Exploring the Best Breweries on Long Island's North Fork

In recent years, the craft beer revolution has swept the nation, redefining how we enjoy a cold brew. And when it comes to embracing this movement, few places have done it as passionately and exquisitely as Long Island’s North Fork. Nestled on the eastern tip of this picturesque island, the North Fork has emerged as a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a tantalizing blend of scenic beauty, farm-fresh ingredients, and an ever-evolving beer culture.

Craft beer aficionados from far and wide have begun to recognize Long Island as a hidden gem in the world of brewing. From its rich history in agriculture to its thriving craft beer scene, Long Island has firmly cemented its status as a must-visit destination for anyone with a penchant for locally brewed excellence.

Let’s walk through the North Fork’s flourishing craft beer landscape, exploring the best breweries, signature beers, and unique tasting experiences that make this region a craft beer paradise.

15 North Fork Breweries To Visit

Here’s a list of 15 North Fork breweries, including their addresses, hours of business, popular drinks, and what sets each of them apart:

1. Greenport Harbor Brewing Company

Address: 42155 Main Road, Peconic, NY 11958
Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Harbor Ale, Otherside IPA
Why Visit: Known for its waterfront tasting room and commitment to sustainability. They offer stunning views of the Peconic Bay.
Website: Greenport Harbor Brewing Company
Tours: Greenport Harbor offers brewery tours where you can learn about their brewing process and the history of the brewery. Tours often include tastings of their popular beers. Check their website or call ahead for tour availability.

2. North Fork Brewing Company

Address: 24 E 2nd St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Farmhouse Ale, Barrel Aged Beers
Why Visit: A family-run brewery with a focus on small-batch, unique beers, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Website: North Fork Brewing Company
Tours: North Fork Brewing Company provides tours of their small, family-run brewery. You can get insights into their brewing techniques and enjoy samples of their unique beers.

3. Moustache Brewing Co.

Address: 400 Hallett Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Everyman’s Porter, Sailor Mouth IPA
Why Visit: Known for their friendly staff and inventive beer offerings, often featuring experimental and seasonal brews.
Website: Moustache Brewing Co.
Tours: While Moustache Brewing doesn’t have regular tours, they often host open-house events and special brewery tours. Check their website or social media for event updates.

4. Jamesport Farm Brewery

Address: 5873 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Beach Beer Blonde Ale, Cuvée Farmhouse Ale
Why Visit: Located on a historic potato farm, this brewery emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and a tranquil setting.
Website: Jamesport Farm Brewery
Tours: This brewery typically offers guided tours of their picturesque farm and production facilities. You can learn about their sustainable farming practices and enjoy tastings of their farm-to-table beers.

5. Twin Fork Beer Co.

Address: 807 Raynor Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Down & Out IPA, Mosaic Red Ale
Why Visit: A small brewery with a strong community focus and an ever-rotating selection of beers.
Website: Twin Fork Beer Co.
Tours: Twin Fork Beer Co. has a taproom where you can enjoy their beers and get insights into their brewing process. While they may not have formal tours, you can chat with the staff and brewers about their craft.

6. Long Ireland Beer Company

Address: 817 Pulaski St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Celtic Ale, Raspberry Wheat Ale
Why Visit: Known for their traditional Irish ales and lively events like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Website: Long Ireland Beer Company
Tours: Long Ireland offers brewery tours and tastings. Visitors can explore their brewing process and enjoy samples of their Irish-inspired beers.

7. Eastern Front Brewing Co.

Address: 1196 Main Rd, Mattituck, NY 11952
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Popular Drinks: No Quarter IPA, Waves of Grain Pilsner
Why Visit: Offers a unique selection of beers, including creative collaborations with local businesses.
Website: Eastern Front Brewing Co.

8. North Fork Project

Address: 790 New Suffolk Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Popular Drinks: DIPA No. 1, Passionfruit Kettle Sour
Why Visit: Known for their small-batch, experimental beers and a rustic, laid-back atmosphere.
Website: North Fork Project

9. Craft Master Hops

Address: 39600 New York 25, Peconic, NY 11958
Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Fresh Hop Beers, Wet Hop Ales
Why Visit: A unique brewery that focuses on growing their own hops, offering a farm-to-glass experience.
Website: Craft Master Hops

10. Peconic County Brewing

Address: 221 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Motel Party Pale Ale, 12 Horse Pilsner
Why Visit: A newer brewery with a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse range of beer styles.
Website: Peconic County Brewing

11. Spatergoat Brewing

Address: 470 Hallock Ln, Mattituck, NY 11952
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Milk Stout, Belgian Dubbel
Why Visit: Offers a rotating selection of creative and well-crafted beers in a cozy setting.
Website: Spatergoat Brewing
Tours: Spatergoat Brewing offers tours of their brewery and has a welcoming taproom where you can enjoy their beer offerings.

