This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Q & A: John Court of The Nutty Irishman

Court's neighborhood bar and restaurant offers live music and craft beers.

Seven years ago, John Court and some friends were in Farmingdale and noticed a vacant building along Main Street. After making some inquiries, they decided it would be the perfect location for their second bar and restaurant on Long Island.

The first location in Bay Shore opened in 2003. Farmingdale’s location opened in 2004 and today it is a thriving local neighborhood spot for live music, craft, draft, and imported beers and good food. It’s grown to become a popular place for holding fundraisers, catering events and lunch. It was voted the Best Nightclub on Long Island in 2011 by the Long Island Press.

What makes The Nutty Irishman unique?
Court: There’s no place on Long Island like The Nutty Irishman for our live music and our craft beer. We’re transitioning even further into craft beers and we now carry 22 different types. It’s a growing market segment for us. And we carry the best live music on the Island. While other venues are reducing their live music, we’re increasing our live bands. Plus our facility gives us three distinct areas. The front room is like an old Irish pub. The back room has the live music and the outdoor area is a great place to sit and unwind in the nice weather.

How is business in this economy?

Court: We’re still thriving even though other businesses are feeling the effects of the recession. 

What is the best/worst thing about running a business on Main Street?

Court: We like to have our establishments on Main Street. Both our Bay Shore business and Farmingdale location are right on [the area's] Main Street. We like the downtown feel, the versatility and the small town vibe. We believe we attract a lot of foot traffic from other businesses and there’s a lot of parking availability. The other bars and restaurants in Farmingdale feed off of each other. Perhaps someone stops by for a meal at one place and comes to us for the live music and drinks afterward.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

What is your busiest time of the year?
Court: Fall and spring are our busiest times of the year but we’re strong throughout the year with football and baseball and basketball as well as St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays.

What is the most rewarding part of being part of the Farmingdale community?

Court: Not only do I run a business in Farmingdale but I live in Farmingdale. It’s very rewarding for me to see my business thrive in the neighborhood where I live. I have a stake in the success of my business and my neighborhood. For me, I love seeing my neighbors come into my place and hang out. I’m not an outsider that leaves the area at the end of the day. My whole life is entrenched in Farmingdale. I love the small town feel. Plus I’ve been a board member of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce for three years. I have input into the growth of the town.

What are your most popular offerings?
Court: Certainly our craft beers are popular. Starting on June 5, one Sunday a month we’ll have country music night. We’ll have live dancing, live country music, and prizes. We’re partnering with Long Island’s radio station 96.1. We started it in Bay Shore and it’s been very popular.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?