Aug. 21, 2014 By Michael Florio
A craft beer bar that has generated a lot of buzz is set to open.
Judy & Punch, located at 34-08 30th Ave, will open its doors next Wednesday for what co-owner Gerard Leary is calling a “soft opening.”
The bar will feature 14 draft lines, including beer from a number of local breweries such as Brooklyn Brewery, Other Half Brewing Company, Peekskill Brewery and Barrier Brewing Company.
Leary said he plans to introduce SingleCut Beersmiths soon, as it is made right here in Astoria.
“I think we are going to be offering as much craft beer as anyone else in the neighborhood,” he said. “The 14 lines will consist of a pretty big rotation.”
“The idea is whenever you come in you can try a new beer and keep it interesting,” Leary said.
The establishment will also offer a menu that Leary called “crafty bites,” which includes a cheese bar, consisting of locally sourced meats and cheeses. The bar will also offer sandwiches and an array of other snacks.
The bar will be 1,300 square feet and will seat roughly 65 people, including a backyard patio that caters to up to 12 patrons. The front of the establishment will feature glass doors—connecting the bar to sidewalk diners.
Gerard Leary, who owns One Mile Bar in the Lower East Side, teamed up with longtime friends Barry Spellman, owner of Biddy’s Pub and DTUT (both located on the Upper East Side), and Mike Higgins, owner of Professor Thom’s in the East Village, to open their first bar in Queens.
While none of the owners live in Astoria, Leary said, they are all big fans of the neighborhood.