North Fork Taps & Corks, located in the Feather Hill shopping plaza in Southold, had only been open just under an hour Sunday, but already, the room was ringing with laughter as the first customers shared stories and sipped wines and local brews at the tastefully appointed bar.
The space, designed with a rustic but sophisticated vision, is all clean lines and warm wood, with an upstairs loft that will feature tables and additional seating.
But what makes North Fork Taps & Corks most inviting is owners Bernadette Buckley, Kevin Brannigan, and husband and wife Austin and Loann McDonnell. They’ve all been friends for over 25 years and have deep roots in serving up fine service for generations — Bernadette’s family founded the well-known Buckley’s establishments in Southampton, Hampton Bays and Center Moriches on the South Fork; McDonnell’s family was well-known for the long-time favorite Fisherman’s Rest on Main Road in Cutchogue.
Brannigan’s design, coupled with the natural warmth and exuberance of all four owners, make patrons comfortable the moment they step through the door.
“We want you to feel as though you’re in our living room,” McDonnell said. Comfortable yet tasteful, he joked that he wasn’t wearing a tie, but made sure his shirt was pressed.
North Fork Taps & Corks offers a full range of North Fork wines and high quality craft brews — a place where locals and visitors alike can spend a relaxing few hours.
The goal, the owners agreed, was to feature the best of what the North Fork has to offer in one location. “Some people might not want to hire a limo and go to six wineries in one afternoon,” Buckley said.
The McDonnells, who live in Wading River, and Buckley, who live in Hampton Bays, said they’d been looking for a perfect spot for about six years; when the Feather Hill space became available, they knew they’d found a home for their new business.
Down the line, the hope is to offer selections from local eateries, with a possible “pizza night” slated, as well as soups from neighboring eateries, as well as cheese, fruit and chocolate platters featuring popular local, North Fork fare.
Both Brannigan and McDonnell, born in northern Ireland, bring a taste of the old country in their laughter and tales, but all say new fixture on the landscape is “not an Irish pub”. But it does feature “the best pint of Guinness on the North Fork”, McDonnell said.
Craft brews and wines offered will change with the seasons, with specials highlighted on large chalkboards. Acoustic music may possibly be offered in the future.
The location, Buckley said, is ideal, close to the Jitney stop and the Long Island Rail Road station, just a “few steps to unwind with us,” she said.
Jason Zawelski of Manorville, one of the first customers, gave the North Fork Taps & Corks its first glowing review. “I love this place,” he said, adding that the bartenders set the warm, friendly tone.
And that, McDonnell said, was the hope, as the new owners pursued a dream that had become their passion.
From the start, the love of family and friends was imbued in every beam and plank, every plan and detail. The McDonnells, who have two daughters, Ciara, 4, and Aisling, 1, said their baby took her first steps inside before the new business was even open. “It was a good sign.” McDonnell laughed.
All four welcome patrons with open arms, easy laughter, and a full selection of wines and craft beers celebrating North Fork’s finest offerings.
McDonnell said all wanted to create a warm, intimate space where, just as the famous television show espoused, “everyone knows your name” and customers receive warm, personalized attention and not a cold, corporate approach. They’ve created a cozy, small-town space where faces will be remembered and close ties, fostered.
“I want you to feel that you’ve come to my house,” he said.
North Fork Taps & Corks is located at 53345 Main Road, Unit 5-1, Feather Hill Village, in Southold. For additional information, call 631-876-5246. Hours are noon to midnight daily, year-round.
