Long Island is famous for many things – beaches, lighthouses, an award-winning wine country and more. However, the region is quickly becoming known for its hoppin’ craft brewery scene. From Long Beach to Greenport, and nestled in downtown villages, you can find dozens of locally owned breweries that embody Long Island’s culture, creativity, and farm-to-table philosophy.

These destinations offer beer-lovers a place to sample artisan beers (many of which can only be tasted in-house)and tours of the distillery operation, all within walking distance from a Long Island Rail Road stop. So, to explore Long Island’s brewing scene, check out our roundup of the best downtowns you’ll want to visit for the day, and maybe even spend the night! 

RIVERHEAD

Known as the gateway to the North and South Fork, Riverhead is a vibrant walkable downtown home to restaurants, breweries, mom-and-pop shops, attractions, hotels, and more. Grab a pint at Tradewinds Brewing Company before stopping by Peconic County Brewery for good beer, food, and fun events. Get a taste of some of the best local beers on their outside deck overlooking the beautiful Peconic River.

Then, check out the brewing scene at the North Fork Brewing Company for craft beers created with regard to seasonal produce and uniquely grown crops (and yeast) that can be found through the North Fork region. As a farm brewery, all ingredients are grown or sourced locally.

Another fan favorite, Montauk Distilling Co. in Riverhead offers not only tours of the distillery, but also the firehouse it’s located in which has been declared a historic site since 2017. The distillery handcrafts, distills, and bottles in small batches that yield an exclusive taste.

And if you’re looking for a fun group experience for a team outing, family reunion, birthday celebration, or bachelor/bachelorette party, Urban Pedal Tours is the best way to pedal around the breweries of the East End of Long Island and a unique way to  get a taste of local breweries.

Brewing with the heart and soul of Long Island and a touch of Irish flare is Long Ireland Beer Company. Not only is the ever-changing beer menu superb, but the community-focused initiatives of the brewery have created a huge draw. A former potato barn in Manorville next to Waterdrinker Family Farm has been transformed into the Long Island Farm Brewery. The brewery offers a selection of craft beer brewed on-site using New York state ingredients as well as local cider and wine.  

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at Jedediah Hawkins Inn, Hyatt Place on Long Island/East End, Hotel Indigo Long Island – East End, Aqua by American Beech, or The Preston House.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the LIRR to Riverhead station.

GREENPORT & SHELTER ISLAND

Inspired by the beauty of the North Fork & the Long Island Sound, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company creates each beer and can design to reflect the vibrant life and values of the locals on the North Fork. You can find all the best seasonal beers at one of their two brewery locations in both Peconic & Greenport!

Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard in Mattituck is the North Fork’s first certified sustainable vineyard and has been handcrafting award-winning wines for the past 13 years. The main Mattituck location also hosts a Wine Barn which was renovated from a rustic 100-year-old potato barn. The Shelter Island Craft Brewery specializes in small batch brews made with locally sourced ingredients. With a selection of over 32 beers to choose from and an ever-changing menu of seasonal beers, this brewery is a year-round destination to visit.

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at The Shoals, American Beech, The Chequit, The Pridwin, or The Sound View.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the LIRR to Greenport or Mattituck. 

PATCHOGUE

Located in the heart of downtown Patchogue, Blue Point Brewing Company offers classic beers, pub exclusive innovation brews, freshly shucked oysters, live music, and a great time. And every Wednesday, they release a pub exclusive beer fresh from their innovation room. The small batches come from their brewers looking to test delicious “top secret” recipes.  

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel or Bellport Inn.

HOW TO GET THERE:  Take the LIRR to Patchogue station. Bluepoint Brewery is walking distance from the station.

BAY SHORE

Destination Unknown Beer Company (DUBCO) is on the South Shore, in the thriving town of Bay Shore. DUBCO brews a wide variety of different beers throughout the year with a focus on seasonality and must-have styles like pumpkin beer in the fall. They also offer unique beers such as their hibiscus guava wheat and refreshing fruited sour beers in the spring and summer.  

Located in an industrial neighborhood in Bay Shore, the Great South Bay Brewery is home to the infamous Tipsy Tea Line. With over 20 taps and several rotating-taps dedicated to limited release beers, the brewery uses a 4-vessel, 30-barrel system.  

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at Courtyard by Marriott Long Island or the Ocean Bay House.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take LIRR to Bay Shore station. DUBCO is a 5-minute rideshare from the station.

HUNTINGTON

Six Harbors Brewing Company in downtown Huntington is a family owned and operated brewery. Situated on one of Long Island’s prettiest and vibrant coastline towns of Huntington, it’s the town’s first and only micro-brewery. A dog and kid-friendly brewery, they’re known for their wide variety of beer styles, a welcoming nautical/industrial feel, and a range of fun and engaging events throughout the year.  

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntington Downtown, the East Norwich Inn, or Oheka Castle.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the LIRR to Huntington.

OYSTER BAY

As Long Island’s Gold Coast Brewery, Oyster Bay Brewing Company is a micro-brewery dedicated to serving high quality beers and is the creator of Barn Rocker, the Official Beer of Hockey. Oyster Bay Brewing Company’s products are thoroughly New York at heart, blending new and old-world techniques with creativity and style. And Wednesdays at Oyster Bay Brewing Company are trivia night! Compete for prizes while enjoying a diverse selection of beer, jokes, good music, and good fun to help you unwind after work.   

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the The Mansion at Glen Cove, or the Inn at Fox Hollow.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the LIRR to Oyster Bay.

FARMINGDALE

Lithology Brewing Co. in Farmingdale is a licensed New York State Farm Brewery that uses 60% locally harvested New York ingredients for their beer including hops, grain, and their very own yeast strains. Lithology produces four barrels of craft beer at a time, resulting in creative brews and a unique tap line-up.

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION:  Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Long Island - Melville, the Hilton Garden Inn Melville, or the Courtyard by Marriott Republic Airport Long Island / Farmingdale. 

HOW TO GET HERE: Take the LIRR to Farmingdale. Lithology is a 5-minute walk from the train station. 

LONG BEACH & EAST ROCKAWAY

There is nothing better after a sunset bike cruise on the Long Beach boardwalk than to grab a pizza and head into Bright Eye Beer Company for a beer. Try a Faded Tan Amber Ale after a day in the sun and enjoy some of the unique art Bright Eye has curated on-site from local artists! Seasonal favorites include the All County Brown Ale, a Traditional Brown Ale with chocolatey, nutty notes.  

Barrier Brewing Company is Nassau County’s first craft brewery, producing 50+ locally distributed beers with a taproom pouring house and other brews.   

OVERNIGHT STAY OPTION:  Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Allegria Hotel or the Freeport Inn and Marina.

HOW TO GET HERE: Take the LIRR to either Long Beach or East Rockaway (on the Long Beach Branch). Bright Eye Beer Company is a two minute walk from Long Beach station. Barrier Brewing Company is a two-minute walk from East Rockaway Station.