively gives you two breweries in one stop before heading over to Take Two.
Suffolk County: North Shore Breweries
The North Shore brewery scene feels a little different from the rest of Long Island. While stricter local regulations have made large-scale production breweries less common in some communities, they’ve also helped foster a collection of intimate village taprooms and tasting rooms. From Northport and Huntington to Centerport and Port Jefferson Station, you’ll find excellent craft beer in walkable downtowns, with many breweries focusing on the taproom experience rather than large-scale distribution.
NORTHPORT
Sand City Brewing Co.
Sand City is one of the most respected breweries on Long Island and a must-visit if you enjoy hop-forward beers. The brewery got its start on Main Street in Northport, taking its name from the sand mines that operated here in the 19th century and supplied material for roads and bridges across Manhattan. Its reputation for outstanding IPAs quickly earned a loyal following and eventually led to a second location in Lindenhurst, where the larger production brewery is now based.
If you’re an IPA fan, this brewery should be near the top of your list. Oops I Hopped My Pants has become the brewery’s signature beer, while Mofosaic, a rotating single-hop IPA, and Alright Already, a New England IPA, are two other standouts that are almost always worth ordering if they’re on tap.
If you’re spending time in Northport, it’s also worth exploring the village before or after your visit. I put together a guide to the best restaurants in Northport that pairs perfectly with a brewery stop.
IPA | NEIPA | BEER GEEKS | DOWNTOWN | DOG FRIENDLY
CENTERPORT
Blind Bat Brewery Bistro
Blind Bat might be the most unique brewery on Long Island and is easily one of my favorite places to visit. Housed in a tiny 16-seat bistro that doesn’t look much like a brewery at all, it’s the kind of place you’d probably drive right past if you didn’t know it was there. Owner Paul Dlugokencky started brewing on a three-barrel system in a small cottage behind his home in Centerport in 2008, and that’s still where every batch is made today. The brewery’s name is a playful nod to Paul being “blind as a bat.”
For years, Paul sold his beer at local farmers markets before he and his wife, Regina, opened the bistro and tasting room in 2019. Regina is an organic farmer who grows many of the ingredients used in the kitchen, while as much of the remaining menu as possible is sourced locally. The burgers, pulled chicken sandwich, duck fat fries, and Thursday and Sunday pierogies are reason enough to visit, even before ordering your first beer.
With such a small brewing operation, there are only a handful of house beers on tap at any given time, and the lineup changes constantly. Long Island Potato Stout and Hellsmoke Porter are two of Paul’s longtime beers, but you never quite know what you’ll find on the board. I don’t always love every beer on tap, but that has never stopped me from coming back. Between the tiny dining room, the locally sourced food, the husband-and-wife team behind it, and the fact that every visit feels different, Blind Bat offers one of the most memorable brewery experiences you’ll find anywhere on Long Island.
If you’re exploring this part of the North Shore, I’d also recommend spending some time in nearby Northport, one of my favorite downtowns on Long Island.
FULL KITCHEN | DOG FRIENDLY | LOCAL INGREDIENTS | SMALL BATCH | HIDDEN GEM
St. James
St. James Brewery
St. James Brewery stands out among Long Island breweries for its commitment to local ingredients. While the taproom is located in a small shopping plaza rather than on a farm, it’s a New York State Certified Farm Brewery that sources fruit and hops from Richters Orchards in Northport and Condzella’s Farm in Wading River, with barley and wheat coming from farms near Rochester. The brewery also cultivates its own house yeast strain, giving many of its beers a distinctive character you won’t find at any other brewery on Long Island.
Although the taproom is in St. James, the beer is brewed at the brewery’s production facility in Holbrook, which isn’t open to the public. Co-founder Jamie Adams oversees brewing there, while his wife, Rachel, runs the St. James taproom, pours the beer, and hosts regular events. You’re welcome to bring your own food, making this an easy stop if you’re exploring other breweries along Long Island’s North Shore.
LOCAL INGREDIENTS | OUTSIDE FOOD | DOG FRIENDLY | TAPROOM
AMITYVILLE
Small Craft Brewing
Hidden behind an auto repair shop in Amityville, Small Craft Brewing has one of the most unexpected locations of any brewery on Long Island. With its industrial garage door, exposed brewing equipment, and tucked-away setting behind Sammy’s Auto Repair, it almost feels like you’ve discovered a neighborhood secret. Brothers Gerard and Greg Sims spent years homebrewing before opening Small Craft after a long search for an affordable location on Long Island’s South Shore.
Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with a nautical theme, counter seating overlooking the brewhouse, and a big-screen TV for sports. The brewery serves a rotating lineup of about a dozen ales and lagers, available by the pint, flight, or crowler to go. There’s no kitchen, but outside food is welcome, and leashed dogs are allowed inside.
Small Craft isn’t trying to be the biggest or busiest brewery on Long Island. Instead, it’s built a loyal local following by brewing quality beer and creating the kind of neighborhood brewery that keeps people coming back.
OUTSIDE FOOD | DOG FRIENDLY | FLIGHTS | HIDDEN GEM | LAGERS
PORT JEFFERSON STATION
Po'Boy Brewery
Po’Boy Brewery is one of the best breweries on Long Island if not everyone in your group drinks beer. Alongside its rotating lineup of IPAs, stouts, porters, and seasonal releases, Po’Boy also makes its own hard ciders, with flavors that have included apple, mango, strawberry, pear, and sangria. It’s one of Janice’s favorite brewery stops on Long Island because there’s always a cider on tap she’ll enjoy while I work my way through the beer list.
The brewery has plenty of personality, too. A dedicated “Sour Patch” lounge opens on Fridays and Saturdays with its own rotating sour beer tap list, while the Louisiana bayou-themed interior, complete with tree-lined walls and cozy seating areas, feels more like a neighborhood bar than a typical brewery. Live music on many weekends only adds to the atmosphere.
Owner Bob Rodriguez began as a homebrewer, winning the Long Island Brewers Cup in 2013 before opening Po’Boy in 2017. The tap list changes constantly, so there’s almost always something new to try, whether you’re in the mood for a hazy IPA, a rich stout, a sour beer, or one of the house-made ciders.
If you’re planning a visit, Po’Boy is only a short drive from Port Jefferson, making it an easy stop before or after exploring the village. Be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Port Jefferson while you’re in the area.
CIDER | SOUR BEERS | LIVE MUSIC | DOG FRIENDLY
HUNTINGTON
Six Harbors Brewing
Six Harbors Brewing has one of the most unusual brewing setups on Long Island. Because of local regulations, only a small pilot brewing system is permitted on site, so concentrated wort is produced elsewhere before being shipped to Huntington, where the beer is fermented, finished, and served in the taproom. It’s a creative workaround that allows the brewery to operate in the heart of downtown Huntington without compromising the quality of the beer.
The brewery was founded in 2018 by Mark Heuwetter after more than a decade of homebrewing. Before opening Six Harbors with his wife, Karen, Mark spent his career in finance and drew on advice from his brother-in-law, who worked at Brooklyn Brewery before founding Greenpoint Beer & Ale. Walter’s White Ale and Bay Hills Blues, a blueberry wheat ale, remain two of the brewery’s signature beers.
If you’re spending the day in Huntington, Six Harbors is an easy stop while exploring downtown. After your visit, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Huntington for plenty of great places to eat within walking distance.
DOG FRIENDLY | DOWNTOWN | FAMILY FRIENDLY | TAPROOM | FLIGHTS
ST JAMES
The Stone Goat is the best brewery on Long Island if you’re looking for a great meal to go with your beer. Opened in 2024, it feels less like a traditional brewery and more like an upscale restaurant that happens to brew its own beer on site. The main floor features a polished dining room serving dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and elevated pub fare, while the upstairs pub offers a more casual atmosphere with its own menu and bar.
The brewery produces a rotating lineup of house-made beers, with the brewhouse visible through glass windows in the dining room. Outside, you’ll find a spacious beer garden with picnic tables, live music, lawn games, and seasonal events, making it just as appealing for an afternoon beer as it is for dinner. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas.
If you’re expecting a typical warehouse taproom, this isn’t it. The Stone Goat has created one of the best food-and-beer experiences on Long Island, making it an easy recommendation whether you’re visiting for dinner, drinks, or simply to sample the brewery’s latest beers.
FULL KITCHEN | BEER GARDEN | LIVE MUSIC
HUNTINGTON
Threes Brewing Huntington
Threes Brewing brings one of New York’s most respected craft breweries to Huntington Village. Located on Clinton Avenue just steps from restaurants, bars, and The Paramount, it’s an easy stop whether you’re spending the afternoon exploring the village or grabbing a beer before dinner or a show.
Unlike most breweries on this list, the Huntington location is a bottle shop and tasting room rather than a production brewery, with all of the beer brewed at Threes’ flagship brewery in Brooklyn. That means you’ll find the same outstanding lineup that has earned Threes a reputation as one of New York’s premier craft breweries, including excellent lagers, hop-forward ales, IPAs, and saisons. Logical Conclusion, a hazy IPA, and Vliet, a crisp pilsner, are two great places to start.
If you’re making a day of it, Huntington has one of the best downtowns on Long Island for restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment. Be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Huntington before or after your visit.
IPA | LAGERS | DOWNTOWN | BOTTLE SHOP | TAPROOM
Suffolk County: South Shore Breweries
The South Shore is home to many of the best breweries on Long Island, from pioneers like Blue Point and Great South Bay to newer favorites like Root + Branch and Ghost Brewing. While breweries are spread across the region, several are clustered in places like Lindenhurst, Bay Shore, and Holbrook, making the South Shore one of the easiest areas to plan a Long Island brewery crawl. Whether you’re looking for nationally recognized beers, neighborhood taprooms, award-winning IPAs, or hidden gems, the South Shore has something for every type of beer drinker.
COPIAGUE
Root + Branch
If I could recommend just one brewery on Long Island, Root + Branch would be at the top of my list.Â
The beer is outstanding, and Nico’s Charred Pies, the wood-fired pizza kitchen operating Thursday through Sunday, serves some of the best pizza on Long Island. In fact, it’s one of my top picks in my guide to the best pizza on Long Island.
Co-owners Anthony Sorice and Ryan Mauban spent years brewing as nomadic brewers before opening Root + Branch in 2022 beneath the Long Island Rail Road tracks, just a block from the Copiague station. The brewery has quickly become one of the premier destinations for hop lovers on Long Island while also producing excellent Belgian styles, stouts, and rotating sour beers. Les Fleurs du Mal, a Belgian witbier, and Descennes, a wheat IPA, are two longtime favorites, while Cubist Blues is the best sour beer I’ve had anywhere on Long Island.
Don’t overlook the pizza. Nico’s pies are thin, crisp, and perfectly charred, and the Stinger, topped with pepperoni, jalapeños, chili oil, and hot honey, is the one I order most often. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, making this an easy place to spend an afternoon.
PIZZA | IPA | SOUR BEERS | DOG FRIENDLY | TOP PICK
HOLBROOK
1940's Brewing
1940’s Brewing is one of the most versatile breweries on Long Island. While many breweries focus heavily on IPAs, 1940’s consistently pours one of the island’s most diverse tap lists, making it a great stop if everyone in your group enjoys different styles of beer. The brewery was named in honor of owner Charles Becker’s father, who graduated from the U.S. Brewers Academy in 1940 before spending more than four decades brewing for Rheingold, continuing a family brewing tradition that stretches back generations.
The beer is brewed on a 10-barrel system connected directly to the Holbrook taproom, where you’ll usually find 13 to 16 rotating beers on tap. Alongside IPAs, the lineup regularly includes German wheat beers, Märzens, witbiers, oatmeal stouts, porters, and other traditional styles that have become increasingly difficult to find at many craft breweries. If everyone in your group has different tastes, this is one of the best breweries on Long Island to satisfy them all.
Another advantage is that 1940’s is open seven days a week, which is still unusual for a brewery of this size. Combined with nearby Spider Bite Beer Co. and SquareHead Brewing, it’s an easy stop if you’re planning a Holbrook brewery crawl.
LAGERS | GERMAN STYLES | OPEN 7 DAYS | HOLBROOK
MORICHES
Moriches Field Brewing
Moriches Field Brewing is unlike any other brewery on Long Island. Housed inside a former military surplus Quonset hut, the brewery celebrates Long Island’s rich aviation history with an interior designed to resemble an airplane hangar, complete with aviation memorabilia donated by locals and friends of the brewery.
The name pays tribute to the dozens of airfields that once dotted Long Island and helped shape the region’s aviation legacy. Owner Rich Flynn spent more than two decades at AIG before leaving the corporate world to open Moriches Field in 2020 after more than 15 years of homebrewing. Time spent living in England and Germany helped shape his brewing philosophy, and the tap list reflects those influences with European-inspired beers like ESBs, festbiers, and oatmeal stouts alongside American IPAs and seasonal releases.
The atmosphere is just as memorable as the beer. Every time an eastbound Long Island Rail Road train passes behind the brewery, everyone raises a glass to the conductor, who usually responds with a blast of the train horn. Add in the outdoor beer garden, weekend food trucks, and dog-friendly patio, and it’s easy to see why Moriches Field has become one of the breweries I recommend most often to friends visiting Long Island.
AVIATION THEME | BEER GARDEN | FOOD TRUCKS | DOG FRIENDLY
BAY HORE & LINDENHURST
Great South Bay
Great South Bay is one of the biggest names in Long Island craft beer and a brewery almost every local beer fan knows. The original Bay Shore location serves as both the brewery’s production facility and flagship taproom, with a 40,000-square-foot warehouse that hosts everything from tribute bands and comedy shows to bingo, Pokémon tournaments, and seasonal festivals. Brewing tanks frame the stage, giving the space a brewery-meets-concert-venue atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else on Long Island. Much of the beer served here, along with beers brewed for several other Long Island breweries, is produced at this facility.
Founded in 2009 by brewmaster Rick Sobotka, Great South Bay has grown into one of the largest breweries on Long Island, winning two gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and earning distribution well beyond New York. Blood Orange Pale Ale and Massive IPA remain two of the brewery’s signature beers and are great places to start on your first visit.
One more reason to stop by the Bay Shore location is that Ghost Brewing occupies part of the same building and shares the outdoor Tipsy Terrace, giving you the chance to visit two breweries in one stop.
If you’re spending the day in Bay Shore, be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Bay Shore before or after your visit.
Note: Great South Bay also has a location Ronkonkoma, which feels more like neighborhood restaurants and bar, while the original Bay Shore location offers the full brewery experience.
LIVE MUSIC | EVENTS | PRODUCTION BREWERY | DOG FRIENDLY
LINDENHURST
27A Brewing Co
27A Brewing is home to one of Long Island’s most recognizable specialty beers: Rainbow Cookie Stout. But the beer is only part of the reason to visit. The brewery occupies a beautifully restored 120-year-old former butcher shop, where the original tin ceiling, marble butcher block turned bar, reclaimed wood from the market’s old freezer, and even decades-old cigar burns have all been preserved. Vintage bottles from the original Linden Brewery line the shelves, while episodes of The Twilight Zone play on a projector, giving the taproom a personality unlike anywhere else on Long Island.
Founders Ryan Cooke and Melissa Bates, who grew up together in Lindenhurst, opened the brewery in 2019 after Ryan spent several years brewing at Greenpoint Beer & Ale in Brooklyn. Since then, he’s brewed well over 130 different beers, experimenting with everything from crisp pilsners to hop-forward IPAs and creative dessert-inspired stouts. If Rainbow Cookie Stout is on tap, don’t miss it. It’s one of the brewery’s signature beers and one of my favorite specialty stouts on Long Island.
Like several other breweries in Lindenhurst, 27A is an easy stop on one of the best brewery crawls on Long Island. Sand City’s Lindenhurst location, Breslau Brewing, and Great South Bay’s Lindenhurst taproom are all within a short walk, making it easy to spend an afternoon exploring the neighborhood.
IPA | STOUTS | DOG FRIENDLY | DOWNTOWN | BREWERY CRAWL
LINDENHURST
Breslau Brewing
Breslau Brewing feels like a neighborhood brewery in the best possible way. Named after the original name of the Village of Lindenhurst, which was settled by German immigrants in the late 1800s, the brewery embraces that heritage with a tap list that leans heavily toward traditional German styles.
The taproom is small, relaxed, and welcoming, with a roll-up garage door that opens during warmer weather and the kind of neighborhood atmosphere that’s easy to settle into for a couple of pints. Dogs are welcome, and while the beer is rooted in German brewing traditions, it’s really the laid-back atmosphere that makes Breslau memorable.
Its location is another reason to stop by. Breslau sits in the heart of Lindenhurst’s brewery district, with Sand City’s Lindenhurst location, Great South Bay’s Lindenhurst taproom, and 27A Brewing all within easy walking distance. If you’re planning a brewery crawl on Long Island, it’s an easy stop to include.
GERMAN STYLES | DOG FRIENDLY | DOWNTOWN | HIDDEN GEM | BREWERY CRAWL
HOLBROOK
SquareHead Brewing
SquareHead Brewing is a laid-back neighborhood brewery that isn’t afraid to experiment. Alongside classic styles, you might find everything from a pistachio pilsner and apple pie hard cider to an outstanding espresso chocolate stout, making it a great choice if everyone in your group is looking for something different. The pistachio pilsner is probably the brewery’s most talked-about beer, but the espresso chocolate stout is the one I still think about.
The brewery was founded by Brad Jordan and his father, Dave, who spent years brewing together in their garage before opening SquareHead just a couple of blocks from their home in Holbrook. They purchased the building in 2013, but permitting and construction delays pushed the opening back nearly five years. Brad, a graphic designer, and Dave, a New York City construction worker, built much of the brewery themselves, giving the space a personal, do-it-yourself feel.
Tucked away down an alley off High Street, the brewery has a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating, picnic tables, lawn games, and a rotating lineup of food trucks, though you’re also welcome to bring your own food. SquareHead is open Friday through Sunday and pairs well with nearby Spider Bite Beer Co. and 1940’s Brewing if you’re planning a Holbrook brewery crawl.
