NASSAU
The Good Life
(516) 798-4663, Massapequa Park
thegoodlifeny.com
I think I need an entire page to convey my adoration for Long Island’s premier brew establishment, TGL (not to be confused with the Guido-essential acronym GTL, which stands for “Gym, Tan, Laundry”). Recent exclusives include a Founders Nemesis release party, as well as official debut dinners for locals Barrier Brewing Co. and Great South Bay Brewery. Due to the latter’s rapid sell-outs (and subsequent awesomeness), expect two beer dinners per month as the new norm. Now that deserves a fist-pump.
Rare 650
(516) 496-8000, Syosset
rare650.com
Formerly Sagamore Steakhouse, now serving up sushi with its chops. Wine aficionados will go Lady Gaga over their selection of 700 wines spanning 12 countries, including an exclusive “Rare Selections” menu available in 3 or 6 oz. samples.
Eleanor Rigby’s
(516) 739-6622, Mineola
eleanorigbys.com
All the lonely people, where do they all belong? That’s easy, silly question-asker—at Eleanor Rigby’s, of course! The four Liverpool lads’ stamp can be found everywhere at this Mineola pub, from menu selections like Cranberry Fields Forever Salad, Lovely Rita in a Pita, and Penne Lane a la Vodka, to a super neat, wood-carved piece of their heads located just below the tap handles.
SUFFOLK
The Village Lanterne
(631) 225-1690, Lindenhurst
thevillagelanterne.com
And God said, “Let there be Lanterne.” Well, maybe God didn’t use that exact phrase, but considering how heavenly two of The Village Lanterne’s offerings—Hofbrau Hefe and Hacker-Pschorr Dunkle Weisse—are, we’ll just say he did.
Vittorio’s
(631) 264-3333, Amityville
vittorios.biz
Wine Dinner Tuesdays—three courses (soup or salad, appetizer and entrée) served with three specialty wines (menu features over 80 vino selections, with emphasis on Italy and California, and has garnered Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” twice) for only $42.95. Bellissimo!
The Cull House
(631) 563-1546, Sayville
cullhouse.com
Across the left chest of The Cull House uniform reads: “Fish are good.” I concur, even when served up on a disposable paper plate (its location along Browns River prohibits the use of high-capacity dishwasher equipment and chemicals). Southampton Publick House beer pairing in late August may suggest more are coming. Keep an (f)i(sh) out.
Click here to follow Niko Krommydas and his blog, Super Neat Beer Adventure, Yes!!, where you can find more nightlife reviews.