12. Cutchogue Harbor Brewing Co.

Address: 43270 Main Rd, Southold, NY 11971
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Harbor IPA, Old Cutch Lager
Why Visit: Nestled in a historic barn, this brewery offers a rustic charm and excellent beer.
Website: Cutchogue Harbor Brewing Co.
Tours: While they may not have scheduled tours, Cutchogue Harbor Brewing Co. has a cozy tasting room where you can sample their beers and learn about their brewing techniques from the staff.

13. Long Beard Brewing Co.

Address: 1545 Main Rd, Jamesport, NY 11947
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Black Rider Stout, Beachy Blond Ale
Why Visit: A small, family-owned brewery with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Website: Long Beard Brewing Co.
Tours: Long Beard Brewing Co. has a friendly atmosphere in their tasting room, and the staff is often happy to share insights into their brewing process.

14. Farm to Pint

Address: 8099 Peconic Ln, Peconic, NY 11958
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Farmhouse Ales, Saisons
Why Visit: Focused on using locally sourced ingredients, creating a genuine farm-to-glass experience.
Website: Farm to Pint
Tours: Farm to Pint is known for its farm-to-glass approach to brewing. While they may not offer formal tours, you can explore their tasting room and savor their farm-fresh beers.

15. Woodside Orchards

Address: 729 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11931
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Popular Drinks: Hard Ciders, Fruit-Infused Ciders
Why Visit: While primarily known for cider, Woodside Orchards offers a unique alternative for those seeking a refreshing drink amid orchards.
Website: Woodside Orchards

Each North Fork brewery has its own distinct character, from traditional Irish ales to experimental small batches. Visitors can expect scenic views, community-focused atmospheres, and the chance to taste a wide range of craft beers, making a tour of North Fork’s breweries a memorable and diverse experience.

What type of transportation is available to the North Fork from New York City for those people looking to visit the breweries responsibly?

Visiting the North Fork from New York City to enjoy the breweries responsibly is a great idea. There are several transportation options available to make your trip safe and enjoyable:

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): The LIRR trains from New York City (Penn Station) to various North Fork destinations, including Greenport and Mattituck. You can take the LIRR to your chosen station and use local transportation, such as taxis or rideshare services, to reach the breweries.
Hampton Jitney: The Hampton Jitney offers bus services from various locations in New York City (including Manhattan and Brooklyn) to the North Fork. They often have special packages for wine and brewery tours, making it a convenient and safe option for visitors.
Private Car Rental: Renting a car in New York City allows you the flexibility to explore the North Fork at your own pace. However, having a designated driver is essential if you plan to sample alcoholic beverages at the breweries.
Tour Companies: Several tour companies specialize in North Fork brewery tours. They typically provide transportation from New York City and guided tours of the breweries, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Examples include Sip ‘N’ Say Tours and North Fork Designated Drivers.
Rideshare Services: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in the North Fork area, making it easy to get around without a car. Ensure you have a reliable way to request a ride when needed.
Local Transportation: Once in the North Fork, you can use local taxis, shuttle services, or even explore the area on foot, depending on the proximity of the breweries you plan to visit.
Designated Driver: If you’re traveling with a group, consider designating a responsible driver who abstains from alcohol during the brewery visits to ensure everyone’s safety.

Remember to plan your transportation in advance, especially if you intend to visit multiple breweries. It’s essential to have a safe way to get back to your accommodation or the train/bus station after enjoying the breweries. Additionally, always drink responsibly and know your limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the North Fork’s breweries.

Are there guided tours available to visit several breweries on the same day?

Yes, there are guided brewery tours available on the North Fork of Long Island that allow you to visit multiple breweries in one day. These tours often include transportation, visits to several breweries, guided tastings, and sometimes even behind-the-scenes brewery tours. Here are some companies that provide brewery tours in the North Fork area, along with their contact information:

Sip ‘N’ Say Tours:
- Contact: Sip ‘N’ Say Tours
- Phone: (631) 823-8991
- Email: [email protected]
North Fork Designated Drivers:
- Contact: North Fork Designated Drivers
- Phone: (631) 734-9463
- Email: [email protected]
North Fork Trolley Company:
- Contact: North Fork Trolley Company
- Phone: (631) 369-3031
- Email: [email protected]
North Fork Wine Tours:
- Contact: North Fork Wine Tours
- Phone: (631) 723-0505
- Email: [email protected]
East End Bike Tours:
- Contact: East End Bike Tours
- Phone: (631) 779-2930
- Email: [email protected]
Vintage Tours:
- Contact: Vintage Tours
- Phone: (631) 765-4689
- Email: [email protected]

Please note that contact information and availability may change, so it’s a good idea to visit their websites or reach out to them directly for the most up-to-date details on tour options, schedules, and pricing. These companies typically offer a variety of tour packages, including brewery tours, winery tours, and combination tours that allow you to explore the best of what the North Fork has to offer in terms of craft beverages.