OUTSIDE FOOD | DOG FRIENDLY | LAWN GAMES | BREWERY CRAWL
BAY SHORE
Take Two Brewery
Take Two Brewery exists because the first attempt didn’t go as planned. Co-owners Brendan Byrne and David Cristelot came up with the idea over Thanksgiving dinner in 2013 and spent years homebrewing before signing a lease in Bay Shore in 2020. Then the pandemic delayed the project for nearly three years. When they finally opened in 2023, the name reflected their second careers, their second attempt at opening a brewery, and their belief that two people make better beer than one.
If you’re a fan of darker beers, this is one brewery you shouldn’t skip. Dark Sunrise, a mocha latte porter with hints of vanilla, is one of my favorite dark beers on Long Island. Raspberry Saison, originally brewed as a tribute to Prince’s “Raspberry Beret,” has also become one of the brewery’s signature beers.
The brewery sits just steps from the Bay Shore Long Island Rail Road station, making it an easy stop before or after the train and a natural addition to a Bay Shore brewery crawl with Great South Bay and Ghost Brewing. Large windows overlook the brewhouse throughout the taproom, reinforcing that this is first and foremost a working brewery. Dogs are welcome, and you’re encouraged to bring your own food.
If you’re making a day of it, Bay Shore has plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance. Be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Bay Shore before or after your visit.
Parking tip: Don’t park in the Long Island Rail Road lot next door unless you’re taking the train. It’s actively enforced, so stick to street parking instead.
PORTERS | SAISONS | DOG FRIENDLY | OUTSIDE FOOD | BREWERY CRAWL
BAY SHORE
Ghost Brewing
Hidden in the back of Great South Bay’s Bay Shore brewery, Ghost Brewing feels like discovering a completely different brewery without ever leaving the building. While Great South Bay is known for its concerts and lively atmosphere, Ghost offers a quieter, more intimate taproom with comfortable couches, a long bar, and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for settling in over a few beers.
The brewery is led by Paul Komsic, who spent nearly a decade as head brewer at BrickHouse Brewery before launching Ghost in 2024. His experience shows in a creative tap list that’s not afraid to experiment with unconventional flavors. Ambition is a Dream, a peanut butter ale, is the brewery’s signature beer, but you’ll usually find plenty of rotating styles that you won’t see at many other breweries on Long Island.
Since Ghost shares both the building and the outdoor Tipsy Terrace with Great South Bay, it’s one of the easiest breweries on Long Island to pair with another stop on this list. Visit Great South Bay first, then head to Ghost for a completely different experience before continuing your Bay Shore brewery crawl.
If you’re spending the day in Bay Shore, be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Bay Shore before or after your visit.
Note: Ghost is open Friday through Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.
CREATIVE BEERS | DOG FRIENDLY | BREWERY CRAWL | HIDDEN GEM | OUTDOOR PATIO
WEST ISLIP
Secatogue
Secatogue Brewing feels like the neighborhood brewery every town hopes to have. Owner and head brewer Ken Srubinski grew up in West Islip and opened the brewery in his hometown in 2019 alongside his wife, high school sweetheart Katie, and his two brothers. The name pays tribute to the Secatogue, the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area, reflecting the brewery’s strong ties to the local community.
That local focus carries over to the beer. While the tap list leans toward hop-forward styles, you’ll usually find a wide variety of beers alongside creative uses of local ingredients, including Hawaiian cold brew coffee from Cyrus Chai & Coffee in nearby Bay Shore. Geiler Kölsch earned a gold medal at the New York State Brewers Association competition, while Pink Hibiscus IPA has been a customer favorite since the brewery opened.
There’s no kitchen, but food trucks are a regular weekend fixture, and the brewery sets up plenty of outdoor seating in front of the taproom, creating a casual place to spend an afternoon with friends. Dogs are welcome, and between the local ownership, community atmosphere, and consistently solid beer, Secatogue feels like the kind of brewery that’s become a true neighborhood gathering place.
IPA | FOOD TRUCKS | DOG FRIENDLY | FAMILY FRIENDLY | LOCAL INGREDIENTS
HOLBROOK
Spider Bite Beer Co
Spider Bite Beer Co. was founded by one of the most accomplished brewers on Long Island. After more than a decade working as a chiropractor, owner and brewmaster Larry Goldstein decided to pursue brewing full time, studying at the American Brewers Guild before apprenticing under Tomme Arthur at Lost Abbey and Port Brewing, one of the country’s most respected craft breweries. When Spider Bite opened in 2011, it quickly earned multiple awards, including the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup as New York State’s Best Craft Brewery.
The taproom sits in an industrial park in Holbrook, but don’t let the location fool you. Larry’s extensive brewing background is reflected in a lineup that ranges from crisp West Coast IPAs and big imperial beers to barrel-aged stouts and sour ales. Twelve Legs Imperial Pale Ale and Peanut Butter Stout are longtime favorites and a great introduction to the brewery.
Spider Bite pairs perfectly with nearby SquareHead Brewing and 1940’s Brewing if you’re exploring the Holbrook brewery cluster. It’s an easy stop for anyone who appreciates expertly crafted beer over flashy surroundings.
IPA | STOUTS | SOURS | BREWERY CRAWL | INDUSTRIAL TAPROOM
PATCHOGUE
Blue Point Brewing
Blue Point Brewing Company is the brewery that helped put Long Island craft beer on the map. Founded in 1998, it’s the oldest and largest craft brewery on Long Island, and for many locals, Toasted Lager was the beer that introduced them to craft beer. Today, the massive Patchogue brewery is less of a neighborhood taproom and more of a full-scale brewery destination.
The 54,000-square-foot facility features a full-service restaurant, an oyster bar serving oysters from the Great South Bay, a spacious beer garden, live music, and a large taproom pouring both year-round favorites and brewery-exclusive releases. Toasted Lager remains the flagship beer, joined by longtime staples like Hoptical Illusion IPA and the seasonal Blueberry Ale. Even if you’ve had Blue Point beers before, the brewery-exclusive and small-batch releases make a visit worthwhile.
Blue Point has changed ownership over the years, first joining Anheuser-Busch in 2014 before becoming part of Tilray Brands in 2023. Whether that matters to you or not, there’s no denying the brewery’s impact on Long Island’s craft beer scene. Long before dozens of independent breweries opened across the island, Blue Point proved there was a market for locally brewed craft beer and helped pave the way for many that followed.
If you’re looking for a brewery with great food, live music, and plenty of room to spread out, Blue Point remains one of the best brewery destinations on Long Island.
FULL KITCHEN | BEER GARDEN | LIVE MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
BAY SHORE
Rites Brewing is the one brewery on this list that I haven’t visited yet. It opened after I completed my tour of every brewery on Long Island, but based on everything I’ve read and the brewers behind it, it’s one of the places I’m most excited to visit.
Rites opened in 2025 in the Bay Shore space formerly occupied by Brewers Collective. Head brewer Chris Dougherty spent years at Barrier Brewing and several other Long Island breweries before partnering with his uncle, Tim Irwin, to open a brewery focused on traditional European brewing techniques rather than chasing the latest trends.
That brewing philosophy is what immediately caught my attention. Dougherty uses open-top fermentation, a centuries-old technique that’s rarely seen at modern American breweries, and brews on a historic system built in 1983 by renowned British brewer Peter Austin. The tap list leans heavily toward European styles, with beers like a Franconian-style kellerbier, Belgian saisons, and a British dark mild served on nitro. The brewery also sources much of its grain from Hudson Valley Malt in Germantown, New York.
Although I can’t recommend Rites from personal experience just yet, it’s quickly developed a strong reputation among Long Island beer enthusiasts for its traditional brewing philosophy. It’s at the top of my list for my next brewery visit, and I’ll update this guide once I’ve had a chance to experience it myself.
SOUR IPAs | BEER GEEKS | UNIQUE STYLES
Suffolk County: Eastern Long Island Breweries
Eastern Long Island offers the widest variety of brewery experiences anywhere on the island. From spacious farm breweries where families can spend an afternoon to small village taprooms in Greenport and Shelter Island, you’ll find everything from waterfront beer gardens to converted barns. It’s also one of the easiest regions to pair with North Fork wineries, beautiful beaches, and some of Long Island’s best restaurants, making it the perfect destination for a full day of exploring.
MANORVILLE
Long Island Farm Brewery
Long Island Farm Brewery is the closest thing to a true destination brewery on Long Island. Set on more than 80 acres at Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, it combines award-winning beer with one of the most beautiful outdoor settings on the island. The tasting room and brewhouse occupy a beautifully restored potato barn, while every beer is brewed exclusively with New York State ingredients. Alongside the beer, you’ll also find locally made cider and wine, making it an easy choice if not everyone in your group drinks beer.
What really sets Long Island Farm Brewery apart is everything beyond the taproom. Waterdrinker hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year, including a Tulip Festival each spring and sunflower season later in the summer. Farm animals, flower fields, food trucks, live music, lawn games, and wide-open spaces make this one of the best breweries on Long Island for families, dog owners, and anyone looking to spend a few hours outdoors rather than simply stopping in for a pint.
