One Stop Beer Shop
134 Kingsland Ave. (at Beadel)
Greenpoint
(718) 599-0128
Why we love it: Where to begin? The beer selection is wider than you’d imagine, with a tap list of 16 drafts ranging from casual to connoisseur favorites with a few talked-about seasonals sprinkled in, a draft line of kombucha (which is, in fact alcoholic at a whopping 1.3 percent) and a bottle list so deep you won’t know where to begin (an 82 bottle mix of domestics and imports ranging from 12 oz to large format bottles).
Who to bring: Brunch goers who would be pleased with an unlimited beer brunch for $18 (every Sunday until 4); anyone who loves beer; anyone who likes cocktails; anyone willing to try the bartender’s inventive beer cocktails or one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary’s.
What to order: If you’re hungry, the soft pretzels are melt-in-your-mouth and can be paired with a variety of choice dipping sauces (the chipotle mayo is a winner). The pulled pork sandwich is big, moist and hard not to devour like a monster and the grilled cheese is pretty good, too. But the main goal should be to try a few of the 16 drafts and 82 bottles ranging from local and state-side favorites to selects you’ve never heard of from around the world. There is a beer and shot deal, but the bar keeps it quiet to keep from disturbing the loyal locals there to try some good beer.
Fun fact: One Stop has a card club, called the Beer Society, that rewards you for your loyal patronage and beer guzzling tendencies. If you’re really into the beer scene, get a card (free) and try to get through the select list of 40 bottles – you’ll get your name on a plaque on the wall, and if you’re really ambitious, you can continue on to phase two, which challenges you with a list of 20 large-format bottles. For that, the managing partner will take your prize down of the wall to the plaque making station in the basement and add gold bottle cap with a “II” insignia that he hand paints himself.—Cat Wolinski