Earl's Beer and Cheese Introduce
In a city filled with countless bars and restaurants, finding a spot that truly feels like a neighborhood institution is a special discovery. Earl's Beer and Cheese, nestled at 1259 Park Ave, is precisely that kind of place. It’s a bar with a simple but brilliant concept: pairing a fantastic selection of craft beers with a menu centered around the one thing that goes perfectly with beer—cheese. This bar and American restaurant has a cozy, trendy, and casual vibe that makes it a favorite among locals. It’s the kind of place you can go to unwind after a long day, meet up with friends, or even enjoy a solo dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a focus on good food, great drinks, and a relaxed setting. It’s a place that has a downtown feel, despite its East Harlem location, with a unique decor that includes a communal table and a back room that's perfect for a bit of privacy.
Earl's Beer and Cheese has carved out a distinct identity by mastering its core offerings. The food menu, while concise, is packed with flavor and creativity. The famous Beer Cheese, for example, is a must-try, described by one patron as a genius idea. The commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the mozzarella sticks to the double smash burger with bacon jam. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a great beer selection that includes a variety of IPAs, sours, and stouts, as well as a thoughtful wine list. This focus on a core concept and high-quality ingredients is what has earned the establishment its reputation as a top-tier East Harlem eatery. The staff contributes significantly to the experience, with one reviewer highlighting the "outstanding" service and a "great bartender." This friendly and professional service helps create a welcoming environment that keeps people coming back again and again.
Beyond the food and drinks, Earl's Beer and Cheese is a hub of community and entertainment. It’s a place where you can enjoy fun bar games and participate in a lively trivia night, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. The crowd is a mix of groups and locals, creating a comfortable and social atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for an evening of food and fun, Earl's Beer and Cheese provides a reliable and enjoyable experience. It's a true hidden gem, a place that feels both classic and fresh, and a perfect representation of a modern New York neighborhood bar. For anyone in the city looking for a place with great food, a wide array of drink options, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, Earl's Beer and Cheese is a standout choice.
### Location and Accessibility
Earl's Beer and Cheese is conveniently located at 1259 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029, making it a prominent and easily accessible spot in East Harlem. Its location between 97th and 98th Streets places it squarely in a bustling part of the neighborhood. Getting to the bar is straightforward for both locals and visitors. The area is well-served by New York City's public transportation system, with the 6 subway line to 96th Street being a nearby option for a quick walk to the location. While parking can be a challenge in New York, the urban setting is designed for foot traffic and public transit. The bar's presence in this part of East Harlem contributes to the neighborhood's vibrant dining scene, and its reputation as a beloved local spot speaks to its seamless integration into the community. The establishment offers a restroom and a cozy atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to settle in and enjoy your time, whether you are dining solo or with a group. The location is an integral part of its charm, offering a relaxed retreat from the city's fast pace.
### Services Offered
Earl's Beer and Cheese provides a variety of services to accommodate its diverse clientele. The primary service is dine-in, allowing guests to enjoy the full experience of the cozy atmosphere and excellent food and drink. For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the bar offers both takeout and delivery options, making it a convenient choice for a casual night in. Their menu is available for purchase for takeout and delivery, including beer and wine for those of legal drinking age. In addition to dining services, Earl's is a full-service bar, offering a wide selection of beers and wines to be enjoyed at the bar or at a table. They also serve food at the bar, which is perfect for solo diners or those just looking to grab a quick bite. This combination of dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, along with a full bar, ensures that Earl's Beer and Cheese is a versatile spot that can meet a wide range of needs.
### Features / Highlights
Famous Beer and Cheese Pairings: The bar's core concept is its biggest draw. The famous Beer Cheese, made with New York State Cheddar and House Lager, is a must-try dish that perfectly encapsulates the bar's genius idea. Customers rave about the high-quality bread served alongside it.