If you’re exploring the North Fork, Waterdrinker also operates a seasonal beer garden in Riverhead. The beer is brewed in Manorville and served in another scenic farm setting, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re already heading east.
FARM BREWERY | FAMILY FRIENDLY | DOG FRIENDLY | FOOD TRUCKS | CIDER
RIVERHEAD
Jamesport Farm Brewery
Jamesport Farm Brewery combines two of the North Fork’s biggest draws: craft beer and agriculture. Set on a 43-acre farm along Sound Avenue in the heart of Long Island wine country, it offers a true farm brewery experience where the setting is just as much a part of the visit as the beer.
The brewery was founded in 2017 by Anthony and Melissa Caggiano, who originally grew hops for other Long Island breweries before deciding to brew their own beer. Drawing on more than 50 years of nursery farming experience, they built one of New York’s first true farm breweries, using ingredients grown both on the property and across New York State. In 2024, the brewery was acquired by the team behind Long Island Farm Brewery at Waterdrinker, expanding its farm brewery footprint across Long Island. Although both breweries now share head brewer Brian Smith, each location continues to produce its own distinct lineup of beers.
Like its sister brewery in Manorville, Jamesport Farm Brewery is designed for lingering. Food trucks visit regularly, live music fills the weekends, and there’s plenty of room to spread out with friends and family. Dogs are welcome, water bowls are provided, and children are welcome under the current ownership, making this one of the most family-friendly breweries on the North Fork.
SOUR IPAs | BEER GEEKS | UNIQUE STYLES
GREENPORT
Greenport Harbor Brewery
Greenport | Peconic
Greenport Harbor Brewing is one of the best-known brewery names on the North Fork, but choosing the right location makes a big difference. The original Greenport taproom is perfect if you’re spending the day exploring the village, while the larger Peconic location offers a full brewery experience with a restaurant, beer garden, and live music.
The original brewery opened in 2009 inside a restored 1860s firehouse on Carpenter Street, just steps from the heart of Greenport. It’s an intimate, beer-only taproom and one of my favorite places to stop while wandering through the village. If you’re planning a day in Greenport, it’s an easy stop between lunch, shopping, or a visit to one of the local wineries. Before or after your visit, check out my guides to the best bars, breweries, and wineries in Greenport, the best restaurants in Greenport, and where to stay in Greenport.
The Peconic location opened in 2014 inside a former Ford dealership and has grown into one of the largest brewery destinations on the East End. Here you’ll find a full-service restaurant, a spacious beer garden, regular live music, and plenty of room to spread out. While much of Greenport Harbor’s production now takes place at Great South Bay’s Bay Shore facility, brewing still continues on the North Fork. Otherside IPA, now served at Madison Square Garden, and Black Duck Porter remain two of the brewery’s signature beers.
One detail worth noticing at either location is the artwork. Every label, along with much of the taproom art, was created in collaboration with South Fork artist Scott Bluedorn. His maritime-inspired illustrations draw on Greenport’s history as a whaling village and have become an unmistakable part of the brewery’s identity.
BEER GARDEN | FULL KITCHEN | LIVE MUSIC | DOWNTOWN | FAMILY FRIENDLY
MATTITUCK
Eastern Front Brewing
Eastern Front Brewing is my favorite hidden gem on the North Fork. Just east of Love Lane in Mattituck, it’s the kind of small, independent brewery that’s easy to overlook but well worth seeking out. Owner Doug Pearsall spent decades homebrewing after discovering German beer while serving in the U.S. Army in the 1980s before opening the brewery in 2015.
The small tasting room followed in 2019 inside a building dating to the 1800s, renovated almost entirely by Doug and his partner, Christina Oman, using reclaimed wood and secondhand finds. Doug even built the bar and tap handles himself.
The beer reflects Doug’s appreciation for traditional European brewing while still embracing American craft styles. The rotating tap list features everything from crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to brown ales and stouts, with longtime favorites including Anomalous Ale, Sexy MF Stout, and Love Lane Lager.
Outside, the patio feels more like hanging out in someone’s backyard than visiting a polished brewery or winery, and that’s exactly what gives Eastern Front its charm. It’s an authentic, unpretentious place that stands out among the North Fork’s breweries and one I recommend whenever someone asks for a brewery that’s a little off the beaten path.
EUROPEAN STYLES | DOG FRIENDLY | PATIO | HIDDEN GEM
RIVERHEAD
Twin Fork Beer Co
Twin Fork Beer Company is one of the best breweries on Long Island for families. The spacious taproom opens onto a partially enclosed outdoor beer garden with lawn games and plenty of room for kids to play while adults relax with a pint. If you’re exploring Riverhead’s brewery scene, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon.
The brewery was founded by identical twin brothers Dan and Peter Chekijian, and nearly everything about it reflects their family’s love of music. The name is a nod to the North and South Forks of Long Island, the brothers themselves, and the tuning fork used to tune musical instruments. Their father was a classical pianist, their younger brother is a professional musician, and beers like Chromatic Pale Ale, Crescendo IPA, Minuet Session IPA, and Sonata Kölsch continue the musical theme.
Peter began homebrewing in 2008 before interning at Long Ireland Beer Company in Riverhead, eventually convincing Dan to join him in starting a brewery of their own. After several years of contract brewing, the brothers opened this purpose-built brewery in 2020 with a 20-barrel brewhouse. Today, Twin Fork is one of the anchors of Riverhead’s growing craft beer scene and a great starting point for exploring the area’s other breweries.
FAMILY FRIENDLY | BEER GARDEN | GAMES | DOG FRIENDLY | BREWERY CRAWL
RIVERHEAD
North Fork Brewing Co
North Fork Brewing occupies one of the most distinctive brewery buildings on Long Island. Housed inside Riverhead’s original Second Street firehouse, the brewery has preserved much of the historic exterior, including the old alarm tower, while transforming the former truck bay into a spacious taproom with communal tables, a long bar, and a patio that opens through the original garage door in warmer weather. The brewing operation is visible from the taproom, adding to the experience.
Co-owners and cousins Peter Barraud and Ian Van Bourgondien have deep roots on the North Fork, and that connection carries through to the beer. As a New York State-certified farm brewery, they grow hops on the Van Bourgondien family farm in Peconic, use locally captured wild yeast in select beers, and source most of their ingredients from New York farms. Peter previously brewed at Moustache Brewing Company, while Ian brought a scientific perspective after working as a chemist at Estée Lauder. Together, they’ve built a diverse tap list that ranges from traditional lagers and New England IPAs to wild-fermented sours. If it’s available, don’t miss the Butternut beer or one of the brewery’s fruit-forward IPAs.
Another reason to stop by is Montauk Distilling Company, which occupies its own space next door in the same historic firehouse. It’s one of the few places on Long Island where you can visit both a brewery and a distillery without ever moving your car.
FARM BREWERY | DOG FRIENDLY | PATIO | BREWERY CRAWL | HISTORIC BUILDING
RIVERHEAD
übergeek Brewing
übergeek Brewing is more than just a brewery. It’s one of Riverhead’s community gathering places, regularly hosting live music, educational talks, art shows, and other events that draw as many locals as craft beer fans. Owner and brewmaster Rob Raffa intentionally created a space where people come to connect, making it one of the most welcoming breweries on Long Island.
The beer easily holds its own. Before opening übergeek in 2021, Raffa spent years homebrewing, served as head brewer at Moustache Brewing Company, and built a loyal following through contract brewing. Today, the tap list reflects that creative approach, with everything from crisp pilsners and hop-forward IPAs to tart ales and experimental releases. The brewery has even developed one of Long Island’s few non-alcoholic IPAs after months of research and development. Mead, cider, and wine from other Long Island producers are also available, making it a great choice if not everyone in your group drinks beer.
Dogs and kids are both welcome, food trucks visit regularly, and the mix of indoor and outdoor seating makes it easy to spend an afternoon here. If you’re exploring Riverhead’s brewery scene, übergeek is a stop I wouldn’t skip.
SOUR IPAs | BEER GEEKS | UNIQUE STYLES
MONTAUK
Montauk Brewing is one of the most recognizable craft beer brands on Long Island, and even if you’ve never been to Montauk, you’ve probably seen its cans in stores or on restaurant menus. If you are visiting Montauk, though, stopping at the brewery is almost a rite of passage. Just a few blocks from the beach, the taproom delivers exactly what made the brand successful: good beer, a relaxed atmosphere, and a “come as you are” attitude that feels refreshingly unpretentious in a town known for its upscale restaurants and exclusive nightlife.
Founded in 2012 by three friends who started homebrewing together in high school, Montauk Brewing quickly grew into one of the country’s largest craft breweries before being acquired by Tilray Brands in 2022. Despite its growth, the original taproom has retained the laid-back personality that made it popular from the beginning.
The brewery is open year-round, although summer is when the outdoor space is at its busiest. Dogs and kids are both welcome, making it an easy stop after a day at the beach. Driftwood Ale remains the flagship beer, while Watermelon Session Ale has become one of Long Island’s signature summer beers. You’ll also find a rotating selection of seasonal releases on draft and available to take home.
