Serving Up Passion At The Tap

A large black and orange sign proclaiming “Coming Soon 52 Beers On Tap” off Route 347 is catching local attention. 

Anthony Celentano, 28, posted the large sign to build anticipation for the opening of Tap and Barrel, a new micro pub that will feature local home brews alongside regional craft brewed beers.

Celentano said his inspiration to open a micro pub in Smithtown out of the Hauppauge Center stems form his passion for good craft brewed beer, discovered while visiting Vermont breweries.

“Whatever my journey was, whether snow boarding or four wheeling, you always had to have good beer and good conversation,” he said.

A former Huntington resident, Celentano said he moved out to the area only to realize there wasn’t a place for him and his friends to grab and beer and relax, without a party atmosphere. A  self-professed beer aficionado, he decided to take out a loan to make a pub for the people.

“I’m not going to for the shots and beer crowd. I’m not going for those looking for cheap drinks. I’m trying to create a nice vibe where you don’t have to worry who is on the other side of the door,” the owner said.

Celentano purchased the former Sugar night club, previous known as the Caramel Lounge to renovate it into a micro pub whose conversation starter will be a custom beer tower imported from Wayland Works in Slovenia, handcast out of copper and bronze. It will have 52 lines, in four sets of 13, to pour the drinks. 

“These parts are being casted 100 years ago to be used in buildings as steam pipes fittings,” he said, noting it’s the largest beer tower the company has made to date.

On that tap, the business owner plans to feature local brews including Bluepoint Brewery, Great South Bay Brewery, Lighthouse Ales, Brooklyn Brewery and more. New England regional brews will include Magic Hat, Long Trail Brewing Co. and Shed Brewery from Vermont.

The only pub on Long Island pub to offer more beers and ales on tap is Croxley Ale House in Farmingdale. 

Tap and Barrel will also feature a variety of live music, bringing in local bands to perform everything from reggae to live jazz jam sessions tentatively scheduled for Tuesdays. Live tastings of limited edition brews are being schedule, along with a pool table and classic arcade games.

“I’ve thrown all of my energy into this, because it’s something that I love. There needs to be a place here for people to go,” Celentano said.

As far as the neighbors, Pub 347 owners are not concerned about the new business stating the intended atmosphere will draw a a different crowd.

There’s more to come in the future, as Celentano is a former culinary student hopes to open the kitchen where “everything is going to be made with beer.” 

The micro pub’s grand opening is tentatively scheduled for March 26, pending the arrival and installation of the beer tower. Those interested will be able to get a sneak peek inside the newly renovated space on St. Patrick’s Day with a limited can and bottle selection. 

Learn more about Tap and Barrel and keep up to date on its opening by visiting its Facebook page.