As the Long Island Craft Beer scene continues to blow up, Mark and Jimmy visit one of those that helped lead this Revolution, just to the east of New York City. Spider Bite beer has been making incredible stuff since 2008, and they have a ton of accolades to show for it. Join us for a peek at their new tasting room... and some BORIS THE SPIDER! Cheers!
Video #313: THHG at Lagunitas - The Farm.
Following up on our overview episode at Lagunitas from a few months back, here's a companion piece; highlighting not only their hyper-local philosophy, but also Lagunitas' mandate to protect the little guy. Talk about an organization that puts their money where their mouth is. Press play for some late day NorCal sun, belly laughs and a lot of good thoughts. Cheers!
Gone, or not forgotten: 5 bars The Happy Hour Guys want you to remember.
Great Bars form the very fabric of our communities. They were Social Media before social media was electrified. Take some advice from us; the next time you stop in somewhere for a glass or a pint, don't watch TV - start a conversation.
And raise a glass to these terrific places:
The Collins Bar
The Collins was a midtown NYC watering hole that was #Craft before it was cool. Sadly it succumbed to the pressure of development, and a Big Shiny Expensive Building rises there as we speak.
The Jameson Tavern
The Jameson Tavern still exists! But it has endured a number of challenges in recent years, and could use all the help it can get. Stop in on the off-season and ghost hunt, like we did.
McReilly's Pub
McReilly's was a neighborhood touchstone in Long Island City, NY. Mark made it for the closing day party a sad loss to the area indeed.
General Lafayette Inn & Brewery
Boasting some terrific history and an in-house brewpub, General Lafayette's was a real gem just outside of Philly that closed around 2010. A great loss to that community, and to the beer culture at large.
Mulberry Street Bar
We got to step back in time to one of NYC oldest bars with this Little Italy gem, which still exists, but has endured some challenges from developers as well. Donnie Brasco, The Sopranos, and Law & Order all shot here in the past. Formerly called Mare Chiaro, the place has a social club décor that's barely changed since it opened in 1908: a towering, ornate wooden back bar with inset mirrors at the top, a subway tile floor, and swaths of pressed tin along the ceiling and walls.
Got a great Local that needs saving? Reach out to us here at the website - we'd love to help. Cheers!
Video #311: The Guys and Smokestack at Magnolia Brewing.
Today, Mark Jimmy and Kevin (thanks for camera work, man) touch down in the Dogpatch District of San Francisco, and dive headfirst into great beer, BarBQue, and FOOD SCIENCE! (She blinded me!) At Smokestack at Magnolia Brewing, they know that what is simple can be complex, and vice versa. What is the Maillard Reaction, anyway? And why is it so important to BOTH food and beer? Press play, good fans; Knowledge is Power.
Video #310: BrewcadeSF - Craft Beer and Classic Arcade Games in the Castro!
Craft Beer has landed in neighborhoods around the country, and in so many different ways, including this dynamite stop in San Francisco's Castro District. Long an historic and iconic neighborhood in relation to the LGBT Community, the Castro is also now finding ways to lead in Craft. Join Mark and Jimmy as they make another stop on a recent NorCal tour at Brewcade, where the sound of quarters dropping into Defender, Joust and Buck Hunter mingle with the clink of glasses filled with a well-curated Craft list. Cheers!
Video #308, Lagunitas: Flyin' high in NorCal.
FINALLY! The Happy Hour Guys have flown/driven coast to coast to get some coverage in NORCAL. We begin our tour in Petaluma, CA at Lagunitas Brewing, a friendly, music and herb driven collective that has gone from founder Tony Magee selling kegs out of his car in 1994 to a nationwide force in Craft Brewing that is selling world-changing beer. Click play to be introduced to this craft family, and big thanks to Matt Fabiano and Kevin Carolan for some stellar camera work. Cheers!
With Chief Marketing guru Ron Lindenbusch, "The Beer Weasel".
VIRGO SUPER CLUSTER.
WHOA.
Video #306: Hot Thoughts w Newburgh Brewing - Sweater Brewer Talk.
Sometimes an on-camera conversation goes to a deeper level than just reviewing the property we're visiting - and last summer at Newburgh, we got into some very cool issues - on a pretty hot day. Press play for some Deep Thoughts and Sweaty Brewers (and Happy Hour Guys.) Enjoy!