BierWax

BierWax: Where Craft Beer Meets Vinyl Nostalgia in Prospect Heights
Tucked into Brooklyn’s vibrant Prospect Heights neighborhood, BierWax (556 Vanderbilt Ave) is a love letter to two passions: meticulously curated craft beer and the warm crackle of vinyl records. Founded in 2017 by Chris Maestro, a Level 1 Cicerone and lifelong crate digger, this bar blends a laid-back neighborhood vibe with the energy of a live DJ set[3][4].

A Sanctuary for Beer and Music Lovers
BierWax’s walls are lined with over 5,000 vinyl records spanning hip-hop, funk, soul, and jazz—a collection reflecting Maestro’s decades as a DJ[2][3]. Patrons can sip on 16 rotating taps of local craft brews, like the crowd-pleasing Franminghammer (a balanced sweet-bitter ale), while listening to records spun by resident DJs[2][5]. The beer list prioritizes independent breweries from Long Island to Upstate New York, with pours priced accessibly between $9–$11[2].

Rooted in Community
Maestro, a Queens native of Guyanese and Dominican heritage, designed BierWax as a space where diverse crowds feel at home. Formerly a teacher, he aimed to demystify craft beer for communities often excluded from the scene[3]. Staff members—celebrated for their warmth and expertise—embody this ethos, fostering a vibe regulars describe as an “extension of [the Maestros’] home”[4].

More Than a Bar
By day, it’s a cozy spot to enjoy smoked fish dip or a lobster tail corn dog[2][5]. By night, the energy shifts as DJs blend Golden Age hip-hop with global beats under string lights and Star Wars memorabilia[2][3]. Events like vinyl swap meets and brewery collabs deepen its role as a cultural hub[4].

Visit
Open daily, BierWax proves that great beer and timeless music transcend trends. As one reviewer notes: “Too often, beer bars look and sound alike… BierWax welcomes a broader audience with human touch”[4].