Great Beer Selection: Earl's is known for its extensive and carefully curated beer list. They offer a great variety of craft brews, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, satisfying the palate of any beer enthusiast. The option to purchase beer and wine to-go is an added convenience.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major highlight. The bar has a warm, casual, and cozy feel that makes it an inviting place to hang out. The communal tables and a private back room create a comfortable setting for both groups and solo diners.
Engaging Entertainment: The bar offers fun activities to keep guests entertained, including bar games and a popular trivia night. These features make it a great place for a social outing and add a lively element to the atmosphere.
Delicious American Food: The food menu goes beyond just cheese, offering high-quality American restaurant fare. Standouts include the Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam, Buffalo Wings, and Truffle Parm Fries. The food is noted for being delicious, and the menu offers a range of comfort food options.
Friendly and Fast Service: A review highlighted the "outstanding" and "very outstanding" service, with a bartender praised for being great. This focus on customer service ensures a pleasant and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.
### Contact Information
You can contact Earl's Beer and Cheese by phone at (212) 289-1581. The bar is located at 1259 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029.
### What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Earl's Beer and Cheese for your next night out is a decision that guarantees a unique and highly enjoyable experience. The core of its appeal lies in its brilliant, simple concept: the perfect marriage of high-quality craft beer and expertly prepared cheese-centric dishes. The famous Beer Cheese, which is an absolute must-try, is a testament to this concept, and it’s a dish that has earned a place in the hearts of locals. The menu is not just a gimmick; it’s a collection of delicious and comforting American food, from crispy wings to flavorful burgers, all of which are prepared with care. The food is consistently praised for being delicious and meeting high expectations.
Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere at Earl's Beer and Cheese is a major reason to choose it. It has a cozy and casual vibe that feels both trendy and authentic. Unlike some of the more high-pressure bars in the city, this place offers a relaxed setting where you can truly unwind. The back room and communal tables make it a great spot for groups, and the fast, friendly service ensures that even solo diners feel comfortable and well-cared for. The fun features, like bar games and trivia night, add a layer of entertainment that transforms a simple drink into a memorable evening. This combination of great food, excellent beer, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere is what makes Earl's Beer and Cheese a true neighborhood gem.
In conclusion, Earl's Beer and Cheese is the perfect choice for anyone in New York looking for a bar that offers more than just drinks. It provides a full-fledged culinary and social experience, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a fun, friendly environment. Its unique concept, combined with its excellent service and cozy atmosphere, makes it a standout destination. For those in search of a place that feels like a home away from home, with delicious food and a fantastic beer selection, Earl's Beer and Cheese is an easy and worthwhile choice.
Earl's Beer and Cheese Food & drink
Dinner
- Famous Beer Cheese
Sharp cheddar and beer spread, garlic to rub, and toasted Pugliese bread. Love Our Beer Cheese? Get a 16oz Tub To Take Home!!
- N.Y State Cheddar $14.00
Pork belly, kimchi, fried egg, and sour dough.
- Mac & Cheese $12.00
Rosemary, goat cheese, and giant rigatoni.
- House Cut Fries $11.00
Twice cooked hand cooked fries
- Mozzarella Sticks $8.00
Fired mozzarella sticks served with a side of house marinara sauce
- Bread Pudding $11.00
Stupid good house made bread pudding
- Truffle Parm Fries $12.00
Twice cooked hand cut fries tossed with truffle oil and parmesan cheese
- Old Bay Fries $11.00
Twice cooked hand cut fries tossed in old bay seasoning
- Buffalo Wings $15.00
8 wings tossed in our house made buffalo sauce served with ranch, blue cheese ,carrots and celery
- Kbbq Wings $15.00
8 wings tossed in our house made Korean bbq sauce served with ranch, blue cheese, carrots and celery
- 1991 $18.00
Fried chicken breast in kbbq sauce,sriracha aioli,frisse,pickles,scallions,toasted sesame on brioche
- The Back To Back $19.00
Fried chicken breast, buffalo sauce, coleslaw,pickles,ranch,blue cheese crumble,on brioche
- The 3peat $18.00
Fried chicken breast ,house marinara, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, basil pesto,and garlic butter on ciabatta
- Earl's Caesar $14.00
Little gem lettuce ,heirloom tomatoes,garlic and herb croutons ,caesar dressing and parmesan cheese
- Earl's Party Fries $13.00
Crispy fries served with cheddar, kimchi,siracha aioli and scallions
- Lemon Pepper Wings $15.00
Dry wing covered with our signature lemon pepper
- Double Smash Burger With Bacon Jam $18.00
Double smashed beef patty ,pickles ,sliced American cheese, earls house special sauce and our house bacon jam on a Martin's potato roll
- Pint Of Beer Cheese (NO BREAD) $15.00
16oz of our famous Beer Cheese. Does not include bread.
