This roundup of the best breweries in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
Forget the bodega corner six-pack, NYC’s craft beer scene is bubbling over with bold IPAs, funky sours, and hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. With over so many unique breweries in New York City, navigating this hoppy haven can feel daunting.
But fear not, brew-curious friends, I’m your hops-soaked sherpa, ready to guide you through the best taprooms, beer gardens, and pint-sized paradises this city has to offer. Let’s raise a glass to the frothy finest, shall we?
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 +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
The Best Breweries New York City
Table of Contents: Best NYC Breweries
Table of Contents: New York City Brewery Guide
- Best Breweries New York City
- Threes Brewing
- Other Half Brewing Co.
- Evil Twin Brewing
- Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
- TALEA Beer Co.
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Grimm Artisanal Ales
- Rockaway Brewing Co.
- Wild East Brewing Co.
- Torch & Crown Brewing Company
- Big aLICe Brewing
- Focal Point Beer Co.
- The Bronx Brewery
- Kings County Brewers Collective
- Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
- Alewife Brewing
- Transmitter Brewing
- Gun Hill Brewing Company
- Best New York City Craft Breweries (Post Summary)
- Where to Find the Best Beer in NYC (Map)
- More (Boozy) Articles
Other Half Brewing Co.
Website: Other Half Brewing Co.
Locations: Three breweries in New York City
Founded in 2014 by pals Sam Richardson, Andrew Burman, and Matt Monahan, Other Half Brewing Co. was an unsuspecting venture that blossomed into one of New York City’s most popular breweries. Motivated by a lack of exciting beer options in the city, they set out to fill the void.
Today, their Brooklyn taproom is a testament to their wild success, offering an expansive selection of around 20 beers on tap. For those feeling overwhelmed by the choices, place your trust in their mastery of hoppy brews, particularly the reliable IPAs. The hardest thing about this beloved NYC brewery is finding an open table in the rustic tasting room, it’s one of the most sought-after craft breweries in NYC.
Evil Twin Brewing
Website: Evil Twin Brewing
Neighborhoods: Queens & DUMBO
Addresses: 1616 George St, Queens & 43 Main St, Brooklyn
Evil Twin Brewing, founded in 2010 by Danish identical twin Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso, is on a mission to disrupt the norm. Challenging his twin brother’s 2006-launched Mikkeller Brewing Company (founded in Copenhagen), Jeppe embraced nomadic brewing in New York City before settling in Queens in 2019 with his wife/business partner Maria.
The Queens brewery and taproom, meticulously planned and designed, stands as my personal favorite in NYC. Beyond its aesthetic allure, Evil Twin Brewing captivates with its exceptional beer. Renowned for inventive twists on classics, the brewery offers a diverse selection. As a self-proclaimed IPA enthusiast, I find it hard to resist their unusual seasonal delights.
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
Website: Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Long Island City, Queens
Address: 10-28 46th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Offering a rotation of 15 craft beers on tap, Fifth Hammer Brewing Company is buzzing with locals most days of the week, myself included. The irresistible culprit? Sonic Architecture Wave 17, a juicy hazy IPA that just might be the best craft beer in New York City. I’m also partial to the creative sours churning out of this great NYC brewery and never passes an opportunity to try the new flavors.
If your idea of a good time includes food (as it should) you have a few options. You can grab a bite from the local popup vendors inside the relaxed NYC taproom, or pay a visit to the food trucks parked outside. If nothing catches your eye, you have the option of bringing outside food instead.
TALEA Beer Co.
Website: Talea Beer Co.
Locations: Four tap rooms in NYC
Talea Beer Co., born in 2021 from two homebrewing women who left their corporate jobs, carved a unique space in NYC’s beer scene. Unlike the IPA-dominated landscape, Talea champions approachable, fruit-forward beers designed to appeal beyond traditional “beer bros.”
Their Williamsburg and Cobble Hill taprooms, bright and stylish with all-day coffee service, cater to a broader audience, including wine and cocktail drinkers. They prioritize sessionable styles like sours, saisons, and hazy IPAs, boasting lower bitterness and vibrant fruit flavors. This focus on inclusivity and easy-drinking brews sets Talea apart as a an easy-drinking brewery in NYC.
Threes Brewing
Website: Threes Brewing
Locations: Four breweries in NYC
Threes Brewing, born in Gowanus in 2013, quickly hopped onto the NYC brewery scene with a distinct focus. Unlike many IPA-heavy competitors, they championed approachable lagers and saisons, reviving classic styles with modern twists. Their spacious, family-friendly brewpubs, featuring delicious food and vibrant atmospheres, became community hubs, setting them apart.
Today, with five locations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Governors Island, Threes continues to grow as one of the premier craft breweries in New York City. At Threes Brewing you can expect to find knock-out brews served in a relaxed setting (the outdoor patio can’t be beat).
Brooklyn Brewery
Website: Brooklyn Brewery
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Brooklyn Brewery stands tall as an NYC institution, pioneering the Brooklyn’s craft beer revival since 1988. Their iconic Brooklyn Lager, a tribute to classic London pub brews, put them on the map, but they’re far from static. Their Williamsburg taproom buzzes with life, offering tours and tastings.
