Magazine, Making Money, By John Benson, special to cleveland.com
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — For a city that has so many bars, it’s ironic — and, well, downright egregious — that Lakewood doesn’t have its own brewery.
That’s all about to change with the expected spring opening of Immigrant Son Brewery, which is currently planned for the former Constantino’s Market location at 18120 Sloane Ave.
The visionary behind the full-service brew pub is Lakewood resident Andrew Revy.
“We’re opening a 10-barrel system brewery that’s going to have 20 taps and a full-service kitchen,” said Revy, a 1990 Lakewood High School graduate. “We’re focusing both on the craft beer experience, as well as the culinary experience.”
In addition to offering its initial four Immigrant Son Brewery flagship beers — an IPA, a saison, an English pub-style ale and an American pilsner — the bar will have other lagers and pilsners on tap, along with seasonal beers.
“Our head brewer is Cara Baker, who is of award-winning fame,” Revy said. “Many people in Northeast Ohio are very familiar with her and her work. I’m very excited to give her the opportunity to make some great beers for Immigrant Son Brewery.”
On the food side, Revy said the 200-seat venue, which includes a 15-seat bar as well as high tables, will transform obligatory brew pub options into something special.
Sure, there’s going to be a burger board, but the kitchen will be serving its own proprietary meat blend. There will also be charcuterie boards with local cheeses and in-house made meats.
However, Revy said Immigrant Son Brewery is taking a literal approach to its name.
“There’s going to be an emphasis on world cuisine and world-fusion cuisine,” Revy said. “One of the things I’m looking forward to doing here — and I think the people will absolutely love — is we’re going to be making our own langos, which is a Hungarian food favorite.
“It’s fried dough that’s plain with a little bit of salt. (It) is fantastic and goes great with ice-cold beer. One of the classic fantastic ways of serving it is with sour cream and cheese on top.
“I have some fond memories of my days in Hungary of swimming and eating this fantastic langos and having an ice-cold pilsner, too,” Revy said.