BEACH | LIVE MUSIC | DOG FRIENDLY | FAMILY FRIENDLY
SHELTER ISLAND
Shelter Island Craft Brewery
Shelter Island Craft Brewery is the only brewery on Long Island that requires a ferry ride to reach. Whether you take the ferry from Greenport or North Haven, getting here feels like part of the adventure, making it a fun stop if you’re exploring Shelter Island or looking for a brewery that’s a little different from the rest.
Brewer Billy Martin grew up on Shelter Island before leaving to build his brewing experience and eventually returning home to open the brewery. That local connection carries over to the beer, with small-batch releases that often incorporate herbs and other ingredients native to the island. The beers are only available at the brewery, making this a true destination rather than somewhere you’ll stumble upon elsewhere on Long Island.
The taproom is small and laid-back, with a handful of tables inside and a relaxed outdoor patio that’s especially enjoyable in the summer. Dogs are welcome, board games are available, and the crowd is usually a mix of island residents and visitors. Some brewing takes place on-site, with production continuing to expand, while local wines from Roanoke Vineyards and Wölffer Estate are available for anyone who prefers wine.
There’s no food served at the brewery, but Maria’s Kitchen next door is one of my favorite places to eat on Shelter Island, making it an easy stop before or after a beer.
FERRY RIDE | DOG FRIENDLY | SMALL BATCH | OUTDOOR PATIO
YAPHANK
South Paw
Southpaw Brewing is the brewery I recommend when you’re looking for a great meal as much as great beer. Located in The Boulevard development in Yaphank, it feels more like a modern restaurant than a traditional brewery, with a polished dining room, a long bar, garage doors that open onto a patio, and an outdoor fire pit lounge. If you’re visiting with family or a group that isn’t made up entirely of craft beer enthusiasts, it’s an easy choice.
The food is every bit as important as the beer, with everything from brick-oven pizzas and duck wontons to salmon, short rib gnocchi, and a full cocktail menu. Around 10 rotating house beers cover everything from IPAs and lagers to sours and seasonal styles, giving everyone something to choose from. While the beer is brewed at Southpaw’s production facility in Oyster Bay rather than on-site, that won’t matter to most visitors, who come for the overall experience.
Southpaw isn’t trying to recreate the warehouse taproom atmosphere you’ll find at many other breweries on Long Island. Instead, it offers one of the best food-and-beer experiences on the island, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a leisurely lunch or dinner rather than just a flight of beers.
FULL KITCHEN | COCKTAILS | FAMILY FRIENDLY | PATIO | DATE NIGHT
MATTITUCK
Alize Brewing
Alizé Brewing is the brewery I recommend when you’re craving fresh seafood as much as craft beer. Located on Main Road in Mattituck, it pairs Tradewinds Brewing’s beers with The Clam Bar, a full-service seafood restaurant that creates one of the North Fork’s most unique brewery experiences. If you’re visiting with people who aren’t necessarily craft beer enthusiasts, it’s an easy place to keep everyone happy.
The food is the star of the show. The menu features locally sourced seafood from Braun Seafood Company, including fried clam bellies, charbroiled oysters, PEI mussels, lobster rolls, blackened shrimp, and ahi tuna poke, alongside burgers, wings, and other pub favorites. Live music fills Friday and Saturday nights, while Sunday brunch has become another popular reason to visit.
Alizé opened in 2023 as the tasting room for Tradewinds Brewing and became the brewery’s primary home after the Riverhead taproom closed in 2024. Longtime Long Island brewer Duffy Griffiths oversees the beer program, while the drink menu also includes local wines and ciders, making it another excellent choice for groups with a mix of beer and non-beer drinkers.
SEAFOOD | BRUNCH | LIVE MUSIC | FULL KITCHEN
WESTHAMPTON BEACH
Westhampton Beach Brewing
Westhampton Beach Brewing has one of the most unique settings of any brewery on Long Island. Located at Francis S. Gabreski Airport, the brewery occupies an unexpected spot that’s unlike anywhere else on the island. The taproom blends a coastal vibe with a working brewery, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a reclaimed wood bar, surfboard-shaped tap handles, and views into the 15-barrel brewhouse. Despite being just minutes from the Hamptons, the atmosphere is relaxed and approachable, perfectly matching the brewery’s motto: “Every day’s a beach day.”
Lifelong friends Brian Sckipp and John Salvaggio opened the brewery in 2018 after growing up together in Kings Park and later reconnecting on the East End. They built the brewery with room to grow, investing in a large production system from the beginning. Head brewer Mike Rizzo, formerly of Greenport Harbor Brewing, produces everything from easy-drinking lagers and Belgian styles to hop-forward IPAs. Riptide Double IPA earned a gold medal at TAP New York in 2025, while Hurricane IPA remains one of the brewery’s signature beers. Wine, cocktails, and hard seltzers are also available.
The original brewery is family-friendly and dog-friendly, with outdoor seating, lawn games, and a light menu centered around pizza and pretzels. If you’re looking for a full meal, the same owners have since expanded with Westhampton Beach Brew & Grille, which now has locations in Manorville and on Main Street in Westhampton Beach. Both restaurants pair a much larger menu with Westhampton Beach Brewing beers on tap.
DOG FRIENDLY | FAMILY FRIENDLY | LAWN GAMES | PATIO | BREWPUB
SAG HARBOR
Kidd Squid Brewing is one of the most distinctive tasting rooms on Long Island, housed inside a beautifully restored 1870 Long Island Rail Road freight depot just steps from Main Street in Sag Harbor. Originally the eastern terminus of the South Fork rail line, the building later served as a garden center before being transformed into one of the area’s most memorable brewery spaces.
The brewery’s personality is every bit as unique as the building itself. The name combines a nod to pirate Captain William Kidd, whose legendary treasure is said to be buried on nearby Gardiners Island, with a personal tribute to co-owner Grainne Coen’s late father and the imagination of the couple’s young son. Co-owner Rory McEvoy also designed the colorful wallpaper and artwork throughout the taproom to match the brewery’s can art, creating a playful, whimsical atmosphere unlike any other brewery on Long Island.
While the beer is brewed by North Fork Brewing in Riverhead, McEvoy develops the recipes and oversees the brewing process. The rotating Moon Series Hazy IPA, released with each full moon, is the brewery’s signature beer, while collaborations with organizations like Sag Harbor Cinema, the Parrish Art Museum, and Cornell Cooperative Extension reflect the brewery’s deep connection to the local community.
In addition to beer, Kidd Squid offers local wines from Channing Daughters and Wölffer Estate, cider, spirits from Sagaponack Farm Distillery, and kombucha, making it an excellent stop for mixed groups exploring Sag Harbor.
SOUR IPAs | BEER GEEKS | UNIQUE STYLES
RIVERHEAD
MoonFish Brewery is the newest brewery in Riverhead and one I’m still looking forward to visiting. It opened in late 2025 in the former Riverhead Brew House space overlooking the Peconic River, with a large waterfront deck that claims to be Long Island’s only true riverfront brewery. The setting alone makes it one of the most intriguing additions to Riverhead’s already impressive brewery scene.
Head brewer Rob Kurtz brings impressive credentials, having trained at a brewing school in Asheville, apprenticed at Wicked Weed Brewing, and served as brewing lead at Blue Point before opening MoonFish with his wife, Skye. The brewery focuses on house-made beer, with a rotating lineup of pilsners, pale ales, and IPAs paired with a full menu featuring gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, tacos, and sandwiches. Cocktails made with spirits from Twisted Cow Distillery, North Fork wines, and local ciders round out the drink menu.
Although I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, MoonFish has quickly earned positive reviews from local beer enthusiasts. Between the waterfront location, experienced brewing team, and beer-first approach, it’s at the top of my list for my next trip to Riverhead, and I’ll update this guide once I’ve had a chance to experience it myself.
SOUR IPAs | BEER GEEKS | UNIQUE STYLES
Nassau County Breweries
Nassau County doesn’t have nearly as many breweries as Suffolk, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in accessibility. Most are within a short drive of New York City, making it easy to spend a day exploring several breweries without covering much ground.
Unlike many of Suffolk’s destination breweries, Nassau’s breweries are rooted in their local communities. Many started as homebrewing passion projects and have grown into neighborhood gathering places where regulars stop in after work, food trucks roll in on weekends, and live music is part of the routine.
From nationally recognized names like Barrier Brewing and Oyster Bay Brewing to newer taprooms still making a name for themselves, Nassau offers a surprisingly diverse brewery scene that’s well worth exploring.
GLEN COVE
Noble Savage Brewing
Noble Savage is one of my favorite breweries on Long Island and one I recommend far more often than its size would suggest. Tucked away on Glen Street in Glen Cove, it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, but owner and brewer Frank Bilello consistently produces some of the best New England IPAs on the island. If hazy, hop-forward beers are your thing, this is a brewery worth going out of your way for.
Before opening Noble Savage in 2019, Bilello left a career as an environmental consultant, apprenticed at Oyster Bay Brewing, later joined the brewery full time, and eventually struck out on his own. Today, he brews every batch himself on a two-barrel system using 100% New York State grain that’s floor-malted in the Hudson Valley.
