New Rockland brewery aims for coziness and a 'living room' vibe

Rockland has a new brewery in an old space.

Round Table Brewery opened Nov. 2 in Garnerville where Industrial Arts had been since 2016.

What's the same?

The address is for one. And the same warehouse vibes due to the high ceilings and brickwork (the building dates to the 1700s). Fans of Industrial Arts will recognize the layout: A 13-seat bar, outdoor seating in a section near the front entrance, a large brewing operation off to the side, and the same historical atmosphere that defines the Garnerville Arts Center complex, where it's located. Also similar to what existed before: Round Table is pet-friendly.

What's different?

The ownership, the name and the beers. It's owned by longtime brewer Ricardo Petroni, one of the founders of Middletown's Equilibrium Brewery, who named his new brewery based on the imagery of sitting at a round table where nobody's at the head and everyone is equal.

Petroni, who's been brewing in the space since September, owns the spot with his wife Maria José Vasena, a pediatrician, and his friend of 40 years, Javier Laurini, a pathologist (ya gotta try "Dr. Jay's Double IPA). Petroni is an engineer.

All of them love craft beer, something born out of their love for hosting spontaneous asados (Argentinian barbecues) and the community and culture of sharing that's part of it.

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Also new and different: The loungey layout with comfy couches, chairs and tables that replace what had been an area full of picnic tables. Petroni said he wanted to create something more amenable for people to stay longer, gather, and have a good time.

And for those who had complained about Industrial Arts early closing hours, Round Table will be open later — until 10 p.m. Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 p.m. Sunday.

What about the beer?

Four beers are part of their starting line-up, which Petroni calls "very classic." They include Alto Lindo (a rustic ale), Dark Necessities (a stout), the aforementioned Dr. Jay (Double IPA), Rood (a rustic red ale), and Motto Motto (a Double IPA).

Petroni's philosophy is to focus on a limited set of core beers that showcase mixed fermentation styles. All are sold in cans to go, minus Alto Lindo which is only available in a glass bottle for now.

What's the deal behind Alto Lindo?

This is their flagship beer and showcases the owner's love for Argentina, where they're from. The label shows a building from that area. A large banner with the same photograph hangs in the brewery where Industrial Arts' original taproom had been. Petroni calls Alto Lindo light and flavorful while also soft and citrusy.

According to the brewery's website, it "gets the benefits of the tart acidity from the lactic acids and a depth, dryness, and lemony aroma from the brettanomyces that welcome you to take a sip."

What's on the horizon?

Food is to come — think small plates like soups, sandwiches, quiche and empanadas. Petroni wants to showcase items that are a combination of different ethnicities.

There will also be more beers like a tart aged beer with fruit and a barrel-aged beer. And, eventually they'll add a tap for kombucha. There's also a small retail area that will sell T-shirts, hats and hoodies. The goal is to expand their hours sometime next year.

And for those who loved Industrial Arts ...

In a nod to the previous occupant, and to please Rocklanders used to an old favorite, there's one guest tap for Industrial Arts' Metric, a pilsner.

Takeaway message

Said Petroni: "We want to bring in more coziness and have people sit here and feel like they're in their own living room drinking beer with friends. That's how we drink the beer and that's what we want to share with people."

If you go

Address: 55 W Railroad Ave. Bldg 25, Garnerville, 845-241-5265, roundtablebrewery.com

Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday; to 11 p.m. Friday. Open Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Hours are subject to change and will hopefully expand in 2024.

FYI: A ribbon cutting is set for Nov. 10. at 3:30 p.m.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Garnerville NY brewery opens in with emphasis on equality, being cozy