Long Ireland Beer Company, a fixture at 817 Pulaski St. since 2011, will be closing its doors on Dec. 31. 

The brewery’s owners announced the decision Saturday, Dec. 13 on social media, expressing sadness and thanking the beer-quaffing public for its support over the past 14 years.

“We have worked endlessly these past years trying to stay afloat, trying to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere, trying to brew consistently good beer,” the post reads on Facebook. “Even with all of our hard work and dedication — we have come to the reality that it just isn’t enough.”

Suds-loving pals Dan Burke and Greg Martin began brewing beer together in their free time on March 1, 2009. They enjoyed it so much that they quit their day jobs in the heating and air conditioning business and spawned Long Ireland Beer Company two years later.

The pair said New Year’s Eve will be the brewery’s “final hurrah,” adding that they “plan to go out partying as only we can.” 

“Over the next couple of weeks we hope you’ll join us in the tasting room and help us say goodbye on a high note. We have a few fun events left, so if you’ve ever raised a pint with us, made a memory here, or felt like part of our extended beer-loving family — now’s the time to come by and see us,” the post reads.

The company publicly discussed its financial struggles in May, citing declining sales and rising expenses, saying it was difficult to survive and warning that its future was uncertain.

Last month, the company posted an update, saying the community responded and showed immense support. Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough to keep the doors open.

News of the closure prompted an emotional response on social media, drawing nearly 200 comments, many accompanied by crying-face emojis.

“This makes me so sad. We love Long Ireland and have come to feel very ‘at home’ there. We will miss you all so much. We wish you the best of everything going forward,” Ruth Taylor Driscoll wrote.

Irish Crossroads, an Irish gift shop in Sayville, thanked Long Ireland for being “such an important part of the Long Island Irish scene.”

“Pioneers on L.I. for sure, great beer, great vibes, great people! I’m so sorry this (is) the end, I had hoped for a different outcome. Thank you for years of support,” wrote Paul Leone, executive director of the New York State Brewers Association.

Others echoed the sentiment.

“A second family to me, and a second home to many,” wrote Stevie Czelatka. “Sorry to see this. Long live Long Ireland!”

The post Long Ireland Beer Company closing after 14 years in Riverhead appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Vibe

The Riverhead joint has a bit of a split-space feel. When you enter the restaurant, venture to the right for the diner-inspired area with bright lights, booths and big round tables. Pull up a chair to the sports bar — best for brunch — right beside the buzzing seating area. To the left it’s moodier, dimly lit and the ultimate setting for a night out at the chic bar serving top-notch espresso martinis, mojitos and other creative cocktails. 

The Food

Options are in abundance on the eatery’s multiple-page menu: loads of drinks, including cocktails, juices, milkshakes and smoothies; and diner classics from breakfast to burgers, soups, salads and American entrees. There is also what sets the restaurant apart — its Hispanic Heritage menu section with breakfast, apps, sides and marvelous mains. 

Colombian Empanadas Although empanadas come in many varieties, these have a heartier composition. The thick corn exterior offers a subtle, buttery crunch, revealing the starchy potato-meat filling — your choice of chicken or beef — that leaves you thoroughly satiated.

Patacones Peconic Imagine an elevated nacho. That’s what you’re getting when you bite into this fried plantain loaded with fresh guac, pico de gallo and your choice of protein including shrimp, skirt steak, shredded beef, chicken or pork cracklings. The latter makes for a wonderful contrast of sweet creaminess on the base and crisp fatty flavor on top, all rounded out by the refreshing pico de gallo. 

Mofongo This traditional Puerto Rican dish is assembled with a creamy garlic sauce served inside a fried-plantain-made bowl. Opt for shrimp, chicken, chicharron or steak, delightfully soaked in the decadent sauce, as the salty flavors balance perfectly against the silky plantain foundation. 

Peruvian Lomo Saltado Stir-fried steak cooked to a just-right medium has a tender, juicy texture and is complemented by the acidic hit of red onions and tomatoes. The main part of the meal speaks for itself, but the addition of French fries and jasmine rice give it a meat-‘n-potatoes base that’s easy to love.   

Peconic Eatery

871 Old Country Road, Riverhead

631-591-0291

@peconiceatery

Hours

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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The Wading River venue with a hotel, spa and restaurant on site unveiled East Wind Wellness, a reimagined suite centered around mindfulness, balance and community on Dec. 10. 

Spa director Anne Marie Foley who spearheaded the transition from a traditional spa to a healing space, hopes the space supports healthy habits, stress management and connection for visitors from the Island and beyond, seeking peace.

The new suite, situated in East Wind’s spa area will feature guided workshops, wellness therapies and mindfulness sessions including floating pool meditation with sound bath healing, reiki meditation and massage plus traditional sound bath healing. 

Many of the healing practice leaders at East Wind are bringing new skills to a space where they served as masseuses and in Foley’s case, previously as an esthetician. 

Just coming into her role a year and a half ago, Foley knew the suite could offer more than the typical spa treatments they are now building on. 

“I always had a vision that this place that meant so much to me, had so much more potential,” says Foley.

See more on northforker.com

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Kasandra Watkins Schaeffer and her husband, Jeff Schaeffer, come from coffee business and food service backgrounds, but in 2023 they started a warm, welcoming place they could call their own. Mugs on Main (33 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-381-0494) is the kind of happy hub every neighborhood should have. Local art cycles through the shop’s walls and Jeff’s mother’s paintings fill the back portion of the space. The Schaeffers have curated a certain Central Perk meets craft espresso cocktail feel at the Main Street spot, with leather couches and a long list of signature lattes. 

The Vibe 

Combining classic and eclectic coffee shop vibes, Mugs is at once a caffeine-fueled study center, first-date locale and delicious drop-in to fuel an otherwise trying day. It’s impossible to wear a frown here thanks to the bright decor, colorfully written blackboard menus and string lights that add a cozy feel all four seasons. There’s varying drop-in community fun on the roster each week, too, like open mic night, trivia and bingo, plus Friday ladies’ night special deals and a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.  

The Food

Morning bites, with lots of eggs, bacon, handheld selections and sides, are served from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come midmorning, more lunch-centric options become available, including sandwiches and flatbreads. Sweets are in store as well, plus a long lineup of coffees, teas, espresso drinks and refreshers, many sporting fun seasonal titles with the option for add-ons like the shop’s homemade syrups for an extra-flavorful punch. Many of the pastries, desserts and snacks are sourced from local vendors, but much of what’s served is created in the kitchen just left of the coffee bar. 

Croissant Sandwich

A pastry-rific twist on a Long Island staple, the buttery croissant wonderfully complements the crispy bacon and smooth fried egg. American cheese adds a salty, savory touch to the otherwise simple sandwich. 

French Toast

The base of this classic dish is made with a crispy croissant, so expect a lighter, flakier texture to this always-fun carby meal. Strawberries, syrup and powdered sugar add a just-right hit of childhood nostalgia. 

Avocado Toast

A health queen or king’s dream, lightly mashed avocado, greens and chunky salsa pack a subtly peppery taste. Served over a thick slice of sourdough and toasted just enough to add support to the toppings, this tasty option is still soft enough to make a satisfying bite. 

Broken BEC

Presentation is everything with this deconstructed dish, which sees cheesy scrambled eggs topped with crispy bacon packed inside a big mug and served with toast. The fun scoop-up twist on the beloved breakfast sandwich makes it even more appetizing. 

Rancheros Wrap

Mugs on Main’s bestselling breakfast is all wrapped up: scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, greens, avocado, salsa and sour cream come together in this slightly smoky and hardy handheld. Creamy avocado and sour cream partner with salty cheese to contrast fabulously against the bitter greens and acidic sweet salsa. 

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At Loide & Co., Tanger Outlet’s newly opened non-toxic candle company, find your favorite fragrance to bring aromatic life to a space. 

Owner Loide DiPippa uses a pure soy wax and eco-friendly cotton wicks, scented with non-toxic candle oil. Classic smells like cinnamon, vanilla and lavender fill the store’s shelves. DiPippa also makes tropical varieties, a limoncello creme candle and a cooling martini scent among others. 

“Our candle tells a story but you have to unfold yours,” says DiPippa.

Candles are not the only thing you’ll find at the sleek, white-walled aroma hub. DiPippa also sells her own alcohol-free room spray made from a water-based formula blended with fragrance oils and odor-eliminating plant-based enzymes. 

Read more about Loide & Co. candles and products on northforker.com

The post Handcrafted candles light up Tanger Outlets at Loide & Co. appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Their ideas became reality last August when they purchased and took over operations at the Riverhead Brew House. 

As of next week, they’re pouring as Moonfish Brewery (221 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-212-1265), a name they developed in the process of finding their footing as craft beer connoisseurs. They’ll host a grand opening on Dec. 5 at the brew pub. 

Not much has changed from the Riverhead Brew House’s model, says director of operations and co-brewer Kurtz. But for now, “the goal for it is to be a beer-first place.”

The East Main Street beer hub will still have a large pub grub menu and full bar; however, a few more of the 14 taps will be reserved for Moonfish brews versus other local beverages that Riverhead Brew House brought in.  

Though they don’t have a flagship beer yet, some Moonfish brews that have received a lot of love are the West Coast IPA, the Iron Pier Hazy IPA and the Kolsch.

Read more at northforker.com.

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The 35-year-old water park in Calverton will team up with Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, which has served children, youth and families with disabilities across New York City and Long Island since 1929.

Giving Tuesday, a global charitable giving day that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, falls on Dec. 2 this year.

“Through our partnership with Splish Splash, we can create the summer of a lifetime for each child in our residential and foster care programs,” said Little Flower president and CEO Corinne Hammons.

Splish Splash, which will re-open Saturday, May 23, 2026 with an extra week of operating days, will bring back its popular Neon Nights after-dark event select Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, park officials said. The event debuted last year.

Other highlights include Kids Fest, Father’s Day Flop, Hero Appreciation week, Touch-a-Truck Day and a celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.

Splish Splash is offering Black Friday season pass deals with discounts up to $50 on select passes. Perks include free parking, free admission to Neon Nights, and discounts on food and retail.

The park features more than 30 water slides and attractions, two wave pools, kiddie areas and a lazy river. It added Stingray Bay last season, a water playground with more than 15 features.

Payment plans start at $14 per month.

For more information, visit splishsplash.com.

The post Splish Splash partners with foster care nonprofit for Giving Tuesday appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Briermere Farms

4414 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-722-3931 

The standard-bearer. The traffic stopper. The lines of cars prove that people truly do come from east and west for a chance to take home a Briermere Farms pie. Apple, pumpkin and pecan are late-fall favorites.  

Schmitt’s

3355 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-983-6565

“Holy Schmitt’s” isn’t a reaction reserved for the fourth-generation family farm’s next-level horseradish. Guests will say the same (or similar) about the caramel apple nut pie made with fruit fresh-picked from Schmitt’s orchard. Pre-order pies by phone or at the farm stand. 

Lombardi’s Love Lane Market

170 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-9500

Local apple, pumpkin and pecan pies are among the options. But the most popular choice, the “fruit of the forest,” takes the fork in the road (or on the table) less traveled. It’s a sweet-meets-tangy mix of berries, pear and apples.

The Cooperage Inn

2218 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow, 631-727-8994

Cooperage Inn is known for its pot pies, but don’t sleep on the baked desserts. Key lime, coconut cream and pumpkin cream are some of the crowd pleasers, and you can grab a pot pie while you’re at it. Pre-order and pick up at Cooperage and its sister store, NoFo Pot Pies (11160 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-548-7437), on Thanksgiving. 

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Stroller Strong Mamas, owned by Rachel Goodale, and Little Moments Little Fam, owned by Amelia Little, merged to offer exercise classes for adults and kids; creative activities; play and movement sessions for children; and meditation and wellness workshops in a welcoming atmosphere.

The duo moved into the Aquebogue building on the Main Road (formerly Verderber’s Garden Center, who moved to a new location across from Barrow Food house) last spring and cut the ribbon to open their new business on June 29.

Read more on northforker.com

The post Building Connections at The Heart of It in Aquebogue appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Vibes Ink at 41 East Main St. will close Friday, Oct. 31, after five years downtown and reopen Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 52 Montauk Highway.

Eric Roddy, 43, who goes by Taboo and co-owns the business with his wife, said rising rent tied to downtown development plans made staying in Riverhead unsustainable.

“We heard all the rumors that they were going to do these buildings, all these apartment buildings and stuff like that. So rent started going up,” Taboo told the Riverhead News Review.

The tattoo parlor’s artists will make the move to Southampton, where Taboo said he found more affordable space. He declined to specify how much his Riverhead rent increased, but said he expects loyal customers to follow.

Vibes Ink’s tattoo artists specialize in styles ranging from American traditional and neo-traditional to black-and-gray realism and color work.

The shop will offer Halloween-themed tattoo specials on its final day in Riverhead — a farewell for clients before reopening in Southampton.

“I’ve been a household name on this island for I don’t know how many years, and it’s not going to change,” Taboo said. “My customers will follow me wherever I go. I’m sure the Riverhead clients that we learned to love like family will follow us too.”

The post North Fork’s only tattoo shop leaving Riverhead after rent hike  appeared first on Riverhead News Review.