Long Island beer gardens to explore
Grab a pretzel and a pint at these Long Island beer gardens.
Dark Horse Tavern
12 S. Park Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-442-5477, darkhorservc.com
Grab a craft beer inside — in the laid-back pub where you'll find a buoyant crowd watching a game and munching on bar food — or outside — in the large courtyard that's open all year. Other locations at 273 Main St. in Farmingdale and 1029A Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park.
Garden Social
1964 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow; 516-750-5338, gardensocialli.com
Outside, the landscaped beer garden sits beneath a towering cedar pergola. The 20-plus taps feature Long Island and New York State beers almost exclusively, and there are even more craft beers in bottles and cans.
Plattduetsche Park Restaurant
1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square; 516-354-3131, parkrestaurant.com
As close as Long Island gets to a traditional German beer garden, this German American restaurant has an outdoor area with tables spread across a concrete patio. A rotation of traditional German events like Ompahfest and Oktoberfest keep the calendar full, while a bratwurst pit and outdoor bar keep the patrons full. There's also a dance floor and a bandshell, where cover bands get the party started.
Prost Grill & Garten
652 Franklin Ave., Garden City; 516-427-5656, prostgrill.com
Prost’s patio with three picnic tables is part of the restaurant's sudsy appeal, furthered by Spaten Oktoberfest and Hofbräu Original. The main dining area sports tables made from old bowling alley wood, the German eagle flag, the blue-and-white banner of Bavaria and a hearty menu with wursts, burgers and chicken wings.
Repeal XVIII Cocktail Lounge & Beer Garden
30 New St., Huntington; 631-629-5878, repealxviii.com
This spot features a rustic lounge atmosphere with two rooms, each with its own bar, in addition to an outdoor beer garden. Enjoy craft cocktails and a large selection of local, domestic and imported craft beers.
Root + Branch
360 Marconi Blvd., Copiague; rootandbranchbrewing.com
This brewery was an old wood shop in a former life. Now, it's an eight-tank operation serving beers on tap and in cans. Sit inside or out, where you'll find a beer garden with picnic tables and umbrellas. Enjoy pizza served from a family-owned wood fired truck Thursday through Sunday. Order from a local restaurant or bring food in Monday through Wednesday only. The entrance is located on Railroad Avenue.
Southampton Publick House
62 Jobs Lane, Southampton; 631-283-2800, publick.com
Grab a beer, glass of wine or cocktail to accompany the classic pub fare at this spot's patio and outdoor bar.
Southpaw Brewing Company
501 Boulevard E., Yaphank; 631-504-6167, southpawbrewing.com
This brewery opened last year with an outdoor beer garden featuring a patio and a lounge. The patio area has nine tables, most with umbrellas and a few under a pergola. The outdoor lounge area has woven wicker chairs with cushions around a rectangle firepit under a second pergola. Craft beer, hard ciders (apple and pear), red and white wines, craft cocktails and hard seltzers are available. The menu features Bavarian pretzels, brick-oven pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and salads.