First Look: Gezellig in The Grove

The Grove continues to step up its beer game with the recent addition of Gezellig Tap House & Bottleshop. As Sauce reported in July, owner Brandon Cavanagh closed his music venue, The Demo, to open a beer bar at 4191 Manchester Ave., partially inspired by his travels to Amsterdam.

The Dutch word “gezellig,” Cavanagh explained, refers to a cozy, convivial environment or a sense of togetherness among loved ones. It’s a concept he hopes his bar embodies with its dark wood, Edison lighting and the soft pop of vinyl albums playing over the speakers.

The space can seat up to 80 and serves as both a bar and bottle shop with a wall of refrigerators organized by region. Two are dedicated to local Missouri and Illinois brews like Schlafly, 2nd Shift, Perennial, Logboat and Boulevard. Several national labels are available, as well as international offerings from Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and more. Bottled and canned brews can be purchased for onsite consumption or to-go.

Twenty-eight taps are available, and Cavanagh hopes to keep the selection rotating frequently by only featuring seasonal and special release beers. Local barman and assistant manager Joel Clark supports the beer averse with wine, bottled cocktails and spirits available neat or on the rocks. Look for a tight selection of mostly whiskey, mezcal and gin. Cavanagh said he is currently working with area restaurants Sauce on the Side and The Gramophone to coordinate food delivery, and customers can bring their own carryout to Gezellig.

Gezellig is currently open Tuesday to Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. Here’s a first look at what to expect at The Grove’s new beer bar: