Post Overview: Best beer garden NYC
When the weather is nice there is no craving more powerful than that of a cold, crisp beer. Luckily beer gardens in NYC are aplenty and open for business!
If you’re wondering what exactly a beer garden is you wouldn’t be the first. In short, they’re outdoor seating areas attached to a bar or tavern. Over the years the term has grown to include sun-soaked bars that emphasize draft beer with a resounding sense of community.
Across the five boroughs you’ll find cheery, bright beer gardens where you and your friends can spend the evening clinking glasses and sharing pretzels.
Whether you’re looking for a full on party or just want to share a cold one with your significant other you’ll find the perfect NYC beer garden on this list.
And who is it that made me an authority on the subject? The irresponsible bank that gave me a credit card 10 years ago straight out of college. Seriously – I’ve spent my 20’s and early 30’s living in New York City and have found the best of the best.
So yeah, I guess you can hand me my beer-drinking diploma. You’re probably tired of me blabbing though, so what do you say we jump to the good stuff?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Beer Garden NYC
#20. Brooklyn Beer Garden
Located in Bushwick, Brooklyn Beer Garden is the perfect spot to pregame and meet up with friends. The popular NYC beer garden combines beer and art to create one of the best places to spend the summer.
The first thing you notice when visiting this artsy beer garden in NYC is the cool artwork and graffiti plastered just about anywhere paint can reach.
The outdoor patio offers ample seating and is filled with entertaining games to lose track of time playing. You’ll find corn-hole, Jenga, ping-pong and more. The laid back atmosphere paired with the vibrant murals on the walls makes Brooklyn Beer Garden the ideal hangout spot.
There are a few local beers on tap, plus you can order an array of different cold drinks. Occasionally the NYC beer garden will host events, a DJ or live music. The rotating sources of entertainment make the Brooklyn Beer Garden a pit-stop whenever I’m in the area.
Address: 33 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
#19. Threes Brewing
Let’s continue on this list of the best beer gardens in NYC with a crowd favorite — Threes Brewing in Brooklyn.
Considered one of the most popular New York City breweries, the masterminds behind the brewhouse are applauded for churning out some of the most balanced craft brews in NYC.
That’s not to say the brews lack complexity (anything but!), it’s just that the velvety texture makes them (almost) too easy to drink.
At the flagship location in Gowanus, the focus is on creating approachable lagers, hop-forward IPAs and floral pilsners all while perfecting traditional styles with modern twists.
You can expect to find knock-out brews served in the beloved NYC beer garden (the outdoor patio can’t be beat) with the option of grabbing a bite from The Meat Hook (pop up food vendor). Just make sure you bring good company because you’ll want to linger.
In my opinion, this is one of the best beer gardens in NYC but it turns out I’m not the only one that thinks so.
This NYC brewery’s success speaks for itself, since opening in 2014 they’ve expanded to three new locations: Greenpoint (Brooklyn), Huntington (Long Island), and a seasonal outpost on Governor’s Island.
Address: Multiple Locations in New York City
#18. Houston Hall
The West Village has a true gem in Houston Hall, a popular NYC beer garden. The interior has tall, brick lined walls creating the coziest of atmospheres (especially when it’s juxtaposed by a wintery forecast).
The NYC beer garden has a small but respectable tap list that cover the beer-gamut with lagers, ales and IPA’s. As far as food is concerned the kitchen cooks up tried and true bar favorites like giant pretzels and sliders.
Houston Hall might just be the best beer garden in NYC for sports enthusiasts too. I visited for a game during the 2022 World Cup and the atmosphere was electric! They don’t play every major event, but when they do it’s a blast. You’ll have to keep an eye on their social media pages for updates on what’s playing.
There is one constant though – every Saturday, Houston Hall has a DJ so you can tap your foot and bob your head as you sip your brew. The music helps take an already fun NYC beer hall up a notch.
Address: 222 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014
#17. Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery needs no introduction. This New York City microbrewery has made headlines for their perfectly balanced lagers that can be found in stores across the country, and visiting the taproom is a must.
