32 Anthony St, Hillsdale
518.303.8080; roejanbrewing.com

Know what goes great with a bike ride? A beer.

And thanks to its location just off the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Roe Jan Brewing Company is an easy pit stop for anyone looking to refuel after a day outdoors. Owners Steve and Kathy Bluestone purchased the historic Hillsdale Mercantile Building in June 2018 and spent almost two years restoring it to its former glory, adding a brewery, a restaurant, and seven apartments on the upper floors.

Inside the restaurant, guests will find sleek banquettes and chic lighting, complemented by wood beams and walnut tabletops for a comfortably modern atmosphere. Anchoring the taproom is an octagonal bar, at the center of which is a ruby vintage grain hopper. 

Under the direction of brewery operations manager Hayley Shine, Roe Jan will serve a rotating assortment of beers that prioritize balance, both in their flavor profile and variety; blackberry sours appearing alongside dark, smoky porters and “Hillsner”: a light, crisp lager. The open-concept kitchen features a wood-fired grill that Chef Charles Kiely will showcase with items like steak tips kabob with sweet onions and button mushrooms. Much of the menu will feature scratch-made items like homemade sourdough bread and hamburger buns, even condiments like spicy ketchup. 

As for the name? The Roeliff Jansen Kill has long been a source of pride for locals, who gave the tributary its nickname. Now, they can raise a pint to it. 

Open Mon, Thurs–Fri, 5–9 p.m.; Sat–Sun, 12–9 p.m.