Just Around the Corner

Next time you’re out dining and you reach for the wine list, you may want to think again and opt for a beer. That’s right, beer. Many foods are actually overpowered by wines while beers and ales possess the subtleness required for marrying food and drink.

Spitzer’s Corner, a European-influenced gastropub located at the corner of Rivington Street and Ludlow Street on The Lower East Side, is becoming the go-to destination for beer aficionados for its great selection of brews that includes rare gems like Unibroue Ephemere, Hedonism Red Ale, Orval, and Rogue Chipotle Ale. “Our ever-changing list is a complementary selection of the most outstanding beers to be found around the world or right here in New York,” says Manager David Moon. The bar also serves dinner and brunch and will assist diners in choosing the perfect beer for their meal.

“Pairing food with beer is most successful when the beer parallels the dish in certain aspects and then intersects with other flavors or attributes,” explains Moon. “For instance, the yeast in Ommegang Hennepin is going to parallel with the yeast in the soft-shell crab po-boy and then intersect the creamy aioli with a contrasting citrus hop.”

Spitzer’s Corner is also a great venue for hosting your own beer pairing dinner party, with several communal tables in both the front and back bar areas. The back bar area can accommodate 30 to 40 seated guests and 60 to 80 standing, while the front bar area can host between 80 and 120 guests.

Spitzer’s Corner is located at 101 Rivington Street, at Ludlow Street. For reservations, call 212-228-0027.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Spitzer’s Corner

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.