It can be a little tough to pin down Michael Murphy on the “deli” part of his business.
The “craft beer” part, however, is as straightforward as they come.
Mr. Murphy, the owner of Carson Street Deli and Craft Beer Bar, will quibble about whether the food he serves qualifies as delicatessen fare, and that’s understandable. Just look at the unconventional Carson Street Reuben; in spite of the familiar name, this deli’s version comes with tart slaw instead of sauerkraut and it’s not grilled, to better emphasize the Breadworks marbled rye.
But Mr. Murphy isn’t bashful about discussion the relationships he’s built with the region’s brewers; they’re a big reason why its not unusual to find beers at the deli that aren’t available anywhere else. And many of those custom-brewed beers find their way to the deli on Wednesday nights, when Mr. Murphy has held regular tasting sessions, pretty much since he took ownership of the deli five years ago.
Each Wednesday night might focus on a specific brewery — the week I visited it was Brooklyn Brewery — or on several examples of a common style. Whichever the case, Murphy — and his enthusiastic curiosity about all things craft beer — will be just as excited to get a taste as any of his regulars.
And if you get an unconventional deli sandwich to go alongside, all the better.
