Beer and family are everything

Beer is on tap at the Bellport Brewing Company.

The new Bellport Village fixture, located in the old Rooster’s Café at 14 Station Road, launched last week and is currently open to 50 percent capacity. During non-pandemic times, the brewery can fit about 70. Owner and head brewer Brian Baker said the opening was a huge success.

“I was expecting [the worst], but it was awesome and we have the best crew ever,” said Baker, pleased with his new venture.

Investors Georgia and John Turner, the former Town of Brookhaven director of Environmental Protection, and their son and co-brewer Travis, joined Baker.

“We have a passion for producing—and I must admit, drinking—high-quality beer, and we would like to share that passion with others,” John said of their hope to open in the heart of the Village of Bellport back in August.

In addition to craft beers—light, dark and IPAs—the brewery intends to be family-friendly with multiple ciders, wines, sodas, lemonades and homemade root beers available.

Beers on tap are priced at $7-$8, depending mostly on their alcohol content. The goal is to eventually have three-quarters of their dozen taps with Bellport Brewery exclusives. They also currently have wine options, homemade lemonade and cider, as well as a guest tap and vodka offerings from Betterman Distilling Co. The menu is also featured on their website.

Baker, a Moriches native, said the entire business is based off beer first, of course, but more importantly, family. He and his wife have two daughters.
“It was great to see the kids playing games,” he said, noting that on their opening day families came in with their children, who utilized the provided board games.

“We want it to be a place where people can come with their families to hang out with games and soda on tap,” added Georgia. “We want it to be a homey place.”

The space features a coastal vibe, with 100-year-old vintage oars as curtain rods.

But, Baker said, “Beer is the focus. Beer is everything and that’s why we are here.”

He also hopes to see the space eventually rented out for parties. And come warmer months, the outdoor area, Georgia said, will feature a fenced-in picnic area in the front, and eventually a connected fenced-in area in the rear on the grass for games like cornhole.

The team also joined the chamber for the 2021 year, as part of their promise to be a part of the community.

“The chamber is excited for this addition in the village,” said chamber president LuAnn Thompson. “The brewery adds a destination spot to our small village.”

The brewery will now be open Thursday, 3-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 3-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. After about a few weeks of running smoothly, Baker added that he plans to open on Wednesdays as well.

“Right now, we just want to get our feet wet and see what it’s like,” he continued.