Earl's Beer and Cheese & The Lexington Social Wine Bar - Upper Upper East Side

By Dana Polansky

Earl’s Beer and Cheese on the Upper East Side is a hidden gem worth the trek. Seemingly out of place in the upper ‘90s, Earl’s caters to a varied crowd of beer appreciators and cheese lovers.  Earl's serves up delicious childhood favorites with a twist.

The beers served at Earl’s are chosen with specific intent to complement each dish.

Mostly carrying Indian Pale Ales and Stout-like brews, the bitterness and slightly citrus aromas enhance the sweet and spicy flavors in the dishes, most notably with the tomato soup made with just a hint of cream, ginger and Sriracha served with thick white bread.

The chicken pot pie is another favorite at Earl's and is served with a chicken leg baked right in the center of the pie! We paired it with Sixpoint Diesel Stout, a local beer that has a heavy bitterness to it, making it a great match for the loaded flavor in the dish.

Earl's is a NewYork Magazine Critics Pick

The Isabella and True Blood at The Lexington Social

The heavy meal, at Earl's, left us craving some after dinner cocktails, so we headed to another recent addition to the Upper East Side called The Lexington Social, located at 103rd and Lex. As soon as you walk into this sleek sexy lounge, the candle-lit tables and warm atmosphere invite you to stay a while. The cocktail menu was full of interesting concoctions, such as The Isabella (prosecco and Absolut rosemary) and True Blood (Maker’s Mark, blood orange and apricot Brandy). Both drinks were full of flavor but not overpowering or too sweet, making them a great end to the night. 

NewYork Magazine loves this place too

Info

Earl's Beer and Cheese
1259 Park Avenue, New York, NY
(212) 289-1581

Lexington Social

1634 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
646-808-3638 

Peter says:

I have always been a downtown and sometimes upper west side guy, but with the looks of these upper upper east joints I will be changing. They remind me of places I saw in San Francisco on my last trip there and longed for in NY.

Our new guest writer, Dana Polonsky, brings us the observations and voice of a younger generation. This we are very excited about.

Declaring it her favorite room in the house at the age of four, Dana Polonsky has always been excited by the possibilities in the kitchen. As the years passed, that
excitement turned into a hobby and eventually into a career working with wine, spirits and food.

A New York native currently living in Manhattan and working in public relations, Dana coordinates (and enjoys) wine and spirits tasting events around the country. Her mind constantly drifts to thoughts of her next meal and its perfect drink partner. Although most of her wine knowledge is with Italian varietals, she loves trying anything that comes in a glass bottle (and the occasional box). Dana hopes her Mano a Vino articles provide a unique view to the world of food and wine as she continues to learn and taste as much as she can get her hands on.

We look forward to more.