Best Breweries in NYC: Top 22 Places To Try When Visiting New York

If you are wondering about the best breweries in NYC, we have got you covered in this expansive guide. North America’s first brewery was built in 1632 on the current Manhattan Stone Street, and many more have popped up since.

With warm temperatures soaring every day, check the ultimate list of the best and most famous breweries in New York City here.

NYC Brewery	Number of Active Beers	ABV (Lowest to Highest)
Gun Hill brewing	14	4.5 – 11.5 percent
Threes Brewing	42	3.9 – 8 percent
Bronx Brewery	13	4.9 – 9 percent
Brooklyn Brewery	35	0.5 – 12.4 percent
Big Alice Brewing	15	4.5 – 9 percent
Kills Boro Brewing	6	4.3 – 9.5 percent
Alewife Brewing	54	4 – 10 percent
Kings County Brewers	14	4 – 14.5 percent
Transmitter Brewing	70	4 – 11 percent
Crown Brewing Company	16	2.5 – 7.8 percent
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company	22	4 – 12 percent
Strong Rope Brewery	16	4.1 – 9.4 percent
Rockaway Brewing Company	14	4 – 11 percent
Evil Twin Brewing	20	4.5 – 12 percent
Coney Island Brewing	13	4 – 8 percent
Flagship Brewing Company	16	4.5 – 9.5 percent
Torch & Crown Brewing Company	13	4.7 – 9.1 percent
Other Half Brewing Company	20	4.5 – 10.5 percent
Talea Beer Co.	16	4.6 – 8 percent
Grimm Artisanal Ales	21	3.5 – 13 percent
Keg and Lantern Brewing Company	10	4.6 – 7.5 percent
Genesee Brewhouse	16	4 – 8.2 percent

Best NYC Breweries to Visit for the Best Craft Beer Experience

Check out this list of the best breweries New York City has to offer!

– Gun Hill Brewing Company, Bronx

This brewery is located in the Bronx area of New York, in a site full of rich history, tragic loss and revolution. That’s where the name took birth. The co-founders have put Bronx on the beer revolution map.

They offer a wide variety of beers, some of them are classics, some others experimental. Rest assured, if you get hooked on their experimental beers, there is no way to find them elsewhere. That’s the magic this place has on its customers.

Their Must-try Beers

Spirit 76 is their most famous, award-winning beer. Their IPA is also a hit amongst classic IPA lovers.

However, if you are a fan of dark, strong and bitter beers, you must try their Ft. Ticonderoga 2021. It is a robust Barley Wine beer aged in rum barrels and has an ABV of 11.5 percent. How Lucky, a New England-style Hazy IPA at 6.5 percent, is worth a shot for the hoppy lovers out there.

– Threes Brewing, Brooklyn

This is one of the best breweries in Brooklyn. Everything about this place, right from the ambiance to the beer menu to the food menu, simply stands out. The interiors are welcoming and the space can also be booked for private parties.

Unlike other breweries, this one gives a tropical feel. The flooring is laid out with sand, giving it a very beachy vibe.

Their Must-try Beers

Logical Conclusion is their award-winning Hazy IPA at 7 percent ABV. Another beer to kick your senses off is the Edge of Consciousness, their hoppy Ale at 8 percent ABV. It is filled with mango lassi flavors with a kick of freshly squeezed lime.

– The Bronx Brewery, Gowanus

This is one brewery that aims and promotes healthy community living. Its brand and mission run around the pillars of creativity, community and inclusivity. They host numerous seasonal events, flea markets, local live musicians and beer parties.

Most of their beer is available across the city, but their taproom is worth a visit. They also host artists and print the best ones on their beer cans and merchandise.

Their Must-try Beers

Their classic American Pale Ale at 6.3 percent is one of their best sellers and is available all year round. Another hot seller and the latest entry on their tap list is the Cream Milkshake IPA. At 8 percent ABV, the beer is a flood of orange, a burst of lactose and a pinch of vanilla extract. For anyone who enjoys lactose beers, ones that have a heavy mouthfeel, this beer is worth a shot.

– Brooklyn Brewery

One of the most colorful packaging, this brewery is a powerhouse of American Brewing. Their beers travel to more than 30 countries. They brew beers that are vibrant in nature, just like their packaging. They are also very big on community living and often participate and highlight LGBTQ+ artists and activists.