The tap list changes constantly but almost always includes several New England IPAs alongside lagers, stouts, and the occasional experimental release. As someone who naturally gravitates toward hazy IPAs, this is one of the breweries I return to most often. Bilello also enjoys incorporating local ingredients into his beers, including brownies from Glen Cove’s Pudgy Owl Bake Shop in the Fudge Yeah Glen St. Stout.
The taproom is small, spotless, and unpretentious, with a handful of outdoor tables during the warmer months. It’s open Friday through Sunday and pairs perfectly with nearby Garvies Point Brewery, making Glen Cove one of my favorite brewery stops on Long Island’s North Shore.
IPA | NEIPA | SMALL BATCH
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Barrier Brewing Co
Oceanside | Long Beach
Barrier Brewing is one of the pioneers of Long Island craft beer and remains one of the island’s best breweries for anyone who enjoys trying something new. Founded in Oceanside in 2009 by Evan Klein after brewing at Sixpoint Brewery in Brooklyn, Barrier built its reputation on constant experimentation. Their philosophy says it all: “No flagships. No seasonals. No contract facilities.”
Klein started with a one-barrel brewing system in a 1,000-square-foot warehouse, going door to door to bars across Long Island to ask what they wanted him to brew before heading back to make it. Despite the tiny setup, Barrier produced more than 700 barrels in its first year. The brewery faced its biggest challenge in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy flooded the facility with four feet of water. With support from the local craft beer community and the collaborative Surge Protector: Sandy Relief Ale fundraiser, Barrier rebuilt and emerged stronger than ever.
Today, the brewery operates on a 20-barrel system and distributes throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan area, but the taproom remains the best place to experience what makes Barrier special. More than 60 different beers are brewed throughout the year, with 12 constantly rotating taps ensuring that every visit offers something new. Free popcorn, rotating food trucks, dog-friendly seating, and seven-day-a-week hours make it an easy brewery to return to again and again.
Barrier expanded in 2025 with a second taproom in Long Beach, just a short walk from the LIRR station. Along with nearby Bright Eye Beer Co., it gives visitors two excellent independent breweries within walking distance of each other, the beach, and downtown Long Beach.
IPA | FOOD TRUCKS | DOG FRIENDLY | OPEN 7 DAYS | BREWERY CRAWL
OYSTER BAY
Oyster Bay Brewing
Oyster Bay Brewing sits in the heart of downtown Oyster Bay, making it one of the easiest breweries on Long Island to work into a day of exploring the village. Whether you’re visiting the waterfront, browsing the shops along Audrey Avenue, or heading to one of Oyster Bay’s restaurants, it’s an easy stop for a pint before continuing your day.
The brewery’s best-known beer came from an ambitious walk-in pitch. In 2015, co-founders Gabe Haim and Ryan Schlotter convinced the New York Islanders to serve a custom beer during the team’s final season at Nassau Coliseum. They called it Barn Rocker after the arena’s famous nickname, and demand quickly exceeded expectations. The beer returned the following season at Barclays Center, later found its way to Citi Field, and remains closely associated with Islanders fans today. The brewery still hosts Islanders watch parties throughout the hockey season.
Founded in 2012 by two lifelong friends who discovered homebrewing together, Oyster Bay Brewing has grown from a tiny three-barrel operation into a full-scale brewery with a 15-barrel brewhouse, where every beer is still brewed on-site. In addition to Barn Rocker, Honey Ale, brewed with local honey from Bee Haven Farm in Locust Valley, remains one of the brewery’s signature beers. The rotating tap list also includes session ales, IPAs, double IPAs, and seasonal releases, while Long Island wines are available for non-beer drinkers.
There’s no full kitchen, but bar pizzas, pretzels, and chips are available, and you’re welcome to bring your own food or order from one of the nearby restaurants. Open seven days a week, Oyster Bay Brewing is an easy stop while exploring the village, with Theodore Roosevelt Park, the waterfront, and many of Oyster Bay’s other attractions all within a short walk.
DOWNTOWN | OPEN 7 DAYS | DOG FRIENDLY | LOCAL INGREDIENTS | BYO FOOD
MASSAPEQUA PARK
Motion Craft Brewed
If someone in your group doesn’t drink beer, Motion Craft Brewed is one of the best breweries on Long Island to visit. While most breweries might offer a single cider or hard seltzer, Motion regularly keeps multiple house-made ciders on tap alongside its beer, making it an easy choice for mixed groups.
Owners Angel Santiago and Kris Constantelos met through the Long Island Beer and Malt Enthusiasts homebrew club before opening Motion Craft Brewed in 2020. Each brought a different specialty to the brewery. Constantelos, whose Italian and Greek family made wine at home, developed a passion for mead, while Santiago focused on crafting ciders using a wide variety of fruits and flavors. Those influences still shape the tap list today.
On any given visit, you’ll find around 10 rotating taps featuring craft beer alongside several ciders, with past flavors including Peach Bellini, Passion Fruit, and Cider Colado made with pineapple and coconut. Mead also makes regular appearances. When I visited, one of the owners told me they intentionally keep multiple ciders available at all times, something that’s surprisingly uncommon at breweries this size.
The beer lineup is equally diverse, ranging from hefeweizens and Vienna lagers to chocolate peanut butter porters and kettle sours. The taproom itself is small and welcoming, with rotating local artwork, outdoor seating, and a neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in for an afternoon. Just plan to arrive early on weekends, as it fills up quickly.
CIDER | MEAD | DOG FRIENDLY | PATIO | LOCAL ART
OYSTER BAY
Garvie's Point Brewery
Located right on the waterfront at Garvies Point Marina in Glen Cove, Garvies Point Brewery overlooks Hempstead Harbor and even has dock access for visitors arriving by boat. On a warm afternoon or summer evening, it’s hard to beat the setting.
Co-owners and childhood friends Ben Kossoff and Mark Scoroposki grew up in Glen Cove and watched the waterfront transform from an industrial Superfund site into one of Nassau County’s largest redevelopment projects. They opened the brewery in 2016 before moving into the current purpose-built, 8,500-square-foot facility overlooking the marina. The 20-barrel brewhouse sits behind the bar, producing a rotating lineup of New England IPAs, lagers, sours, and seasonal beers.
Like Southpaw and Stone Goat, Garvies Point functions as much as a restaurant as it does a brewery. The full-service kitchen serves burgers, lobster rolls, flatbreads, and other American favorites, while the beer garden, waterfront patio, indoor dining room, and mezzanine make it easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Live music and special events are common throughout the year, and weekends, especially during the summer, can get busy.
If you’re looking for a waterfront lunch or dinner paired with excellent house-brewed beer, Garvies Point is one of the best brewery restaurants on Long Island. It also pairs perfectly with nearby Noble Savage, making Glen Cove one of the best brewery stops on Long Island’s North Shore.
FULL KITCHEN | WATERFRONT | BEER GARDEN | LIVE MUSIC | FAMILY FRIENDLY
FARMINGDALE
Necromantic Brew Co
If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, Necromantic Brew Co. may be the most important brewery on Long Island. It’s the only dedicated gluten-free brewery and tasting room in New York State, brewing exclusively with gluten-free grains like millet, buckwheat, and quinoa. Because no wheat or barley ever enters the facility, there’s no risk of cross-contamination, making it one of the few breweries where people with celiac disease can enjoy a beer with complete confidence.
The horror movie theme is what gives the brewery its personality. Co-founder Ralph Mandarino was diagnosed with celiac disease and spent years missing out on brewery visits before teaming up with fellow homebrewer Jesse Silano to develop gluten-free recipes that could stand alongside traditional craft beer. The pair spent countless nights brewing while horror movies played in the background, and when they opened Necromantic Brew Co., they recreated that atmosphere with walls covered in horror memorabilia and classic horror films playing throughout the taproom.
The rotating tap list includes everything from IPAs and amber ales to stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal releases, proving that gluten-free beer doesn’t have to mean limited choices. Beer names pay tribute to classic horror films, while events like horror movie nights, horror book clubs, psychic readings, and paint-and-sip nights fully embrace the theme. Dogs are welcome, and gluten-free snacks are available, making this one of the most distinctive brewery experiences on Long Island.
GLUTEN FREE | DOG FRIENDLY | HORROR THEME | EVENTS | SMALL BATCH
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Somerset Brewing Co
Somerset Brewing has one of the most personal stories behind any brewery on Long Island. Owner Dr. Manny Fajardo was treating COVID-19 patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital while simultaneously building out the brewery in West Hempstead, doing much of the construction himself and even handcrafting the taproom bar from locally sourced lumber. After years of homebrewing in his brother’s garage, he opened Somerset Brewing in 2022 just a few miles from where he grew up on Somerset Avenue in Garden City.
That personal connection carries through to the beer. Many of the names honor family members, friends, and important moments in Dr. Fajardo’s life, including Perceus, an IPA named in memory of a 32-year-old patient he lost during the pandemic. It’s a thoughtful tribute that gives the brewery a level of authenticity you don’t often find.
The taproom is warm and welcoming, with a large outdoor patio that comes alive on weekends with food trucks, live music, lawn games, and outdoor TVs. The 16-tap lineup covers everything from traditional styles to hop-forward IPAs and rotating seasonal beers, while multiple ciders and wines ensure there’s something for everyone. Kids and dogs are both welcome, making Somerset Brewing an easy place to spend an afternoon.
