We came across this article from AM NY on New York City/State breweries: http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/independent-brewery-industry-sees-huge-growth-in-new-york-1.4058122 While this article isn’t directly related to pub crawls in NYC or bars, it’s still a subject that’s near and dear to our heart! We find it encouraging to learn and experience the growth of NY City and State breweries. We hope that this can lead to more of our favorite beer bars increasing their offerings of local beers. The end of the article discusses the five breweries in NYC. A brewery NYC pub crawl anyone? Actually, we have visited all of the spots on at least one occasion. Here’s the lowdown on visiting hours and tours:
The Brooklyn Brewery (79 N. 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY) is open from noon to 8pm on Saturdays and noon to 6pm on Sundays, offering tours every hour. Beers are available for sale only (yes, sadly, no free samples available anymore). The Brewery is also open Monday through Thursday weeknights by reservation only; Friday from 6 to 11pm
Greenpoint Beer Works (not actually located in Greenpoint, but in Clinton Hill at 529 Waverly Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) – This is where Kelso and Heartland Brewery beers are made. At last check, they no longer give tours to the general public. Tours are available only to those in the Beverage industry (bar owners, workers, etc). That’s unfortunate because we were able to visit them prior to this new policy and we had a great time.
Six Point Craft Ales (40 Van Dyke Street, Brooklyn, NY) – Like Greenpoint Beer Works, Six Point, unfortunately, no longer has a regular tour schedule. Occasionally, they will announce a date when the brewery is open for tours to the general public, but we haven’t seen those announcements in quite some time.
Chelsea Brewery (Pier 59, New York, NY) – Unlike Heartland Brewery, Chelsea Brewery is a brewpub that actually brews on the premises (Heartland used to brew on site when their located was only one spot in Union Square, but after their growth, the brewing went across the river to Brooklyn). We’re not sure if they offer regular tours, but it’s best just to go there, belly-up to the bar, drink their tasty beers and try some of their good food.
Omitted from article: 508 NYC (508 Greenwich Street, New York, NY) – This is more of a restaurant, that has a small brewing operation in its basement. No tours offered here, as far as we know. We visited twice shortly after it opened. We love the food and the beer and look forward to a return visit.
The article mentions two more breweries opening in the five boroughs in the coming year. We can’t wait to visit those!