10 New York City Breweries You Have To Visit
To say that craft beer has taken the country by storm would be an understatement, and New York City is no exception. With the explosion of craft beer bars, bottle shops and breweries in every borough, there’s no shortage of excellent craft to be found, but the experience of visiting a brewery and trying beer straight from the source is one any beer lover can’t miss. While there’s over thirty breweries spread out all over the five boroughs with even more slated to open in 2018, these ten, listed in alphabetical order because ranking would be nearly impossible, should not be missed. Here are the best New York City Breweries you have to visit!
1. Bridge and Tunnel Brewery
A micro-brewery located out in Ridgewood, Queens, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is a must for any craft beer enthusiast. With a steady rotation of beers ranging from a Kombucha pale ale to a Chipotle porter, brewer and sole proprietor Rich Castagna is consistently churning out a wide range of quality beer in a self-made space with an amazing local community. Come for the beer but stay for their annual Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots competition!
2. Bronx Brewery
Located in an industrial neighborhood in the South Bronx just blocks off the 6 train, Bronx Brewery has a great roster of classic beer styles with a great sense of local identity and a combination of events ranging from beer yoga to movie nights to get the community coming out. If cold beer and live music is your idea of a good time, be sure to check out their Summer Done Right concert series in their seasonal backyard.
3. Coney Island Brewery
There’s plenty of reasons to visit Coney Island during the summer, but next time you’re there be sure to take a detour off of the boardwalk to check out Coney Island Brewing. With events in their beer garden, complimentary beer for participants of the Coney Island Sports Foundation’s semi-annual 5ks, and beer brewed exclusively for the brewery’s varying events, make sure you check them out the next time you head to the beach.
4. Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
One of the newest additions to Long Island City’s bustling brewery scene, Fifth Hammer has quickly established itself not only as a great brewery for simple yet quality craft, but also as a great group destination. With a large, industrial space that’s always packed full of patrons having a great time (and plenty of dogs!), the atmosphere at Fifth Hammer any time of day makes it a brewery worth checking out.
5. Flagship Brewing Company
One of only a few breweries on Staten Island, Flagship’s location just minutes from the ferry makes it easy to convince even your most reluctant friends that Staten Island is worth checking out. In particular, their yearly Oyster Festival, which they brew a special Oyster Stout for, shouldn’t be missed!
6. Folksbier Brauerie
A newcomer to Brooklyn’s craft beer scene, Folksbier’s already earned a reputation for producing high-quality, German-inspired beers. Combined with their warm, rustic taproom and quaint location and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported out of the city.
7. Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC)
In the ever-evolving neighborhood of Bushwick, KCBC has already established a name for themselves as a neighborhood destination in the short time they’ve been open. With a large, sleek space and a constantly-changing roster of unique and diverse taps, KCBC gives you a reason to visit Bushwick other than pizza.
8. Mikkeller Brewing NYC
The newest kid on the New York brewery block, Mikkeller had already established themselves in the craft beer industry with their brewery locations in Europe and San Diego. However, their new space at Citifield with its distinct baseball team makes it worth checking out for both your old Mikkeller standbys and the new beers they’re producing exclusively in their New York brewery. Whether you swing by before or after a game, add Mikkeller to your list to check out when you’re out at Citifield!
9. Other Half Brewing
With a huge following already lining up for their Saturday can releases, Other Half’s business has only blown up with the addition of a larger taproom. While their tap list remains heavily skewed to their beloved IPAs, there’s enough of a variety for even the dark beer lover in your group to enjoy. Be sure to grab some friends and plant yourselves at one of the taproom’s communal tables the next time you’re looking for a place to catch the game.
10. Transmitter Brewing
With a new space set to open in Brooklyn Navy Yard this year, make sure to swing by Transmitter’s Long Island City digs before it’s too late! With a wide range of carefully crafted farmhouse ales, the experience of grabbing some friends, buying some bottles and sharing them at the picnic tables in their current space under the Pulaski Bridge is an experience any craft beer lover should have.
