Monday, December 10, 2007

Whole Foods Beer Room in New York, NY

Here I went, proud of myself for exercising reasonable restraint at New Beer Distributors (only buying 5 bottles), ready to head off to Blind Tiger. As I was walking and phoning home, what to my wondering eyes should appear?...but the word "beer" in a store window and eight tiny Christmas beers. (hey, this is the adult version ;-) Why, is that a Whole Foods Market that I see? Yup. And, is that really a beer store integrated into Whole Foods? Hm, must investigate. The Whole Foods Market Beer Room has been open for roughly four months and one of the managers, Foster, gave me a run down of the operations. Basically, I spied most of the same beer that is also available down the street at New Beer. Big difference is atmosphere (temperature controlled and more "polished," i.e. you'll pay for a portion of said atmosphere) and the growler filling stations. Yes, growler filling stations. Consumption is not permitted on site, but bring your own growler or buy one of theirs and they'll fill it up with one of the frequently changing draft beer selections. As of last Thursday, they were pouring local faves like Brooklyn, Sixpoint, Bluepoint, Kelso, Chelsea, as well as Harviestoun. Next up was "8 Days of Wheat," specially-brewed for Whole Foods by Sixpoint. I'd recommend calling ahead if you're in NYC and are looking to take a growler full home with you. Pair the beer with the quality and selection of food stuffs that the Market offers and they've got a winning combination on their hands. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all of you...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

And when-o-when that day ever come in Pennsylvania where Whole Foods would have such an operation? I know never-o-never. Very sad indeed!

Bryan Kolesar said...

Patience, oh Thirsty one! Maybe someday??? Afterall, we can finally buy wine and beer on Sundays ;-)

At least in Philly you have access to The Foodery where you can buy some deli goods and beer. I guess that's kind of like baby steps?

Jeremy said...

Wowza! I ride to and from work everyday on the F, which has a stop a block away from this Whole Foods. I think I'm going to have to make a pit stop on the ride home tonight.

Bryan Kolesar said...

I'm sure a growler with a straw in a paper bag wouldn't arouse any suspicion ;-) Hope you find something there to your liking....that shouldn't be too difficult!

Bryan Kolesar said...

Oh, and I meant to add that the steps to the F train are pracically out front door of the Whole Foods location. I came out the front door, turned left, and in a matter of steps was underground heading to the train! That's about as convenient as you can get. In as long as it'll take you to pick out some beer and get back to the train, the next one will be coming.

Jeremy said...

You weren't kidding about the F being right outside the front door of this place.

I finally made it over there Wednesday evening and blogged some photos and comments: http://gowanusbrewery.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/whole-foods-market-beer-store/

The growler stations, with all our local beers on tap, are far and away the brightest highlight of the Beer Store.

I was impressed and will return, often.

Bryan Kolesar said...

Glad you had a good experience Jeremy. It's amazing that with New Beer, DBA, Essex all near by that you were able to get off the island!

Nice review (picture too!) and good things going with homebrewing at your site. I'll be back often :)

Anonymous said...

Well alright!
I'm drinking the IPA right now & loving it. Just about worth the $14.99 (!) for 64 Ounces. Their website is never up to date, call them to find out what is on tap at the moment. This place has beer from around the world & is a must see for beer lovers. I plan to bring a Growler to my next band rehearsal & see what they think

Bryan Kolesar said...

Excellent to hear. I was back in there again on New Year's Eve and the place never ceases to amaze me from the beer to the food to the upstairs cafe overlooking the street.

Btw, if you're on 7th ave., the Whole Foods at 24th ain't too shabby either...just no growler service.