Being a beer connoisseur can be extremely challenging. Well, maybe not extremely, but there are definitely some various factors to work around when finding the perfect pint. Finding beer at the right temperature, bars with new and exciting concoctions on tap, and bartenders who know their brews is like hunting for treasure in a world of mass-production.
Not to mention, trying to find amazing food to pair your brew with.
A gastropub is a pub that adds an element of fine dining to their cuisine. They don’t just drop everything into a deep fryer and call it a day. No, a gastropub wants your dining experience to rival–or perhaps, enhance– your drinking experience. We’ve talked about the best beers and bars in New York City. Now it’s time to look at the best gastropubs to get the best of both worlds.
Dirty Pierre’s
While the name might give you pause over the cleanliness of this gastropub, Dirty Pierre’s is an absolute gem. Boasting dishes inspired by not only the United States but also France, Canada, Mexico, Dirty Pierre’s takes a gourmet approach to pub food.
At Dirty Pierre’s, there is quite literally something for everyone. Various salads, vegetarian dishes, appetizers galore, and even a brunch menu make for a well-rounded approach to drinking and dining. The servings are huge, the staff is friendly, and the beer is flowing. Note, that this little spot in Forest Hills has limited room and does not take reservations. Plan ahead or avoid busy times to get the best experience.
Bierocracy
Located in Queens, Bierocracy is known not only for its beer but for its epic trivia nights. The staff at Bierocracy is dedicated to ensuring that each beer tastes as fantastic as possible, and each night spent with them is fun and memorable.
Notable dishes at Bierocracy include the Slow Smoked Beer Chili Brisket Nachos, the Beer Brined Buffalo Chicken Wings, and the Bierocracy Burger served with beer Chimay cheese. See a common theme here? Polish it all off with an alcoholic tribute to your childhood with a Boozy Root Beer Float for dessert. If you plan on stopping by, be sure to check out their special event schedule as they often bring in different craft beers for one night only.
Bricolage
Let’s take a moment to think outside the box. When you think of a gastropub, high-end versions of traditional pub fare comes to mind. With Bricolage, that’s not the case. Located in Brooklyn, Bricolage is a Vietnamese gastropub. Not only do they offer an assortment of craft beer by the tap and bottle, but Bricolage also has an extensive cocktail list for the non-beer drinkers in your party.
If you didn’t consider summer rolls as pub food before, you would think again after visiting Bricolage. With both vegetarian and meat options, this is the place to go if you want an exotic twist on your usual pub night. If you really can’t get past the lack of traditional pub fare, you can always order the Sriracha Butter Chicken Wings.
YN
Beer and brunch go together like two peas in a pod. YN is a chic gastropub in Lower Manhattan. While they also offer a dinner menu, YN’s brunch selection is unforgettable. With traditional brunch options like Eggs & Salmon and the Farmer’s Omelet or new favorites like Avocado Toast and Eggs & Prosciutto di Parma, YN is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.
In addition to a few different beer and cider options, YN offers the Sour Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, which is an eclectic blend of sour can, gose-style, prickly pear, and cactus. If you’re feeling thirsty and adventurous, give it a try.
Gastropubs Galore
You’ll find that the options for gastropubs in New York City are endless. You could spend a year there and probably never find them all. Whether you decide to take a cab, a subway or Liberty Cruise NYC, try to at least get to the ones listed above. Your stomach and your passion for a great glass of beer will thank you.
