United Nations of Beer

Downtown Bar and Grill

by Rudy Lasher
(Beer Delegate, NY, USA)

Downtown Bar and Grill
Brooklyn, NYC, USA

To some, beer is a simple hobby. To others, beer is the perfect release. To Robert Ayoub, beer has become a passion.

From a deli in Manhattan to his new beer haven in Brooklyn, Robert has given New York the opportunity to taste the world through The Downtown Bar and Grill.

Because of his conceptual vision and in-depth experience, his newest venture is quickly becoming one of the most talked about establishments in Brooklyn.

Robert opened the Happy Deli at 46th and 8th in 1987 and carried a modest selection of about 50 beers. Over time, he has developed and refined his taste for beer after his first brew, Young’s Old Nick Barleywine sparked an interest.

After 19 years of learning beer and running the Happy Deli, Robert felt as though he needed to expand. He wanted use his knowledge to create a unique environment that could be appreciated by both novice and highly knowledgeable beer drinkers.

With this dream, he and his family found a new home in Brooklyn, in the heart of Cobble Hill. They opened a restaurant where Robert’s interest and experience in beer could truly be seen: The Downtown Bar and Grill.

The features of this restaurant evoke an upscale atmosphere through its dark wood trim, polished brass fixtures and its subtle, yet appropriate lighting. Robert's vision was to create an environment similar to an upscale wine bar through its quality selection and layout. With many bottles displayed in the look-in coolers behind the bar, you see the diverse selection of brews being perfectly chilled much like a good white wine.

The staff, ranging from hired bartenders to Robert’s wife and daughter, Mirna and Jessica, always makes you feel like "part of the family". The real magic is how they have created a beer cellar to properly store, chill and age their diverse selection of brews, despite space limitations.

The phenomenal beer menu features over 500 different types of beer from more than 50 countries, giving you a taste of the finest beers from around the world. Organized by country, the menu is easy to navigate and understand, allowing even the most novice beer enthusiasts to find their perfect match.

Just looking through this menu can be a learning experience as you see the different styles of brewing and the types of beer that countries are known for. Writing for New York, I have tried many of their United States selections, focusing more on beers brewed in New York State (most of the tasting for my recent Ommegang Brewery article took place at the Downtown Bar and Grill).

Another refreshing United States beer is Grants Mandarin Hefe Weizen (it is technically a malt beverage with mandarin flavor added, but still delicious) which has a crisp, clean orange flavor which goes great with many of their menu selections.

Another great beer producing country is Germany. This country’s selections cover all styles of German brewing. One of my favorites from the list is the Ayinger Brau Weisse, which is a light wheaty beer that has a nearly clear golden color and untampered flavor. Typically, other wheats or Hefe Weizens call for a specific garnish such as a lemon or orange, but this brew allows you to choose your favorite garnish, and it will take on that flavor.

The Downtown Bar and Grill also carries a great beer, quite possibly the highlight of last year's Beer on the Pier festival, SeaDog Bluepaw Blueberry Wheat Ale. You have not had blueberry ale until you have tasted the intense sensation this full-flavored ale offers.

They have also put together a great lineup of 12 draft selections, covering a broad spectrum of brewing styles with ales, lagers, wheats, draughts and Irish reds. Two of my favorites are the English Whitbread Pale Ale, lightly hoppy with a smooth wheaty touch, and Leinie’s Sunset Wheat Ale, which in my opinion, would complement almost any dish with its balanced orange essence.

When it comes to food, Robert shows that he has another talent: culinary arts. Though his humble remarks seemingly play as though he is no chef, he has put together a mouth-watering bar menu splashed with an upscale twist. Ranging from their 8oz Downtown Burger, to the Warm Goat Cheese Sandwich, to their Rib Eye Steak, they have given their guests the capacity to actually pair beer and food. But just in case you might have trouble pairing on your own, Robert is working on a menu items that are already pre-set.

His newest addition of Mussels, sautéed in garlic, butter, and Dogfish Head 90 Min Imperial IPA, and its pairing, Cidre Bouché Brut De Normandie, a 5.5% not-too-sweet tart cider, is now on the menu for $25. (Mussels are also available separately for $16.) Robert was kind enough to give us a sample of his new concept and the intricate blend of seasonings with the IPA made, quite truthfully, some of the best mussels I have ever tasted.

Whether you happen to end up in Brooklyn by chance, or you live in the area, there should be no hesitation to try The Downtown Bar and Grill. From the beer selection to the food and atmosphere, this up-and-coming Brooklyn gem is growing into one of the best-known beer havens in New York. Stop in and meet Robert, Mirna and Jessica, take your time browsing their beer menu and then choose your favorite style or brewery. You may stumble upon a great find that you will love for years to come.

Amazing Beer, great food and the right people: everything's possible at The Downtown Bar and Grill.