Vines & Hops

So it’s 10pm on a Friday night and we wanna stay close by but we are also tired of going to Perabell ALL the time. We decided to swing by this place for the hubs. He can get his beer fix but I’m not a big beer or wine person. Lo and behold our surprise… What first captured us was that there was a DJ inside tonight. Once we got inside we saw the bar chock full of liquor. My first thought was YES! Thank God! I can get all cute and enjoy a drink without being smothered by other people at the bar (ahem, Perabell). I’m glad I found this place. Yay! (Doing the happy dance). P. S. There’s also a smörgåsbord of beer (like I’m talken my hubby thought he was in a candy store.) haha.

The ambiance of Vines & Hops is great. It has a chill, fun vibe when you’re there hanging out with your friends. The selection of beer is great, but for Riverhead, I think the pricing is out of line. I’d love this to be a regular spot for my friends and I, but if I wanted to drain my bank account on drinks, I’d go to the city. I would, however, recommend it as a nice first date, or a quick drink before going elsewhere for dinner.

Relaxing atmosphere and a good selection of craft beer. I’d like to see the prices on the menu for the drinks though.

So this is what Riverhead has become, huh? Came back into town for the first time in years for a farewell celebration and we mostly enjoyed our visit. Nice selection of craft beers and wines, tables near the front with live but not intrusive music at times throughout the evening, friendly bartenders, and two sections couches parallel to the bar.

Oh Vines & Hops, you frustrate me so! Listen, you’re a cool place… comfy places to sit… nice entertainment. I am a local and you are a nice addition to the neighborhood. Now, I am a beer drinkin’ kind of gal so I am interested in the selection of craft beers you have. There it is written on a chalkboard, no descriptions so now I have to flag someone down who may or may not have a friendly attitude and start asking a million questions. I like a good craft beer but some of the selections are weird. I want to say somewhat high brow? No prices listed either so don’t be surprised when that Kentucky Bourbon Ale that’s served in a brandy snifter and has two inches of liquid and three inches of foam in it costs 6 bucks. Now my big problem is that after staring at that board and really being hard pressed to find one somewhat suitable, you don’t have it! Ugh! Why is it on there then? Every time I go this happens to me. Back to the drawing board! I have to decide between the Crème Brulee milk goobledeegook or the Hoity Toity IPA from someplace a million miles away. Hardly any local beers… Riverhead has three breweries now, you think they would have a good selection of local stuff. A Long Ireland Hooligan Stout would be fantastic!
I really can’t say anything about the wine or food having not tried these. I will probably go back cause it is a nice place with a cool vibe but please oh please get some decent tap beers!

If you want the best craft beers and IPA’s around, this is the place for you. Amazing atmosphere and staff, and the DJ’s on Fridays and Saturdays really know how to keep you dancing all night long. Highly recommend!!!

Place is the best thing to happen to downtown riverhead in a long time. Great craft beer and wine selection. Inside very warm and inviting with couches and tables. Excellent lighting. The cheese plate we tried was very good. It’s a great place to have a drink before/​after heading to the vineyards. We will be back

Being born and raised in Riverhead, I was so excited to visit Vines & Hops after they opened and I read about the business in the local papers. I live in NYC now, but there is nothing I want more than for Riverhead to be revitalized already! I couldn’t wait for Vines & Hops to join the other restaurants and growing businesses on Main St. to help bring Riverhead back to life, to give people a place to go on a Friday night…
I’ve visited Vines & Hops several times over the last year+ and each and every time I’ve left disappointed. There are various reasons, it all boils down to how welcomed you, as a customer, feels. The owners know a lot about the unique and various beers they have rotating in and out of the taps, but what can I say about the overall mood and environment… it leaves a lot to be desired.
Just last month I went in with a few friends to find an empty establishment, save for one girl at the bar drinking a beer. We stood around for a few minutes, it got awkward when we began to think we entered a closed bar. We started to turn from the bar to leave when the girl with her beer stood up and said ‘Oh yeah, I guess I can serve you.’ Sorry we interrupted your afternoon drink! We ordered and I watched as she ignored a couple who arrived and were waiting to order. She was too busy trying to get my cousins phone # at the other end of the bar… While leaving, we noticed they had information for their Kickstarter campaign to save the business on the wall — were we surprised? No.
Go here, I guess, if you want something quieter than Digger’s. The décor is chintzy but you’ll be able to have a conversation without screaming.

Place is alright. Lots of beer and wine. Music could be better unless you Anna do the Cupid shuffle. To the right, to the right.