USA, NY: Eli Fish Brewing Company finally launches in Batavia

Cold, craft beer is finally on tap in Batavia.

The multi-million dollar Main Street renovation for Eli Fish Brewing Company is finished. It’s Genesee County’s first brewery in almost a century, the Spectrum News reported on March 6.

"We are happy with the crowd on the first day," said co-owner and head brewer Jonathon Mager. "We didn't advertise being open today and we have had a good turnout."

Mager is a Batavia native and he says as the seasons change, so will the beer.

"Everything we serve is NYS; brewed, sourced, made," Mager said.

There's 10,000 square feet of dining space, a bar, bocce court and a 7-barrel brewhouse.

"Very impressed, I love it, it's really good. This is different and I like it," said Zach Leffel, a Tennesee resident.

Two of the three kitchens are test kitchens for restaurateurs looking to get into the food industry.

"It is very hispter," said Batavia resident Jessi Alexyn. "I think people enjoy a little bit of a different atmosphere than the regular bars that we have here in Batavia."

"We are hoping that a project of this magnitude really starts opening all the other doors around us and we start bringing back some people to downtown Batavia," Mager said.

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