King of Brew: Greenwood's Features a Variety of Craft Beer

It's all about the beer.

John Carta is a 34-year-old Bethel photographer who is a regular at in downtown Bethel, but he doesn't come for the friendly neighborhood atmosphere, the good food or even the live music on most weekends.

“I come for the beer selection. It’s definitely the best I’ve seen in the area,” Carta said. “I really like the variety. I always try to sample some of the different stuff.”

When it comes to the beer list, “different” is what Greenwood's is all about. Since reopening with new owners in May of 2010 in the historic Bethel Opera House building, Greenwood's has featured a diverse lineup of beers brewed by local, regional and national breweries. There are 14 beers on tap and only five permanent mainstays; the rest of the list is regularly rotated.

Recently, the selection at the bar included Brooklyn Brewery's Summer Ale, Blue Point Brewing Co.'s Toasted Lager and Blueberry Ale and Greenwood's Ale – an English style ale brewed specifically for Greenwood's by the Oxford-based Cavalry Brewing.

For local beer enthusiasts, the beer list at Greenwood's is the stuff dreams are brewed of.

“It's funny when you see the beer geeks come in, their mouths drop a little bit,” said Barbara Musser, Greenwood's manager.

Musser, 48, said that even those who are not fans of craft beer, (which is specialty beer brewed by smaller breweries) grow to appreciate the selection over time. When a craft beer newcomer comes in, Musser said she often recommends one of the lighter, less bitter beers, something like Blue Point's Blueberry Ale.

She said over time the customers develop a taste for different beers, “and they enjoy learning more about the beers.”

Plans are under way to add six more tap beers to the menu, Musser said, which would bring the total up to 20. In addition, Greenwood’s hosts beer tastings on a regular schedule. The next one will be Wednesday evening June 15 and will feature beers brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Co.

But there's more than just beer on tap at Greenwood’s. The bar also features live music at least once a week and a wide variety of food.

Greenwood's is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Matthew and Susan Stein of New Fairfield, who are natives of New York. Matthew Stein, 52, has worked as a professional chef for three decades and is a battle-tested veteran of the intense New York City restaurant world.

His culinary creations at Greenwood’s include high-quality American standards such as burgers, wings and steaks. There's also a large seafood selection including fish and chips, Atlantic salmon and lobster with macaroni and cheese, which is the most popular item on the menu.

Matthew Stein said the motto at Greenwood’s is “great food deserves great beer,” and he tries to have the menu complement the beer. “I try to make the food work with all the various beers we have,” he said

He said he's trying to create a fun, neighborhood atmosphere at Greenwood’s that is also family-friendly.

“We like to think of ourselves like ‘Cheers’ where everybody knows each other when they come in,” Stein added. “It's a comfortable place for people to come with their kids.”

 Greenwood's Grille & Ale House is at 186 Greenwood Ave., Bethel. For more information, visit www.greenwoodsgrill.com or call 203-791-0408.