Imagine a place where the rich traditions of kosher cuisine meet the vibrant world of craft beer. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, that's exactly what you'll find at Midnight Owl, a groundbreaking glatt kosher brewpub located in Cleveland, Ohio, recently revitalized by the culinary expertise of pitmaster Mendel Segal. This unique establishment is making waves, and here's why you should know about it.
On January 14, 2026, the popular YouTube channel 'Tripping Kosher' released a video showcasing Midnight Owl. The episode features host Chaim Silverberg exploring this innovative brewpub and sitting down with Mendel Segal, also known as 'RaBBi-Q,' the mastermind behind its transformation.
Silverberg was immediately drawn to Midnight Owl's unique blend of community spirit, delicious comfort food, and, of course, craft beer—all meticulously adhering to the strict guidelines of kashrus under Cleveland Kosher.
"Today I visit my friend Mendel Segal in Cleveland, Ohio where he is running a fully glatt kosher brewpub," Silverberg says in the episode. "It’s like a Jewish community center with comfort food and good beer. Something that will make Tucker Carlson very unhappy to see."
Midnight Owl was originally the brainchild of Joel Warger and Rosemary Mudry, a husband-and-wife team who envisioned a community hub. In July 2025, they partnered with Segal to completely convert the brewery's kitchen and beer operations to kosher standards, making it one of the few establishments of its kind in the United States.
Segal, an Orthodox rabbi and award-winning pitmaster, is renowned for his ambitious culinary ventures. Nationally recognized for his signature Kansas City-style BBQ, he brings his expertise to Midnight Owl under the brand Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ.
But here's where it gets controversial... This collaboration introduces a novel twist to the kosher food scene: a local brewpub where patrons can enjoy smoked wings, craft beers, and classic bar food, all prepared under rabbinic supervision.
During the episode, Silverberg samples a mouthwatering selection of dishes, including frickles (fried pickles), empanadas, hot dogs, and classic chicken wings, all made fresh in-house and perfectly paired with Midnight Owl's craft brews.
"It’s perfect beer food personified," he exclaims, offering high praise for both the kitchen and the overall concept.
And this is the part most people miss... Midnight Owl isn't just a restaurant; it's a testament to the evolving landscape of kosher cuisine and community building.
What do you think about this fusion of tradition and innovation? Do you believe this concept could reshape the kosher dining experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