Their Must-try Beers

Their legendary Black Chocolate Stout at 10 percent ABV is an absolute must-try for those chilled winter nights. Some other beers to try from their endless variety are the Pulp Art Hazy Double IPA at 8 percent ABV, Bel Air Sour, a super tangy, playful and hoppy sour beer at 5.8 percent ABV, and their Black Ops bourbon barrel-aged beer at a whopping 12.4 percent ABV.

– Big Alice Brewing

This brewery is spread in three locations: Queens Brewery, Brooklyn Barrel room and Finger Lakes brewery. It is a licensed farm brewery that supports local and state agriculture and sources products as locally as possible. Their Brooklyn barrel room is focused on the barrel aging process of beers. Their Finger Lakes location is giant, pet friendly and hosts an array of events occasionally.

Their Must-try Beers

Their Honey Wit is a Wheat beer at 4.8 percent ABV. It is a clean finish beer, extremely light on the palate with the balanced sweetness of honey and malt character. Another must-try is the Brunch Crusher, a Sour fruited beer at 4.5 percent ABV. It is a wave of pineapple and tangerine flavors that makes it a perfect summer drink.

– Kills Boro Brewing

Located in New York’s southernmost borough, this brewery came into being in 2017. The brewery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They brew some of the best experimental sours and Fruity IPAs. They have a small outdoor seating and offer takeout as well.

Their Must-try Beers

One of their strongest beer is the Full Measure, Triple dry-hopped Triple IPA at 9.5 percent. Most of their beers run out easily, so it is best to check with what is pouring on tap for the season.

– Alewife Brewing, Queens

This brewery moved from Long Island to Sunnyside in 2020. They have over 30 draft beers to offer, some seasonally available. It is best to keep a watch on the website.

On weekends they have food trucks parked outside for anyone to enjoy some good street food. Along with tasty beers, they also serve pastrami sandwiches, lobsters and delicious tacos.

Their Must-try Beers

Baba Yaga DIPA is their first lactose-induced beer with a heavy hand of oats and wheat. Another must-try is their Tripping on the Forest Floor, a Brown Ale flooded with dark crystal, chocolate and biscuit malts.

– Kings County Brewers Collective, Brooklyn

They are a 15 BBL production brewery with a 5000 sq. ft warehouse in Brooklyn that houses their taproom. It is widely popular as the beer capital of the Northeast. This is also the first brick-and-mortar brewery to operate in town. Their taproom is open all week long and offers pet-friendly areas and good finger food.

Their Must-try Beers

The super robust KCBC Dance of the Sugar Bomb Fairies is one of the strongest Imperial Stouts you would have had. At a whopping 14.5 percent ABV, this beer is a pool of lactose, aged in whiskey barrels and conditioned with roasted almonds, cacao nibs, honey and Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans.

Another must-try is the Hour of Death, aged in American oak barrels. It is a beautiful balanced beer, light and crisp on the tongue.

– Transmitter Brewing, Brooklyn

This is a classic garage-style beer bars with rough interiors in the taproom. They are famous for their farmhouse-style beers. Their focus is to brew traditional and farmhouse ales, and they constantly develop yeast-driven experimental beers as well. They also host small office or casual parties once in a while.

Their Must-try Beers

The Fruited Saison, Farmhouse With Corn, Dry Hopped Golden Ale and their Belgian Tripel Ale are some of their best, must-try beers.

– Crown Brewing Company

The brewery was established in 2008. Both partners wanted to brew good and tasty craft beer. The brewery is a part of multiple community events and also hosts an annual Oktoberfest event. Brewmaster Steve is known for making full-flavored Lagers that are inspired by German brewing.

Their Must-try Beers

Their MayZie Cream Ale at 3.6 percent ABV is a smooth, clear and crisp beer. The Harmonic Waves IPA is one of their most famous India Pale Ales. At 7.8 percent ABV, this beer is pretty strong.

– Fifth Hammer Brewing Company, Long Island

This brewery opened in 2017 on Long Island. They brew a wide range of beers, both traditional and experimental. Their taproom is open from 2 pm to 10 pm on most days and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Their taproom has a high ceiling and comfortable high chairs perfect for a get-together or a noon outing. They brew some of the best craft beers in town.

