Information
Landmark: Staten Island Brewing CompanyCity: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Staten Island Brewing Company, Staten Island, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Staten Island Brewing Company-often called the Staten Island Beer Company-was a small, independent craft brewery that brought beer-making back to the borough after decades away, filling the air with the warm scent of hops and a sense of local pride.It’s gone for good now, but during its years pouring rich, hoppy ales, it left a lasting mark on the local brewing scene.Jonathan Schulman-a Staten Island native, news assistant at The New York Times, and passionate homebrewer-founded the company with a clear vision.They began brewing in 2013, and by 2016, the taproom opened its doors, pouring the first pints of amber ale.20 Kinsey Place, Staten Island, NY - tucked in the industrial sprawl of Mariners Harbor, where forklifts hum and steel doors echo.Motivation Schulman, driven by a passion for craft beer, set out to bring brewing back to Staten Island-a place where the scent of hops hadn’t filled the air since the 1960s.He wanted not just to brew great beer, but to build a place where the community felt at home-somewhere you might hear a neighbor’s laugh over the clink of pint glasses."I feel that opening a brewery here that’s responsive to the community is a real give-back kind of thing and that's more important than the money." - Jonathan Schulman Taproom Experience Opened : Early 2016 Capacity : Intimate venue with a casual and welcoming atmosphere Ambience : Industrial decor, beer-centric design, and regular community events Features 11 rotating taps , featuring: Flagship beers Limited-edition seasonal and experimental brews Local-only exclusives Merchandise and growlers were available for purchase The taproom hosted tasting events , local food pairings , and often served as a gathering place for Staten Island beer enthusiasts.“I think opening a brewery here that listens to and serves the community is a true way to give back-and that matters more to me than the money,” said Jonathan Schulman, whose taproom opened in early 2016.It’s a small, easygoing spot with warm lighting, industrial touches, and a beer-first design.Guests find 11 rotating taps pouring flagship favorites, seasonal experiments, and local-only brews.Merchandise and growlers sit ready by the counter, while tasting nights and food pairings turn the space into a lively meeting place for Staten Island beer lovers.Signature Beers: The brewery pours its energy into crafting beers that are easy to enjoy, rich with flavor, and varied in style-like a crisp pale ale alongside a smooth, dark stout.One of the crowd favorites was Victory Blvd Pale Ale, a crisp American pale ale bursting with bright citrus and ending on a clean, refreshing note.Shaolin IPA takes its name from Staten Island’s Wu-Tang–made nickname and delivers a punchy, hop-forward India Pale Ale with a crisp edge.Summer Ale is light and crisp, with a bright, refreshing taste made for sipping under the warm sun.Port Richmond Pilsner - a crisp, easy-drinking lager that tips its hat to the neighborhood, like a cool sip on a summer stoop.Dark Side Stout - rich and silky, with roasted notes that warm you like a fire on a crisp winter night.Some beers drew on local flavors-like honey from neighborhood hives-or nodded to Staten Island traditions, weaving a strong tie to the island’s identity.Challenges and closure came when the brewery shut its doors for good, though no one’s offered a clear reason-no press release, not even a brief note on the front window.Likely reasons-though only guesses based on common industry patterns-include rising operating costs, pressure from bigger craft brewers, narrow distribution, and the pandemic’s financial hit if closure came after 2020.By 2024–2025, the company had shut down, and the old brewhouse sat dark and silent.Though it operated for only a short time, Staten Island Brewing Company revived the art of brewing on the island after more than 50 years, brought neighbors together over pints, and sparked a passion in future brewers and beer lovers.Its closing hit the local beer scene hard-you could feel it in the quiet taprooms that first week-but its influence still runs strong in the island’s thriving craft beer culture.In 2025, Staten Island’s craft beer scene is alive and well-if you’re looking to visit or show support, two standout breweries are keeping the taps flowing, each pouring fresh pints with a hint of local pride.Flagship Brewing Company, at 40 Minthorne Street, opened in 2014 and pours both classic and inventive craft beers-locals rave about the bold Flagship IPA and rotating seasonal brews.You’ll often find live music spilling out the doors, food trucks parked nearby, and brewery tours running most weekends.
