The Nutty Irishman To Craft Farmingdale Outdoor Biergarten

FARMINGDALE, NY — A fresh outdoor Biergarten is on tap for Farmingdale.

The hub is set to be built behind The Nutty Irishman, at 323 Main St., in time for the spring season by the end of April, says Joe Fortuna, owner of the bar. The Biergarten will serve as a place for people to listen to live music, drink craft beers and eat summertime and German fare while basking in the elements.

People prefer to be outside when the weather is nice, Fortuna said. When The Nutty Irishman's lease was extended, he wanted to capitalize on the property he had behind the bar.

"We saw in the summer that even when the restrictions were lifted, we still continued the music outside," Fortuna tola Patch. "The bands that were outside drew more people than the bands that were inside."

A wooden fence is set to be constructed, trees and plants will be placed, the building will be repainted, the dumpster will be moved, and the bar will be opened up to all sides, according to Fortuna.

Summer will feature a beach-type menu with fish, fried shrimp and fried clams. German fare will be served during the fall Oktoberfest season along with German beers.

The Nutty Irishman is also collaborating with Montauk Brewing Company, so the brewery will be well represented on the Biergarten's menu.

Fortuna said the inspiration for the Biergarten was a mix between Farmingdale's highly-popular Music On Main, as well as the general vibe of Florida breweries.

"Florida’s weather is conducive to being outside all the time," he said. "You see these beautiful dining areas, and especially the breweries. The breweries will have just a beautiful setup where you’re sitting outside. Even though it’s a brewery, it’s a family-type atmosphere. There are kids running around and families who are just hanging out, eating, and listening to music. It’s the perfect combination of outdoors, music, and beer."

Tents and heaters will likely be used for the late-night crowd, though Fortuna said the Biergarten's focus will be on the early bands, as well as Friday happy hours and Saturday dinners.

The only downside, Fortuna said, is New York's short summer season.

"You get six, more like five months, out of the year to enjoy something like that. But we have the space: utilize it."