World of Beer opening at Crossgates
The chain World of Beer is set to open its new location at Crossgates June 23. The beer restaurant is on the lower level near the movie theater.
That there is a chain of craft beer restaurants with 54 locations is either a sign that the craft beer boom is continuing to roll along -- and/or perhaps that we're rapidly approaching peak craft beer. (And then, what, the craft beer apocalypse? Maybe New York State can fall back on its strategic cider reserves.)
Anyway, this bit about WOB (its term for itself) caught our attention:
In addition to more than 500 craft beers in bottles, World of Beer will offer 56 beers on tap from more than 40 countries. Partnering with thousands of craft breweries allows World of Beer to rotate over 10,000 beer items in its coolers. World of Beer offers patrons the most unique and complex beers from local, domestic and international brewers.
You might have to order a beer while you figure out which beer to order.
Recently on AOA:
+ Rare Form Brewing Co.
+ Stopping in at the Madison Pour House
photo: World of Beer
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Comments
And, craft beer has now jumped the shark...I'd rather a Genesee out of the stubby bottle in a van down by the river than Hipster Hops at the mall.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Jun 10, 2014 at 5:48 PM | link
MMmmm, drinking at a corporate restaurant at the Mall.
... said Kevin on Jun 10, 2014 at 9:19 PM | link
It's not hipster if it's at the mall, is it?
... said Tim on Jun 10, 2014 at 11:00 PM | link
I patronized one of these while in the South once, and it was a pleasant experience. That location, however, was in a nice walkable downtown area. Despite the fact that it's a chain, it fit nicely with the other locally owned businesses in the area. They also had a pleasant, knowledgeable staff that were glad to offer recommendations and would even provide a sample of something they recommended to be sure it was to your liking before committing to purchase.
Based on that singular positive experience, I'd check this place out when it opens. The mall location for this doesn't excite me, though.
... said KGB on Jun 11, 2014 at 9:01 AM | link
Are people really going to complain about a spot where you can grab one of 56 drafts before a movie?
Places like this aren't going to threaten great, local craft beer establishments like the Pour House.
I won't go out of my way to drink there. But if I need to be at the mall I'll be happy to grab a brew there instead of the Standard, Pizza Uno or (shudder) Dave & Busters.
... said PilsNils on Jun 11, 2014 at 11:34 AM | link
I agree with Big Vic here. I'll continue making small batches at home to share with friends. I hope this doesn't mean even more DWIs on Western Ave, right?
... said Chris on Jun 11, 2014 at 11:43 AM | link
I've had an experience similar to that of KGB in Florida. The beertenders were great and some of the stuff they had you will never get from the local distributor monopoly. That said, this will either be a nice anomaly in a corporate pillbox or just soulless room to down a few beers before the movie starts. Wish it was in Stuyvesant Plaza...
... said ace on Jun 11, 2014 at 11:47 AM | link
The Olive Garden of beers?
... said Amelia on Jun 11, 2014 at 4:06 PM | link
What about drinking on a farm instead? I discovered these guys at The Crossings Farmers Market a few weeks ago. Damn good beer too. https://www.facebook.com/sandsbrewery
... said Rich on Jun 11, 2014 at 6:33 PM | link
Ever been to Dublin? Wonderful architecture, walkable neighborhoods, cozy pubs, and LOADS of people milling around and living life! Musicians start to gather in some corner of a public house and the party that is life begins........and for the most part everyone is drinking ONE brand of beer!!! Flash forward to USA....depressed appearing 1980's shopping mall with vast parking lot leading to faceless windowless building containing stores that sell junk made in China...now really spruce it up with 500 beers to choose from!! It's NOT about the beer people!!!!
... said BS on Jun 11, 2014 at 8:28 PM | link
Ace,
They will have to buy from the local distributors too, it's the law.
... said Kevin on Jun 12, 2014 at 10:59 AM | link
PilsNils,
I'd rather have an Alamo Drafthouse open in the Capital Region and drink beer DURING the movie. Fingers crossed.
... said LB on Jun 12, 2014 at 2:32 PM | link
LB,
Yes. A thousand times yes. An Alamo Drafthouse would be an epic addition to the Capital Region (no disrespect to the Spectrum, a place I adore).
Also re: Kevin - you're right, the beer would need to be distributed within the state, so the offerings are somewhat limited (which is a shame, because I had some fantastic Kentucky beer while in the South that I can't find up here). To get a good idea of what the Albany tap offering might be, I suggest taking a look at the Syracuse location menu. A good mix of National Craft brands and local microbrews.
... said KGB on Jun 13, 2014 at 10:30 AM | link