Quick answer
Craft beer bars in New York range from $7–16 per pint, with Other Half Brewing Company being a top recommendation for its legendary hazy IPAs. This guide highlights the best spots for beer enthusiasts, considering Reddit reviews and real beer drinker opinions.
- Best overall
- Other Half Brewing Company
- Top pick
- Other Half Brewing Company
Top verdicts
- Other Half Brewing Company: The brewery that changed the East Coast hazy IPA game.
- TØRST: The sleekest craft beer bar in NYC.
- Grimm Artisanal Ales: A husband-and-wife operation that went from nomadic contract brewing to one of NYC's most respected taprooms.
NYC's craft beer identity is built on hazy IPAs and Brooklyn breweries. Other Half practically invented the East Coast hazy IPA movement, Grimm pushed sour and barrel-aged beers into the mainstream, and Tørst proved that a dedicated beer bar could rival any cocktail lounge. The scene is spread across boroughs — Brooklyn dominates, but Manhattan's West Village and East Village hold their own, and Queens has Evil Twin and Finback's original taproom.
Area map
All 9 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Other Half Brewing Company | Ipa-Driven Legend | $8–12/pint | 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Gowanus) |
| 2 | TØRST | Scandinavian Craft Bar | $10–16/pint | 615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Greenpoint) |
| 3 | Grimm Artisanal Ales | Sour & Barrel-Aged Specialists | $8–14/pint | 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (East Williamsburg) |
| 4 | Finback Brooklyn | Creative Brewery Studio | $8–13/pint | 545 President St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus) |
| 5 | Threes Brewing | Brewery, Café & Event Space | $8–12/pint | 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus) |
| 6 | Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) | Bushwick Brewpub | $7–12/pint | 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick) |
| 7 | Wild East Brewing Co. | Mixed-Fermentation & Sours | $8–14/pint | 623 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus) |
| 8 | Covenhoven | Neighborhood Beer Bar | $8–12/pint | 730 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Crown Heights) |
| 9 | Spuyten Duyvil | European Beer Specialist | $9–14/pint | 359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg) |
1Other Half Brewing Company
Ipa-Driven LegendQuick comparison
- Best for
- Ipa-Driven Legend in 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Gowanus)
- Strengths
- Known for Ipa-Driven Legend · 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Gowanus)
- Price / value
- $8–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- The brewery that changed the East Coast hazy IPA game. Founded in a 3,800-sq-ft Gowanus storefront found on Craigslist, Other Half now has seven locations across four states. The Gowanus flagship is still the spiritual home, but the Domino Park taproom in Williamsburg offers waterfront Manhattan views and taproom-exclusive beers. Every single Reddit craft beer thread about NYC mentions Other Half first. Non-negotiable first stop.
- What to order
- Other Half Brewing Company, located at 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Gowanus), is an IPA-driven legend where pints cost $8–12. Their hazy IPAs are legendary — whatever's freshest on tap is the move. For limited releases, check their Instagram for can drop schedules. The Domino Park location in Williamsburg has draft-only, taproom-exclusive offerings including low-ABV corn lagers and experimental thiol-boosted pale ales you can't get anywhere else.
🕐 Opening hours
2TØRST
Scandinavian Craft BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Scandinavian Craft Bar in 615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Greenpoint)
- Strengths
- Known for Scandinavian Craft Bar · 615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Greenpoint)
- Price / value
- $10–16/pint
- Why it made the list
- The sleekest craft beer bar in NYC. Owned by Evil Twin's Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, Tørst has been a Greenpoint institution since 2013. The Scandinavian-inflected design, 21 curated taps, and killer bottle list make it the craft beer bar that appeals to cocktail bar people. Not cheap — expect $10–16/pint — but the quality and curation justify the premium. Late-night hours (until 1 AM Fri/Sat) make it a serious drinking destination.
- What to order
- TØRST, a Scandinavian craft bar at 615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Greenpoint), serves pints for $10–16. The 21-tap rotating draft menu features rare brews from across Europe and North America alongside Evil Twin pours. Ask the bartender what's freshest — barley wines, smoked stouts, and experimental sours rotate regularly. The rare bottle list is worth exploring if you want to splurge.
🕐 Opening hours
3Grimm Artisanal Ales
Sour & Barrel-Aged SpecialistsQuick comparison
- Best for
- Sour & Barrel-Aged Specialists in 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (East Williamsburg)
- Strengths
- Known for Sour & Barrel-Aged Specialists · 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (East Williamsburg)
- Price / value
- $8–14/pint
- Why it made the list
- A husband-and-wife operation that went from nomadic contract brewing to one of NYC's most respected taprooms. The East Williamsburg space is beautiful — Scandinavian decor, potted succulents, and large wineglasses that make the beer feel special. The 160-barrel sour program is genuinely world-class. Consistently mentioned alongside Other Half as a must-visit NYC brewery. The Friday/Saturday late-night hours (until midnight) are a bonus.
