Soon you’ll be able to pick up a growler at the Essex Street Market. Top Hops, the popular craft beer mecca at 94 Orchard St., is opening up a stall in the historic food hall.
Owner Ted Kenny says “Top Hops To Go” will occupy a space in the southeast corner of the market that was previously home to Essex Flowers. There will be four draft lines and somewhere between 50 and 80 bottles available at any given time. You won’t be able to drink up on the spot; it’s strictly a takeaway concept. Kenny is planning to feature local/regional beers.
Tops Hops opened on Orchard street in 2012, winning early praise from craft beer aficionados for its amazing selection from around the world. There are 20 beers on tap and 600 bottles. Kenny has always been a fan of the market and its existing vendors. His bar snacks (cheese, olives, bread, etc.) come from Saxelby Cheesemongers, Formaggio Essex and pain D’Avignon. “I love the Essex Street Market,” he said. “It’s such a great part of the neighborhood. You have people who have been going there their whole lives, plus all of the new people.”
Once the beer license application is squared away with the State Liquor Authority, Top Hops hopes to have the mini-shop set up within a few weeks. Kenny is aiming for a December opening. In addition to beer, he’ll be selling a variety of snacks, such as popcorn from Pop Karma (located right across the street from the bar) and Slant Shack beef jerky.
Kenny is well aware of the recent drop in foot traffic at the market, but he’s optimistic about the prospects for the future. He was encouraged by news that the Lower East Side BID is taking over marketing at the facility. In September, Puebla Mexican Food opened for business. Announcements are expected in the coming weeks regarding new vendors to fill two or three additional vacant spaces.
You can’t drink Beer like the rest of the world because you are New Yorkers!