LIBeerGuide Destinations

OYSTER BAY (11771)

Oyster Bay, the historic waterfront village on the north shore of Nassau County, is well known as the location of Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt's home that served as his Summer White House at the turn of the last century.  Today Oyster Bay is also known as a great beer destination thanks to Oyster Bay Brewing Co., a fast-growing craft brewery; Canterbury Ales Oyster Bar & Grill, one of LI's best beer bars for over 30 years; and a few pubs and restaurants that are local institutions.   

1) Oyster Bay Brewing Co. -- co-founders Gabe Haim and Ryan Schlotter caught the homebrewing bug in the late 2000s and in 2012 decided to turn their passion for beer into a business.  They started the brewery with a 3-bbl system in a small building on South Street and soon developed a fervent following for their beers, including Honey Ale made with local honey from Bee Haven in Locust Valley.  Distribution expanded across Long Island and to Citi Field and the Nassau Coliseum, for which the brewery made the popular Barn Rocker Ale (now served at Barclays Center). With demand growing, in February 2016 they moved around the corner to a larger location on Audrey Street, next to Canterbury Ales.  The 6,000 square foot space houses a 15-bbl system and enough room for canning equipment and a much larger tasting room with 24 taps.  Oyster Bay Brewing's tasting room is open 7 days a week and visitors are welcome to bring in or have food delivered.  

2) Canterbury Ales Oyster Bar & Grill -- Canterbury Ales opened in 1981 under the same ownership as the now closed, sorely missed Canterbury Ales in Huntington.  In 1985, Mark Fox took over sole ownership in Oyster Bay and focused on providing an extensive beer selection and the freshest oysters and seafood.  Today, Canterbury Ales Oyster Bar & Grill has 16 beers on tap and its famous "99 bottles of beer" selection, with a strong focus on craft beers from Long Island and across New York State.  The oysters and shellfish are always fresh and other seafood specialties include steamers, mussel pots, clam chowder and delicious fish and chips.  The handsomely decorated restaurant displays an extensive collection of Teddy Roosevelt and historic Oyster Bay memorabilia.  A great time to visit is Happy Hour on Monday to Friday from 4-7 pm, with $2 off all draft brews and discounted "Happetizers."

Spinnakers -- there are many restaurants to enjoy in Oyster Bay, including longtime favorites like The Homestead, Coach Grill & Tavern and the diner-style Taby's Burger House.  A newcomer, Spinnakers, opened last August in the South Street location last occupied by Jack Halyards and previously by Fiddleheads.  Spinnakers is worth a visit for the lively bar scene, including Oyster Bay Brewing beers on tap, and an interesting small plates menu featuring grilled oysters and octopus, lobster mac and cheese, crispy calamari and a variety of tasty salads.  

For visitors coming from New York City, Oyster Bay's beer destinations are within easy walking distance of the LIRR Oyster Bar station, the last stop on the Oyster Bay line.