Beer Cans (Must be 21 to Purchase)
- Ipa $11.00
Selection of rotating ipa cans call for inventory
- Pilsner /Lager $10.00
Selection of rotating pilsner cans call for inventory
- Sour $10.00
Selection of rotating sour cans call for inventory
- Stout $11.00
Selection of rotating stout cans call for inventory
Wine To-Go (Must be 21 to Purchase)
- Prunus Bottle - Red Wine $28.00
Blend from Portugal - Lightly oaked and perfectly balanced , with a silky texture and crisp edge. Supporting black cherry , plums and raspberry fruit flavours. Must be 21 to purchase.
- Friend And Farmer White Wine $28.00
From Spain - Light and Crisp. Must be 21 to purchase.
- Gulp Hablo Orange Wine $30.00
Aromatics of orange blossom and tropical jackfruit with moderately tannic dried citrus peels ,tea and preserved apricots
- Le Rose De S $28.00
Notes of fresh strawberries and watermelon
- Echeverria Sauvignon Blanc $28.00
Fresh and crisp with a balanced natural acidity and a fruity finish
- Garnacha 2020 Que Vida $28.00
Dark berry fruit with floral and spice undertones
Earl's Beer and Cheese Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Trivia night
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Food
- Food at bar
- Wine
Dining options
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Earl's Beer and Cheese Photos










Earl's Beer and Cheese Location
Earl's Beer and Cheese
1259 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Earl's Beer and Cheese Reviews
beer cheesetacomac and cheesegrilled cheesecheddarbread puddingreubenkimchispreadscallion pancake
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My husband and I are checking off the top 10 East Harlem eateries. The Earls beer and cheese is ranked #5. Their drink and food met lol our high expectations. We had blackberry hard cider and BBQ brisket tacoThe Back to Back - fried chicken breast in buffalo sauce with French fries. The services were very outstanding and food were delicious. The place were filled with professionals and rather quite. The back room was very cool👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
July 10 · Gina Lee-GlauserNice idea for a bar. Beer & Cheese. Simple but genius. We had the beer cheese. Love the good quality bread. Nice craft beer options. Great bartender.
June 14 · Brian GillespieMonday trivia nights are definitely a favorite here and there is even a run club on Tuesday nights. Hands down one of my favorite places in the UES. Great food, great beers, great people!
June 10 · Melissa RiveraGOAT spot. I came here randomly on a whim with a friend on a Friday night in mid-March. The vibes are so chill, lights are low and there's little Christmas lights up which I thought was so funny haha. Anyways.The food was really good! Great mozzarella sticks and tater tots and the prices are really good too, especially for 2025. I had the yuzu ginger cider and we also had an orange wine which we really liked. Would come back based on today's experience.
March 15 · Diana LindtAfter the museum of The City Of New York & central park garden,my friends & I were winging as to where to go to eat.When we did find a spot to eat turned out the place doesn't exist so we tried earl's beer and cheese...It was cute & loved the lights...We did ordered food which I had the mac n cheese with the mozzarella sticks while two of my friends had burgers & fries.This was the greatest food we had & no complaints,it was worth if for the price...Also I still celebrated my birthday there🙌
April 17 · Jasmine Vega
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