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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Long Island City, Queens
Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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