RANTS & RAVES

 Boogie Downer Review

Writing New York Review

 Stop for a beer at the Bronx Ale House, 216 West 238th Street, (718)601-0204. With its rotating cast of American microbrews, the bar, whichopened last summer, has quickly become a Bronx beer nerd's best friend.Snack on the free popcorn brought with each drink, or try the homemadebrisket, even if it's just an excuse to use the house "Bronx IsBurning" hot sauce. But focus on the eclectic beer collection - BrianDuffy, a bartender, promises, "We won't ever serve Coors Light" - andbring home your favorite in a retro-hip growler, a $10 64-ouncemoonshine jug, embossed with the bar's name, that serves as a legalto-go container and a cool glass souvenir. It costs $16.50 to fill itup with Blue Point Toasted Lager, one of the most popular beers.

-New York Times

 -NY Daily News

Beer Club - now online, so you can legitimize your drinking problem.
Sports - now on TV, so you can switch to that cheaper cable subscription
Wings - now in my belly, so get your  own
Sliders - now on their way to me, so back off
Husband - now in permanent residence, so I can finally watch what I want on TV

What more can a girl ask for?

Anna B -Yelp Review

 Living in Kingsbridge can be tough when your friends are all in Brooklyn. Aside from never-ending conversations about Williamsburg, the Park Slope Food Coop, McCarren Park, or the half-askew glances you get when you tell them you're way uptown on the 1, you are often compelled to leave your own neighborhood for a craft beer. When the scaffolding went up over the remains of the Goal Posts bar on 238th, hope was renewed and the Bronx Ale House came to life.

Since this bar opened, I've found it hard to find an excuse to go anywhere else, in any borough. With competitors and imitators cropping up on nearby streets, Bronx Ale House stands head and shoulders above the rest. They simply got everything right.

Aside from completely renovating what used to be a dilapidated (though well-loved, undoubtedly) bar with no working taps, Bronx Ale House gave everyone in the neighborhood something to brag about. The first week of operation, nearly everyone I spoke with wondered rhetorically what we had done to deserve such a place in our own backyard. To have this gem of a pub appear one day--a place so greatly-designed, with such friendly staff, such amazing food, and such an impressive beer list--blew many minds wide open.

I, as well as many Kingsbridge and Riverdale residents, have Bronx Ale House to thank from saving us from the hourslong trips to Brooklyn, the pretense of Manhattan, the tolls to Queens, and the ennui we suffered from as a boozing community. Keep on keeping on!

Brian O -Yelp Review

I have been wanting to visit this place since it opened up last summer. I would walk past and peer into the windows checking out the beer selection of day. Last night I finally had the opportunity to check it out!

Wonderful selection of beer and really good food. Does it get any better than this?! This is exactly what this neighborhood needed! There are plenty of bars in the neighborhood already - just not the type a younger woman would want to or feel comfortable frequenting (lots of old Irish pubs w/old dudes-not exactly my scene). The crowd here is young and eclectic.

I usually only find bars like this in Brooklyn and its just great to have a place with such a wonderful selection of fine brew :-) in my own backyard.

I was there with my boyfriend and we were both beyond satisfied. I had the bacon cheddar burger served with amazing fresh cut fries and my bf had the pulled pork sandwich which was amazingly tender.

I would visit this place weekly if it didn't mean I'd gain a few pounds a week :-). I will make it a point to come here at least once a month to get my comfort food and good beer fix.

Linda H -Yelp Review

This place is a beer lover's dream. Not even a full block away from the 1-train and easily accessible by bus from the Fordham University area of the Bronx.

A great selection of rotating micro-brews makes it impossible not to leer at someone who orders a Guinness draft.  The bartenders are fantastic and are really good at suggesting what beers to try after one another.

The Bronx is Burning wing sauce is great, but then again, its hard to find anything on their menu disagreeable.

The place is usually packed by 6 pm on the weekend, but every time I have been I have ended up talking to some pretty awesome people.

Great place to watch a game, hang out with friends and drink great beer!

 Mark J -Yelp Review

From the first time I went to the ale house, I was hooked. I waited a while to write this review in order to make sure that my first impression held up overtime. Amazingly, they keep raising the bar higher and higher, and then surpassing it. I have a lot to say, and I'll get to the beer last.