Their Must-try Beers

Deuz is their most famous mixed culture Ale at 5.5 percent. It is conditioned with wildflower honey and aged for up to three years in oak. It has excellent fruity notes and esters.

Another brilliant beer from their tap list is the Marybock. It is a Maibock-style Lager at 7 percent ABV. It is rich, robust, malty, toasty and heavy-bodied with an aftertaste of creamy desserts.

– Strong Rope Brewery, Brooklyn

This is yet another New York State farm brewery producing both classics and seasonal specials on their tap. They source and utilize ingredients from local farmers and promote community living, often hosting small events and local artists.

This brewery also serves wine, cider and other spirits; no wonder they are an award-winning place and a certified judge with the BJCP. Strong Rope Brewery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Their Must-try Beers

The Wolf Sweater is an IPA at 7.2 percent ABV filled with juicy notes of pineapple and passionfruit. Unlike other IPAs, this one is slightly lower in bitterness.

Another recent addition to thor list is the Fairytale. This is a Belgian Dark Ale at 9 percent ABV hopped with cherries. It has a dry finish and is fruity and peppery.

– Rockaway Brewing Company, Queens

This brewery is known particularly for its Pastry Stout. They believe in community living and encourage various events throughout the month. Mondays are reserved for game nights, while Tuesdays are Bingo nights. Occasionally, they also host local bands and musicians, making them one of the best beer bar in town.

Their Must-try Beers

Who Let the Daffodils Out is their famous IPA at 4.8 percent ABV. It is their new tropical fruit juice crusher filled with citrusy, lime notes and a light, crisp mouthfeel.

Their Bungalow Nights is the richest, most robust Pastry Stout. At 11 percent ABV, this beer is rich with cocoa, coffee, burnt sugar and extra addition of Ugandan vanilla beans.

– Evil Twin Brewing, Queens

Most known for its heavy smoothie beers and rich Stouts, this brewery in Queens brews all its beers on site. Their taproom is a well-lit, well-seated upbeat atmosphere, perfect to relax on a mid-Sunday afternoon. They are open seven days a week and host an array of events every once in a while. Watch their social media space for event updates.

Their barrel-aged Stouts are famous across the country alongside some delicious Pastry Seltzers and smoothie-style Sours. This is one of the most loved beer company in town.

Their Must-try Beers

For Stour lovers, this place is a dream come true. You must try the Cookies n Cream Horchata n Chocolate at 12 percent ABV. Other must-try beers are the Evil Fusion Summer Edition, a fruited Sour and 7 percent ABV, and the Life and Fate, their hazy IPA at 8 percent ABV.

– Coney Island Brewing, Brooklyn

This brewery was founded in 2007 and was known as the smallest brewery in the world at the time. In 2012, due to Hurricane Sandy, the brewery was pulled to dust and a new brewery was built in 2015. With an iconic Broadwalk neighborhood by the edge of the Atlantic ocean, the area attracts tourists from across the world. The taproom is a lovely breezy spot, boasting of an open-air location with an upbeat ambiance.

Their Must-try Beers

The Big Thrill is a juicy Hazy Double IPA at 8 percent ABV. Their Watermelon Wheat is an experimental Witbier at 4.8 percent ABV. It is a refreshing yeast-forward beer.

– Flagship Brewing Company

For a city that stands in the shadow of its neighboring tall buildings and skyscrapers, Staten Island is known for its unique hip culture. The brewery came to life in 2014 with the co-founders who grew up as neighbors and decided one day to start an epic brewery to brew great beers. The brewery represents the creativity of Staten Island.

Their Must-try Beers

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices, their Lemon Ice Hard Seltzer, is a refreshing summer beer at 4.5 percent ABV. Their Guava Gose at 5 percent ABV is yet another refreshing summer Sour fruiter, which is a Gose.

– Torch & Crown Brewing Company, Manhatten

This brewery opened just before the pandemic and remains one of the largest brewing operations in the east village, lower Manhatten. Their tasting room is a large outdoor area with ample seating that also has a covering for those monsoon days.

They have a large selection of beers, cocktails and wines to select from. Their food menu consists of delicious finger food like sandwiches, fries, burgers and more.