LIVE MUSIC | FOOD TRUCKS | DOG FRIENDLY | FAMILY FRIENDLY
BAYVILLE
Old Tappan Brew Co
Old Tappan Brewing is the kind of neighborhood brewery every small town hopes to have. Located in the beach community of Bayville, this tiny taproom feels like a gathering place for locals, with regulars filling the bar and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly matches Long Island’s North Shore.
Co-owners Matthew Cryan and Brent Kunkle, both former film industry professionals, spent months transforming a former dance studio into the brewery, even building the bar from reclaimed oak salvaged from the studio’s original dance floor. Their movie backgrounds still shape the experience today, with classic film posters decorating the walls and complimentary popcorn served as the house snack.
Everything is brewed on a one-barrel system, allowing the brewery to focus on small batches of approachable, sessionable beers rather than chasing trends. The rotating lineup typically includes six beers, with favorites like Bionic Osprey IPA, Bog Monster Hazy NEIPA, Aggie’s Freak-Out Oatmeal Stout, and Bayville Blonde Ale making regular appearances.
Old Tappan is open Friday through Sunday, dogs are welcome, and it’s an especially good stop during the summer when Bayville comes alive with beachgoers. If you’re exploring Long Island’s North Shore, it’s well worth the short detour.
DOG FRIENDLY | BEACH TOWN | NANO BREWERY | MOVIE THEME | SMALL BATCH
OCEANSIDE
South Shore Craft Brewery
South Shore Craft Brewery is an easy brewery to recommend when everyone in your group likes something different. The tap list spans everything from hop-forward NEIPAs and fruited sours to Irish red ales, Belgian wits, and the rotating Fruit Punch Sour series, while the spacious taproom regularly hosts live music, food trucks, and community events throughout the week.
A large covered patio and 50-foot event tent provide plenty of room to spread out, making the brewery just as well suited for a casual afternoon as it is for birthday parties and larger gatherings. Kids and dogs are both welcome, and it’s open seven days a week.
Barrier Brewing is only a few minutes away, making Oceanside one of the easiest places on Long Island to visit two excellent breweries in a single afternoon.
LIVE MUSIC | FOOD TRUCKS | DOG FRIENDLY | FAMILY FRIENDLY | OPEN 7 DAYS
MINEOLA
Lost Farmer Brewing Co
Lost Farmer Brewing is currently between homes. The original Mineola taproom, known for its retro atmosphere and rotating craft beers, has closed as the brewery prepares to reopen in a much larger space at 5502 Brush Hollow Road in Westbury.
The new location, simply called The Lost Farmer, is planned as a full brewpub with a kitchen, craft cocktails, gourmet coffee, and an outdoor patio, representing a major expansion from the original taproom. While the brewery initially hoped to open in spring 2026, the timeline has shifted to late summer or early fall 2026.
Until the new brewpub opens, I’d recommend checking the brewery’s website or social media for the latest updates before making the trip. If everything comes together as planned, The Lost Farmer has the potential to become one of the most exciting new brewery openings on Long Island.
FULL KITCHEN | COCKTAILS | PATIO | BREWPUB | NEW LOCATION
LONG BEACH
Bright Eye Beer Co
If you’re spending a day in Long Beach, Bright Eye Beer Co. is an easy stop before or after the beach. Located on West Park Avenue across from City Hall and the LIRR station, it’s just a few blocks from the boardwalk and perfectly situated for anyone exploring one of the best beach towns near NYC. Long Beach is also one of my favorite weekend escapes from the city. If you’re planning a longer trip, check out my guide to the best weekend getaways from NYC for more ideas.
The brewery is housed in a former five-and-dime store built in 1939, and the space does a great job celebrating that history. The bar top was crafted from more than 150 feet of old-growth pine reclaimed from the building’s original floor joists, while steel beams from the former Point Lookout Pavilion were incorporated throughout the taproom. Even the name has local roots, inspired by the Bright Eye Fish Company, a Point Lookout seafood business where bright eyes on a fish signified freshness. That same philosophy carries through to the brewery’s focus on fresh, locally brewed beer.
The 16 rotating taps cover a wide range of styles, while food trucks and pop-ups regularly fill the food gap throughout the week. Dogs are welcome, and live music, trivia nights, and other events keep the brewery busy year-round. Bright Eye was Long Beach’s first brewery, and with Barrier Brewing opening a second taproom nearby in 2025, the city has become one of the best beach destinations on Long Island for a brewery crawl.
DOG FRIENDLY | LIVE MUSIC | TRIVIA | BEACH TOWN | BREWERY CRAWL
FARMINGDALE
Stay Green Brewing is the newest brewery on Long Island, opening in Farmingdale in May 2026, but owner Jon Green is anything but a newcomer to the local craft beer scene. After years of brewing at other Long Island breweries and operating a mobile canning business, he finally found a permanent home in the former Lithology Brewing space on Main Street.
Jon’s passion for brewing began with his English father, an enthusiastic supporter of the Campaign for Real Ale, and his own career has included stops at Long Beach Brewing and DUBCO before opening Stay Green. The brewery’s name reflects both his surname and its commitment to sustainability. Spent grain is donated to Restoration Farm in Bethpage for chicken feed and compost, and the brewery looks for other ways to reuse ingredients whenever possible. As a New York State farm brewery, Stay Green also features local spirits from Better Man Distillery and wines from Long Island producers alongside its house-made beer.
The transition from Lithology has also been smoother than most brewery takeovers. Jones Beach Brewing continues producing some of its beers at the facility, while a few Lithology favorites, including the Brown Ale, are expected to remain available through a partnership between the two breweries.
I haven’t had a chance to visit yet given how recently Stay Green opened, but it’s one of the breweries I’m most looking forward to checking out. I’ll update this guide once I’ve had the chance to experience it firsthand.
SUSTAINABLE | DOWNTOWN | NEW
BELLMORE
Lunchbox Brewing has quickly become one of the most talked-about new breweries on Long Island. After opening in late 2024, it was voted Best Craft Brewery on Long Island in 2025 and was named a finalist again in 2026, an impressive rise for such a young brewery. It also became the first brewery to open on Nassau County’s South Shore in five years, bringing craft beer back to an area that had gone without a local brewery for years.
While many Long Island breweries lean heavily into IPAs, Lunchbox puts an unusual emphasis on lagers. European-style horizontal lagering tanks in the basement allow the brewery to produce crisp, traditionally conditioned lagers alongside hazy IPAs, pale ales, and seasonal releases. The award-winning Captain We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat Hazy IPA earned top honors at the New York State Craft Beer Competition, proving the brewery excels well beyond lagers. Beer flights are served in vintage-style metal lunchboxes, a playful touch that fits the brewery’s name without feeling overdone.
The taproom features an outdoor patio, rotating food trucks, and a curated selection of New York ciders, spirits, and wines alongside its house-made beer, making it an easy place to visit with a group where everyone likes something different.
LAGERS | FOOD TRUCKS | PATIO | CIDER | AWARD WINNING
BELLMORE
Jones Beach Brewing is one of the breweries most connected to its local community. Inspired by Long Island’s South Shore, nearly every beer pays tribute to a local landmark, beach, waterway, or first responder, giving the brewery a strong sense of place from the moment you walk in.
The brewery began in 2017 as a group of Freeport homebrewers who spent years refining recipes before officially launching commercially in 2022. In 2025, they opened their first taproom in Point Lookout, transforming the former Salt Air Café into a cozy brewery just steps from the inlet. The outdoor beer garden with picnic tables is the perfect place to enjoy a pint after a day at Jones Beach or Point Lookout.
Core beers include Inlet IPA, Bathhouse Blonde, Muldowney Irish Red, and Thirst Responder, a red ale honoring firefighters. While most production now takes place at Stay Green Brewing’s Farmingdale facility, the one-barrel system at the taproom is still used for small-batch experimental beers. Following Lithology Brewing’s closure, a selection of Lithology favorites also continues to be poured here. Open seven days a week, Jones Beach Brewing is an easy stop if you’re spending the day exploring Point Lookout or the South Shore.
BEACH TOWN | BEER GARDEN | OPEN 7 DAYS | SMALL BATCH | PATIO
Long Island Breweries Without a Taproom
Not every brewery on Long Island has a place to sit down and enjoy a beer. A handful of local brewers are producing genuinely good beer and getting it into bars, restaurants, bottle shops, farmers markets, and events across the island without operating a tasting room of their own. Kings Park Brewing, Cow Harbor Brewing, Two Havens Brewing, Springs Brewery, Terminal 76, and Beaver Dam Brewing all fall into this category.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on this list. Stay Green Brewing is a good example of how quickly things can change. Jon Green spent years brewing as a tenant at Long Beach Brewing and later DUBCO before taking over Lithology Brewing’s former Farmingdale space and opening his own taproom in 2026. Any of these breweries could follow a similar path, and Long Island’s brewery scene has a long history of breweries expanding into existing spaces when opportunities arise. If you spot one of these names on a tap list, it’s well worth ordering a pint.
