VISITING LONG ISLAND BREWERIES

Just 20 years ago, Long Island was home to one craft brewery, Blue Point Brewing, and four brewpubs.  Today there are close to 60 breweries and over 50 taprooms and one brewpub spread across Long Island stretching from Glen Cove to Montauk.  Here are some tips on how to visit these breweries to learn more about the brewing process and enjoy fresh, locally brewed beer.

TAKE A TOUR

Check our listings of LI breweries with tap rooms to get information on brewery tours.  Call ahead if you want to meet the brewers while you are there. Some of our favorites are Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and Long Ireland Brewing in Riverhead on Saturdays from 1-6 pm. Private tours can also be arranged at most breweries by calling ahead.

DO A TASTING, TAKE BEER HOME

Visiting the tasting room of a brewery is the best way to try the full lineup of beers and taste new and seasonal beers.  Order a flight of four small glasses (usuallly four ounces), or ask for a sample and have a pint.  Also don’t forget to take home a crowler, growler or cans of your favorite beer to enjoy at home.

ENJOY FOOD AND MUSIC

Many LI breweries partner with food trucks to provide visitors with food that pairs well with beer.  Great South Bay and Brewers Collective in Bay Shore, Moustache Brewing in Riverhead, Spider Bite Brewing in Holbrook, and Barrier Brewing in Oceanside are just a few of the breweries that have food trucks parked outside so visitors can bring food into the tap room.  Greenport Harbor Brewing in Peconic started out partnering with food trucks but now has a restaurant on site open 7 days a week including for Sunday brunch.  Many LI breweries also regularly feature live music in their tasting rooms.