With over 20 rotating beers on tap, the lineup is highlighted by award-winning IPAs like Black Ops and adventurous seasonals like Sorachi Ace Saison. The commitment to innovation and historic significance makes the Brooklyn Brewery one of the most iconic breweries in NYC.
Grimm Artisanal Ales
Website: Grimm Artisanal Ales
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Founded in 2011 within Brooklyn’s underground brewing scene, Grimm Artisanal Ales has become a standout in New York City, earning New York State’s Brewery of the Year in 2021 and 2022. Their commitment to tradition is evident in the crafting of elegant, complex ales using wild yeast strains and oak barrel aging. The level of ingenuity makes it one of the most unique breweries in New York City.
Diverging from the popular trends, Grimm embraces diverse styles, offering tart saisons, funky lambics, fruited goses, and rich imperial stouts, all showcasing depth and nuance. Beyond beer, their artisanal ethos extends to a cozy Williamsburg taproom. Set in a former carriage factory, it features a minimalistic vibe that spotlights local cheeses and charcuterie, keeping things simple at the NYC brewery.
Rockaway Brewing Co.
Website: Rockaway Brewing Co.
Neighborhoods: Rockaway Beach & Long Island City
Address: 415 B 72 St, Queens & 46-01 5th St, Queens
Rockaway Brewing Co., often hailed as one of the most budget-friendly breweries in New York City, caught my attention amid the city’s soaring costs. Sporting a laid-back, hole-in-the-wall ambiance, this NYC gem boasts a diverse craft beer lineup, with 10 rotating drafts available in 4, 8, or 16-ounce pours.
The brewery also offers an impressive array of bottled beers. For a comprehensive taste test, I recommend starting with a tasting flight—a chance to explore their expert brews before committing to a full pint. Notably, Rockaway Brewing Co. stands out as one of the most dog-friendly breweries in the New York City, making it a welcoming destination for both beer enthusiasts and their furry companions.
Wild East Brewing Co.
Website: Wild East Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Gowanus, Brooklyn
Address: 623 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Opening in 2020, Wild East Brewing Company’s success can be attributed to one thing: they serve some of the best beer in New York City. Specializing in sours and fermented beers, this is the place to go for saisons and pale ales. Combining classic European brewing techniques with modern innovations, the end result is a beautiful thing.
Flavorful and refreshing pints of lagers, farmhouse ales, hazy IPAs and sours guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. The spacious taproom is irresistibly inviting and oozes industrial-chic farm. It’s the only place you want to be during a relaxed weekday. Moreover, Wild East Brewing Co. offers brewery tours and tastings, if interested, you can sign up here.
Torch & Crown Brewing Company
Website: Torch & Crown Brewing Company
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 12 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013
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 breweries 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. 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).
Big aLICe Brewing
Website: Big aLICe Brewing
Neighborhood: Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Address: 52 34th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Named after the iconic ‘Big Allis’ generator stack in Queens, the brewery has now relocated to Sunset Park, Brooklyn, following the closure of its Queens taproom. Notably, it holds the distinction of being a certified farm brewery, showcasing a commitment to community-centric decision-making.
Co-founders Kyle Hurst and Scott Berger collaborate closely with local farmers and businesses to ensure that every ingredient, from hops and malts to unique additions like fruit and coffee, supports local agriculture. The resulting beers, often leaning towards complex and hearty profiles, consistently deliver a satisfying experience at this popular brewery in New York City.
Focal Point Beer Co.
Website: Focal Point Beer Co.
Neighborhood: Long Island City, Queens
Address: 43-50 12th St, Queens, NY 11101
Focal Point Beer Co. (originally named ICONYC) was founded in 2016 as a wholesale beer company operating out of a basement. It didn’t take long for their popularity to grow, so they opted to open a taproom and quickly becoming one of the best breweries in New York City.
Focal Point meticulously crafts beers that showcase specific hop varietals and brewing techniques. Think single-hop IPAs that explode with nuanced citrus, tropical, or resinous aromas, alongside meticulously balanced Belgian-style saisons and crisp pilsners. Plus, they boast one of the largest outdoor seating areas at a New York City brewery (and your pooch is welcome to hangout outside)
The Bronx Brewery
Website: Bronx Brewery
Locations: Three taprooms in New York City
Emerging from the southern Bronx in 2014, Bronx Brewery carves a distinct path in NYC’s craft beer panorama. Unlike the hop-heavy trend, they champion community and inclusivity, brewing diverse styles inspired by the borough’s vibrant heritage. Think Latin American-influenced lagers infused with lime or chiles, alongside classic pilsners and sessionable sours bursting with fruity complexity.
Their spacious, industrial taproom reflects this spirit, offering a welcoming space for all palates. Open mic nights, art exhibitions, and family-friendly events create a vibrant hub for the Bronx community. This focus on fostering connection, coupled with their commitment to local ingredients and sustainability practices, makes Bronx Brewery a shining example of community-driven breweries in NYC.