Long Island's Brewery Scene Is Always Changing
When I first set out to visit every brewery on Long Island, there were 59 breweries to explore. Since then, the craft beer scene has continued to evolve. Twelve of the breweries I visited have unfortunately closed: Harbor Head, Freedom Brewing, Tradewinds, The Branch, Bellport Brewing, Long Ireland Beer Co., Lithology, Destination Unknown Beer Co. (DUBCO), Long Beach Brewing Co., The Brewers Collective, Port Jeff Brewing, and Barnshed Brewing.
Some of those closures were especially disappointing. DUBCO was one of my favorite breweries on Long Island, and Long Ireland was another longtime favorite that I visited often. Every brewery on that list had its own personality, and each helped shape Long Island’s craft beer scene in its own way.
Fortunately, the story hasn’t been all about closures. Since 2025, Stay Green Brewing has opened in the former Lithology space, while Jones Beach Brewing, Lunchbox Brewing, MoonFish Brewery, and Rites Brewing have all joined Long Island’s brewery scene.
I’ll continue updating this guide as breweries open, close, relocate, and evolve. One of the things I love most about Long Island’s craft beer scene is that it’s always changing, and I’ll keep this guide updated so it remains the most complete resource I can make it.
Long Island Brewery FAQ
Which brewery is the best on Long Island?
There isn’t a single “best” brewery on Long Island because it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after hazy IPAs, breweries like Root + Branch, Sand City, Barrier, and Noble Savage consistently impress. If you want a destination brewery with great food and a beer garden, Stone Goat, Garvies Point, and Greenport Harbor’s Peconic location are excellent choices. Looking for something more unique? Try Necromantic Brew Co for gluten-free beer, Motion Craft Brewed for ciders and mead, or Shelter Island Craft Brewery for the only brewery that requires a ferry ride to visit.
If it’s your first time exploring Long Island breweries, I’d start with one of the brewery clusters in Riverhead, Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, or Long Beach, where you can easily visit multiple breweries in a single afternoon. I’ve also included a Quick Picks section that highlights my favorite breweries in different categories, from the best IPAs and hidden gems to the best options for families and non-beer drinkers.
How many breweries are on Long Island?
Long Island is home to more than 50 breweries spread across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End. The number changes almost every year as new breweries open, others expand, and a few close or relocate.
The largest concentration of breweries is in Suffolk County, particularly around Riverhead, Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, and the North Fork, while Nassau County’s brewery scene has grown rapidly in recent years with new openings in places like Long Beach, Glen Cove, Point Lookout, and Bellmore.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect those changes, including new breweries, relocations, and closures, so you’ll always have an up-to-date resource for planning your next brewery visit.
What is the oldest brewery on Long Island?
Blue Point Brewing Company, founded in 1998, is generally recognized as Long Island’s oldest modern craft brewery. It helped establish Long Island’s modern craft beer scene long before breweries became common across the region.
While a handful of breweries opened during the early 2000s, most of Long Island’s current brewery boom didn’t begin until the 2010s, when changes to New York’s brewery laws encouraged dozens of new independent breweries to open. Today, you’ll find everything from small one-barrel neighborhood breweries to large destination brewpubs and regional craft beer producers across Long Island.
Which Long Island breweries have the best food?
Several Long Island breweries have developed food programs that are just as impressive as their beer. Stone Goat Brewing is my top recommendation if food is part of the plan, thanks to its full-service restaurant, expansive beer garden, and one of the best overall brewery dining experiences on Long Island. Garvies Point Brewery is another favorite, pairing its beers with waterfront dining overlooking Hempstead Harbor, while Greenport Harbor Brewing’s Peconic location offers a spacious restaurant and outdoor seating.
If you’re looking for something more casual, Southpaw Brewing serves excellent barbecue, while Root + Branch regularly hosts Nico’s Charred Pies, which I think serves some of the best pizza on Long Island. If you’re a pizza lover, check out my guide to the best pizza on Long Island to see why it’s one of my top picks. Whether you’re planning dinner or just want something more substantial than a food truck, these breweries are great places to start.
Which breweries are best for people who don't drink beer?
Not everyone in your group has to be a beer drinker. Several Long Island breweries offer cider, mead, wine, cocktails, or other options alongside their house beer.
Motion Craft Brewed has one of the best selections for non-beer drinkers, producing excellent ciders and meads in addition to beer. Po’Boy Brewery also serves its own hard cider, while Alizé Brewing combines craft beer with a full restaurant, cocktails, and wine. Garvies Point Brewery, Jones Beach Brewing, and Lunchbox Brewing also offer New York spirits, ciders, or wines, making them easy choices for groups with different tastes.
Necromantic Brew Co. is also a great option if someone in your group needs gluten-free beer.
Are Long Island breweries kid friendly?
Many Long Island breweries are welcoming to families, especially those with large outdoor spaces, food service, or lawn games. Long Island Farm Brewery, Southpaw Brewing Company, Somerset Brewing Company, Stone Goat Brewing, and Garvies Point Brewery are all excellent options if you’re visiting with children.
Many breweries also host weekend events, live music, food trucks, and spacious patios that make them enjoyable places to spend an afternoon. Policies can vary, especially during evening events or concerts, so it’s always worth checking a brewery’s website before visiting if you’re bringing young children.
Which Long Island breweries are dog friendly?
Many Long Island breweries welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas, making them great stops if you’re exploring with your four-legged companion. Root + Branch Brewing, Blind Bat Brewery, Six Harbors Brewing Company, Barrier Brewing Company, and Montauk Brewing Company are all popular dog-friendly destinations.
Policies can vary depending on whether the brewery serves food and whether you’re sitting indoors or outside, so it’s always a good idea to confirm the current rules before visiting. Many breweries also host dog-friendly events throughout the year.
Which Long Island breweries have live music?
If you’re looking for more than just great beer, several Long Island breweries regularly host live music throughout the year. Blue Point Brewing in Patchogue is probably the best-known, featuring weekly performances, large concerts, and special events in one of the biggest brewery venues on Long Island. Bright Eye Beer Co. in Long Beach also has an active music calendar with frequent concerts and performances, while Great South Bay Brewery hosts everything from local bands and DJs to large community events.
Other breweries that frequently feature live music include Stone Goat Brewing, Southpaw Brewing Company, Long Island Farm Brewery, Montauk Brewing Company, Garvies Point Brewery, and Secatogue Brewing Company, particularly on weekends during the spring and summer. Because entertainment schedules change throughout the year, it’s always worth checking a brewery’s website or social media before visiting if live music is part of your plan.
What are the best brewery crawls on Long Island?
If you’re planning to visit more than one brewery in a day, several parts of Long Island make it easy to build your own brewery crawl. Riverhead has the highest concentration of breweries, while Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, Long Beach, Glen Cove, and the North Fork all offer multiple breweries within a short drive or walk of one another.
Rather than trying to cover the entire island, I recommend picking one of these brewery hubs and spending the day exploring nearby taprooms. You’ll spend less time driving, have more time to enjoy the breweries, and won’t feel like you’re racing from one end of Long Island to the other.
Which Long Island breweries have the best IPAs?
Long Island has become one of New York’s strongest regions for hazy New England IPAs. If that’s your favorite style, Root + Branch Brewing is my top recommendation, followed closely by Sand City Brewing, Noble Savage Brewing Company, and Barrier Brewing Company. All four consistently produce outstanding hop-forward beers that rival breweries anywhere in the Northeast.
Beyond those standouts, breweries like Lunchbox Brewing, Great South Bay Brewery, Ghost Brewing Company, and Jones Beach Brewing also brew excellent IPAs alongside a broader lineup of lagers, stouts, and seasonal releases. If you’re planning your first brewery tour, these are some of the best places to experience Long Island’s IPA scene.
Do Long Island breweries serve food?
It depends on the brewery. Several Long Island breweries have full-service kitchens, including Stone Goat Brewing, Garvies Point Brewery, Greenport Harbor Brewing’s Peconic location, Southpaw Brewing, Alizé Brewing, and MoonFish Brewery. These are great choices if you’re planning lunch or dinner along with your brewery visit.
Many other breweries host rotating food trucks, while some offer light snacks or allow you to bring your own food or order takeout from nearby restaurants. I always recommend checking a brewery’s website or social media before visiting, especially if food is an important part of your plans, since food truck schedules and kitchen hours can vary throughout the week.
Which Long Island breweries are worth visiting?
If you’re only planning to visit a handful of breweries, I’d start with Root + Branch Brewing, Sand City Brewing, Barrier Brewing, and Stone Goat Brewing. Those four consistently deliver some of the best overall experiences on Long Island, whether you’re looking for outstanding beer, great food, or a memorable atmosphere.
Beyond those, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Greenport Harbor Brewing is a great choice if you’re exploring the North Fork, Garvies Point Brewery offers one of the best waterfront settings, Necromantic Brew Co. is a must-visit for gluten-free beer, and Motion Craft Brewed stands out for its house-made ciders and meads. If you’re planning to visit more than one brewery, I’d recommend choosing one of the brewery clusters in Riverhead, Lindenhurst, Bay Shore, Long Beach, or Glen Cove rather than driving across the island.
