New bars, lounges on Long Island
A new lounge spot, a freshened classic sports bar and a brewery are among the newly opened nightspots on Long Island.
Vienna Kitchen and Social House
WHERE: 1 Railroad Ave., Roslyn THE VIEW: Its look is artsy, with paintings of celebrated musicians (including one of Billy Joel, whose song “Vienna” inspired the name) and a lounge setting that can extend out to a terrace and catwalk overlooking the street (where it’s common to spot expensive cars being valeted). THE MILIEU: A restaurant first and foremost, this new venue in the lodge that once housed Chalet is making its nightlife efforts a close second. Stay downstairs in Uncle Steve’s Tavern for a pub scene or take it upstairs in the evenings for DJs spinning club beats that range from disco to house to pop and old-school hip-hop (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays) or hang Thursday nights for live music. It’s a casual atmosphere, but expect a well-dressed, over-30 crowd that sticks around late and isn’t averse to ordering bottle service. MORE INFO: 516-621-7975, viennaofroslyn.com
Napper Tandy's Bay Shore
WHERE: 60 E. Main St., Bay Shore THE VIEW: Fresh new wood and brick walls, wood floors, tin-plated ceiling and a long taproom. THE MILIEU: Located in the former firehouse that was last home to the original Nutty Irishman, the South Shore extension of the Napper’s brand (other outposts in Northport and Smithtown) does something unexpectedly unique among the village’s new surge in trendy bar scenes. “It’s the only place in Bay Shore with a DJ,” says patron Arianna Bonetti, 23, of West Islip. Major sporting events get play on the 30-plus flat screens, but the dance aspect has been going strong past midnight Fridays and Saturdays. MORE INFO: 631-665-0040, nappertandysbayshore.com
Jamesport Farm Brewery
WHERE: 5873 Sound Ave., Riverhead THE VIEW: A working farm that grows hops and barley used in its own beer, it offers a sunbathed yard and indoor space. THE MILIEU: It’s common for families with children and dogs on leashes to hang, purchase bites from a food truck and try such brews as the Sound Ave. Summer blonde ale and the Rows & Hoes IPA (note: only one beer per customer at a time). Carolyn Benson, 51, of Setauket was there on a recent Sunday afternoon playing cornhole with her husband and friends. “How beautiful is this place?” she says between beanbag tosses. “It’s perfect for families and the older generation with kids out of the nest.” Allie Salmaggi, 33, of Aquebogue was sitting back watching her toddler son run around the lawn, appreciating how “open” the space is. Patrons can also kick a ball around, play Jenga and other board games or hear live bands after 1:30 p.m. on weekend afternoons. MORE INFO: 844-532-2337, jfbrewery.com
Lost at Sea
WHERE: 888 W. Beech St., Long Beach THE QUENCH: With a touch of speak-easy spirit (the only exterior sign says “888”), the food and drink menus here change frequently; recent additions to the mostly $12 cocktail menu include Them Apples (vodka, apple, cinnamon), Sugar Plum Faerie (gin, plum sake, ginger) and Deep Purple (silver tequila, hibiscus, apricot). Stick around for the final hour each evening (10-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday and 9-10 p.m. Sunday) for oyster shucking. MORE INFO: 516-632-5263
The Shed
WHERE: 54 New St., Huntington THE QUENCH: A bi-level restaurant with a short balcony and a courtyard with seating, it also sports a small, quiet bar serving beer and wine, also featuring a mixer menu that includes such $12 options as The Shed Lemonade (bourbon, triple sec, lemonade) and Farmers Gin (gin, cucumber, basil, lime, elderflower, prosecco). MORE INFO: 631-385-7433, intheshed.com