When you head to Bay Shore Main Street, you have countless bar crawl options. But just a few minutes up the road on Islip Main Street, Harp & Hound has long reigned supreme.
That reign, however, has paused temporarily after the Irish pub was forced to close when its kitchen caught fire on the morning of Wednesday, November 12.
The Islip Fire Department responded to a 7:34 a.m. alarm and arrived to find smoke rising from the back of the beloved 528 Main Street spot. Fire crews encountered flames engulfing the cook loft above the kitchen, as well as fire surrounding the building’s electrical service. Mutual aid soon followed from the Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip, East Islip, and Islip Terrace Fire Departments, along with assistance from the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported; only one employee was present when the fire first broke out.
In a statement, the Islip Fire Department expressed the community’s collective heartbreak: the staff and management of Harp & Hound, they noted, are always ready to support local efforts, charitable causes, and emergency services.
The pub announced it would remain closed until further notice while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A frequent visitor to the Islip area, I can attest there’s nothing quite like leaving Bubba’s Burrito Bar after a bite and making your way over to the most lively spot in town—especially for those who prefer a crowd not made up exclusively of twentysomethings.
While we await the return of the cherished, temporarily sidelined establishment, we hold tight to the memories. I recall watching Juan Soto send the Yankees to the 2024 World Series there, celebrating with fellow patrons as Britney Spears’ “Lucky” blasted joyfully overhead. I’ll never forget this, nor the wings.
Until you’re safe and sound, Harp & Hound.