You walk off the ferry, dodge the commuters sprinting for the bus, and head toward Tompkinsville. It’s a bit of a hike, but if you know, you know. Craft House Staten Island isn't just another bar with a few dusty taps and a basket of frozen wings. Honestly, it’s the heart of the borough’s craft beer revival. Since it opened its doors at 60 Van Duzer Street, it’s been the unofficial clubhouse for people who actually care about what’s in their glass.
It's loud. It’s smoky—from the barbecue, not cigarettes. It’s exactly what the North Shore needed when the neighborhood was still figuring out its identity.
The Kills Boro Connection
You can’t talk about this place without talking about the beer. Most "craft" bars just buy kegs from big distributors. Craft House is different because it’s the birthplace and home of Kills Boro Brewing Company.
Patrick Morse and Sean Torres didn't just want to serve beer; they wanted to make it. They basically built a brewery inside a restaurant, which, if you’ve ever dealt with New York City zoning or plumbing, is a total nightmare. But they pulled it off.
The result? You’re drinking beer that traveled about thirty feet from the tank to your mouth. That freshness matters. When you order a Midnight Ferry (their signature stout) or one of their rotating IPAs like The Greenbelt, you’re tasting the water, the grain, and the specific vibe of Staten Island. It’s hyper-local. Most places use that as a marketing buzzword, but here, it's just the truth.
The brewing operation eventually got so big they had to expand, but the soul of the brand stays rooted in that Van Duzer storefront. People travel from Jersey and Brooklyn specifically for these cans. It’s funny because, for years, Staten Island was a craft beer desert. You had your choice of light lagers or... well, different light lagers. Craft House changed that narrative.
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Barbecue That Actually Respects the Meat
Let's talk about the food because, man, the smell of that smoker hits you before you even cross the street. They do traditional BBQ, but with a bit of a "New York" edge.
The brisket is the litmus test. If a place messes up the brisket, you leave. At Craft House, it’s got that beautiful black bark and a smoke ring that proves they aren't taking shortcuts. They use a Southern Pride smoker, which is basically the Cadillac of BBQ rigs.
They don't just do the classics, though. You'll find things like:
- Pork Belly Tacos: Fat rendered down until it’s basically candy.
- Giant Pretzels: These things are the size of a hubcap and come with beer cheese made from the stuff brewing in the back.
- The "Staten Island" Wings: Crispy, never soggy, and actually spicy enough to make you reach for your pilsner.
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a fancy "gastropub." It isn't. The tables are wood, the napkins are paper, and you’re probably going to get some sauce on your shirt. It’s unpretentious. That’s why it works. You see guys in suits sitting next to construction workers and artists. It’s a melting pot, which is the most Staten Island thing ever.
Why the Location Matters (and How to Get There)
Staten Island has this weird reputation for being hard to get to. It's not. If you're coming from Manhattan, the ferry is free. It's a 25-minute boat ride with a cheap beer in your hand. Once you hit St. George, you can take the train one stop to Tompkinsville or just walk about 12 minutes.
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The walk is worth it.
The North Shore is changing. You’ve got the Empire Outlets and the new developments, but Craft House feels like the anchor of the "real" neighborhood. It’s tucked away from the tourist traps. When you're there, you feel like you've found a secret, even though the place is usually packed on Friday nights.
The Backyard Vibe
If the weather is even slightly nice, you have to be in the backyard. It’s one of the best outdoor drinking spaces in the city. It’s enclosed, it’s got string lights, and it feels like a private party.
In the winter, they keep it cozy, but there’s something special about a summer afternoon back there with a flight of beers. They also do live music and events. It’s not forced. It’s just... there.
Dealing With the "Staten Island" Stigma
Honestly, a lot of people from the other boroughs are scared of Staten Island. They think it’s all Jersey Shore reruns and traffic. Craft House is the best argument against that stereotype. It’s sophisticated without being snobby.
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The staff knows their stuff. Ask them about the hop profile in an IPA, and they’ll give you a real answer. Ask them for a recommendation based on what you usually drink, and they won't judge you if you say you like Coors Light. They’ll just find you the craft version that blows your mind.
What to Order Right Now
If it's your first time, don't overthink it.
- The Flight: Get four 5oz pours. Always include whatever the newest Kills Boro release is.
- The Pulled Pork: It’s simple, but they do it right. Get it on a brioche bun.
- The Mac and Cheese: It’s heavy. It’s cheesy. It’s everything you want when you’re three beers deep.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
Don't show up on a Saturday night at 8 PM expecting a table for ten without a wait. It's a popular spot for a reason. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, Sunday afternoons are the move. It’s very family-friendly during the day, too. You’ll see parents with strollers grabbing lunch, which gives it a nice community feel.
Check their social media before you go. They do a lot of "can drops" where they release limited edition beers. These sell out fast. If you see something that looks interesting, get there early.
Parking can be a bit of a pain since it’s a residential-ish area, so honestly, just take an Uber or the train. It saves you the headache of circling the block and lets you enjoy that second (or third) IPA safely.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Tap List: Visit the Kills Boro website or Untappd before you head out to see what’s currently pouring, as the rotation changes weekly.
- Plan Around the Ferry: If you're coming from Manhattan, time your departure with the SIRT (Staten Island Railway) to save yourself the walk from the terminal.
- Follow the "Can Drops": Follow Craft House and Kills Boro on Instagram to catch limited-run releases that you can't find in stores.
- Go Mid-Week: For the best service and a chance to chat with the brewers or bartenders about the process, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
- Order the Brisket Early: They smoke in batches; once the brisket is gone for the day, it's gone.