Tapster pour-your-own beer bar coming to Patchogue
Megan and Allison Dee with Tapster founder Roman Maliszewski at the Philadelphia location of the self-pour beer franchise. Credit: Courtesy of Allison Dee
Self-pour taphouses are a trend to watch out for in 2026. The first Long Island version of the concept, The Pour Authority, is still slated to open in Farmingdale. And now comes plans for a second spot, Tapster, in Patchogue this spring.
Tapster is a Chicago-based chain that got its start in 2017, and now has a locations in Cleveland and Philadelphia, among other cities. The name may sound like a phone app, but it actually refers to an Old English nickname for a bartender, according to the company's website.
Franchise owner Allison Dee lives in Ronkonkoma and said she was looking to switch careers after working for years as an accountant. A career coach recommended opening a franchise, and eventually Dee landed on Tapster.
"I loved the concept, how simple it was. It’s just a tasting room. You get to sample and try different things, and do it at your own pace," she said. "You don’t have bartenders who are overpouring for their friends. You pay by the ounce. I love the environment of it, it's known for having tables with swing seats."
The space, at 48 W. Main St., most recently held Pinball Long Island. After Dee finishes renovations, she plans to open around May with her daughter Megan as assistant manager. There will be about 50 self-pour taps and space for 171 people.
The self-pour concept involves patrons using a card to dispense tasting pours from their choice of what's on tap. Dee is curating the selection, which includes craft beers as well as wines and also house-made cocktails, which are batched and served through the taps. Payment is by ounce. The system knows how much alcohol you've ordered, Dee said, so after every couple of drinks, you'll check in with an employee who monitors your sobriety.
"We will also have things for people who don’t want alcohol," she said. "Like mocktails, cold brew coffee, kombucha."
Andi Berlin is from Arizona and does not know where she is going. But when she gets there, she’ll find something beautiful and delicious that the world needs to taste.
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