National Beer Day is not just another day in which we honor a random food or beverage. April 7th marks the anniversary of the Cullen-Harrison Act of 1933, which provided the first legal sales of beer since Prohibition began with the Volstead Act in 1919. Thirsty throngs across the nation were waiting for the clock to strike midnight, to enjoy the cold, low-ABV suds (around 4%) as well as wine.
It was only 8 months later that Repeal Day would come, and the booze could flow freely once again. We all know FDR was a generous guy, and we can add the signing of the Cullen-Harrison Act on March 22, 1933 to his list of commendable achievements. Legend has it, upon signing, he said, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”
Tomorrow, you can pour one out for FDR and any other Ex-President you may be fond of, and raise a pint to one the finest beverages known to mankind: beer! Here are a handful of places to celebrate:
House of Brews Pub Crawl with Stone & Sierra Nevada
It’s New Beer’s Eve, you might say, hosted by House of Brews. Count down the clock starting on Friday, April 6th from 5PM to 9PM, for an open bar with exclusively Stone and Sierra Nevada, starting at House of Brews on 51st Street at 5PM, House of Brews on Restaurant Row at 7PM and finishing at New York Beer Company at 8PM. Tickets for the 5-9pm Open Bar available here.
Mikkeller NYC @Citi Field
At long last, to the merriment of both fans of beer and baseball, the new NYC facility for Mikkeller, the Denmark-based brewery has opened its doors. This is Mikkeller’s first U.S. location outside of California and the latest addition to its lineup of bars, bottle shops and breweries worldwide. Grab a 4-pack of Henry Hops IPA or Say Hey Sally Pilsner to go, or sample some of the 60+ brews from Mikkeller SD, Mikkeller Denmark, and select friends’ brews.
Mikkeller NYC. 123-01 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11368, www.mikkellernyc.com, @mikkeller.nyc
Grand Central Terminal
● Beer Table will offer 20% off draft beer fills from Friday to Sunday
● The Bar at Great Northern Food Hall will have 12 oz cans for $5 and all pints for $7
● Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant will offer the deal of Six Bluepoint oysters with a Blue Point Toasted Lager for $20.10.
Grand Central Terminal, various locations inside. 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 @grandcentralnyc
Party with Dogfish Head at Maggie Mae’s
If you find yourself in Sunnyside, head on over to Maggie Mae’s on Queens Blvd. There will be prizes, vinyl-spun tunes, and plenty to drink. That will include Dragon & YumYums, the new tropical pale ale made with dragonfruit, yumberries, passionfruit, pear and black carrot juice that Dogfish Head brewed in collaboration with the Flaming Lips for Record Store Day (April 21st). Musicophiles of the early 2000s rejoice.
Maggie Mae’s. 4115 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside, NY 11104, www.maggiemaesbar.com, @maggiemaesbar
Beer Flights at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
If you fancy a craft beer flight in a non-traditional craft beer environment, visit this bar inspired by a British actress of the Victorian era, decorated with actual vintage knick-knacks from the UK. Flights are $16, featuring selections from Firestone Walker, Ithaca, Cigar City, Green Flash and Grimm Artisanal Ales.Start with a flight, and make your way through their selection of seasonal and classic cocktails.
Lillie’s Time Square. 249 West 49th Street New York, 10019, www.lilliesnyc.com, @lilliesvictorian
When all else fails, follow your nose. Thankfully, NYC and the tristate area is littered with quality breweries. Find one in your neighborhood on the Untappd app, or search here. Cheers!
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