The first round of the 2022 Subway Series wrapped this past week, and that only put us in the mood for a weekend centered around more hot sports action, ice cold brews, and some tasty bar (and bar-inspired) food and drink. On or off the baseball diamond, Long Islanders are constantly in search of the best of everything our island home has to offer, so while the Mets and Yankees take a break from each other for a while, we step up to the plate with a weekend lineup of Long Island Choice Award winners including a century-old classic pub, modernly marvelous locally crafted brews, brilliant BBQ and a superlative sports bar—all of which proudly call Long Island home
BEST SPORTS BAR
Michael’s Billiards
4310 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY 11558
(516) 548-7707
michaelsbilliardsny.com
Pool, darts, food, drinks, and big screens — all the ingredients for a good time. Michael’s Billiards is the perfect location to catch the game or be a part of one by joining an APA league or dart team. You can even start your own league with friends or family and make it a tradition.
BEST PUB
Shine’s Bar
55 California St, Long Beach, NY
(516) 432-9248
shinesbar.com
Considered the oldest bar on the beach, Shine’s has been around since 1912 as a favorite in the Long Beach community. This family-friendly pub welcomes all for laughs, drinks, food and fun.
BEST PLACE TO BUY BEER/BEVERAGE CENTER
McBreen’s Beverage
79 Sunrise Hwy, Lynbrook, NY 11563
(516) 887-7658
mcbreensbeverage.com
Located on the Lynbrook–Rockville Centre border, McBreen’s welcomes all to stop in to pick up the basics or a little something special, while also offering delivery and curbside pickup for your convenience.
BEST BREWERY
Barrier Brewing Co.
3001 New St, Unit A2, Oceanside, NY 11572
(516) 594-1028
barrierbrewing.com
Barrier Brewing Co. made their first batch in June 2010 and since then have grown to produce numerous brands and styles of beer available in cans, bottles or on draft. Plus, they offer specialty releases exclusive only to the brewery’s tasting room. Discover the art of brewing beer with each sip, and admire the incredible, colorful artwork that goes with each label. The beer garden, and 3rd Rail Food Truck, is open from Wednesday to Sunday; but Barrier Tap Room is open daily for curbside or takeout.
BEST BAR/BEST HAPPY HOUR
Brixx and Barley
152 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561
(516) 544-4511
brixxandbarley.com
Established in 2014, Brixx and Barley is the gastro-pub dream-turned-reality for Frank and Rich Cammarata and Anthony Millwater. Brixx represents the brick oven used to make pizza and barley represents craft beer, which is in constant rotation. They also have a full vegan menu, support local farmers and serve up sustainable seafood year round.
BEST LONG ISLAND CRAFT BEER
Bright Eye Beer Co.
50 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561
(516) 543-5736
brighteyebeerco.com
Long Beach’s first craft brewery and taproom, Bright Eye Beer Co., has been happily serving the community since 2020. They host fun events such as live music, beer releases, tie-dye nights and much more, in addition to serving up their tasty craft brews. View their art gallery with delightful works of art available for purchase. Order online and pick up Tuesday to Sunday during select times so you can take the fun home.
BEST BBQ
Backyard Barbeque
300 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport, NY 11520
(516) 771-4227
bbqonthemile.com
With specialty summer frozen lemonade cocktails, BBQ and blues, Backyard Barbecue is a place for adults to wind down, have fun and enjoy this wild ride we call life. Fresh ingredients, house-made pickled products, and a whole lot of love, passion and dedication goes into their home-style cooking.
BEST PRETZEL
Philly Pretzel Factory
2647 Jerusalem Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 679-3000
phillypretzelfactory.com
Fluffy, salty, warm pretzels with cheesy sauce, but that’s not all! Philly Pretzel Factory has taken a fun twist on a few American classics, offersing mini cheeseburgers and mini-dogs, wrapped in their buttery pretzel dough. Get dippin’ in spicy mustard, nacho cheese, honey mustard and more, or to satisfy that sweet tooth try buttercream or brownie batter dip.
BEST BURGER:
American Burgers
326A Sunrise Hwy, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 766-2227
americanburgersrvc.com
For nearly a quarter-century, family-owned American Burgers of RVC has welcomed guests with the old-school ambience of celebrity photos and car license plates from each U.S. state, and the old-school pleasure of renowned burgers. When they first opened in 1998, there were four kinds of burgers—now, there are over 50 different styles to choose from, including vegetarian options on the menu as well such as veggie burgers and more.
Check out more Long Island Choice Award Winners at LIChoiceAwards.com.
