New York has become a mecca for beer lovers over the past few years with new breweries and beer-only bars popping up, what seems like, every other week.
While Manhattan is a bit too cramped for such an endeavor, the outer boroughs and Westchester County are full of craft beer breweries that you can swing by for a visit and a taste of their refreshing IPA’s, lagers, stouts, and ales. Check out our list of 12 of the best New York based breweries below:
Queens
1. Singlecut Beersmiths
Singlecut was Queens’ first microbrewery and was actually the first to open after Prohibition. Their draft list is extensive and they also have a selection of house canned beers. The 19-33 Pilsner (named after the address of the brewery) is a nice beer to start off with although they have stouts and lagers with a heavier percentage of alcohol for the true beer enthusiasts.
Address: 19-33 37th Street, Astoria
More info: their website.
2. Fifth Hammer Brewing
Fifth Hammer is the most recent of the breweries to pop up in Queens and boasts a diverse range of beer styles—from sour beers to barley wine. Their 15-barrel brewing system allows for a large selection of beers to be made at any time. Plus, they’re open 7 days a week! Sunday day drinking? Check!
Address: 10-28 46th Avenue, Long Island City
More info: their website.
3. LIC Beer Project
LIC Beer Project is so hip, they converted a warehouse space into a rustic and industrial style brewery and taproom. The specialty at LIC is Belgian-style and mixed-fermentation brews which you can sample on tap.
Address: 39-28 23rd Street, Long Island City
More info: their website.
4. Mikkeller Brewing NYC
Mikkeller Brewing opened their NYC location in March of 2018 at Citi Field in Flushing. The 10,000 square foot brewery, bar and restaurant has over 60 beers on tap. The production area includes a 20 barrel brewhouse and a canning line to provide fresh offerings to customers on a weekly basis.
Address: 123-01 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing
More info: their website.
Bronx
5. Bronx Brewery
Ever heard of “No Nonsense Ales”? Well, this is where they come from. The Bronx Brewery opened in 2011 and since then has been producing some of the nicest pale ales that you’ll find in New York. You can sample them yourself at their tap room which is open 7 days a week or at various bars in and around the city that have them on tap.
Address: 856 E. 136th Street, Port Morris
More info: their website.
6. Gun Hill Brewing Company
Gun Hill Brewing Company is the oldest brewery in the Bronx. Stouts are the sought after brew at this hot spot but they have a range of 16 and 12-ounce drafts on tap, from IPA’s to Ciders to Ales and Pilsners.
Address: 3227 Laconia Ave., Williamsbridge
More info: their website.
Brooklyn
7. Brooklyn Brewery
You’ve definitely tried a Brooklyn brew at some point. Their classic Brooklyn Lager is a staple across NYC and even the world, reaching even the hippest of bars in Europe. However, their taproom in Williamsburg hosts a bunch of lesser-known brews like the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace Saison or the orange-peel-infused Naranjito Pale Ale. You can even take a free tour on the weekends from 1 -6 pm.
Address: 79 N. 11th Street, Williamsburg
More info: their website.
8. Other Half Brewing
This microbrewery focuses on IPA. If you’re into that hoppy taste, this is the place for you as their taproom focuses heavily on “double dry hops.” Their list of drafts and growlers is long so it’s better to swing by and try it out for yourself.
Address: 195 Centre Street
More info: their website.
9. Coney Island Brewing Company
This brewery features 8 house-brewed beers on tap that rotate regularly so there’s always something new. Depending on the season, you might catch some of their limited release specialty style brews. Tours are free and happen every day at 2, 4, and 6 pm.
Address: 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island
More info: their website.
Staten Island
10. Flagship Brewing Company
A rotation of eight seasonal house beers are ready to sample in the taproom. Or for $5, you can take a brewery tour.
Address: 40 Minthorne Street, St. George
More info: their website.
Westchester
11. Yonkers Brewing Co.
Yonkers Brewing Co. is an experience. It’s located right off the Yonkers Metro-North station and is open 7 days a week. In addition to their ever more popular brews, the location also has a nice food menu and is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. On Wednesdays, they even have a pub quiz night. Each year they participate in “Yonktoberfest,” a take on Oktoberfest which is actually pretty fun.
Address: 92 Main Street Yonkers, NY
More info: their website.
12. Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
It might seem like there are a million different brews available at this brewery in Elmsford NY but that’s because their list is extensive! Captain Lawrence opened in 2005 and since then has gained quite a loyal following. Their beer hall has a huge selection of drafts and growlers (the Captain Lawrence American Funk is especially tasty). You can also join in on trivia night on Wednesdays or for 7 bucks on Saturdays and Sundays, you can take a public tour of the facility which starts off with a tasting.
Address: 444 Saw Mill River Road Elmsford, NY
More info: their website.
Featured image: george ruiz via Flickr