Their Must-try Beers

King Elizabeth is their strongest Barleywine at 11.4 percent ABV. It is made of delicious toffee notes and a pinch of fruity American hops.

Their Rainbows Everywhere is a Hazy NEIPA at 6.9 percent, particularly brewed to honor Pride month. Their Magnetic Energy is a classic IPA at 6 percent ABV and a lovely grapefruit finish.

– Other Half Brewing Company, Brooklyn

This brewery was started in 2014 by three friends who wanted to build a brewery with the idea to drink quality beer from a place they felt at home in. Other Half aims at collaborating with breweries across New York to come up with both classic and exciting beers on tap.

Their Must-try Beers

The Daydreamiest is their strongest Double New England Hazy IPA at 10.5 percent ABV. Their OH2 Ginger Lime Mule is a refreshing summer beer at 5 percent ABV. Their Green Flower West Coast IPA is yet another famous beer at 6.8 percent ABV.

– Talea Brewing Company, Brooklyn

This is probably the only woman-owned and run brewery in Brooklyn, running with the aim of providing quality draft beer. They also offer coffee and snacks for non-alcoholic folks.

Their taproom is spread across both an indoor and outdoor seating area, and is open all through the week. They are most known for their bitter IPAs and strong, high ABV ales.

Their Must-try Beers

Fireside is a smoked Vienna Lager at 6 percent ABV. This Talea beer has brilliant notes of Caramel and Biscuit. Their Double Date is an 8 percent ABV Hazy DIPA filled with exciting flavors of cotton candy, papaya and mango parfait. Overall, a super refreshing beer with a high ABV.

– Grimm Artisanal Ales, Brooklyn

The brewery was founded in 2013 with the idea to brew concise, elegant Ales that showed the creativity and experimental levels of the brewers. Founders Joe and Lauren used to perform music in Belgium where they were awestruck by the complexity of Belgian Ales. Their aim hence on was to make this delicious beer in the States. Their taproom is built with ultra-chic interiors and is well lit, giving a stunning urban vibe sense.

Their Must-try Beers

For strong beer lovers, the Double Negative is their strongest Imperial Stout at 10 percent ABV. The Recreational Vehicle is their light American Pala Ale at 5.9 percent ABV.

– Keg and Lantern Brewing Company, Brooklyn

This brewery is known for its specialized Hazy IPAs and Sour Ales. They have a basement brewery and a large outdoor seating place. They also have several rotating and seasonal special beers, so it is best to keep an eye on their website or social media profiles.

They also organize private events on prior bookings. Alongside delicious beer, their menu offers a wide of mouth-watering finger food. They also offer daily specials based on the day of the week: Mondays are for Wings and Draft at $15 and Sundays are for Nachos and Pitchers at $29.

Their Must-try Beers

The Hoek’d on Galaxy is their NEIPA at 7.5 percent ABV is one of their best sellers. Their other must-try beer is the Golden Ale at 5 percent ABV.

– Genesee Brewhouse

Upstate NY is a fancy place to explore. Genesee is one of the most famous and probably one of the oldest breweries in this area. It was founded in 1878, and they are known to brew the best European Pilsners and Lagers.

They also make the best German Bock-style beers. Alongside tasteful beer, they offer lovely finger food such as nachos and dips and pretzels.

Their Must-try Beers

Genesee Light is their most famous American Light beer at 4 percent ABV. Another must-try is their Tropical Pineapple Kolsch at 4.5 percent ABV.

Conclusion

The NYC breweries map has a long list of must-visit and must-try craft beers as it is one destination that beer enthusiasts would enjoy exploring. Some other best breweries in NYC are Island Brewing Company, Iconyc Brewing, Interboro Spirits and Greenpoint Beer. Here are some of the most famous breweries in NYC that top the list every year.

• Torch and Crown is one of the best breweries in Manhattan. Everything from its outdoor seating area to its comfortable curbside seating and delicious tap list makes it a must-visit spot.
• Best Upstate NY breweries include Genesee Brewhouse and Heritage Hill brewhouse. They brew the best classic European-style beers.
• Brooklyn has a strong history of experimental craft brewing. Some of their best breweries are Keg & Lantern, Other Half Brewing Co and Coney Island.

So which famous brewery are you planning to raise a toast to first, Manhattan, Bronx or Brooklyn?