While technically this is a list of best beer gardens in NYC, I want to be upfront and say that Brooklyn Brewery doesn’t have an outdoor patio. But, the communal-style picnic tables, barrels of beer and the vast amount of options make it worth mentioning.
This has to be one of the sleekest beer halls in NYC, largely thanks to the cozy leather couches, wooded accents and ample seating. Come to think of it, it’s very reminiscent of those epic basement hangouts we all dreamed of in high school.
Ordering couldn’t be easier. Every table is equipped with a QR code. Simply scan and order, the food and drinks will be delivered when ready. But let’s get real — it’s hard to go wrong with any brew made at this popular beer garden in NYC, so try as many as you (responsibly) can.
Locals tip: Brooklyn Brewery offers brewery tours, if interested, you can read about the small batch tours.
Address: 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#16. Randolph Beer
Randolph Beer is considered to be the best beer garden in NYC for a handful of reasons. The epic views of Manhattan from the rooftop bar, the reminiscent arcade games, oh, and the self-serve beer station all contribute to the NYC beer garden’s success.
Located just a short 10 minute walk from the Time Out Market in DUMBO, Randolph Beer is an underrated beer garden in NYC that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
The coolest feature at this popular NYC beer garden is the self-serve wall of brews. Essentially how it works is you pre-load a card with money and head on over to the wall. There, you’ll rest the card over the brew you’d like and you pay $.60 an ounce. It’s a great way to try multiple beers without breaking the bank!
If it still sounds confusing, don’t worry! Just ask the staff to show you how it works and they’re more than willing to help.
As far as what they have on tap, the beer selection is always rotating and changing. Check out the current menu before visiting.
There are plenty of food and drink options so the choices never feel limited. The space is great for large groups and you can easily spend hours here fully entertained. If you’re looking for the most unique beer garden in NYC, you’ll have a hard time beating Randolph Beer.
Address: 82 Prospect St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#15. Berry Park
Berry Park is a small, nondescript NYC beer garden that is always a hoot. They have an open-air rooftop terrace that places it easily among the most charming rooftop bars in Brooklyn.
The NYC beer garden has string lights that help set the mood. The joint can either be rowdy and fun or intimate and idyllic, it just depends on the crowd there that night. It should go without saying that the weekends are more likely to be a hoot.
If your schedule allows Berry Park is one of the best beer gardens in NYC for happy hour. Available on weekdays until 7PM you’ll get to savor select $5 beer, shots and wine. At that price you might as well keep them coming!
The inside of the NYC beer garden is a cool brick-lined space that is full of TV’s. Soccer is usually on the screens and you can make yourself comfortable with traditional bar fare.
And as an added bonus, Berry Park is open until 3AM on the weekends so if you’re in Williamsburg after bedtime you know where to go. 😉
Address: 4 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#14. Santiago’s Beer Garden
One of the more intimate beer gardens in NYC can be found in East Harlem at Santiago’s Beer Garden. Some argue Santiago’s is more a restaurant than a beer garden since there is no beer on tap, but it’s still worth highlighting.
The spot is airy, small and overall has a great vibe. The true star of the show is the food. The Dominican inspired dishes are mouth-watering and worth the visit alone. I highly recommend ordering the fried chicken, it’s too good.
Although the joint might not be your go-to daily summer spot, Santiago’s is the best beer garden in NYC for bottomless brunch.
For seven days a week between 11AM to 4PM, folks can enjoy 1.5 hours of unlimited mimosas or Bellinis (with the purchase of an entree). The bottomless option runs all day Sunday and is a can’t-miss deal.
Address: 2337 1st Ave., New York, NY 10035
#13. Greenwood Park
I’ve seen folks drink outside of gas stations in the movies. It’s usually a 40 ounce beer in a brown paper bag, but Greenwood Park does it a little differently.
This is one of the most unique beer gardens in NYC, it’s actually housed INSIDE a former gas station. Without the sunflower seeds and coffee-making station I honestly would’ve never guessed.
