With large-scale brew operations like Clinton Hall in the Financial District and the Watermark Bar at South Street Seaport, Abraham Merchant has a finger firmly planted on downtown’s beer-hall scene. His Merchants Hospitality’s first foray uptown comes in the form of this rustic, 200-seat tavern, fitted with the requisite communal tables, a roaring fireplace and brick-painted murals by Colombian artist Brian Boerner that depict an imaginative world of beer-inspired mascots (flying dogs coursing over a beer-splattered ocean, a lab of mad scientists brewing beer mixtures). Traditional big-group boozing is the name of the game here, complemented by an expertly curated lineup of global pours, and plenty of beer floats.
The vibe: The place is making a strong play for the well-heeled boat shoe crowd nostalgic for the trappings of Greek life, i.e. the kind of millennials who live on the UES.
The food: Ample burger and wing choices, plus brats and some mexican-inspired fare. Sweet/spicy Royal jamaican jerk wings stand out.
The drink: Get a pint, a pitcher, or mini keg tapped tableside (yes, really). There’s also cocktails, margarita pitchers, and flights of shots with goofy names like the Baileys Almonde+coffee “Almond Mom” shots.
Time Out tip: For aggregated family units or get togethers with multiple small kids in tow, this place is absolutely perfect. Weekend brunch gets bananas.