Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Brewery Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Brewery Lovers
1. Brooklyn Brewery
Williamsburg’s pioneer craft brewery pours fresh lagers, hop-forward ales, and limited taproom-only releases in a spacious, convivial hall steps from the waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
This is where many visitors start their NYC beer journey—heritage, consistency, and seasonal small-batch experiments under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for shorter lines; early evenings Friday before the night rush. Winter is cozy; summer sees lively pre- and post-dinner crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a flight to sample specials, then grab a nearby slice and bring it in—outside food is commonly welcomed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the easygoing vibe, knowledgeable bartenders, and reliable classics alongside fun one-offs.
2. Other Half Brewing
The OG Carroll Gardens/Gowanus taproom that helped define NYC’s hazy IPA scene, with rotating draft lists and fresh can releases.
✓ Why Go:
If aromatic, juice-bomb IPAs are your thing, this is a pilgrimage spot—plus you’ll find lagers and stouts that show surprising finesse.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for elbow room; weekend mornings if you’re targeting fresh drops before they sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check their socials the night before for can release details; bring a small cooler if you plan to haul back multiple four-packs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about world-class IPAs and say the staff steers you to the freshest pours without hype.
3. Threes Brewing
A Gowanus favorite blending a leafy backyard, communal tables, and a menu spanning crisp pilsners, hop-forward ales, and seasonal specialties.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the rare brewery equally celebrated for delicate lagers and expressive ales—ideal for mixed palates and longer hangs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunny weekend afternoons for garden vibes; weekday evenings for a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the house pilsner via slow pour for extra foam and silkier texture, then settle into the backyard.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the balanced beer list and laid-back garden setting, calling it a perfect ‘intro to Brooklyn beer.’
4. Grimm Artisanal Ales
A design-forward East Williamsburg taproom showcasing mixed-fermentation sours, refined lagers, and sought-after IPAs with a rotating, adventurous board.
✓ Why Go:
Grimm is a creative engine—barrel projects and fruit-forward sours sit beside clean, elegant lagers for a true spectrum tasting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings midweek for a calm sip-and-savor experience; Sundays for a slower neighborhood crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about cellar bottles and limited mixed-fermentation releases that don’t always hit distribution.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a must for sour lovers and applaud the polished space and thoughtful service.
5. Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
A Greenpoint brewpub with a rooftop deck and eclectic lineup—from lager and kölsch to modern IPAs—paired with a casual, neighborhood vibe.
✓ Why Go:
The rooftop alone is worth the trek, and the beer program rewards repeat visits with seasonal surprises.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour on fair-weather days for rooftop views; winter evenings for a cozy indoor session.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight upstairs if the weather cooperates; order a crisp lager first while you scan the board.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight friendly staff, easy-drinking lagers, and a relaxed, local feel.
6. Kings County Brewers Collective
Bushwick’s colorful taproom pours inventive IPAs, fruited sours, and seasonal collabs amid murals and warehouse-chic energy.
✓ Why Go:
It channels Bushwick’s creative streak—expect bold flavors, artful cans, and a lively scene near street art corridors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday for buzz and food truck options; weekday afternoons for a chiller tasting.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your visit with a street-art walk around Troutman St and the Jefferson St L stop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the playful beer lineup and say the space makes it easy to linger with friends.
7. Finback Brewery
Queens institution known for expressive stouts, IPAs, and creative seasonals, with a roomy taproom ideal for longer flights.
✓ Why Go:
Finback excels at both dessert-rich stouts and hop-driven beers, making it a destination for adventurous palates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for atmosphere; weekday evenings if you want to chat with bartenders about the lineup.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for staff picks across styles to build a ‘contrast’ flight—one stout, one lager, one IPA, one wild card.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers praise the diversity of styles and consistently mention friendly, patient guidance at the bar.
8. Evil Twin Brewing NYC
Ridgewood’s greenhouse-like taproom pours boundary-pushing sours, pastry stouts, and playful lagers in a leafy, light-filled space.
✓ Why Go:
Expect unexpected flavor combinations and limited releases that rarely leave the city—ideal for collectors and curious drinkers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons on weekdays for photo-friendly natural light; mornings on weekends if they open early for smaller crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep an eye out for taproom-only bottles and slushy-style sours that rotate with the seasons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it an ‘only-in-NYC’ experience: creative beers, cheerful staff, and a distinctive setting.
9. Torch & Crown Brewing Company
Manhattan’s production brewery and restaurant pairs fresh beer with a full kitchen and leafy outdoor seating in Hudson Square/SoHo.
✓ Why Go:
It’s rare to drink beer brewed steps from your table in the heart of Manhattan—come for lagers, pale ales, and seasonal specials.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Reserve dinner on weeknights or brunch on weekends; late lunches are calmer if you prefer a quieter pint.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead for peak times; the kitchen-paired beer flights are popular and sell out on busy nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors applaud the city-center convenience, polished service, and food that actually complements the beer.
10. Big aLICe Brewing
Long Island City stalwart crafting saisons, sours, and hop-forward ales near the East River with a relaxed neighborhood taproom.
✓ Why Go:
This Queens original emphasizes terroir-driven and experimental beers, often collaborating with local producers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-dinner early evenings for a mellow pint; combine with a sunset stroll on the LIC waterfront in warmer months.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about farm-sourced or barrel-aged specials—staff love to walk you through the stories behind each brew.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight welcoming bartenders, interesting flights, and an easy detour from popular LIC sights.
