What's The Best Craft Beer Bar in Passaic County?
- Amazing Grapes, Pompton Lakes
- The River of Beer, Bloomingdale
- The Shepherd & The Knucklehead, Haledon
Passaic County has become quite the craft beer bar scene, stepping up its suds game and offering residents a host of “hoppy” options. We asked for the best in the county; you gave us your picks. Now, three finalists are competing in our “DVlicious Best Craft Beer Bar in Passaic County” contest. Each is being profiled this week.
Raise your glass and drink in the following; then click on your favorite. You can vote multiple times, albeit once per day.
Voting ends 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The winner will receive a framed DVlicious certificate as well as the pride in knowing it has raised the bar in Passaic County.
The River of Beer, Bloomingdale
Number of Craft Beers: A constantly rotating 20 on tap, about 30 in bottles and a few in cans. Chosen by the owner’s 27-year-old son, an aficionado of small makers, the line-up includes a lot of regional and New Jersey-sourced brews such as Elysian Hubris Huge IPA out of Little Ferry, Carton Boat Beer, made in Atlantic Highlands, and Keegan Ales Mother’s Milk, a sweet stout brewed in Kingston, N.Y. The River also sells small-batch whiskies, bourbons, hard ciders and domestic beers.
Why It’s Liquid Gold: The building has been in the family for decades. Previously a deli, the pub opened just a few months ago but has already built up a faithful following of beer geeks, college students and families. True to its promise to keep things local, The River gets the beef for its burgers from a rancher in Sussex County and other fresh ingredients for grub like wings, salads and roasted brussel sprouts with bacon from Jersey farms. Happy hour is 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and beers are $1 off. The River also hosts tap takeovers, Mario Kart Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays and jam sessions.
Cheers to Beers: 133 Main St., Bloomingdale, (973) 750-1820, www.riverofbeer.com.
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