It isn’t until you get inside and see the wide variety of brews on tap that you realize you’re in the right place.
When the weather is nice the outdoor tables swell with cheery folks enjoying a crisp brew. Greenwood Park also has food, including a variety of pizzas and sandwiches.
The outdoor area is a blast because Greenwood Park has games like bocce ball and cornhole. As one of the most popular beer gardens NYC has to offer there’s usually a line but if you get to play it’s game on.
The last thing I’ll mention is that although this is a popular NYC beer garden, the Sangria at Greenwood Park is not to be overlooked.
Address: 555 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
#12. Grimm Artisanal Ales
Grimm Artisan Ales is one of the most impressive breweries in New York City. How do I know? They won New York State Brewers Association’s highly coveted Brewery of the Year award 2 years in a row. The crazy part? They’ve only been open since 2018.
Bringing home six awards last year alone (including silvers for their blonde ale and American IPA), this highly acclaimed NYC beer garden is nothing to scoff at and has a tasting room to match.
As soon as you enter you’ll quickly notice that the taproom doesn’t immediately look like a traditional brewery. The white walls and ample window light make it seem more like an upscale NYC beer garden.
I try to make it out to Grimm Artisan Ales at least once a month. I don’t expect them to stop being one of the breweries in New York City anytime soon and I’m always looking forward to trying one of their new, cold cups of foamy ale.
Check out the breakdown of all the categories Grimm Artisanal Ales placed in on American Craft Beer‘s website.
Address: 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#11. Talea Beer Co.
What happens when two well-established women quit uninspiring corporate careers and take on an industry predominantly run by men? They end up opening one of the best breweries in Brooklyn, to no one’s surprise.
Talea (pronounced tah-lay-uh) Beer Co. is the passion project of Tara and LeAnn (the brewery’s name is a blend of their first names), an endeavour they took on because they wanted to make craft brews more approachable and inclusive.
This is the only woman-founded brewery in New York City so it’s no surprise that their mission would be inclusivity. They strive to make easy drinking fruit-forward beers that lack acidity in an effort to capture folks that are convinced they don’t enjoy beer.
In addition to the creative brews pouring into every glass, my biggest reason for considering Talea Beer Co. the best beer garden in NYC is the welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is embraced and everyone leaves happy.
“From confusing packaging and bearded bros with attitudes to dark, industrial taprooms, the male-dominated industry was lacking an approachable, inclusive perspective and voice.”
TALEA
Address: 87 Richardson St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#10. Torch and Crown
Founded in 2018, Torch & Crown started innocently enough — the (future) founders were busted at an East Village bar with fake IDs in hand.
Annoyed but undeterred by rejection, they resolved to learn the craft of beer making for themselves. The result was a beautiful thing, proven by the fact that they ended up founding one of the best beer gardens in New York City.
Torch & Crown is best known for the inviting atmosphere, knowledgeable team and knock-out brews. The space has a modern feel with beautiful wood tables, tons of plants and industrial-sized steel tanks.
Although there isn’t any outdoor seating I still think it’s the best NYC beer garden because of its bright, inviting feel and communal tables.
I’m a sucker for their IPAs and lagers. If you’re having a hard time choosing something from the menu, I highly recommend the Tenement (a refreshing pilsner that’s lagered for 100 days).
Address: 12 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013
#9. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Owned and operated by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, an organization that supports people of Czech and Slovak ancestry, Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is a great place to drink a brew.
As one of the best beer gardens NYC has to offer you’ll find a plethora of cold beer and tasty food. The Czech background comes through on the menu with items like Czech sausage, schnitzels and pierogies being the most popular.
The NYC beer garden has rows of communal tables that make the whole joint feel like a backyard party. During major sporting events (like the World Cup) there are TV’s outside ensuring you don’t miss a beat!
And the backyard party vibe also means this is one of the best beer gardens in NYC for families. Order the kids a pretzel and get yourself a brew and enjoy!
Address: 29-19 24th Ave, Queens, NY 11105
#8. The Standard Biergarten
In terms of beer gardens in NYC located in Manhattan, The Standard Biergarten is among the best. Situated conveniently in Chelsea right under the High Line the location can’t be beat.
