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.”
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11 Comments
I live in Forest Hills and I’ve been to this place a few times in the last few months with some friends and let me tell you their beer doesn’t taste any better then a cheap beer or ale from the 99 cent store.
I really don’t like to write bad reviews to businesses especially with the pandemic and how bars/ restaurants are struggling to make ends meet today, but I really have had it with this so called owner that was beyond rude to me after I stopped by and used the restroom.
I have come as a customer a few times and really needed to make an emergency restroom stop.
Since I had patronized his establishment before, I didn’t think it would be a big deal to quickly use the restroom.
When I got out of the restroom the owner was very rude and nasty to me, telling me to never come back to his bar.
I asked him why and he said because I wasn’t spending money and that my type shouldn’t be allowed to come to his place.
I was appalled at his behavior and attitude and told him I will gladly not ever return.
Maybe this can save that block from the dreaded “boulevard of death” for businesses. Matiz and nine Thai always empty! Tuscan Hills is very good! This could be a good pregame spot pick up a few beers before headed into the city, or bring em home for a party! Small enough to afford rent and trendy enough to accommodate the new influx of young people. Just glad it’s not another noodle shop, pharmacy, medical hotel, or nail place?
Any relation to the Nemo’s Comics that used to be in Forest Hills?
Wow another beer house. The Queens beer house just opened i2n Elmhurst near the mall.
Great job Andrew!! Glad you are representing Queens well!!
I just crapped my pants; this will be across the street from me! I have my pressurized growler ready to go. See you all there.
Hopefully, he can get his buddies at Six Point to let him distribute their Limited Release Beers. Schlepping to Red Hook on a Saturday Morning is a pain in the butt.
This sounds great! Looking forward to trying it out. Hopefully there will be outside seating options with the summer coming up too, even if just some stools by an open window area.
Sounds nice, I look forward to this unique shop. Too many shops in Forest Hills are shutting down especially on Austin Street. We need new stores to boost Forest Hills economy!
I have THREE revular craft breweries neear our house in our Catskills. Would it b ik to c if they want to sell to u? Good luck. Rosemary’s husband.
If I could design anything to go in that space …. this is exactly what it would be! Mmmmmm…. beer.