Bartender

In 2011 Tap Room founders James Bonanno and David Johnson were both bartenders at a seasonal tiki bar. Between packed Long Island summer shifts, they would pass the time discussing their potential futures, which of course included what types of restaurants and bars they would eventually own. Those early conversations quickly became a little more serious when they learned of a potential available space on Main Street in Patchogue. They were determined to take the first step in making those dreams a reality.

They knew that they would need a little more than just personality to get started and after quickly learning that banks won’t lend to two broke friends in their mid-20s, they were able to piece together the initial capital from supportive friends and family. During the next several years, they worked … and worked… and worked to repay the people that believed in them before there was any reason to.

Hospitality is a hard idea to define precisely, but you notice when it’s there and you particularly notice when it’s not. From day one David and James sought to take the warmth and personality that you can feel at a traditional local pub, and combine it with elevated pub fare that would stand on its own. NO FROZEN APPS! With the Craft Beer boom just beginning, pairing their food with brand new and exciting beer options was a natural fit. To this day every Tap Room frequently rotates their draft menu, incorporating both national and local craft brewers. Discovering new beers, bringing back old favorites, and encouraging adventurous customers to order beer flights instead of just pints, and allowing them to fully explore everything the Craft Beer menu has to offer is what Tap Room is all about.

Whether it is unwinding after work, a birthday party, meeting up with a friend or a full-on celebration, James and David want everyone to feel welcome and appreciated. As the Tap Room grows their goal is to hold on to that spirit of hospitality and to share it with new and unique communities.