On this episode, Tap That visits Chelsea Brewing Company, Manhattan’s only brewery and producer of some of the city’s best and most popular beer. We’ll talk to some of Chelsea’s staff and a few satisfied customers about what makes their brewpub such a great place to enjoy fantastic beer.

Chelsea Brewing Company is Manhattan’s only brewer, and they’ve been producing great beer since 1995. Today, Chelsea’s beer can be found throughout the region, but we find that the best way to enjoy their beer is by visiting the brewpub. The pub’s riverside location provides amazing views, regardless of the weather. Chelsea is constantly putting out new beer and swapping out seasonal offerings, so you’ll be sure to find something different among the old favorites.

For over 9 years, Zum Schneider has offered an authentic German beer drinking experience in the middle of the city. With large communal tables and a killer beer selection, this bar is unlike anything in Manhattan – hell, there’s an indoor beer garden!

If you are looking for post-work drinks, or simply to waste away a Saturday afternoon, Zum Schneider’s staff is going make sure it’s done with ease. The dedicated staff (some have been there since day one), make you feel like you’ve been there a hundred times before, even if it’s your first time. Needless to say, the atmosphere, the people, and of course the beer, made Zum Schneider a favorite with the Tap That Crew.

Last night I found a great new spot, Cask Bar + Kitchen. The atmosphere is great for post-work drinks, dimly lit, but doesn’t leave you searching for a cell phone back light to read the menu.

They’ve got 12 different quality draught beers! Everything from my local favorite Bluepoint Toasted Lager to a killer IPA by the name of Green Flash. In addition to the 12 drafts, they also have two different Casks – which is pretty unheard of in NYC.

The bartenders were both really knowledgeable and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their jobs, another rarity in Murray Hill.

They have a great menu describing each beer, including the alcohol percentage so you’re able to decide how to start your night – nice and calm with a Guinness Stout coming in at 4.1 % or hit it hard with a Southern Tier Unearthly DIPA at a whopping 11.0 %

Cask Bar + Kitchen

On this episode, Tap That heads to Brooklyn to check out the Gutter, offering the timeless pairing of beer and bowling.

Kevin chats with Paul, the Gutter’s owner to find out why he brought bowling back to Williamsburg and how he selects some of the great beers the bar has to offer. He’ll also fill us in on how he achieved the Gutter’s unique, old-timey feel and how his bar has managed to become a neighborhood favorite less than three short years. Next, Kevin tries his hand at both drinking beer and bowling. We’ll let you guess which one he doesn’t fail at.

The Gutter’s beer selection is vast and ever-changing, so be sure to check back frequently to try out some newer or seasonal brews. The Gutter has beers from all over, but the bar likes to focus on local and regional beer, and it regularly features these on tap and in bottle.

While the Gutter is certainly a perfect spot to start or end a night out (check out their happy hour specials), those looking for a more committed relationship can join one of the bar’s many bowling leagues.

The Gutter
200 N 14th St
Brooklyn, NY
[map]

http://www.thegutterbrooklyn.com/

In this episode, Tap That visits Spuyten Duyvil – the legendary Williamsburg beer bar. We speak to Joe, the owner, to find what’s made his bar the place to go to for some of the best craft beer the world of beer has to offer. After talking a little about what makes his bar among the best in New York, Joe picks out four beautiful beers for us to sample and explains why he chose to include them on Spuyten Duyvil’s diverse menu.

Producer’s Note: Kevin drank a little too much last week, so we gave him the week off, but he’ll be back shortly

The Diamond’s selection of draft beer and wine is always changing, so be sure to stop by often or check the website to see what’s available.

The bartenders here are knowledgeable and friendly – don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s on tap. While they offer a number of different styles, we love the selection of session beers – low alcohol, lighter brews designed to be consumed in multiples over a long period of time. Diamond cleans its lines every two weeks, meaning that you taste the beer as the brewer intended, a nice touch we find lacking in a lot of bars (thanks Diamond!).

The patio in the back of the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a session beer on a hot summer night. While you’re out there, be sure to check out the vintage ski gondola, which, if nothing else, is just plain fun.