The Black Sheep Ale House

- 78 2nd St, Mineola, NY 11501

The Black Sheep Ale House, affectionately known to locals as "The Sheep," is a true cornerstone of the Long Island craft beer scene. Located in the heart of Mineola, New York, this establishment has garnered a reputation as one of Nassau County's premier destinations for beer enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated, constantly rotating selection of brews that rivals any spot in the region. Since transforming from a traditional Irish pub in the early 2010s, The Black Sheep has evolved into a sophisticated yet cozy ale house that perfectly balances high-quality offerings with a genuine, unpretentious neighborhood vibe.

More than just a bar, The Black Sheep Ale House is a genuine community hub. It strikes a remarkable balance: it is a place where seasoned beer connoisseurs can find rare and highly sought-after regional and national taps, while simultaneously remaining a welcoming space for anyone simply looking for a relaxed night out, great conversation, and satisfying pub fare. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and inviting, making it an ideal venue for an after-work pint, a weekend hangout, or a late-night gathering. Its recent remodel has introduced a more refined aesthetic, incorporating features like 200-year-old stained glass and an extensive art collection, all while retaining the pub's beloved, familiar soul.

The experience here extends beyond the excellent drink selection. The team at The Black Sheep is known for being knowledgeable, polite, and eager to share their passion, whether you are seeking a recommendation from their two-dozen-plus tap list or navigating their newly elevated cocktail menu. This commitment to quality service and an outstanding product has solidified The Black Sheep Ale House's standing as a must-visit spot for anyone in the Long Island or greater New York area seeking a top-tier craft beer experience coupled with authentic pub character.

Location and Accessibility

The Black Sheep Ale House is conveniently situated at a central and easily accessible location in Mineola, a vibrant part of Long Island that is convenient for local residents and travelers alike. Its proximity to public transit, notably the LIRR, makes it a perfect stop for those coming from other parts of Nassau County or even New York City for an evening out.

The specific address is:

78 2nd St, Mineola, NY 11501, USA

For guests traveling by car, parking is generally manageable. Patrons can utilize free street parking in the vicinity, or there are paid parking lot options available. Accessibility is a key feature of the venue, as it offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy the space and its offerings. Being located near the LIRR station further enhances its reputation as an easy-to-reach gathering spot.

Services Offered

The Black Sheep Ale House offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a comfortable, engaging, and flexible dining and drinking experience. They cater to a diverse clientele with offerings that range from casual drinks to full-service catering.

• Dining Options: The venue is set up for dine-in service, including both indoor seating in the comfortable bar and dining rooms, and expansive outdoor seating in the popular beer garden.
• Takeaway and Delivery: For those nights you prefer to enjoy their great food and drinks at home, both takeout and delivery options are available.
• Catering Services: The Black Sheep offers catering for private events, bringing their celebrated pub fare and craft beer expertise to your special occasions.
• Reservations: The establishment accepts reservations, which is recommended, especially for large groups or during popular event nights.
• Late-Night Hours: The bar is known for its impressive operating hours, staying open until 4 AM seven days a week, making it a reliable late-night destination.
• Beverage-to-Go: As a premier craft beer bar, they offer beer-to-go options, including growlers, allowing patrons to take home fresh brews from their rotating taps.
• Diverse Payment Methods: Accepting debit cards and NFC mobile payments, transactions are quick and easy.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets The Black Sheep Ale House apart is its commitment to creating a dynamic, engaging, and inclusive environment. The bar’s highlights emphasize both the quality of their offerings and the welcoming nature of the space.

• Exceptional Craft Beer Selection: The bar maintains 25 rotating draft lines, plus a wide selection of bottles and cans, featuring the best in local Long Island brews, national craft favorites, and rare international styles. The selection is diverse, covering everything from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to complex stouts and sours.
• Expanded Outdoor Beer Garden: A major highlight is the spacious and inviting beer garden, which provides seating for over 100 patrons. This outdoor space is a favorite for enjoying a relaxing drink in good weather and is also dog-friendly, welcoming furry friends outside.
• Elevated Pub and Comfort Food Menu: Beyond typical bar snacks, the bar offers a full menu of upscale pub fare, including small plates, hearty burgers, sophisticated grilled cheeses, and vegetarian/vegan options. Food is available at the bar and includes late-night options for the all-day crowd. They have a history of collaborating with local food vendors, such as Ike's Food Truck, to ensure high-quality offerings.
• Full Bar Offerings: While known for beer, the bar also features a robust selection of spirits, wine, and specialty cocktails, including innovative creations like the smoked fig old-fashioned. They also serve coffee and non-alcoholic options.
• Engaging Events and Entertainment: The Black Sheep is a destination for fun, regularly hosting events like Trivia Night, Open Mic Night, and Karaoke. It also features bar games and is a great spot for watching sports on the HD TVs.
• Inclusivity and Atmosphere: The bar fosters a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. It is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and designated as a Transgender safespace, ensuring everyone feels welcome and respected in a no-pretension environment.
• Happy Hour Specials: Patrons can take advantage of both happy hour drinks and happy hour food specials, making it an excellent spot for after-work socializing.

Contact Information

To learn more about their current tap list, food specials, or to make a reservation, you can reach out to The Black Sheep Ale House using the following contact details.

Address: 78 2nd St, Mineola, NY 11501, USA

Phone: (516) 307-1280

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing The Black Sheep Ale House is choosing a complete, high-quality, and deeply satisfying Long Island experience. It is not merely a place to grab a drink; it is a destination for those who appreciate the finer points of craft beer, excellent pub cuisine, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The sheer breadth of their beverage program—from 25 meticulously managed taps featuring rare finds to a creative cocktail list—is reason enough to visit. Beer aficionados know that this Mineola staple is one of the most reliable places in Nassau County to discover new breweries and sample top-tier, hard-to-find brews that may not be available anywhere else nearby. Their commitment to a constantly rotating, fresh selection keeps every visit exciting and unique.

Moreover, The Black Sheep has expertly blended the old-school charm of a neighborhood dive bar with the sophistication of a modern gastropub. The recent enhancements, including the beautiful stained glass and the curated art in the dining area, elevate the ambiance without sacrificing the cozy, familiar feel that locals adore. For New Yorkers looking for a great spot to relax, the expansive and tranquil outdoor beer garden offers a much-needed retreat, and the fact that it’s dog-friendly is a major bonus for pet owners.

The added value of their full-service kitchen, featuring inventive pub fare and late-night food, ensures that The Black Sheep is a complete evening destination. Whether you are coming for dinner, a late-night bite, or to participate in a fun event like Trivia Night or Open Mic, you are guaranteed quality food and drink. The late hours, open until 4 AM daily, solidify its place as a top choice for anyone looking for a friendly, fun, and reliable night out. In an area with many options, The Black Sheep Ale House truly distinguishes itself as the ultimate destination for craft beer, delicious food, and a genuinely welcoming community spirit in Mineola, Long Island.

The Black Sheep Ale House

78 2nd St, Mineola, NY 11501, USA