I was back in NYC this weekend to watch two close friends run the NYC Marathon (which they both completed like champs!), and, unsurprisingly, squeezed in a few beers while I was there.
Having lived in New York City for three years before moving to London in August, I had my go-tos across the city – ABC Beer Co was my local; if I felt like getting out of my neighborhood, I’d head up to Bondurants in the Upper East Side; or if I was visiting one of the four (yes, four!) new breweries in Long Island City, I’d always end my trip at Alewife in Queens.
There are so many craft beer bars in the city now though, even bars with incredible offerings on tap can be looked over.
As a little spontaneity (well, more like lack of planning) would have it, I ended up at One Mile House with a few friends on Saturday afternoon and rediscovered this hidden gem.
I’ve been into One Mile House a handful of times – it’s right next to the Bowery Ballroom, so it’s a great spot for a pre-concert drink. I don’t remember the selection being quite this remarkable though.
From local favorites, Other Half, Barrier and Third Rail; to one of (if not) the best breweries in the States, Hill Farmstead; to well known international brewers, Brewfist (Italy), Yeastie Boys (New Zealand) and Brouwerji 3 Fonteinen (Belgium), I’ve only mentioned 8 of the 30 taps!
If you like sours, you can’t go wrong with The Bruery’s Oude Tart or Crooked Stave’s Progenitor Noir.
IPAs and pale ales more your thing? You’re spoiled for choice between Alpine, Other Half, Barrier, Hill Farmstead and Tired Hands.
There were even two pumpkin beers on from Boulevard and Central Waters for those in search of a seasonal sipper. (My friends and I sat conveniently under the menu and I looked at it a lot, ok?!)
Not usually found on the city’s beery “best of” lists, One Mile House is a bit of a sleeper hit in the NYC beer scene, trumped by the mainstays like Blind Tiger and Pony Bar and not as buzzed about as newcomers like Tørst.
Just take another look at that tap list though and there’s reason enough for a visit. I’m certainly glad a little luck brought me back there this weekend so I could rediscover it.
What hidden beer gems have you (re)discovered in your city? I’m always looking for ideas and recommendations for my next beercation!
Watson's Corner 