Getting Crafty in the Suburbs
By Hayleigh Gowans | Photography by Steven J. Pallone
Long-time friends and natives of Liverpool, Dan Chapman and Joe Ori have been lovers of craft beer for some time — and recently the pair opened a new bar in Manlius in the hopes of bringing their passion to others.
In addition to a wide and frequently changing selection of craft beer on tap, the new bar, named All Who Wander, offers bottles and canned alcoholic beverages, seasonal cocktails, pour-over coffee from Peaks Coffee Company in Cazenovia, nitro coffee on tap, kombucha, growler fills and a food menu offering “grilled cheese with a twist” and hot soup. By offering a variety of products, the co-owners said they hope the bar can become a destination for socializing.
“There’s a little bit of something for everyone,” Joe said.
Joe and Dan got interested in craft beer about 10 years ago and eventually got into home brewing. After some time making their own beer, the pair realized they would rather be on the serving side of the equation when it comes to distributing craft beer.
“It’s a great hobby,” Dan said. “We realized our passion was more in the experience and conversation behind beer and connecting with people; whereas if we had been brewers, it would have been a lot more time spending on recipes and the process … We want to educate people and have it to be approachable for everybody.”
Joe is the former bar manager of Ironwood in Manlius and said he has seen the interest in craft beer spread in the past few years.
“Before, a lot of people would drink for the end result,” Joe said. “Now it seems like there’s a trend for people to really spend the time and money on a high quality drink that tastes great. It’s fantastic. You get to share the experience with everyone you’re with.”
A focus of the business is to promote local and regional products, Joe said, and the result can be seen in a large number of the products served — including beer, wine, cocktails and even the ingredients in the food.
The bar opened in late 2016, and customers have been taking interest.
“It’s been overwhelmingly positive. I think the biggest thing we’re hearing is that people love having us here and don’t have to leave the community to find a good drink,” Dan said. “And with Ironwood and Seneca Street serving craft beer, I think it all compliments everything else. People have choices when they’re in Manlius.”
As for the name “All Who Wander,” Dan and Joe agree it’s about encouraging people to find happiness in life no matter where the path takes you. To add a unique element to the bar, local artist Nick West — pseudonym Enso Bizarro — has lent his talents by providing the wall art. SWM
All Who Wander is located in the shopping plaza at 315 Fayette St. in Manlius The restaurant is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; hours may eventually change to fit business and customer needs. For more information, visit wanderhere.com or facebook.com allwhowandermanlius.
