Nassau County Brewery Crawl—5 Top Stops for the Ultimate Craft Beer Experience

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast on Long Island, Nassau County is your new playground. Sure, we’re not Portland or Denver, but what we lack in mountains, we make up for in spades in seriously excellent beer. From lagers to hazy IPAs, Nassau’s breweries have a mix of innovation, community vibe, and, of course, ridiculously excellent pints. If you’re looking for a low-key afternoon out or an all-out brewery crawl, here are the top five that should have a place on your must-see list. And don’t worry, we have tips on how to survive—because let’s be real, you’re not 22 anymore.

1. Barrier Brewing Co. (Oceanside

Ask any craft beer aficionado on Long Island, and they’ll confirm—Barrier Brewing is an institution. With their full-bodied, hoppy brews, these guys aren’t afraid to experiment. Their local legend, *Money IPA*, is a must-taste, and if you enjoy test batches, their limited releases will have you coming back again and again. The industrial-cool taproom is perfect to kick back and hang out with friends, and if you happen to catch it on the right evening, you might even get to enjoy a live performance or food truck festival. Insider’s tip: Order a to-go pack—because chances are, you’ll be sorry you didn’t have more later.

2. Barnshed Brewing (Hick

Barnshed is what happens when a homebrewer turns pro but stays close to his roots. This little but mighty brewery produces wonderful, small-batch beers that have you believing you've found yourself an undiscovered treasure. The setting is cozy and welcoming, so it's the perfect second stop on your brewery hop. Choose the *Hicksville Blonde* if you prefer something light and simple, or if you're an adventure-seeker, sample their seasonal stouts. Caveat, though—once you find yourself settled in, it's difficult to tear yourself away.

3. Lost Farmer Brewing Co. (Mineola)

Lost Farmer is where retro chic and modern brewing meet. Stepping into this brewery is stepping into a time capsule—one that hands out great craft beer, of course. Their taproom, decked out in '80s decor, is full of retro trappings, neon lighting, and arcade games. The beer menu? Top-notch. The *Lawnmower Lager* tastes as fresh as a spring morning, and the *Kick Save IPA* is a punch to the palate. If you’re in it for the nostalgia or the brew, you’ll be a happy camper. Bonus: If you’re the bragging type and enjoy stumbling into "underrated gems," you’ll find your happy place here.

4. South Shore Craft Brewery (Oceanside)

South Shore Craft Brewery is the kind of place where you'll want to hang out. With plenty of space, a relaxed atmosphere, and an awesome beer selection, it's the ideal destination for groups. Their seasonal *Pumpkin Ale* is a local fave, but their *Red Rye IPA* is a secret gem. Bonus: They host regular trivia nights and live music, so it’s an excellent destination to keep the party alive. And if you missed meals at the last few stops, now is the ideal time to get something to eat—trust us on that.

5. Lithology Brewing Co. (Farming

No brew crawl is complete without a visit to Lithology. Located in the heart of Farmingdale’s bustling downtown, this brewer is all about attention to detail and commitment. Their beers are balanced and brewed to be environmentally friendly. The *Lithology Pale Ale* is a great starting point to their lineup, but their *Vanilla Porter* is perfect if you want a little sweetness in your pint. And being on Main Street, you’ve got plenty of food to soak up all that brew. Indulge in your "final round" before calling that Uber.

Brewery Crawl Tips and Tricks

Plan carefully. Nassau County is not particularly conducive to walking brewery crawls, so have a designated driver or take rideshares. No one wants to be a headline.

Take a snack between stops.** Don't be "that guy" who didn't pace himself. Eat at one of the breweries or pull into a local restaurant. Your stomach will thank you.

Fly. If you want more but don't want to do too much, have a flight instead of full pints. This is not a frat house party during college—be strategic.

Watch out for events. Some breweries have trivia nights, live music, or food trucks that will take your experience to the next level. Why have a drink when you can have a drink and win at trivia?

Buy to-go cans. Find a favorite? Bring them home to have later. Sober You will appreciate Drunk You’s planning skills. 

The Verdict: Are You Up for a Brewery Crawl?

Long Island's craft brew scene is booming, and Nassau County is no exception. Hopheads and anyone looking to spend a fun afternoon with friends will find what they are looking for in these five breweries, offering great brew, good times, and unique experiences. Pace yourself, though—nothing ruins a good evening more quickly than overconfidence. Wishing to lay roots in a community where craft beer, community, and good times are all within reach? **Dean Miller is in the know regarding the best neighborhoods on Long Island. Moving, investing, or just looking to find an awesome community to call home? Let's connect. Here's to finding your perfect community!

📩 Email me at Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com

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📞 Call today and let’s find you a home in a neighborhood where great breweries (and even better neighbors) are just around the corner!