The Grand Opening of Ambrose Beer and Lobster with OITNB Star Dascha Polanco
On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, The Lure Group opened the doors to their latest venture, Ambrose Beer and Lobster. Situated on the quaint cobblestone corner of Fulton and Front streets, the craft beer and lobster shack is a 1,600 square-foot venue featuring both indoor and outdoor space that embodies the look and feel of its historic maritime downtown location, the South Street Seaport. The grand opening featured the largest lobster roll on the Seaport – 20 feet long (the length of the bar!). Orange is the New Black star, Dascha Polanco was in attendance with her friends. They took full advantage of the beer pong table in the restaurant, and so did I.
The rustic and minimalist interior design of the venue draws inspiration from the original Ambrose Lighthouse ship, boasting fully exposed timber columns, reclaimed steel accents, ceiling joists, lanterns and portholes. A giant mural created by New York City based artist Angela China adds a modern and cheeky flare to the otherwise rustic venue. The mural features a giant lobster holding a beer juxtaposed with a wall of quintessential maritime and foodie hashtags, perfect for social media sharing. The outside of the venue is lined with picnic style tables crafted from reclaimed wood, which can accommodate up to 200 patrons. Ambrose Beer and Lobster will transport patrons from Manhattan’s concrete metropolis to the decks of a 17th century sail-schooner.
The beer and liquor selection is befitting a sailor, boasting an ever-changing rotation of 12 seasonal and locally sourced brews and signature cocktails that are served from two custom-built black iron tap towers in front of a selection of artisanal and small batch whiskey, scotch, bourbon, gin and tequila offerings. Each evening a big Captain’s ship wheel with cogs pointing to a variety of beers available will determine which beer will be the featured special. At 7pm a bell will be rung to alert the crowd of the nightly spinning of the wheel. Complimenting the robust ale selections are gourmet snacks including kettle-cooked chips, giants pretzels, and more.
The full food menu features delicious light and coastal food options perfect for seafaring diners that will appeal to both locals and tourists alike. Fresh Maine cold water lobster is shipped in daily and is the prominent ingredient used in the majority of the dishes, which includes everything from lobster rolls and lobster grilled cheese, to lighter bites such as a lobster avocado wrap, lobster salad and fresh local watermelon and feta salad. My favorite was the lobster grilled cheese sandwich.
“We’re excited to bring a compelling destination to South Street Seaport,” says Telly Hatzigeorgiou, CEO of The Lure Group and founder of Ambrose Beer and Lobster. “At Ambrose Beer and Lobster guests can expect trivia games and live music on any given night, in addition to consistent quality food and drink offerings.”
Photo Credit: Jerritt Clark, WireImage
Author