Amenities: They throw free popcorn at you (rare for a place that serves food), and provide wireless internet access for the geeks and introverts. Standard issue bigscreens to watch the games. Each day, they offer a different discount on food and/or drinks to help your experience be frugal. Special events such as brewer tastings, games, holidays, and many other excuses to spend your night at the bar. Lastly, if you're unsure about one of their many selections of beer, they'll gladly pour you a sample to help you make your choice.

Service: The alehouse very well may have the best team I've seen in the industry. I've been to a lot of restaurants and bars, and their service is prompt and cordial. They seem to treat everyone well, and it's easy to become a "regular". They make great use of the web with twitter/facebook/website updates to keep you informed of their specials (check out http://beermenus.com for the latest list of beers on tap).

Food: Their standard menu looks like a standard bar menu, but it's not... The food is outstanding. They have a number burger options made to order and prepared to your liking, a multitude of sandwich options, and the expected bar appetizers like wings, "poppers", etc. However, the food is fresh, and there's nothing "standard" about it. The fries are fresh hand cut potatoes. The "poppers" are fresh jalapeno peppers which are filled with a meat/cheese stuffing and of course fried, but since they aren't frozen, the peppers hold up their integrity and consistency, and they taste like, peppers! (you can tell by the long description that I *really* like them). My favorite item on the menu is the "Frikadelle" burger which is a mixture of ground meat and well spiced/seasoned.

Most bars are content in doing a few things really well, but the alehouse transcends "bar food". After a number of months with their original menu, they added a number of Paninis and Wraps (their Greco is better than any Gyro I've ever had), and they've begun incorporating food into their special events. They have a smoker on premises and started doing their own barbecue (lets avoid any arguments about "real barbecue") on Fridays since the Superbowl. On Mardis Gras they had a NOLA menu (again, lets avoid any arguments about "real po'boys", or "jambalaya"). Most recently they've added weekend brunch to the menu. These guys are really doing everything in their power to get my expanding butt squeezed into a seat every day. Everything I've had on the menu has been amazingly good.

Beer: Not as much to say here. If you can't say anything but good things about the beer at a "ale house", then the place shouldn't still be around. This could be one of the best beer bars in NYC (or at least in the top 10). They have about 16 taps, and one hand-pumped tap for a cask ale that they always stock. They rotate the the beer so often that if you were in the beer club that you could probably complete the club list in a few weeks *cough* (the "club" is: drink 100 different beers and they give you a gold star, as does your credit card company) . Like any reputable beer bar, they have brewer events and tastings, although the "come meet the brewery reps" seems to be more like "come watch the brewery reps have a company social at the alehouse". I did get a keychain once, but I do remember one guy giving out hats to friends of his that had shown up and didn't really mingle at all with the ordinary customers.

Overall: The Bronx Ale House is setting the standard for service and quality in the area. These guys need to take over in Riverdale/Kingsbridge and expand their empire. They ought to spin off their barbecue as a proper barbecue restaurant, or maybe take over some of our decrepit diners and show the neighborhood what good food/service is all about.

ADAM P -Yelp Review

Boisterous brewhouse on the Kingsbridge/Riverdale border serves upcomprehensive, rotating menu of craft and traditional brews. Incredibleselection for serious hopheads. Hits-the-spot comfort grub helps youdrink longer. Kingsbridge steak sandwich and beer-battered dill picklesalways satisfy. Just off the 1, expect a full house on Friday nightswhen Bronx locals and NoMa yuppies meet and mingle over darts andpopcorn.Comfortable, with extra atmo thanks to a roaring fire.

-Bravo Guide

Just off the 1 train, this hidden gem is perfect for Bronx locals whodon't feel like taking the train to the city for some drinks. Take 15of the most unique imported craft beers add some freshly popped popcornand this place is so enjoyable you'll come back again and again. Theyhave special brewery tastings and fun events like Bronxtoberfest tokeep the locals coming back. Each time I've been to the Bronx Ale House- a total of 3 times now, I've met some cool people and the bartendersare always welcoming!

