By Ivan Pereira
The Brews Brothers bar and restaurant may derive its name after a wild and crazy R-rated movie, but its owners say their place is open to serve Baysiders of all ages.
The eatery, which opened in September at 40-09 Bell Blvd., was designed to give customers an all-American feel — the sense that they were coming to a comfortable environment, according to the co-owner Alfonso Londono.
“We didn't want people to come in, eat and say, 'OK, where's the bill?' We want everyone to come here and feel at home,” said the 36-year-old Bayside resident.
He tried to think up some fun names for his casual American restaurant, like “Red, White and Brew,” and eventually Londono said he turned his sights to the cinema. After some deliberation, he said the 1980 John Belushi and Dan Akroyd comedy “The Blues Brothers” would fit his theme and vision.
“I thought, it's an all-American movie and it matched,” he said.
Although the movie featured wacky car chases and action scenes, customers who enter the bar and restaurant will be treated to a more placid atmosphere.
The dark lit eatery's interior features glowing neon lights that change every few seconds and a live jukebox that plays different tunes. Customers can situate themselves at the bar or go out to Brews Brothers' outdoor dining area that features a glass dome roof.
“They can come and use it all year,” Londono said.
Flat screen televisions line the walls. There is also a second floor party room that can be used for all types of occasions for adults and children.
Brews Brothers' menu is loaded with a selection of 75 domestic and foreign beers, mixed drinks and other beverages. The restaurant serves cheeseburgers, flat bread sandwiches and pizzas, all under $11.
“I wanted to offer something that had a good quality at an affordable price for everybody,” Londono said.
Londono, who co-owns the restaurant with his older sister, Nathaly, said he has gotten a lot of inspiration for running the eatery from his family.
His father, Alfonso Sr., owns the Cavalier Restaurant in Jackson Heights, which has been running since the 1950. In 1994, he and his brother, Carlos, opened Iguanas Restaurant near St. John's University.
Iguanas has been very popular in Fresh Meadows, according to Londono, but he said he wanted to take a shot at a different demographic and Bayside was the right place to do it.
“It's more of a college town,” he said of his other restaurant. “This is more of a family town and we'd like to cater to everyone.”
