ASTORIA — A pub that opened in Astoria this summer has a new set of owners who say they want to focus on craft beer and bar food with an upscale twist like duck confit quesadillas.
"We love the space, and we love the neighborhood," said Rob Williamson, one of the four new co-owners at Oliver's at 37-19 Broadway, which held its official grand opening this week.
"We're looking to be a great neighborhood bar."
Oliver's offerings include a constantly rotating list of 16 American craft beers on tap, as well as a steady roster of "beer-oriented" events like brewery nights and tap takeovers, Williamson said.
"Our motto is 'For the love of craft,' so that’s what were focusing on in the beers," he said.
When it comes to food, the menu offers higher-end versions of traditional bar fare, like a duck confit quesadilla and a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich.
Weekend brunch includes a $3 bloody mary and mimosa special with dishes like an autumn vegetable frittata and cinnamon French toast.
They plan to expand on the brunch menu soon, according to another owner, Patrick Schmidt.
"We really want to be a destination for brunch," he said.
The bar is Schmidt and Williamson's first foray into restaurant ownership, though the two have worked in the industry for years.
Their fellow co-owners, Tony Doyle and Brian Connell, own bars in Hell's Kitchen, including New York Beer Company and House of Brews.
Oliver's originally opened its doors this summer, and the group took over a few weeks ago after its first owner decided to sell.
The space, at the corner of Broadway and 38th Street, was formerly Pomme Cafe and has two floors. Oliver's owners plan to use the lower level as a private party room that can fit between 20 to 30 guests, they said.
Oliver's is located at 37-19 Broadway in Astoria and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events and specials can be found on its Facebook page.