I couldn't tell you what my favoritebeers were because according to the bartender from last week, theychange the taps every 2-3 days once they run out. Do you love beer?love sports? love a nice vibe at a bar? Then you'll definitely likegoing to the Bronx Ale House.

Marissa G -Yelp Review

Latest Bronx hotspot! Sixteen craft beers on tap! Good bar food --burgers, sliders, and such. Fresh popcorn too. Friendly, loud jukebox. 

-Zagat Review

I'm really tired of seeing/using the phrase "neighborhood gem" - but since I have yet to come up with a comparable term, the Bronx Ale House is a neighborhood gem.

I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing that this place didn't exist while I lived four blocks from here. Perhaps it's good since the day drinking obsession would have set in a lot earlier, but I am glad I have a friend that lives close by so I have an excuse to travel to the end of the earth (aka Kingsbridge) for a couple, two, tree drinks.

Not a big beer drinker but I kept hearing everyone rave about the hard-to-find brews they have on tap here. I went on a Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m. and it was packed - most likely due to the large already-drunk Columbia pub crawl group. After they cleared out, it was a nice place to enjoy some afternoon bar grub and some libations. Severely hungover from the night before (my bday bash @ Rogue Bar) I had to have some screwdrivers to balance me out. I'm not sure if they were weak or if the alcohol levels in my blood were just returning to zero, but they seemed kind of weak. Either way, I'm sure it was just me. I ordered the southwest Bronx bombers (little chicken sliders) that came with french fries and it was AMAZING (esp. for bar food). The fries were notable - large, thick-cut potatoes that were cooked perfectly with the right amount of salt. Oh! And let me not forget to mention the hot, fresh popcorn they bring out to you to munch on while you drink. I'm normally not a popcorn eater because it's usually stale, or burnt-tasting, or just dry and unappealing. But BAH has got it right.

This bar definitely seems out of place in its surroundings but it's absolutely going on my list of faves. Can't wait to check this place out at night and see what the crowd is like! +1 for the Bronx.

Sarah A -Yelp Review

Bronx Ale Houseis a great find in the boogie-down Bronx, a temple to some seriousbeer. Gastropub? By the way… did I mention the beer?

-Michelin Guide 

Excellent spot, just a few blocks from my apartment. An outstandingselection of beers, I don't think I've ever yet had to order the samebeer again, and I've been there several times.

Strong pluses:selection, a lot of big-screen TV's, clean, usually not too crowded,great barkeeps, and also the fact that the day's selection of tap beers(usually about 20) is clearly written on a big blackboard above the bar- lists not only the name and price but also serving size and ABV %,which helps to make sure you are getting a good bang for your buck! Andthere aren't that many places serving 13% ABV beer on tap!

Matt S -Yelp Review

good beer bar only a ten minute subway ride away? No longer do I have to schlep downtown in order to get a decent brew? A million thanks, Bronx Ale House!

It's got a nice old school feel, with brick walls and dark wood. When I've been there, it's been fairly crowded but not packed, except the night that I watched the Yankees clinch the World Series.

16 taps that are constantly rotating, and a cask. They usually seem to have stuff from Ommegang, Southern Tier, Blue Point, DFH, Harpoon, plus a lot of other assorted breweries. On top of that, they have a couple dozen different bottles including DFH 120 Minute, Lagunitas Gnarlywine, and other goodies.

One little thing I really appreciate is that they keep their current tap list their website completely up to date.

The food is pretty good, and it's all reasonably priced for NYC. The one thing I'd like to see in the future is growler filling. It's still new, and I really hope it sticks around. I know I'll be doing my part!

A -Beer Advocate Review

I never thought that I would find beer heaven in the Bronx, but I did today. The Bronx Ale House is one of those places that surprises by its very existence, but exceeds anything that I could have imagined.

Having grown up in the Bronx, Kingsbridge was always known for its limited Budwesier, Bud Light and Coors Light offerings. During the time of Irish immigration from the mid-1980s to the early-1990s, the "exotic" Guinness began to change beer tastes, if even just slightly.

Back in those days, within a seven-block radius of West 238th Street, there were approximately 35 bars/pubs...all of them staunch Bud-type establishments...little choice...we truly didn't know any better.