Stepping foot into this NYC beer garden feels like stepping foot inside a German pub on Oktoberfest. Serving traditional German fare in an outdoor setting you can expect to find yourself ordering pretzels, sausage and beer more times in a week than you’d like to admit.
They also have two ping-pong tables that constantly boast lines as thirsty New Yorkers eagerly wait their turn with a brew in hand. It’s a fantastic NYC beer garden in the city that offers plenty of seating and great beer options.
How to order beer at The Standard Biergarten:
Before walking up to the bar make sure you swing by the booth near the entrance and purchase some tickets. A 16 oz. beer will cost around $9, which feels fair for the generous pour. Then head to the bar and trade a ticket with the bartender for a beer of your choosing.
Something to note: The tickets are only good for beer. They cannot be used for other drinks or food.
Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
#7. Treadwell Park
Treadwell Park has two gorgeous locations (one in the Upper East Side, one in Battery Park City) so you can enjoy the best beer garden NYC has to offer no matter if you’re uptown or downtown.
They’re both cool, small-town feeling bars with wood accents and communal tables. They both have games like pinball that help entertain but let’s be honest – we’re here for the brews!
With 20 beers on tap and even more in bottles finding something to drink won’t be a challenge. The brews come from all over the world so variety isn’t an issue.
As far as food goes, Treadwell Park is one of the best beer gardens in NYC to visit with friends. Why? Because they have a deal called Taste of Treadwell, where you pay $30 per person (minimum of four people) and you’ll get a family-style serving of wings, chips and guac, truffle fries, sliders, nachos and a giant pretzel.
Address: 1125 1st Ave., New York, NY 10065
#6. Oculus Beer Garden
If you’re looking for the most quintessential beer garden in NYC the Oculus Beer Garden is the one for you. Sitting at the foot of the One World Trade Center you’ll be feeling like a local in no time.
There is one caveat though… there isn’t a ton of actual beer. The Oculus Beer Garden is like most beautiful restaurants with a view, the best thing on the menu is the location. They have no beer on tap (maybe the only beer garden in NYC that doesn’t) but thanks to a few bottled beers they’re not completely disqualified from the list.
Another thing to consider is that the close proximity to the street means honking and what not, typical of a New York street. And my last complaint – the stools and picnic tables aren’t the most comfortable to sit on.
On the menu you’ll find wine and a German inspired fare, but don’t expect them to rock your socks. The biggest reason I mention Oculus Beer Garden is because it’s a gorgeous place to rest your legs and have a quick refreshment.
Address: 33 Vesey St, New York, NY 10282
#5. Spritzenhaus33
Located in Greenpoint, Spritzenhaus33 deserves a special place on our list of best beer halls in New York City. The 6,000 square-foot setting has everything you’d want from a beer garden in NYC.
Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the place is equipped for large groups or coworkers grabbing drinks after work. A huge perk of the space is the window walls that open up on nicer days creating a refreshingly airy atmosphere.
But the real highlight is the large fireplace that’s perfect for cozying up to during the winter.
The German-style beer hall offers an impressive selection of brews. The mix includes local, classic and German beers on tap. As far as food goes, expect to find items like bratwursts, pretzels and tasty fries on the menu. I recommend the Krainerwurst sausage which comes on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut –simply delicious.
This is a personal favorite NYC beer garden of mine and seems like I’m not the only one who feels that way. The place is constantly bustling with folks and at times it’s hard to find an empty table.
Something to note: In full transparency, the service here isn’t renowned for being excellent. Although some of the bartenders are not the friendliest, it’s still a terrific NYC beer garden if you can ignore them and not take it personally.
Address: 33 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#4. Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Radegast Hall & Biergarten is a fun and unique experience. The bar feels like a old-timey European feast hall, except instead of folks in lederhosen you have a trendy Williamsburg crowd.
With brick lined walls, communal tables and a sun-drenching skylight it’s the best beer garden in NYC where you’re still protected from the elements.
