The Cortland

Went here for happy hour on a tuesday — we were the only people in there. The tap list was mostly from NY brewers (nice), but most of them were not very exciting and the variety wasn’t great. The place didn’t strike me as the most clean, and the glasses we were served beer looked scuffed up and had a strange smell. The bartender was nice, and I can see the appeal maybe for a big group of people to come and hang out for a weekend spot, but I think there are better options in the area.

The cortland you are truly a hidden gem in the heart of Bayshore. It is refreshing to go to a bar where the music is low enough that you can actually hear your friends. I came here on a Thursday night and there was a local artist singing, it was fantastic. Shout out to the wonderful staff who are super outgoing and friendly. Cheddar grill cheese with bacon smart move cortland! The infused liquor amazing! Too bad I cannot remember any of the drinks I had, but all were great. I will absolutely be coming back.

I just discovered this bar a few months ago and love it on a weeknight. Just a chill, laid-​back place to catch a drink. Bartenders are friendly, drinks are delicious.

I am beside myself, thinking of all the things to say about this bar, I’ve got so many awesome stories that start with the Cortland, what I’ll do instead, is tell you the time my amazing day was capped off by Bobby and this wonderful bar;
The first story I’ve ever had about the Cortland. The most telling experience for a first visit…
I don’t remember the year, but it was a late night back from the fire island ferries and the girl I met that night needed to find a ladies room, honestly we just ducked into the first place that was open, planning on peeing and ditching.
Bobby was behind bar and instantly introduced himself, «welcome to the Cortland.»
The Cortland?! Oh wow I’ve heard about this place and I’ve been meaning to check it out, I said. Without hesitation, in true Bobby form, «bro, welcome, ever have horchata? Check this out! And try this and this» I just got this stuff in.
This bartender lined shot after shot of horchata (also a first for me) and then hooked us up with his vodka infusions.
We were drinking all night, and he charged us little to nothing and we had an absolute blast talking to him and the few people in the place that night.
I quickly spread the word to anyone I could, he really knew what he was doing. This place was solid gold in the form of a whole in the wall sanctuary.
I’d gone month after month, week after week, had some great times here, and it’s been a very long time since I’ve been back, but lucky for me he opened another bar, south shore dive, more food, great cocktails, and the same dope events he’d throw at the Cortland!
He’s the mad genius speaking to my soul. Bobby is my spirit animal!
At the Cortland he has a pumpkin everything event, he has movies and shows up on a projection screen in the alleyway, it’s endless.
Check this place out, check out south shore dive too.
You won’t be disappointed–

Nothing like enjoying a beer and having a a freaking cockroach run across the bar. Disgusting hipster trash bar.

This is great for what it is — a divey bar with really good drinks. FYI if you want grilled cheese you should def stop in. The bartenders are always nice and you can hear each other when you are talking which is a rarity these days at bars. The infused vodka’s are fantastic, truly, and there is always a new one to try. My favorites so far are the holiday flavors.

The cortland was a great experience with the bartender Joe. I’ve been in the service industry for years and he provided a great late night experience. The décor was different but not over whelming. The drinks were tasteful and packed a punch. I would recommend this bar to friends and even some family members that are not too old. Over all experience and drinks were extraordinary, cleanliness was pair sum. I would suggest to visit; experience the one of a kind atmosphere and aura of the Cortland. Drink Responsible! ;-)

Alex is the best! He made us the most amazing drinks including blow torch roasted marshmallows on top and was so accommodation and friendly. This place is amazing and if alex is working you should definitely stop by!

Literally the only bar I go to on Long Island. Ask for Kristin-​she is nice but the men are mega hot if you’re into eye candy. She’s sexy too if you perfer females.
Completely kind and accepting staff and atmosphere.
Would give this 6 stars if possible.

If I could say a million nice things right now about this bar I would. This place has the best atmosphere and awesome beyond awesome service. I LOVE the pen pal thing they do here it is truly unique and original. the drinks are great every single time.
The wine selection Is fantastic and the music just keeps you on that cloud nine you look for when you venture out for a bar to hang out in, quite diverse I must say.
I loved the interaction from the bar tender he made me and my friend feel like we were family he hadn’t seen in a while… I felt so warm and comfortable here and the prices were so reasonable. I haven’t a single complaint about this bar. .I definitely recommend this place!
Not to forget the awesome décor!!!

bathrooms working = higher rating
C’mon — don’t send me to another bar to use a restroom !

Love this place! The infusions are amazing and the bartender is such a character! He really did so much to find me the perfect drink! He made me something called the Apple Crisp, omgosh if you want the taste of winter in a glass, get this drink! ask for nick, he’s the best!

Went to a Unilocal event today and I have to say such amazingly tasty drinks. Can’t wait to spend a night out trying some more.

