New York: the city that never sleeps. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. But does NYC and beer conjure up thirsty thoughts? I had no expectations on what the beer scene in Manhattan would provide. Thanks to “Brewed Awakenings” author Joshua Bernstein, I was given a great list of places to get the local flavor of beer bars – New York style.
I was impressed with several of the bars, but one holds a special connection for me. Was it because it was on the famous Bleeker Street, or was it that I was just so thirsty that anything would have been amazing? No, Blind Tiger Alehouse is really a rare find that all beer-crazed geeks should make a point of visiting.
If I remember correctly, they had 31 beers on tap, with heavy influence from East Coast breweries along with a few imports and beers from Colorado and California. This is complimented with a nice selection of hard to find bottled beers, too.
The place was very nondescript from the outside, as I walked right by while looking for it. When I did find the front door, it looked as if they might have even been closed. But opening that door changed everything. It was packed, vibrant, full of energy, and just reeked of a great beer experience about to happen. Space was hard to find, so we decided to get some beers first and worry about a seat later.
Clown Shoes, Slyfox Odessy and Hebrew Hop Manna was the make-up our first round. They were all East Coast and all Awesome! We ordered 3 beers for 2 people on the first round. The Clown Shoes keg blew on the pour, so of course we had to get another… what else would you do? We found a small table with a little room and joined a nice couple near the toasty fireplace.
It wasn’t time to for us to eat, but we noticed a great selection of food specials on the chalk board. On the next trip I will be making sure food is planned for the visit. After another round of equally satisfying East Coast beers, I was sad to need to leave – but we had dinner reservations to make.
Next time in NYC, The Blind Tiger will be first on my list as a must-do.
Sláinte!
Foggy Noggin Brewing LLC
Jim Jamison – Manager/Brewmaster
