Get to the ’point!
Greenpoint’s namesake brew has returned to Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood! Greenpoint Beer and Ale Co. opened its new taproom last month after a year-long hiatus, and its owner said he is happy to be back with a bigger and better location.
“It’s a big relief, it took us a little longer than expected,” said Ed Raven. “We added a roof deck and we are finally here.”
The new Manhattan Avenue location has allowed the beer brewer and distributor to quadruple his capacity. Going from a five-barrel to a 20-barrel system makes Greenpoint one of the largest breweries in the borough, Raven said.
“We can make a lot of beer here,” Raven said. “Probably for my lifetime, we have enough beer.”
The new taproom also has a kitchen that focuses on classic brewery foods, including giant pretzels, sausages, and burgers and fries.
To go with a new space, the Brooklyn brewer has concocted a suite of new beers to serve on draft. For now, seven of the spot’s 15 taps are pouring Greenpoint brews, many of which can only be found in cans elsewhere. One of the new offerings, Lekker Pils, is a German pilsner whose name derives from Flemish slang for “something you really like,” according to Raven, as a nod to Greenpoint’s Dutch roots.
The brewery’s roof deck is open now, and will get even more use during the warmer months, Raven said. He plans to host private parties, barbecues, clam bakes, and other events on the roof, which has its own covered bar (not yet open).
Atop the rooftop shines a green, illuminated water tower-like structure, designed by artist Tom Fruin. Visitors can settle at one of the many picnic tables on the roof to take in a panoramic view of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Manhattan skyline.
Greenpoint Beer and Ale Co. [1150 Manhattan Ave. between Ash and Box streets in Greenpoint, (917) 750–1541, www.greenpointbeer.com]. Open Wed–Fri, 5–10 pm; Sat–Sun, opens at noon, closing time varies.
