Another locally owned and operated business recently opened in Brookside East–Flying Horse Taproom at 600 E 63rd St.  I stopped by recently and talked with General Manager Philip Nixon.  The food looked so good I came back for dinner later that evening!

Here’s the scoop on the bar and what’s on tap:  twenty-one craft beers, seven wines (that will rotate), Second Best Coffee Cold Brew and Lucky Elixir Kombucha.  Coming soon:  unique “oak barrel conditioned” cocktails.  I tried two drinks:  the Cucumber Ginger Lemonade and Strawberry Basil Gin. Delicious and refreshing!  Nixon emphasized they support locally based purveyors, including Restless Spirits Distilling Co, Tom’s Town, Second Best Coffee and Glace Ice Cream (Nixon is working with Brewery Emperial and Glace for a special beer inspired flavor).  

Philip Nixon, General Manager

As for the food…there are a couple of unique options on the appetizer menu, including the popular Beer Mug Pretzel from Pretzel Boys, ‘Nduja Dip (prosciutto, spices, peppers mixed with goat and cream cheeses) and Cheese Curds.  There are several salad options featuring homemade dressings.  And the flatbreads…with fresh ingredients and house made red sauce. We tried the Four Cheese Sausage Kale and The Classic; other options include Brookside Brie, the Cubano and a Thai Chicken Basil.  For lighter appetites–it’s easy to fill up sharing a salad and flatbread.

Longtime Brooksiders may remember this spot at a Mobil gas station; current owner Trey Sabates (who owns Brookside Wine and Spirits next door), had the old tanks removed, teamed up with some friends and turned the station into the restaurant with a cozy patio in front.  Inside, there is a full bar, several tables and artwork from Sabates private collection on the walls.  Nixon has an extensive background in food service and trains the staff well–our waiter was sincere, friendly and attentive.  

The Flying Horse Taproom is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-11pm and Sunday from 11am-9pm.  Happy hour features $1 off all menu items and food is available to go.  Stop by and welcome Philip and the staff to the neighborhood!