Druing the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhavna and I yearned for a break from our boring lockdown routine. Before the pandemic, we often travelled on half-day road expeditions to far-away New Jersey and Pennsylvania breweries. But the pandemic lockdown aborted that. So, we decided on a road trip to District 96 Beer Factory in New York City.
Part of our drive took us along the scenic Palisades Parkway. It was wonderful. This 38.25-mile-long parkway between New Jersey and New York offers amazing views. It turned our drive into an adventure.
Located in a strip mall, District 96 Beer Factory is attached to three restaurants, all owned by John Potenza, the brewery owner. Despite a bit of chill in the air, staying mindful of the pandemic, we chose to sit outside, enjoying the sunny day. From The Burger Loft, I ordered fish tacos with breaded cod, lime cabbage slaw, and tartar sauce, accompanied by roasted corn and a side of French fries. Bhavna opted for a healthier garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions.
While waiting for our meal, we each drank a beer, savouring it in the lovely outdoors. District 96's beers have fun political names like "Sexual Relations" and "Silent Majority," a nod to its location in New City's voting district. These unique names added a whimsical touch to our experience.
After eating, we each enjoyed a pint of another beer variety. We also took time to explore the brewery, which was small but very welcoming. I filled my red cooler with several six-packs of hazy IPA to take back to New Jersey.
This trip to District 96 Beer Factory was more than just a day out; it was a delightful escape. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery, tasty food, unique beers, and the joy of discovering a new place together.