Wow, with the Bronx Ale House, 238th Street has surely changed for the better...I wish that I still resided just around the block.

The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming...the food menu was varied and incredibly satisfying.

Now, let's talk about the beer. Dogfish Head 90, Troegs Hopback Amber, Avery Redpoint and Stone Ruination were just a few of the 16 beers on tap...something for everyone.

This is Kingsbridge...this is the Bronx...this must be some kind of out of body experience.

In reality, it was real and it was memorable.

Afterwards, I strolled around the old neighborhood...it looked extraordinary...there is no reason why Kingsbridge should not be one of New York City's great spots. It has three stops on the #1 subway line, apartment buildings and private homes, plus the expansive Van Cortlandt Park. There is also great access to highways that bring you to Westchester or midtown Manhattan in short order. By taking the local streets, I made it back to the George Washington Bridge in approximately 10 minutes.

I stopped by Gaelic Park and watched the Irish football senior final between Tyrone and Cork...a great game and a great New York City occasion.

Kingsbridge is one of New York's hidden jewels...perhaps, with the Bronx Ale House's important contribution, it will not stay that way for long.

A+ Wayne -Beer Advocate Review

 The Bronx has finally obtained a quality bar with over 15 taps and the only cask pump in the borough.

Rotating IPA and DIPA as well as wits, hefes, belgian strong pale ales, porters, pilsners and always one fruit beer. Captain Lawrence has 2-3 slots at all time with Bluepoint, Coney Island, and Stone rotating their seasonals. Excellent bottle selection with the full suite of Chimay's, Duvel, DeadGuy Ale, Framboise, DogFish Head 120m, Ommegang bombers.

Great food as well with brisket, steaksandwich made with rib-eye, pulled pork, cubano, frickadella burger, quesadilla's, and of course wings. Try the "Bronx Is Burning" sauce or the Bombers(sliders) Beer club as well as dart board.

The Bronx Ale House Place is a slice of Manhattan in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. Shot in the arm to a well established drinking street. Opens at 11am and does not close till around 2-4am with the kitchen opened late and takeout.

Join the beer club and get your name on the board as well as weekly discounts.

A+ Brian M. -Beer Advocate Review

Wow! I was visiting NYC for 2 weeks from Seattle and wanted to find a bar/pub that served local or east coast microbrews.  BAH is great local dig to drink, watch a game and eat .  The selection of beers was the best in the area.  Being that I'm from the NW where the micro brewing is an art form, I'm very critical about my beer.  My friend and I nick-named a beer "Hello Kitty" when we hooked up with some locals from Riverdale who needed a recommendation.  As far as the food is concerned, everything on the menu is good, but my two favorite are the steak wraps and brisket sandwich.  The bar tenders, staff and owners are very nice.  I went all over NYC and found myself at BAH six times for the whole package.   The interior was well thought out and designed with flat panels flanked on both sides to accommodate sport fans and a warm fire place for those romantics.

My only suggestion is to expand their selection of micro's from the East and possibly add some NW beers.  Other than that I definitely will be back when I return to NYC.

David H. -Yelp Review

It's been one of those weeks. Y'know the type: every one of your pending projects at work are due at the same time... everything you say is twisted into something negative and attacking by your family... You realize that it's hard to lose 5 lbs... You live beneath a centaur with restless legs syndrome... Your cat hates you and leaves menacing notes on your bathroom mirror...

I needed a little coddling, a few laughs and beer. Fancy beer because Coors Light just ain't gonna cut it. Finding a good happy hour in Manhattan is easy. There are at least 10 bars I can think of right now that I can go to for some  1/2 priced brew... but I don't live in Manhattan and the prospect of a 45 minute train ride to get home after having beer is not fun. In fact, it is the opposite of fun. No matter how quickly you leave after visiting the restroom you are still going to need to go once those train doors close. That's also the day there is a track fire or another train delay that will ultimately cause my bladder to explode. TMI? Whatever, because you know it's true.

So, on my way home from the train station the clouds part and allow a single beam of sunshine to fall upon the chalkboard in front of the Bronx Ale House. It illuminated "25 cent wings," and I knew I had found my home. I walked in and there was Lo Lo J., waiting for me with a menu in hand. The beer menu of course. She was speaking so quickly I didn't understand what she was saying when I finally got her to calm down (by gently backhand slapping her) I was able to understand what she was so excitingly trying to explain. They have a Beer Club, which is free to join and after the consumption of 100 different types of craft beers from all around the world your name is forever engraved on their Wall of Fame. We quickly signed up and and thus began our journey to notoriety.

I started off with the Ithaca Flower Power, I found it to be sweet but after having 10 the Bronx is Burning hot wings, the sweet was a nice compliment. When it was time for another beer I couldn't make a decision so the bartender came back with a few samples of the different types of beer, she asked questions and was able to make an educated guess of what would appeal to my taste buds. I got the Leffe Blonde. Delish!

The service was great, the staff was friendly and helpful. I saw my friendly neighborhood tattoo artists there and a few Manhattan College students. It's a great addition to a growing community. I look forward to being a frequent patron. If you see me there, don't say hi though. I'll get scared and think you're stalking me and I'll call the cops. I'm not kidding.

Sara M. -Yelp Review

Wow, I went here last Sunday on its opening week and was very impressed. Decor was great and bar was packed with many enjoying the great food and drink. Great beer/ale selection and food choices looked great. I had the stuffed pretzel as an appetizer and was extremely happy. Good atmosphere I will definitely look to become a local here!

Paul C. -Yelp Review

 Finally a place in the Bronx to drink quality beers! I never though I would see the day, but I'm certainly glad it has finally come.
The place is nice looking, big windows, brick walls, a nice old school wooden bar and a bunch of flat screen tv's to watch the Yankees of course. The beer selection is on point. About 35-40 bottles, 16 taps that seem to always be in rotation and a cask selection. The atmosphere is pretty laid back. and the menu is filled with classic bar food selections. I hope this place is here to stay!

A -Beer Advocate Review

I went there on a friday evening and it was crowded but not packed. I was able to sit at the bar. Nice dark wood decor. Beer selection was great and it rotates every week or so. I had honkers ale, leffe 7 Brooklyn lager. The wings & sliders also first class. Too bad that it wasn't there 10 years ago when I lived 2 blocks away. My only criticism is that it's too small. I will definitely try to get there regularly. Worth a train ride for anyone coming from downtown. Half a block from #1 train 238th street station

 A+ -Beer Advocate Review

Finally a decent beer bar in the borough where I work, Da Bronx! Respectable selection, their website and beermenus.com consistantly get updated. They seem to almost always have an interesting brew or two that stray away from the other more mainstream, though still BA worthy, selections. Dark wood, on the smaller side, good place to watch the game, though for non Yankee fans this place will make for a long nite. So far the reviews are wildly over rating the place. C'mon A+? I think not, there are at least 25 better and so far lower rated ber bars w/in NYC/Bklyn area. But considering the slim pickins in the Bronx, this place is, hopefully, a ground breaker for more real/better beer borough destinations

B+ -Beer Advocate Review

The Bronx gets its first high-end beer bar in the handsome and aptly named Bronx Ale House, serving a dozen rotating beers on tap (check their website to see what's good this week), as well as cask ale, bottled beer and an eclectic menu of global comfort food, like the Scotch eggs, Tex-Mex fondue, burgers and the "Best of the Wurst"—a $10 crock of bratwurst, bockwurst and krainerwurst, topped with hot sauce and served with sauerkraut and ale mustard. The cozy interior is done up in warm wood, big windows and dart boards, with a chalkboard advertising the day's draughts presiding over the bar.

-Metromix Review

We would like to welcome our recent new venues that are standing strong representing craft beer in areas otherwise pretty baron. Bronx Ale House has officially brought cask beer to the Bronx. Check their menu that is frequently updated to see what's on tap before heading up there.

Will -Beer Menus.com

Drink up!

Folks are telling us the new Bronx Ale House at 238th St. just east of Broadway is the nabe place to be. Recent sitings: Mr. and Mrs. F. Ferrer and the Dart Westphals of Mosholu Preservation.

DailyNews.com

Boogie Downer discovers a new beer mecca The Bronx Ale House has opened on 238th Street. He reports the beer, the food, the vibe is all worth the trip for those in the area.

-Eater.com