50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day: Visit East End Breweries
Memorial Day weekend draws ever closer, and while we at Dan’s Papers can’t wait, we also know there are many things we have to squeeze in during the next few weeks on the East End, lest we lose our chance with all that summer brings. We know that if we don’t get out and do these now, we’ll have to wait until after Labor Day before we try again…and so will you!
We continue our countdown of things to do before Memorial Day weekend on the East End with #10: Visit East End Breweries
The East End of Long Island, especially the North Fork, is replete with wineries. Everywhere you go, there are rows of grapes and dusty alcohol in cellars. If you’ve finally had enough of the same old grapes the same old ways, head over to one of the local breweries—before they’re overrun!
Long Ireland Beer Company on Pulaski Street in Riverhead runs tasting room hours from Thursday to Sunday, but you can find their beer all over the island. Most brewhouses and beverage distributors from Patchougue to Montauk can provide you with Long Ireland ales. To find the closest distributor to you, go to longirelandbrewing.com and, if you want a suggestion, try the delicious Breakfast Stout.
Montauk Brewing Company and its long list of beers can be found on Erie Avenue, just north of the traffic circle in downtown Montauk. With the flagship Driftwood Ale and six seasonal drafts, the tasting room is a must-see. Take a walk through the park—or up to the skatepark—when you’re finished with you drinks. Hours and info online at montaukbrewingco.com
Since 2008, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. has been dominating the local “beer sphere.” And for good reason; Greenport Harbor makes some great brew! Visit Front Street in Greenport for the tasting room and to see where the magic happens. Always commended for attention to detail, inventiveness and outside-the-box brewing, and foremost, their humor, the guys at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. get another gold star from us! Hours and info online at harborbrewing.com
Also coming from Riverhead, Crooked Ladder Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries here on Long Island, but don’t be fooled, because head brewer Duffy Griffiths has been brewing for over 20 years now. And now, in a shiny new facility, he’s showing Long Island what he knows. And that’s a lot. Crooked Ladder sets itself apart by producing harder-to-come-by varieties like Pilsner and Kölsch, and by being unafraid to make a good pun. Check the website at crookedladderbrewing.com.
Finally, for the home-brewers-at-heart, comes Moustache Brewing Co., again from Riverhead. With a constantly-changing catalog of beers to provide, Moustache has hours from 1 to 6 p.m. on the weekends on Hallett Avenue near the cemetery. With an interesting Growler of the Month membership campaign and some unique merchandise to boot, Moustache Brewing Co. is quickly making a name for itself here on the East End. Hours and info online at moustachebrewing.com
And don’t overlook the oldest brewery on the East End, Southampton Publick House, which is also a restaurant. Enjoy a tasting flight or just order a draft of your standby beer, such as Double White or Montauk Light. And now’s the time to catch Biere De Mars on tap before it’s gone till next year. Visit publick.com for info.
Come back tomorrow for 50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day in the Hamptons #9.