Down the block of 238th St and Review Place, just off Broadway and a negligible walk from the 1 train, you will find what one employee described as “A little slice of Manhattan in the Bronx.” The best part? It is not another pizzeria (that’s two doors down). No, it’s the new Bronx Alehouse, in business for just over a month.
The eight months or so before its grand opening, residents were subjected to assorted construction and an eyesore of a green-colored wooden construction barrier. The four owners worked diligently to create a brand new, and certainly welcomed, experience. The neighborhood, a formerly predominantly Irish neighborhood, maintains its roots, with two additional bars and a massive four leaf clover painted (and repainted nearly every St. Patrick’s Day) in the middle of the street. Truly, anything would have been better than the previous pub on this same spot, an “old man’s bar” with a loose collection of loyal customers and a dilapidated interior.
Needless to say, the hard work has paid off—Bronx Alehouse is quite the destination, from neighboring Manhattan College to the local “youth”, the Alehouse rarely sees an empty row of stools. Upon walking in, you’ll first notice the brick and wood interior, the meticulously planned décor, and of course, the popcorn machine, a tradeoff for the ubiquitous pool table. Oh, and the popcorn is on the house. But to focus on the popcorn is nothing shy of an insult. When asked what their pride and joy was, Brian Duffy, the daytime bartender replied, without the least trace of hesitation, “Our beers!” And beers they have—fifteen on tap, all but one consistently cycled throughout the seasons (loyalty to Guinness never wavers). 
But what is an affordable beer without equally affordable (and surprisingly tasty) greasy bar food? You certainly won’t find a larger burger in your usual bar, or a set of tastier fries. As for fried pickles? Gitouttahere. Happy “hour”? 11-7, $4 beer. Cheers.
Bronx Alehouse, the only specialty beer location in the Bronx, certainly makes one thing clear, with their sign prominently displayed on the front door, their extensive collection of experienced bouncers, and their $1500 ID scanner—no one under 21 is getting inside. The setting may be new, but all those involved are seasoned veterans, and they are certainly not risking their dazzling investment on the premature valor of the under aged.
Potentially found in Daily News, Money-Spotlight on NYC small business
Image source (first image): http://www.bronxalehouse.com/ordereze/images/items/IMAGE25.JPG