Manhattan
Blind Tiger (281 Bleecker St): Blind Tiger markets itself as NYC’S premier craft beer bar, and the patrons seem to agree. It’s well-regarded and positively reviewed. Most people like its extensive selection, and some cherish the unique tastes it offers. It’s usually crowded with a lively vibe. Even though it has a solid menu, its craft beer is the primary attraction of this place.
As Is NYC (734 10th Ave): As Is NYC is a great place to get a drink, and not just beer. It has an extensive spirit menu and a sizable beer menu that is cherished for both available selections and quality. The pricing is quite reasonable. The food, atmosphere, and service are the cherry on top of the great beer it offers.
Beer Culture (328 W 45th St): Out of two Beer Culture locations in Manhattan, the Hell’s Kitchen one has received more favorable reviews. It has over a dozen options on tap at any given time, and the cans and bottles selection is quite extensive. The bottled/canned beer options can be considered a major strength of this place. The proximity to Times Square is another plus for some patrons.
Proletariat (21 E 7th St): Proletariat is a bit over a decade old, and it’s already one of the best places in Manhattan to get a beer. Its draft beer menu is sizable, though not extensive. The bartenders are just as praised as the beer itself for both their knowledge and niceness. The sour beers stand out from the rest, and many patrons love its intimate environment.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Brewery (79 N 11th St): Brooklyn Brewery is more than just a great place to get a beer; it’s a major Brooklyn attraction with its own tours that teach you about the science behind beer and the history of the place. The menu has all-year options and several seasonal options at any given time. If you are looking for an extensive selection and a great atmosphere, Brooklyn Brewery is worth visiting.
Tørst (615 Manhattan Ave): Tørst prides itself in the 21-draft lines and 200-bottled beer selection, and the taste/quality is exquisite. The menu for food items is not nearly as large, but everything is delicious, and the presentation is amazing. The atmosphere is classy and intimate.
Other Half Brewing Company (195 Centre St): Other Half Brewing has many things going for it – Amazing atmosphere/vibe, great beer selection, and good staff. It’s especially a good place if you love Hops/IPAs. If you are visiting on a weekend, expect it to be crowded, but it’s a reasonable compromise for most patrons.
Grimm Artisanal Ales (990 Metropolitan Ave): The artistry in this artisanal ale place permeates both the beer and the space, so don’t expect a traditional atmosphere. The tap-room beer menu is quite extensive, and you have even more choices if you add cans and bottles to the list. The bartenders are helpful and knowledgeable. The place is famous for its stouts and sours.
Queens
Sunswick 35/35 (35-02 35th St): Sunswick in Astoria is a local favorite and is beloved for its beer selection. The bartenders are knowledgeable about beer, and the wait staff is polite. Some recognize it as the first/original craft beer place in Queens, but the claim is unverified.
SingleCut Beersmiths QNS (19-33 37th St): True to their name, they brew all the beers served to the patrons on site and offer a good selection with great taste. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is enriched by all the board games you can play. The food menu is small, and tacos are a favorite for most patrons.
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (10-28 46th Ave, Long Island City): A major strength of this place is that it’s dog-friendly. The atmosphere is inviting, and though it doesn’t offer many food options (just a few snacks), there is a food truck on-site. The beer selection is not extensive per se, but they have something for everyone, and it’s good.
Rockaway Brewing Company (46-01 5th St): It’s a beautiful, colorful place on the outside and cheery and colorful on the inside. The bartender and beers are awesome though the taproom usually has a dozen or so options. Perhaps equally beloved to the beer is the resident cat at his brewing company.
Bronx
Bronx Alehouse (216 W 238th St): Even though it offers a sizable variety of on-tap beers, the place is far more famous for its wings. They make a good combo with the beers. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is good.
The Bronx Brewery & Empanology (856 E 136th St): It’s a local brewery that’s ironically far more famous for its empanadas, but that doesn’t change the fact that the beer selection is good and the taste is delicious. However, it may not be a great place to just get a beer, but if you also like a bite to eat and love Puerto Rican flavors, this is the spot for you.
Bronx DraftHouse (884 Gerard Ave): The Bronx DraftHouse is a good place to watch the game and have a beer. The beer selection is both extensive and good. The reviews about food and service are mixed, but the atmosphere is inviting and friendly.
Staten Island
Craft House (60 Van Duzer St): The beer selection at Craft House is good, especially if you love IPAs, but nothing too amazing. However, it’s a great place to have a beer. The great atmosphere and good service, along with their creative food options, make a good combination with the beer.
Flagship Brewing (40 Minthorne St): Flagship Brewing gets a lot of attention thanks to its location near the ferry, but it also offers good beer in an inviting atmosphere. There is a well-stocked tap room with about a dozen options and far more canned beer options available.
The Hop Shoppe (372 Van Duzer St): The Hop Shoppe markets itself as a gastropub and is true to this description. The food is just as good as the beer at this place, and the beer is amazing. The draft beer menu is quite sizable, and the overall beer menu is massive. The classic arcade games also make the place feel more nostalgic to many of the patrons.
