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Growing up in Colorado, arguably one of the best beer cities around, I once heard breweries described as an extension of the living room. It made sense, since a brewery visit is often communal, where it's just as easy to see dogs in the brewhouse as it is to see kids playing cornhole while their parents share a few rounds. The newly opened Grimm Tavern has tapped into that same conviviality, bringing excellent beers, tavern fare and an awesome patio to the Prospect Heights neighborhood. It makes a great spot for those who just want a beer after work or want to plan a reunion with friends with kids without calling the babysitter.
The vibe: While East Williamsburg's Grimm Artisanal Ales is essentially an industrial room where long tables share space with brewing equipment, Grimm Tavern comes off a bit moodier, with a slate-blue exterior and brick walls painted the same color. But that's offset by a wall of floating planters running the length of the place and a white marble counter with silver taps of the good stuff behind it. That, and the vibe, is incredibly family-friendly: at tables, you can find little hands spearing forkfuls of mac and cheese, while other kiddos toddle around the open-air patio and the covered cabin out back. Heck, there's even a changing table in the bathroom. There's also a bit of whimsy to discover, with gnomes hidden in planters and behind doors playing peekaboo throughout.
The drink: Over 20 beers are on tap here—IPAs, sours, stouts—plus cans ready to go, many of which are award-winning. Wines from Grimm's experimental winery, Physica Wines, are also on offer. Just know that the zero-intervention wine is all natural, meaning most of them drink fizzy, funky and a little bit wild.
The food: Tavern is in the name, so tavern food is what you get. Glossy pretzels with flaky salt bits that actually stick to the bread are served with a runny horseradish sauce that will get your sinuses going. There’s a half chicken that doesn’t add much to the current chicken debate, because as crispy as the skin was, the bird was a bit dry and paired with an unmemorable salsa verde. The burger seemed to be the evening's favorite, its constant sizzle on the grill the restaurant's soundtrack. But the plush sesame bun and the cheese didn't save the fact that the burger was undersalted and tasted mostly of iron. However, daytime calls for muffalettas, including a veggie-friendly option, while nighttime brings spice bags.
Time Out tip: Outdoor season is never over at Grimm Ales: the covered portion of the patio has heaters for year-round imbibing.