Yonkers Brewing Company Opens In Historic Downtown Space

YONKERS, N.Y. -- In five short years, the Yonkers Brewing Company has come a long way.

The Yonkers Brewing Company held its grand opening Saturday.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Tony Capone, Michael Marotta and Michael Stiver, all of Yonkers, sample the brews.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Left to right: Diyana Molinaro, Lynda Vlad and Nikki Molinaro, all of Yonkers.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The crowded bar at Saturday's grand opening.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The house was packed at the Yonkers Brewing Co. for Saturday's grand opening.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Some of the brews available at the Yonkers Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Left to right: Tony Sciacca, of Yonkers, Chris Meyer, of Croton, and Paul Meyer, of Yonkers.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

01/21/2015 5:00 a.m.

First started by John Rubbo and Nick Califano after long days helping their grandfathers make homemade wine, the two thought about taking their knowledge of fermentation, flavors and aromas to the "sweet nectar" they love so much. The result: Yonkers Brewing Company known for its easy, drinkable Vienna Lager, IPA and Honey Blonde, among others.

And now the two Yonkers residents have brewed up another winner: A restaurant/bar in the former downtown Trolley Barn, a massive steel frame brick building in the Renaissance Revival style built at the beginning of the 20th century (and listed on the National Historic Registry). The interior features seating for 120, soaring 20-foot ceilings, plenty of exposed brick, and of course, lots of options on draft including two new varieties: Smoked Marzen and Dortmunder Gold.

The brewery officially opened to the public Jan. 17 to standing room only crowds and an appearance by the Yonkers Fire Department Pipes and Drum Corps.

"We're happy to have it in the neighborhood," said Michael Marotta, of Yonkers. "It's not a high-end place, you can just drop in... it's local, and the beer is good."

"It's great! It's a hometown thing. I grew up in Yonkers, I love Yonkers, and the beer tastes great," added Yonkers resident Diyana Molinaro.

Rubbo told the large crowd: "This started as a hobby in the backyard, and we wanted to take our passion to the next level."

"It's a terrific watering hole," said Tony Sciacca of Yonkers, as he sipped a golden brew. "It's right next to the train station, so you can take the Hudson Line, stop in for a pint, and you're on your way."

You can also enjoy an eclectic mix of food, much of which is made with sauces that include beer. There's Yonkers Stout fig jam served with the cheese plate, Yonkers Honey Blonde Apricot jam served with antipasto, and wings served with either Yonkers IPA spicy pineapple sauce or Yonkers Honey Blonde sweet chili sauce. The brewery also make its own hummus with a recipe from the brewer's mom.

Yonkers Brewing Co. is located at 92 Main St., (914) 226-8327, www.yonkersbrewing.com/.

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