CLINTON HILL — Beer expert Abdo Najem is striking out on his own after more than a decade in the suds industry — opening a bar and grill that focuses on beer and small plates.
Najem took the opportunity to open his own business when his former employer, Court Street's Downtown Bar & Grill, was forced to shutter to make way for high-end fashion label Rag & Bone earlier this year.
Najem, who worked at Downtown Bar & Grill for six years and has been in the beer business for 14, wanted the chance to bring his favorite drinks under one roof.
"I saw it as an opportunity to do my own thing," he said. "The bar will have 12 craft beers that rotate weekly plus single malt whiskey, handpicked bourbon and more."
Peekskill Eastern Standard IPA, Andean Kuka Tripel, Unibroue La Fin Du Monde and City Island Pale Ale are some of the beers currently on tap.
The 450-square-foot space, which was most recently a bakery, has an exposed brick walls and industrial lights. The bartop is made from white marble and the base is reclaimed wood from Connecticut. Nothing hangs on the walls except wooden shelves holding bottled beer.
Along with drinks Najem also plans to serve small plates and roast beef, turkey, Portobello and hummus sandwiches made with French baguettes.
Hops Hill, located at 886 Fulton St., is named for Najem's love of beer and the neighborhood — Clinton Hill — where he will make a home.
"We signed a 10-year lease," he said. "So this is the real thing."
Najem, 40, was originally interested in opening a bar on Myrtle Avenue but said the prices were too high and the competition too steep. He then visited Fulton Street and started to appreciate the neighborhood.
"I walked around and really started to see myself here."
The bar currently serves only beer, but Najem expects to have his full liquor license next week.
