As if Gene McCarthy’s neighborhood tavern could get any better, four new owners will be constructing a small brewery and beer garden on the backside of the historic tavern. Along with a revamped tavern menu (from zero to 60), the establishment will launch its first crafted beers in about six months. “We’ll be brewing a hoppy West Coast-style IPA,” co-owner David Bittner told me. “Along with a pale ale and a wheat beer. The brewery will be located on the shady side of the building, which is perfectly situated for production. The beer garden will be nice and sunny… a great spot for sampling our seasonals.”
Already Gene McCarthy’s has introduced a new menu with a handful of fresh lunches and dinners – BLT, Reubens, tuna salad, soup, fish fry, wings, salads… a far cry from the beef on weck special that was the lone food staple for years. While the front of McCarthy’s will retain the old world vibe that the community has come to love, the food and brew offerings will be brought up to date.
It was not long ago when you wouldn’t find a beer in the establishment that didn’t have a ‘union’ marking on the label. Over the past few years a number of non-union beers were introduced, the juke box was updated, an ‘Angry Bees’ bike rack was installed, and the neighborhood tavern has become a hangout for locals, hipsters, Sabres’ fans and historians alike. Add to that a place for beer and food lovers – perfectly situated between the Inner and Outer Harbors, down the street from Mutual Riverfront Park and Riverfest Park… and close to the Larkin District. Now how’s that for a transformational venue along the Buffalo River?
73 Hamburg Street – First Ward
Buffalo, NY 14204
(716) 855-8948