I’m absolutely in LOVE with this bar. I’ve come here several nights, and each time I have loved it.
The bartenders are very helpful, personable, and friendly. It’s easy to strike up a conversation or have a good laugh with the bartenders. I adore the ambiance, dim/​cozy (perfect combo), a chalkboard menu, great music. Keep in mind, the bar is narrow so it can get extremely packed, but in the summer there is outside seating. I don’t particularly like that some of the guests have no social awareness and just stomp on your or hang on you. This place reminds me of Williamsburg BK, but less hipster. I see a lot of trendy, Bohemian people hanging out here. This only adds to the awesome vibe.
I cannot get enough of the vodka infusions. Holy ****, they are absolutely the best. Every combination is amazingly perfect, and I can never pick which one I want! I like that they are on display and not just written on the menu. You can actually see each infusion in a decorative glass vat, with a sign on it indicating what the mix is. I love any of the ones which have involved bananas, vanilla, and/​or basil! Just like candy… so sweet and delicious. I drink them entirely too fast, but I cant help it, they’re so AMAZING. (This is how alcoholism starts, but it’s cool.) The Moscow Mule is a great drink too. The Cortland also offers grilled cheeses too! I cant wait until the summer (when I have off) to sit at the bar during the day (when it’s hopefully less crowded) while drinking and infused vodka and eating an amazing grilled cheese.
One of my favorite Long Island bars for SURE. Good for date night or hanging with your bestie.

The apple brandy cocktail is the greatest thing that’s ever been in my mouth and that includes boobs. Yes you read that right, the Cortland has a drink that’s better than boobs.
Also trivia night on Tuesday is the highlight of my week.

Cool and unusual flavors of drinks, small intimate setting, sweet snacks, friendly bartenders… The Cortland, you are SPEAKING. MY. LANGUAGE. The hype is totally warranted here.
Thanks Dan M. for showing me this place. After a night of interesting grub, why not stop by here for an even more interesting/​awesome mixture of drinks? (Pun always intended.) I was immediately enticed by the small yet cozy atmosphere. Dim lighting, chalkboard menus, indie music playing… *sigh* I just love it. There’s quite the selection here: craft beers, their famous Pickleback shots (which I unfort did not get to try since I was the driver that night, but will definitely make it a priority on my next visit), alcoholic milkshakes (only available in the fall/​winter) and yes… the infused drinks. My eyes were instantly drawn to the Butternut Squash & Cinnamon drink with apple cider. That just sounds like heaven in a glass to me.
While waiting for my drink, I happened to ask the bartender a few questions about these creative concoctions. I asked them how they came up with these flavor profiles. He (I’m sorry I forgot your name!) was so nice and took the time to give me a 101 on how they do it at the Cortland. As for the flavors… he said that he just thinks of foods that he likes and thinks «hey, why not put them in a drink?» That’s enough convincing for me! I was sold. And well let me tell you… they certainly know how to do infusions here. That was about one of the best mixed drinks I’ve had in a while. I was also able to try the Hibiscus and Plum which was also stellar.
I could easily see myself coming all the way to Bayshore just for these drinks. The Cortland is a nice getaway from the usual LI crowds and will definitely be back here sometime soon. The spiked shakes… I’m comin’ for ya next time!

The Cortland is almost always my first choice when I’m heading out for a drink. From local beers to homemade infusions, there are awesome drink options. Plus the grilled cheese sandwiches hit the spot. I love that Bobby is constantly trying new things and coming up with different events. You can tell he is passionate about his business.
Since it is a small, narrow bar it can get cramped if you don’t have a good spot in the back or at the bar. Thankfully there are plenty of other options on Main Street if you need a breather. Just make sure you do a pickle back before you leave!
I recommend the «It’s So Gouda» grilled cheese and anything on tap!

Bobby G. has created a safe haven for people who want to sit, relax, and enjoy their spirits. There have been a lot of things said about The Cortland being a hipster bar. I would say it’s a bar for the average 20 or 30 something and the occasional boomer Boulton Center attendee.
It’s easy to spot someone who doesn’t belong. They’re the one being a dick.

I’m quite remiss in writing this review on the Cortland in Bay Shore. It was originally introduced to me by fellow multi-​year Elite Unilocaler, Doug G., who has been a regular at the Cortland for several years. If he was paid $ 5 for every person he introduced to Bobby and the Cortland, he’d be ready to retire in a few weeks. I’m serious.
The Cortland literally does «Everything Right» as Doug G. says it in his review. These guys feature local beers, several house made infused liqueurs, a really fun local and simple ambience, true love and passion for everything they serve from their Jiffy Pop popcorn, house snacks and/​or food that they partner up with a local restaurant (Tellulah’s) which features AMAZING food (see my review).
The only negative thing I have to say about the Cortland is that I wish it was bigger! It is such an amazing place that it has gotten really popular, which can get very busy at times and you won’t have a place to sit or stand. These are luxury problems and good problems to have, if you’re Bobby @ the Cortland! :)
Perhaps I have one other negative thing to write — I wish it wasn’t so far from where I lived!!! Again, luxury problem :)
And here’s the summary… it’s become one of my absolute favorite bars and they better keep up the good work (which I’m sure they’ll have no problem doing as long as Bobby is around…) because we really love you, the Cortland!
THIS has been a review by Gaurav

Mixologists dream. Welcome to an understated, warm, and friendly bar where the infused vodkas are flowing and the bartenders actually know the menu! Incredible apple pie drink tasted like you we digging into the middle of a pie after thanksgiving dinner… yes it was that good! Beer selection is meticulously selected and very impressive. Definitely try the ommegang wheat beer from upstate in a belgium style craft… gorgeous color. Loved how knowledgeable the bar staff was about everything. Thank you Unilocal elite squad for bringing this cocktail oasis to our attention!