THERE'eS A BEER JUST FOR YOU
The summer is OFFICIALLY on (although we've been feeling its love for awhile). That means everything can be celebrated at a drop of a hat! With long weekends, summer Fridays and after work drinks - may we suggest Treadwell Park? Known as the Cathedral of beers, those who have loved the location on the UES can now make their way to Battery Park (301 South End Ave) for even more tasty libations!
Whatever your knowledge of beer may be, you'll love the ever-changing draft and bottled beers, beerhall classic foods and with ceiling windows that open out - it's all about embracing the energy that is found here. Enjoy sitting outside or bring it in by listening to the DJ, playing ping pong, foosball and various pinball machines. We took some time to chat with their Beer Curator & Director Anne Becerra to get the lowdown on what's taking place here and why it should be on our must list this summer and beyond.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Treadwell Park in Battery Park. Should people know it as the Cathedral of Beers?
ANNE BECERRA: "Cathedral of beers" may be a little much, but we do carry several beers brewed in monasteries and we do have two giant skylights so I suppose ....
What we're really looking to do is bring as much great beer to the neighborhood as we can with 20 rotating draught lines and over 50 rotating bottles. A lot of thought goes into the beers we choose, and it's really important to have a wide array of styles for every palate and budget. We're fortunate to be able to bring in some incredibly rare, hard to find and highly specialized beers, and our goal is to get them to as many people as possible. Whether you already love beer, or are just starting to enjoy it, we can pretty much guarantee you'll find something you love at Treadwell Park.
AM: We heard someone say that there is no such thing as a person who doesn't like beer, they just haven't found the right one - what beers do you suggest to those that tend to shy away from this beverage?
AB: You probably heard me say it, because I wholeheartedly agree. The diversity of flavors you'll find in beer is unlike any other beverage. It can be tangy and effervescent, full bodied and bitter, viscous and chocolatey - you name it. When someone tells me they don't like beer, I usually ask what it is they don't like about it and what they typically drink. Based on their responses, I can tailor a few recommendations to their palate based on flavors they enjoy. 9 times out of 10, they like it. "This doesn't even taste like beer!" is a line I hear all the time and I usually respond with, "But it does! It tastes like good beer."
AM: What are your 3 favorite summer beers that can be enjoyed at Treadwell Park?
AB: Just three? That's a tough one since we don't really have permanent lines: everything is constantly rotating. But, all summer long you'll definitely be able to find a spicy saison, a refreshing kolsch or a juicy witbier. Another style I love that several New York breweries, like Hudson Valley are doing a great job making, are fruited sours. They're tart, refreshing and made with real fresh fruit-- ideal for warm weather.
AM: How is the Battery Park location different than the one on the UES?
AB: Well, every neighborhood in New York – and often every street – has it's own energy and vibe. Even though we'll be keeping several things consistent with our uptown location such as our rotating selection, food menu, ping pong/ pinball games, etc., the people are the real heart and soul of a good bar. I'm so excited to meet and share our passion for what we do with a whole new
crowd.
AM: What is your role at Treadwell Park and what is a Beer Curator?
AB: I take care of anything relating to beer from choosing what we pour to curating events, dinners and pairings, staff trainings, glassware, descriptions, quality control, the works. If it has anything to do with beer, I have my hand in it.
AM: We can only imagine how much fun the atmosphere is at the Battery Park location with the beer garden, large windows, foosball games, DJ etc. - what are you excited about for this space?
AB: Besides all the things you just mentioned, I'm really excited that we don't have upstairs neighbors. Instead, we have two beautiful skylights that bring in natural light and really open up the space. We also have a small more intimate theater-like space in the back for special games, concerts, or whatever else we want to zone out and watch while drinking a beer.
The diversity of flavors you'll find in beers is unlike any other beverage. It can be tangy and effervescent, full bodied and bitter, viscious and chocolatey - you name it.
AM: What are some events coming up at Treadwell Park that we should keep an eye out for?
AB: We're in the planning stages of some fabulous events with some of my favorite brewmasters, but we're still working on travel details before we can get the exact dates set. When we do events, I like to incorporate other elements in addition to the beer that can really showcase the people and culture of the brewery we're working with. Just wait until you see our three week long Oktoberfest celebration!
AM: Anything else you’d like to share? AB: I'd just like to re-emphasize that everyone is welcome at Treadwell Park, regardless of your level of beer knowledge. We have a wonderful staff that loves to help people find their new favorite beer, there's always something new and exciting to try, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. I care a great deal not just about the beer in the glass but the people brewing it, selling it, growing the ingredients for it, delivering it, the works! Hopefully that shows through in the menu.