Kings County Brewers Collective
Website: Kings County Brewers Collective
Neighborhood: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Address: 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
The Bushwick neighborhood is no stranger to good beer, far from it. At one point an area in north Bushwick was referred to as “Brewer’s Row” because there were 14 breweries within a 14 block radius. Adjusted to craft beer enthusiast’s terminology, we’d probably call it: heaven.
The Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) opened its doors in in 2016, becoming the first brick and mortar brewery Bushwick had seen in 40 long years. Thanks to 3 award winning home-brewers who decided to open up shop we now have one of the best breweries in New York City.
Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
Website: Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
Neighborhood: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Address: 1150 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Rising from the industrial hum of Greenpoint in 2014, Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. carves a unique niche in NYC’s sudsy scene. Unlike the hop-heavy haze, they champion European-inspired lagers and ales, showcasing the beauty of balance and subtlety. Think crisp pilsners bursting with clean malt character, alongside elegant German-style Kolsch and sessionable Altbier that beckon for another sip.
Their cozy, brick-walled taproom reflects this dedication to tradition, offering a warm and inviting respite from the city’s bustle. Not to mention, the popular NYC brewery doubles a Brooklyn rooftop bar. Indeed, the taproom has an open-air roof deck that has plenty of seating a hard-to-miss green water tower.
Alewife Brewing
Website: Alewife Brewing
Neighborhood: Sunnyside, Queens
Address: 41-11 39th St, Queens, NY 11104
Ask any local about the best breweries in New York City and Alewife Brewing is sure to come up. Offering more than 20 beers on tap, this is the spot to go for a relaxing and fun evening with friends. Located in the heart of Queens, this NYC brewery is known for juicy IPAs and craft beers. Originally located in Long Island City, Alewife Brewing made the move to a bigger facility in Sunnyside in 2020.
Serving some of the best beer in NYC, the variety spans the gamut. The tap typically hosts a generous rotation of brews and you’re bound to find creations aged with spirits like whiskey, gin, bourbon and tequila. Small bites are available but if you’d like a proper meal then you’ll need to visit the food truck parked outside.
Transmitter Brewing
Website: Transmitter Brewing
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Navy Yard
Address: 141 Flushing Ave Building 77, Brooklyn, NY 11205
An unapologetic mastery of traditional and farmhouse ales has made Transmitter Brewing one of the most respected breweries in NYC. Started by two friends with a shared passion for homemade food, Rob Kolb and Anthony Accardi decided to try their hand at homebrewing. This effectively sowed the seeds for Transmitter Brewing, a beloved staple in Brooklyn.
The goal is to keep the focus on traditional beer by perfecting their understanding of hops and yeast. Perfecting the classics rather than competing for the limelight of the newest trends in New York City’s craft brew scene is what sets them apart from the competition. But heads up, there’s only two picnic tables outside, so this isn’t the NYC brewery to go to if you want to lounge for a while.
Gun Hill Brewing Company
Website: Gun Hill Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Laconia, Bronx
Address: 3227 Laconia Ave, Bronx, NY 10469
Established in 2014, Gun Hill Brewing Company proudly holds the title of the first Bronx brewery in over 50 years. Named after a Revolutionary War site in the borough, their passion for the Bronx shines through. Notable for their collaboration with the Broadway hit Hamilton, Gun Hill gained national acclaim with “Rise Up Rye,” donating proceeds to charity.
Patriotism flows through their beers, with the popular pilsner Spirit 76 featuring New York-grown malts. For dark beer enthusiasts, the award-winning stout Void of Light is a standout.
Housed in an industrial warehouse, Gun Hill Brewing’s spacious taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere with occasional live performances and board games. While light on food options, the empanadas are an easy order.
Best New York City Craft Breweries (Post Summary)
- Threes Brewing
- Other Half Brewing Co.
- Evil Twin Brewing
- Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
- Talea Beer Co.
- Kings County Brewers Collective
- Grimm Artisan Ales
- Rockaway Brewing Co.
- Wild East Brewing Co.
- Torch & Crown
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Big aLICe Brewing
- ICONYC Brewery
- Interboro Spirits and Ales
- The Bronx Brewery
- Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
- Alewife Brewing
- Transmitter Brewing
- Gun Hill Brewing Company
- Evil Twin Brewing
Where to Find the Best Beer in NYC (Map)
Frequently Asked Questions
Manhattan has a handful breweries, including Torch & Crown, Harlem Blue Beer, Alphabet City Brewing Company, and Heartland Brewing Co., offering a diverse range of craft beers.
Some different kinds of beer include lager, ale, stout, porter, IPA (India Pale Ale), wheat beer, sour beer, and pilsner.
Many breweries in New York City, such as Grimm Artisanal Ales and Rockaway Brewing Co., welcome families with a friendly atmosphere, but policies may vary.
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And there you have it folks! My personal list of the 10 best breweries in New York City. Feel free to comment your favorite breweries and ones you believe should’ve made the list.
Bottoms up!
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