110-64 Queens Boulevard where Nemo’s Beer Shop is to be located (Google Maps)
Feb. 25, 2019 By Meghan Sackman
A specialty beer shop and tavern focusing on local producers is anticipated to open in Forest Hills this summer.
Nemo’s Beer Shop, which will be located at 110-64 Queens Blvd., will offer a wide variety of beers along with some wine and cider that patrons can either enjoy at the shop, or take to go.
The shop, owned by Andrew Bronstein, a Forest Hills resident of 10 years, will have eight beers on draft and about 100 different bottles and cans of beer for customers to choose from, sourced primarily from New York and surrounding counties.
Apart from cans and bottles, 64-ounce or half gallon “growlers” which patrons can fill up with draft beer to go will also be available.
“We want to bring a new, fresh approach to a beer store,” Bronstein said, noting that he wanted to contribute to Forest Hills’ nightlife scene with his nontraditional bar.
The shop, which has gone through several iterations including a mailing and shipping business and a cellphone store, is about 650 square feet, and will contain about 7 high top tables with stools as well as additional seating at front facing window counters. Patrons will buy drinks at a service counter in lieu of a traditional seated bar.
The store’s decor is described as minimal and industrial with steel accents. No live music will be played, but classic rock will likely play in the shop’s background.
Bronstein, who previously worked as a partner at Sixpoint Brewery in Red Hook, says some of the local products his store will be featuring include the 1933 Lager from Single Cut Beer Smother Brewery in Astoria, an IPA from LIC Beer Project, and several options from Fifth Hammer Brewing Company in Long Island City.
“We’re going to get you some of the freshest beer in town since it’s brewed right nearby,” Bronstein said.
Canned beer will range in price from $3-$6, draft beer will range from $5-$9, half-gallon growlers (to-go only) will cost $20 and there will be a $2 corkage fee to drink the beer on the premise.
The establishment will also have a small kitchen that will serve locally sourced appetizers such as pretzels with beer cheese from New York’s Sigmund Pretzels, a charcuterie plate with a variety of meats and cheeses to choose from, and an olive or pickle plate.
Bronstein also hopes to initiate a “beer sharing program” where neighbors can bring new beers, not sold at the location, for others to taste.
Depending on how well business goes at the Forest Hills location, Bronstein, who hopes to open the shop in June, said he would be interested in opening other locations in Bayside or Middle Village.
“I want to build a beer community here in Eastern Queens because it’s underground now,” he said. “There should be a place where beer enthusiasts can congregate.”
