Cleveland's Midnight Owl Brews Up Kosher Craft Beer Revolution

First-of-its-kind glatt kosher brewpub blends tradition and innovation under the guidance of renowned pitmaster Mendel Segal.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:54am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of a craft beer glass and a plate of smoked BBQ wings, capturing the bold and playful spirit of Midnight Owl's kosher brewpub concept.Midnight Owl's innovative fusion of kosher cuisine and craft beer is transforming the traditional dining experience.Cleveland Today

Midnight Owl, a groundbreaking glatt kosher brewpub located in Cleveland, Ohio, is making waves in the kosher food and beverage scene. The unique establishment, recently revitalized by the culinary expertise of pitmaster Mendel Segal, is blending the rich traditions of kosher cuisine with the vibrant world of craft beer, creating a one-of-a-kind community hub.

Why it matters

Midnight Owl's innovative approach to kosher dining challenges traditional perceptions and introduces a novel twist to the kosher food scene. By offering a community-focused brewpub experience with meticulously prepared kosher dishes and craft beers, the establishment is reshaping the way people think about kosher cuisine and community building.

The details

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 Mendel Segal, an Orthodox rabbi and award-winning pitmaster, 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, renowned for his signature Kansas City-style BBQ, brings his culinary expertise to Midnight Owl under the brand Mendel's Kansas City BBQ, offering a mouthwatering selection of dishes like frickles (fried pickles), empanadas, hot dogs, and classic chicken wings, all made fresh in-house and perfectly paired with the brewpub's craft beers.

  • Midnight Owl was originally founded in 2025 by Joel Warger and Rosemary Mudry.
  • In July 2025, Mendel Segal partnered with Warger and Mudry to convert Midnight Owl to a fully glatt kosher brewpub.
  • On January 14, 2026, the popular YouTube channel 'Tripping Kosher' released a video showcasing Midnight Owl and its collaboration with Segal.

The players

Midnight Owl

A groundbreaking glatt kosher brewpub located in Cleveland, Ohio, that blends the rich traditions of kosher cuisine with the vibrant world of craft beer.

Mendel Segal

An Orthodox rabbi and award-winning pitmaster who partnered with Midnight Owl in 2025 to revitalize the establishment's kitchen and beer operations to kosher standards. Segal is renowned for his signature Kansas City-style BBQ and brings his culinary expertise to Midnight Owl under the brand Mendel's Kansas City BBQ.

Joel Warger and Rosemary Mudry

The husband-and-wife team who originally founded Midnight Owl in 2025 with the vision of creating a community-focused brewpub.

Chaim Silverberg

The host of the popular YouTube channel 'Tripping Kosher' who featured Midnight Owl in a video released on January 14, 2026.

Cleveland Kosher

The organization that provides rabbinic supervision and ensures Midnight Owl's adherence to the strict guidelines of kashrus.

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What they’re saying

“Today I visit my friend Mendel Segal in Cleveland, Ohio where he is running a fully glatt kosher brewpub. It's like a Jewish community center with comfort food and good beer. Something that will make Tucker Carlson very unhappy to see.”

— Chaim Silverberg, Host, 'Tripping Kosher'

“It's perfect beer food personified.”

— Chaim Silverberg, Host, 'Tripping Kosher'

What’s next

Midnight Owl plans to continue expanding its menu and beer offerings, while also hosting more community events and collaborations with local businesses and organizations to further cement its role as a hub for the Cleveland Jewish community.

The takeaway

Midnight Owl's innovative approach to kosher dining is reshaping the way people think about the intersection of tradition and innovation. By blending the rich heritage of kosher cuisine with the vibrant craft beer scene, the establishment is creating a unique community-focused experience that celebrates the evolution of kosher food and culture.