And as one of the premier beer gardens in NYC, Radegast has an extensive tap list. German brews are aplenty and served in steins to fit the vibe.
Looking for food? Radegast has you covered. Bratwurst and kielbasa will satisfy the most carnivorous of teeth and you’ll find traditional bar fare too, like chicken wings and pretzels.
Maybe I’m biased, but Radegast is one of the best beer gardens in NYC thanks to the high-flying atmosphere. I’ve visited with coworkers and had not-so-serious business meetings just as much as I’ve come here with college buddies for a crisp brew and live music.
And speaking of live music, Radegast Hall has performers (and doesn’t charge a cover!) almost every weekend. For a full schedule visit their website.
Address: 113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#3. Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall’s name is an ode to Castle Clinton on the southern tip of Manhattan. Originally, Castle Clinton was made to protect the people of New York. Today, Clinton Hall protects New Yorkers from “consuming bad beer” by being one of the best sports bars in NYC.
The NYC beer garden is great for a chill, easy going hangout thanks to the large communal tables and plethora of board games. For those who love outdoor seating, there’s plenty at Clinton Hall (and they even have heaters).
Plus at the end of the day this isn’t only an NYC beer garden, it’s a sports bars so entertainment is a given. They play most major sports leagues and never miss a local team’s games.
And if that doesn’t have you sold — this NYC beer garden also has great happy hour deals throughout the week. The booze selection consists of $6 beer, $8 well drinks and house wines.
Also worth noting – Clinton Hall boasts one of the best burgers in NYC.
Address: 90 Washington St, New York, NY 10006
#2. Other Half Brewing
Founded in 2014 by friends Sam Richardson, Andrew Burman and Matt Monahan, nobody could brace for the wild success of what would become one of the most iconic New York City beer gardens.
The reason for their endeavour was clear: they weren’t finding beer in New York City that excited them so they sought to change that. Today they churn out some of the best brews in New York — something you can test for yourself at their spacious beer hall in Brooklyn.
The awe-inspiring selection of beer can overwhelm those unaccustomed to seeing more than 10 beers listed on a menu (they typically have 19-20 beers on tap). But tip to the wise – they excel with hoppy beers so the IPAs are always a safe bet.
But there’s a reason for the madness — everyone should be able to find a beer to love! The diverse menu boasts everything from sours and ales to hazy IPAs, ciders and porters.
The hardest thing about this beloved brewery if finding an open table in the rustic NYC beer garden. The easy-going vibe and lively chatter makes it hard to leave, so folks tend to linger.
Address: 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 & 34 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#1. Loreley Beer Garden
Loreley Beer Garden, you boozy, beautiful thing – you have me wrapped around your (metaphorical) finger.
I’m a sucker for your outdoor heated patio and colorful decorations and even more for the booze you never seem to run out of. All it takes is a “come see us” post on Instagram and I come running!
Seriously, one of the best things to do in the Lower East Side is to stop by Loreley Beer Garden (especially during a holiday season). It’s the most festive beer garden in NYC, never missing an opportunity to decorate and create fun, themed drinks and fare.
I strongly recommend snagging reservations ahead of time. They’re not hard to get (usually only a few days out) but take away the headache of trying to get a table day of.
Whether you’re coming on a date, with friends, or with your parents Lorely Beer Garden is among the best you’ll find in NYC.
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Quick Recap of Beer Gardens NYC
- Loreley Beer Garden
- Other Half Brewing
- Clinton Hall
- Radegast Hall & Biergarten
- Spritzenhaus33
- Oculus Beer Garden
- Treadwell Park
- The Standard Biergarten
- Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
- Torch & Crown
- Kalea Beer Co.
- Grimm Artisanal Ales
- Greenwood Park
- Santiagos Beer Garden
- Berry Park
- Randolph Beer
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Houston Hall
- Brooklyn Beer Garden
- Threes Brewing
New York City Beer Halls (Helpful Map)
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And there you have it, our list of the best beer gardens in NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
I love beer gardens and halls in New York City!