The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Craft Beer Bars

New York City is a beer lover's paradise, with a vibrant craft beer scene that's constantly evolving. Whether you're a seasoned hop-head or just starting to explore the world of craft brews, the city has something for everyone. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Fear not, fellow beer enthusiasts! This guide will lead you to the best craft beer bars in NYC, categorized by neighborhood for easy navigation. Get ready to raise a glass and discover your new favorite watering hole in the city.

Manhattan

• The Blind Tiger Ale House (West Village): A true NYC institution, this cozy pub boasts an impressive rotating selection of craft beers on tap, with knowledgeable bartenders to guide you. Must-try: Their cask-conditioned ales.

• Top Hops Beer Shop (Midtown East): This bottle shop and bar offers a vast selection of craft beers from around the world, with a focus on local brews. Must-try: A flight of New York State IPAs.

• The Jeffrey (Upper East Side): This gastropub features a carefully curated selection of craft beers on draft and in bottles, alongside a delicious menu of elevated pub fare. Must-try: A rare sour beer from their rotating list.

Brooklyn

• Tørst (Greenpoint): This Scandinavian-inspired bar is a haven for beer geeks, with a focus on rare and unique beers from around the globe. Must-try: One of their many Belgian Trappist ales.

• Other Half Brewing (Carroll Gardens): This popular brewery and taproom is known for its hazy IPAs and experimental brews. Must-try: Their flagship Green City IPA.

Queens

• SingleCut Beersmiths (Astoria): This rock-and-roll-themed brewery features a spacious taproom with a variety of their own beers on tap, as well as guest taps and live music. Must-try: Their signature Billy Full Stack IPA.

• Finback Brewery (Glendale): This innovative brewery is known for its experimental beers and creative collaborations. Must-try: One of their limited-release barrel-aged stouts.

• Alewife Queens (Long Island City): This gastropub offers a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, alongside a menu of delicious comfort food. Must-try: A local craft beer paired with their signature burger.

The Bronx

• The Bronx Brewery (South Bronx): This community-focused brewery offers a variety of their own beers on tap, as well as a rotating selection of guest beers. Must-try: Their Bronx Pale Ale.

• Gun Hill Brewing Company (Williamsbridge): This family-owned brewery features a taproom with a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of their own beers on tap. Must-try: Their Void of Light stout.

Staten Island

• Flagship Brewing Company (Tompkinsville): This waterfront brewery offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, along with a variety of their own beers on tap. Must-try: Their American Wit.

• Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn (Charleston): This historic German restaurant and brewery features a traditional beer garden and a selection of their own lagers and ales. Must-try: Their Oktoberfest Märzen.

Beyond the Boroughs:

Don't forget to explore beyond Manhattan! Each borough offers a unique craft beer experience, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Travling outside the city? Check out our partner breweries in the Hudson Valley.

Pro Tip: Check out the websites and social media pages of these bars to stay updated on their latest tap lists and events. Many bars also offer happy hour specials, beer flights, and food pairings.

Cheers to exploring the diverse and delicious world of NYC craft beer!