Bruekelen Bier Merchants

• Casual Atmosphere
• Exotic Brews
• Sandwiches and Snacks 

Description 

Address: 182 Grand St. at Bedford Ave.

Telephone: 347-457-6350

http://www.breukelenbiermerchants.com/

Nearest Subway: L to Bedford Ave.

Map

Hours: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. - 11 p.m., Friday; 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday; 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday.

Ambiance  

There's not much "atmosphere" at Bruekelen Bier Merchants, per se. It's more of a boutique beer shop than a beer garden, but you'll find an incredible amount of rare bottles (over 500 to be exact) from all over the United States and sixteen beers on draught, which you can drink in store in a pint glass or take home in a growler. With its chalkboards and antique spelling of "Brooklyn," Bruekelen Bier Merchants echoes the atmosphere of neighborhood beer bar Spuyten Duyvil with its country store vibe. The staff is very friendly, and the in-and-out breezy attitude is a refreshing change from the overcrowded, cramped beer halls in the neighborhood.

Bruekelen Bier Merchants always features sixteen different beers on draft, and you can check the list at their website, www.bruekelenbiermerchants.com. They are usually seasonal and come from all over the country - with European brews (one or two) in the minority. If you are more in the mood to fill up and go, you can purchase a growler (a 64 ounce jug of beer) for about $12, depending on the kind of beer you choose.

If the casual atmosphere at Bruekelen Bier Merchants suits your fancy, pull up a chair and stay a while. There are small tables in the front and back of the store, and you can get a pint from the beers on draft or choose a bottle from any number of the fridges around the store. Snacks available include pressed sandwiches, pretzels, pickles, beer infused cupcakes, and cheese (smoked ricotta is one example). Duane Reade may now be in the growler business, but they can't offer the expertise and the artisanal snacks.

You can expect live music, giveaways, and complimentary food during events at the store. Check the website for more details. 

Nearby 

Just down Grand Street, towards Driggs Avenue, you'll find Walter Foods, a restaurant with great cocktails, fresh oysters, and one of the best burgers in town. If you are in the mood for more drinking, head just across the street to Iona, one of Williamsburg's favorite Irish bars. A nice day might call for a walk down to the Grand Ferry Park on the water, with incredible views of Manhattan.