Rockland's first self-pour beer wall opens Thursday in Nyack

Mekong District One, featuring Rockland's first self-pour beer wall, opens Aug. 31 in Nyack.

The snazzy new system, which features 24 taps from local and national brands, is adjacent to Mekong District, the two-year-old Vietnamese restaurant owned by husband-and-wife Fay and Tai Nham.

For those who've been to the eatery, it's like walking into a whole new place. There's still colorful pictures of Vietnam, but instead of a more intimate 24-seat spot with a counter in the front and seating on the side, the space is now double the size — think a capacity for 75 — with lots of couches and a more loungey vibe. Fay Nham said they wanted to make the place comfortable so anyone can come and relax.

That means three flat-screen TVs for sports season (there's another TV in the original space) along with lots of wood tables, including a high top community table. Assorted sofas and chairs in various sizes and colors give the space a living room vibe. An abundance of greenery and the restaurant's signature Vietnamese street scenes keep the place sunny and airy.

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The star of the show, however, is the back wall beer system with brews from Rockland's Industrial Arts, Westchester's Peekskill Brewery and Orange County's Equilibrium. Other taps include California's Anderson Valley, Georgia's Sweetwater American lager, Washington's gluten-free Vanishing Point Pale Ale, Vermont's Frost Beer and Japan's Sapporo's Premium Beer.

Tai Nham said they'll rotate taps depending on customer preferences and demand. "Whatever people want is what we'll do," he said, pointing out that his favorite, at the moment, is Industrial Arts' Wrench.

How it works

Once you're seated at a table, you're given a pour card. You then go up to the wall, scan it, then make your selection, and pour. Beers are charged by the ounce so you can do a small taste or a full glass. Cards are preauthorized with cash or credit card. (Fay suggests tilting your glass 45 degrees for the optimal pour.)

Each card is pre-programmed with a pour limit. Once the limit is reached, the card will have to be reactivated by a staff member. This allows the staff to ensure no one is drinking beyond excess.

If a customer is sitting at a table, every pour made will automatically register in the POS system and will show up on your bill. If not at a table, you'll need to check out at the register when done.

As for food, Mekong District One has the same menu as the restaurant though a light bites/late night bar menu will be expanded and served after 9 p.m.

The owners suggest bao buns and waffle (chicken) wings as options that go well with beer but diners will find plenty of other options such as dumplings, egg rolls, Vietnamese pork chops, Chicken Pho and flat noodles.

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And if you don't drink beer, there's also wine and cocktails such as a Mekong Margarita, Saigon Sunset (vodka, Kinky Pink, passion fruit liquer, Deep Eddy Ruby Red, pineapple and orange) and Hanoi Ho (whiskey, coconut rum, lychee and pineapple).

The idea behind it all

It was Tai's love for beer that led to this new venture. That, plus a trip to Florida and the serendiptious timing of the space next door becoming available.

While vacationing in Tampa last August, the two saw a similar system at a pizzeria and thought it would be a good idea to bring to Rockland. Said Fay: "We just so happened to have an empty space next door to us so that set everything in motion."

If you go

Address: 125 Main St., Nyack, 845-535-3933, mekongdistrict.com

Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; to 11 p.m. Friday; 12 p.m. to 11 p.m Saturday; to 10 p.m. Sunday though from 3 to 5 p.m. it's beer service only. A late night bar menu starts at 9 p.m. Hours may be adjusted so check their website/social media for updates.

Good to know: The Nhams are offering a 20% discount on the beer wall taps for a limited time starting opening day. They're also booking private parties in the taproom.

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

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland's first self-pour beer wall opening in Nyack