City Life

The 10 Best Breweries In NYC You Need To Visit

Craft beer is having its moment. For the first time, the number of breweries in the US passed 6,000 this past year. As expected of a city with a world of culinary offerings, New York City is home to more than 40 breweries. Whether you’re a beer snob, want to have a beercation, or simply need some chill plans, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best breweries in NYC.

1. Queens Brewery

Ridgewood, Queens

Queens Brewery is the newest addition to New York City’s growing community of breweries. The beers that were once only found in NYC area bars and delis can now be imbibed at this 2018 arrival. Brewmaster Paul McErlean has more than 20 years of judging at the Great American Beer Festival under his belt, so we’d say he knows more than a thing or two about beer. If you’d like a change of pace to something non-boozy, hot and cold coffee options by Queens Coffee are also available.

2. SingleCut Beersmiths

Astoria, Queens

This off-the-path brewery in Astoria is worth the trek. Stop by 5 p.m. on a Sunday for the complimentary scheduled tour. Then, choose from over a dozen beers on tap and pair it with a delicious food option like a sausage hoagie or a soft pretzel. Named after a guitar body, it’s no surprise to find the bartenders spinning vinyl, and live music in the Tap Room. If that’s not enough fun for you, challenge your friends or meet new ones and play some of the various board games and puzzles that are available.

3. Brooklyn Brewery

Wiliamsburg, Brooklyn

The oldest existing brewery of the best breweries in NYC, Brooklyn Brewery has stood the testament of time. It’s the most famous and widely distributed of all the other breweries in the area. With mostly vegan-friendly beers and the option to have food delivered by local restaurants, it definitely appeals to the masses. Tours are available daily, make sure to reserve a time in advance since they sell out quick!


4. Rockaway Brewing Company

Long Island City, Queens

As the first brewery to open in Queens since the Prohibition Era, Rockaway Brewing Company set the tone for other Long Island City breweries after. No long communal tables here. It’s a much more intimate space than other NYC breweries, and smaller is better here where every batch of beer is handcrafted. Sip on a craft beer, buy a growler, and don’t forget to say hi to Brownie, the brewery cat.

5. Coney Island Brewing Company

Coney Island, Brooklyn

Located in the heart of Coney Island, it embodies the heart of the beach, amusement park, and boardwalk. With whimsical beer names like Mermaid Pilsner, a spiced belgian ale called The Plunge, and a Merman IPA, can we expect anything less? Step right on up for a daily brewery tour, available three times a day. The brewery is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pawsome friend… only drinking by humans allowed!

6. Transmitter Brewing

Long Island City, Queens

If you’re a fan of speakeasies and farmhouse beer and sours, this is one of the best breweries in NYC for you. Cross train tracks to find this small inconspicuous brewery nestled under the Pulaski Bridge. If the location isn’t unconventional enough, there’s the experience. There aren’t any beers on tap but tastings are free, and customers can choose to purchase bottles or cans to drink there or take home.

7. Circa Brewing Company

Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn

See Also

What’s better than beer? Beer and pizza. Pies and pints are on the menu for a boozy meal at this downtown Brooklyn wood-fired pizza restaurant and brewery. Don’t let the late-80s inspired decor intimidate you. The retro beer menu board is there to help with little colored squares that show the intensity of all the beers to help you discover new flavors and similar beers that may fit your taste.

8. Gun Hill Brewing Company

Laconia, Bronx

A brewery that teams up with the cast of Hamilton to create a rye saison with all proceeds to go to charity is alright in our book. If that’s not enough cred, Gun Hill Brewing Company is the longest surviving brewery in the Bronx. Upscale pub fare is on the menu at this dark-wood taproom but we have our eyes on all the beers with locally sourced ingredients, like Gun Hill Fog of War, a tropical smoothie IPA.

9. Strong Rope Brewery

Gowanus, Brooklyn

This Gowanus brewery isn’t your typical brewery experience. This family run business looks to support other New York producers, and it shows. Licensed as a Farm Brewery, beers are made to highlight the freshest local farm ingredients, incorporating seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Its earthy and cozy interior revolves around a custom-made single-slab bar created by a local Brooklyn fabrication company. This is one of the best breweries in NYC because of its fun events like trivia, paint night, and yoga and beer. This is a strong communal space to meet beer-minded people and make new friends.

10. Finback Brewery

Glendale, Queens

A brewery in Glendale? Finback Brewery resides on the outskirts of Queens and it prides itself on being unpredictable. Its owners come from an architecture and design background, and its imaginative variety shows with its unique visual packaging to its rotating brews. The brewery is a creative playground for the two homebrewers turned brewery owners. Its family-and-dog friendly large space means endless possibilities: order food from a local restaurant, play boardgames, have a beer flight, or more.

Let us know what you think about best breweries in NYC in the comments below!
Featured image source: weheartit.com
Share
Olivia Chan

Recent Posts

What Exactly Happens At Freshman Orientation At The University Of Louisville

Freshman orientation at the University of Louisville is a unique experience. It’s scary, exciting, and exhausting all at the same…

44 mins ago

What To Do Around The University Of Texas At Austin When You’re Broke AF

Are you wondering what to do when you're broke AF at The University of Texas at Austin? When living in…

4 hours ago

10 Reasons You’re Already Over Winter Break

When finals are over, everyone looks forward to the break that comes after the monstrosities. Winter break is one of…

9 hours ago

What To Do Around Florida State University When You’re Broke AF

Ah, college, what a time to be alive. A time to find out who you are, meet your best friends,…

13 hours ago

10 Reasons Why You Haven’t Dropped Out Of Berkeley Yet

Of course, the more common article college students read is the top 10 reasons someone should attend Berkeley, not drop…

18 hours ago

10 People You Will Always Run Into At Loyola University Chicago

Loyola has a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. But some people just fit into certain college stereotypes.…

23 hours ago