Craft Beer has not only retained its popularity over the last several years, but has gotten even more mainstream, dismissing those haters that wanted to see this fad fade. Hell, just about every deli and gas station now has a Craft Beer section, and some even have taps and growlers to take a tasty brew with you. The corner local pubs have all stepped up their beer game as well, as Blue Moon and Stella are no longer their only ‘high end’ options. But then you have the real Craft Beer Bar and Grills in Westchester, and there are plenty out there to enjoy.

Lazy Boy Saloon in WP is the Grand Daddy of them all, pioneering the Craft Beer movement in Westchester before it was even trendy. Tuckahoe has now become the beer capital of Westchester with The TapHouse and Growlers across the street from one another, both excellent from a beer and food standpoint. Captain Lawrence Brewing Company is the Mecca for beer geeks, especially with the new menu they have recently implemented and the outdoor bar game section. And I have not had the pleasure of a visit yet, but I hear The Oath in Tarrytown is making a name for itself around the Fresh. But tucked away on the side streets of Thornwood sits a revitalized Craft Beer Bar and Grill that is making a strong case to be included in the conversation of top Westchester spots… The Barley House.

With more than 30 beers on tap, there is something on draft for every palate. The beer menu is easy to navigate as it is organized by taste, flavor and weight. Selections are changed fairly frequently as well, so you can always find something new on the list. Plus, they always select a handful of brews to include in their Happy Hour deal, which is a great time to do some sampling. But more than just having this killer beer list, the food game at The Barley House is also on point.

I’m told this wasn’t always the case, but since Chef Michael Orchart has taken the reigns they are putting out some of the best ‘pub and grill’ fare around. The staples like fried calamari, flatbreads, wings and burgers are all as solid as you would expect. But some of the specialty standouts and my personal favorites include the fish tacos (made with cod, not tilapia) the cuban, the wicked tuna sandwich and of course the 10 oz giant pretzel among others. Truth be told I have yet to put a morsel of food in my mouth from this joint that I have not enjoyed. And yes, they do have a modest wine list… but with all the cool and eclectic beer options, I admit I have not paid much attention to it.

What more could you ask for? How about one of the best places for a large group event in town! Bobby Harris (you may remember him from the old Sports Page crew) and his staff do a bang up job from helping set up the menu, to getting the room prepared, to handling the needs of a really large cast of characters to ensuring everything is served hot, tasty and in a timely fashion. We have had two large work functions there recently and I’m already looking forward to the next installment. So if you’re in and around the Thornwood/Pleasantville/Valhalla area and are craving a bite to eat and and adult beverage, be sure to check it out.