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After a decade in Bay Shore, The Cortland is switching things up.
“We’re going to have the same vibe, music, and staff, but we’re giving it a little facelift,” said owner Bobby Gulinello.
After a month and a half of renovations, The Cortland reopened at 27 West Main Street on Friday.
“I’ve wanted to redo this place for a long time, and with Bay Shore becoming so big again, I thought it was the perfect timing,” said Gulinello, who also owns South Shore Dive in Sayville.
The Cortland now boasts a new lounge area and an extended bar that sits 20 patrons.
The decor is much different now, too, with its wood paneling, earthy tones, and classic pinball machine.
“I wanted it to have a mid-20th century vibe,” Gulinello told GreaterBayShore on Tuesday. “It sounds insane when I describe it to people, but it actually works.”
In coming up with the 1970s- themed concept, the East Islip resident ventured to Hollywood to pull inspiration.
“There were many great places, but I wanted to add my own spin to it,” he said.
That’s when he teamed up with interior designers Lauren Gerdjikian and George Sante.
“It’s a really fun concept,” said Gerdjikian. “It’s old-school but we made it feel fresh.”
As far as the drink menu goes, The Cortland is motioning away from being known as just a craft beer bar.
“We’re going to have five or six draft lines — that will remain local beers — but we will also have a new cocktail menu,” said Gulinello.
He wanted the new selection of beverages to be classic. That’s why they will be serving up staples like Moscow mules, margaritas, bourbons, and root beer.
“The cocktails are going to be three to four ingredients just really fun and accessible drinks,” said Gulinello.
After the month-plus of hard work, the bar owner is excited for the community to go check it out.
“I am so pumped,” he said. “I had an idea and it was brought to life by an amazing team.”
Top: The Cortland’s owner Bobby Gulinello at the new lounge area in his bar.
