Notebook: A new downtown beer destination
Notebook: A new downtown beer destination
Fattey Beer Co., founded in Buffalo, is openings its first Rochester location. It's a combination bottle shop/taproom.
A Buffalo beer destination is migrating down the Thruway to Rochester.
Fattey Beer Co., a combo bottle shop and taproom, is setting down roots in Rochester’s Neighborhood of Play, the area now filled with apartments and buildings near the Strong Museum of Play after a portion of the Inner Loop was filled in.
“We are really excited to be in the neighborhood with Roc Brewing, Strangebird and (the soon-to-open) Nine Spot,” co-owner Zach Kadar said via email. “We feel that area of the city will become a beer destination.”
Nik Fattey opened the original Fattey location opened in 2017 in Hamburg, Erie County. It has since expanded to five more locations with three more now in planning. The 1,800-square-foot Rochester location at 60 Adventure Place is scheduled to open in July.
Rendering from CJS Architects and Bryant Design Studio.
Fattey owns the Rochester location with Zach Kadar and Jeff Baumann, who will also be the general manager. Kadar and Baumann met at SUNY Fredonia and have been friends for more than 20 years. Baumann has also worked as a bartender at other Fattey locations. Through a shared love of craft beer and community, Kadar said he and Baumann discussed opening a beer-related business for the past 10 years.
When Baumann started working for Fattey, Kadar said he “knew quickly that Fattey’s was something I wanted to be a part of and bring to Rochester.”
The Rochester location, which will feature eight rotating drafts and have more than 500 different cans and bottles, will also have a large outdoor patio. It’ll also have ciders, seltzers, wines, and non-alcoholic options.
Kadar said each location is dog- and family-friendly and is known for its “extensive mug club.” Mug club memberships can be used at all Fattey locations. The business has developed a devoted following for its 24-pack beer advent calendar that’s available for shipping across New York.
Patrons are encouraged to bring in their own food and can also order the Fattey Patty chicken sandwich. And since the business is also a retail location, beers can be purchased to go.
Located a few hundred feet from the Strong Museum and just blocks from Strangebird, Nine Spot, and Roc Brewing, owners are betting that Fattey’s will become a must-stop for families visiting the area.
Beer of the week
This westside spot has long been one of the most unheralded breweries in our region. It’s both family- and dog-friendly. During our recent Sunday visit to the Spencerport brewery, the spot was teeming with friendly dogs and the sounds of quality acoustic guitar music. Cass and I split a delightful flight and then capped the visit with a pour of the brewery’s classic German-style Pilsner. It features all-German ingredients. And perfectly paired with the unseasonably warm and beautiful afternoon. Plus, Brindle Haus has some of the best cheese balls in town.
News and notes
It’s finally patio beer season in the Rochester area. So here a few places I’m eyeing for an outdoor beer in the near future.
Paul Guarracini, co-owner and brewer at Rochester’s Sager Beer Works, has always excelled with classic styles. That’s why his newest Helles lager caught my attention. I’m gonna try to track down a pour later this week. But I’m sure it’ll be a nice accompaniment to some springtime sunshine. Plus, you know it’ll pair well with the brewery’s outrageously good pretzel.
With a new career, a baby son, and a house hunt, life is expectedly chaotic right now. But I’m hoping it’ll settle down as we enter the warmer months. That meant I missed celebrating Copper Leaf Brewing’s first anniversary this past weekend. The little Pittsford brewery nestled along the Erie Canal has earned a reputation for wild and adventurous beers. Brewer/owner Clay Killian is a really talented and thoughtful dude. I’m excited for another visit in the near future. Plus, Lock 32 Brewing, with its incredible patio, is just steps from Copper Leaf.
Faircraft Brauhaus, like Copper Leaf, opened in the middle of the pandemic. Located in the old American Can Company complex in the village of Fairport, Faircraft specializes in classic and malty styles. I am especially fond of the brewery’s black lager and altbier. Head brewer Steve Landgren is one of the best in our area with these styles. Can’t wait to pair one of those beers with the brewery’s house-made pretzels super soon. Bonus, Triphammer Bierwerks is a few hundred feet from Faircraft, making it easy to hit two stops in short order.
Anyone who followed my work at the D&C knows I’m a massive fan of Bristol’s Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery. The space, right next to the Wizard of Clay, is quirky. And the beers are among the best in this region, particularly the expressive hazy IPAs and creative fruited sours. Brewers Tony Moringello and Ethan Cerne form a great team. Noble Shepherd’s Kettle Juice, a hazy IPA made with maple syrup from Kettle Ridge Farms, stands as one of the most unique beers around. And if you head out to Bristol on the weekend, you can grab some absurdly good food from Pad Thai Catering on-site.
Happy spring, all. See you later this week, if time permits. If not, thanks for the support. Please please please share and subscribe. Hope you’re digging what I’m producing.
Have any upcoming releases or events you’d like me to highlight? Drop me a line at clevelandprost@gmail.com.