Laid back, professional types, twentysomething beer snobs, and the usual ragtag crew of Long Beach Island visitors and locals all find solace at Ship Bottom Brewery. Despite what its name suggests, the brewhouse is located in Beach Haven and is the only brewery on the island. Located upstairs at Bay Village, just steps from shops and the waterpark, its an easy place to escape the heat and sip a pint.
The owners have been brewing beer for over two decades and finally opened their tasting room in the summer of 2016. The taps are constantly rotating with at least eight beers on offer. The space is relaxed and sits across from the actual brewery where visitors can take a tour if so inclined. There is live music on Friday and Saturday nights, but the whole operations closes up by 10pm. It’s simply not the kind of place for the late night crowd.
Ship Bottom Brewery doesn’t prepare any food, but you are allowed to bring in your own bites, and there are plenty of places around to choose from. It all serves to create an easygoing experience that allows imbibers to focus on the spot’s real passion, their beer.
While visitors have the opportunity to choose from any of the beers on tap, we find getting an 8 or 4 glass flight to be the best bang for your back. Plus, you gettle to try more things. The Coconut Cream Pie Porter is 6.6% ABV and is rich with notes of toffee and a hint of honey to go along with the coconut. The Shack IPA, meanwhile, presents a combination of earth and citrus notes. For those really looking to get into the Shore spirit, there is even a seasonal offering with Old Bay Seasoning.
If you’re looking to just relax and sip a locally brewed beer, there is no better place on the island than Ship Bottom Brewery.
Find It At:
830 N Bay Ave #23
Beach Haven, NJ 08008