The Local Eatery & Craft Beer — Restaurant in New York

What you have to understand is that the University of Michigan's football team is almost inexplicably horrific this year. You've got a team of at least a few first-round picks. You've got a National Championship in your back pocket and a much-vaunted team culture. And despite all that, this loaded team can't throw the ball a lick. Their OC can't figure out how to use a talented backfield. And it has been that way all season.

So, yes, I call the Local with whatever the frustration-version of anxiety is, and Jamie picks up the phone. Jamie is the wife of Louis. I will learn how awesome they are. But at that moment, my pre-frustration is already roiling, and I'm on the phone with Jamie to ask if they'll play the Michigan game, and she starts singing the answer. SINGING IT! It was so unexpected and hilarious, I started the game with some measure of calm and hope.

And I feel like that kinda sums it up. Louis and Jamie are calm and efficient. They pump out orders generously and without judgment. Want to try something on the menu? Shoot, they'll pour you quarter cup of whatever to swish around and figure it out. I'm not a drinking man, but I can appreciate people who want happy customers.

So I ate the vegetarian stuff (pictured). It was a double Impossible cheeseburger and some Buffalo cauliflower. It's the only meal I ate that day, I was so satisfied. Delicious.

Also pictured: a bottle of water. I couldn't drink caffeine for sleep and other reasons, and there weren't any sugar-free options. But no problem. I got some famous NYC water in a fancy bottle and felt quite happy for it. And there was no pressure to get anything else.

I learnt a ton about this super-cool couple. It's probably best not to repeat it all, but here's the relevant stuff: Louis and Jamie care about their community. They try buy local and sponsor a flag football team. They're patient and kind with their patrons. And they can sing/strike-up a fine conversation.

It's past midnight, and this review is the thing I need to make time to do. That's because these folks did a grand job. Drop in and give The...

Edit 1/18/25: This place went from one of my favorite local spots to a place I won't be back to.

Tried to order the chicken caesar salad I've had from this place that I have enjoyed so many times only to learn that they've updated their menu and seemingly have truly become a bar-food only venue. Nothing on the menu is that appealing to me anymore unless you're looking for a burger/beer-friendly greasy food.

But I still went to check out the beer selection, which also seems to have gone downhill a bit. The beers have always been ~$8-10/beer, which was fine when the vibe was friendlier. However, the cashier tonight could not have cared less that I was there. I think she acknowledged me once for the sake of ringing up the beers I had selected but the rest of the interaction was done between me and the iPad while she joked along with her friend.

Really disappointed that the service and menu of this place has deteriorated.

Original review 2024:

This is easily one of my favorite go-to spots.

It can be really hard in the area to find a craft beer store that is reasonably priced, so I was so happy to find this place. Their beers seem to rotate frequently enough and aren't as outlandishly priced as some of the other stores nearby. In terms of the food, I've only ever tried the chicken caesar salad wrap, which is strangely one of the best versions of this dish I've ever had and is so consistent every time I've been. The seating itself is great for the vibe, with good music and high-top seats including a window-facing option. They recently renovated so it's even crisper than it was last time. And the people at the counter are always a pleasure.

Parking down the street is always so easy. Will continue to keep this on...

Came in while in town for a couple of days and loved it!

The restaurant is small but clean and has a nice vibe to it. Simple, industrial feel is a good description.

The service was good, although it’s not table service - you have to go to the bar to order food. Having said what - it’s not a big deal. The guy at the bar was very nice and he quickly offered tasters if the beers they have on draft. Once you order, they do bring the meal out to your table. I sat inside but they also had 2 outside tables.

The burger I had was AWESOME!! I can eat and the double mushroom Swiss burger was all I could handle along with the fries (the fries were good, not great).

They only have a limited draft selection. It was only 4 beers the day I came in, but they had 5 large fridges with a huge variety of cans of all styles from all over.

It might be small, but in my opinion - they delivered big. If I’m back this way;...