- What to order
- Grimm Artisanal Ales, located at 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (East Williamsburg), specializes in sour and barrel-aged beers with pints priced at $8–14. Grimm's sour beers and barrel-aged ales are the stars — they dedicate 160 oak barrels (one-fourth of the brewery's space) to aging sour beer, which is unheard of in NYC. Try whatever sour is freshest, then pivot to their IPAs which are also excellent. Buy freshly canned brews to take home.
🕐 Opening hours
4Finback Brooklyn
Creative Brewery StudioQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative Brewery Studio in 545 President St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus)
- Strengths
- Known for Creative Brewery Studio · 545 President St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus)
- Price / value
- $8–13/pint
- Why it made the list
- The highest-rated brewery on this list at 4.8★. Finback's Gowanus "studio" is a more intimate, experimental counterpart to their large-scale Queens operation. Founded by an architect and a graphic artist, creativity permeates everything — from the beer recipes to the taproom design. Walking distance from Other Half, Threes, and Wild East for the ultimate Gowanus brewery crawl. The small-batch, low-ABV focus makes it perfect for daytime drinking.
- What to order
- Finback Brooklyn, a creative brewery studio at 545 President St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus), has pints priced at $8–13. The Brooklyn "studio" location focuses on small-batch experiments, classic styles, saisons, and low-ABV beers — a deliberate contrast to their Queens "factory" which produces the big IPAs. Try the milds, drinkable session beers, and anything labeled "studio exclusive." Co-founders are a former architect and graphic artist, and it shows in the creative approach.
🕐 Opening hours
5Threes Brewing
Brewery, Café & Event SpaceQuick comparison
- Best for
- Brewery, Café & Event Space in 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus)
- Strengths
- Known for Brewery, Café & Event Space · 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus)
- Price / value
- $8–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- The most versatile spot on this list — it's a brewery, a café, and an event space all in 5,000 square feet. Threes has been a Gowanus anchor since the neighborhood was still primarily known for its Superfund canal. Their lagers and pilsners are underrated gems in a city obsessed with hazy IPAs. Open daily from noon until midnight (11 PM Sundays), with food vendors and a welcoming atmosphere that works for both beer geeks and casual drinkers.
- What to order
- Threes Brewing, a brewery, café & event space at 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus), serves pints for $8–12. Threes excels at balanced, drinkable beers — their pilsners and lagers are among the best in NYC. The 5,000-sq-ft space doubles as a café during the day (great coffee) and transforms into a lively brewery/event space at night. Check their calendar for DJ nights and pop-up food events.
🕐 Opening hours
6Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC)
Bushwick BrewpubQuick comparison
- Best for
- Bushwick Brewpub in 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick)
- Strengths
- Known for Bushwick Brewpub · 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick)
- Price / value
- $7–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- Bushwick's answer to the Gowanus brewery scene. KCBC (Kings County Brewers Collective) delivers high-quality IPAs and stouts in a relaxed, neighborhood-friendly taproom on Troutman Street. The outdoor space is a major draw in summer, and the prices are among the most reasonable on this list. A bit further from the main tourist areas, but that's part of the appeal — this is where actual Brooklynites drink.
- What to order
- Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC), a Bushwick brewpub at 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick), offers pints for $7–12. KCBC does excellent IPAs and stouts — their pastry stouts and hazy DIPAs have built a loyal following. The Bushwick taproom has a great outdoor space and regularly hosts food pop-ups. Buy 4-packs of cans to go — they're consistently well-priced for the quality.
🕐 Opening hours
7Wild East Brewing Co.
Mixed-Fermentation & SoursQuick comparison
- Best for
- Mixed-Fermentation & Sours in 623 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus)
- Strengths
- Known for Mixed-Fermentation & Sours · 623 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus)
- Price / value
- $8–14/pint
- Why it made the list
- The brewery that both Finback's co-founder and multiple beer writers independently named as their top Brooklyn recommendation. At 4.8★ on Google (tied with Finback for highest on this list), Wild East is the brewery for people who've moved beyond hazy IPAs. Their mixed-fermentation program is genuinely special, and the Gowanus taproom is a couple blocks from Finback and Threes, making it an easy addition to any brewery crawl.
- What to order
- Wild East Brewing Co., located at 623 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Gowanus), specializes in mixed-fermentation & sours, with pints costing $8–14. Wild East specializes in mixed-fermentation, wild, and sour beers — saisons, pale ales, Berliner weisses, and Old World-inspired lagers. Their Czech and German-style lagers have become a revelation in a city dominated by IPAs. Try the saison and whatever farmhouse ale is on draft.
🕐 Opening hours
8Covenhoven
Neighborhood Beer BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Neighborhood Beer Bar in 730 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Crown Heights)
- Strengths
- Known for Neighborhood Beer Bar · 730 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Crown Heights)
- Price / value
- $8–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- Named after a historic family farm that once grew on Park Place, Covenhoven is the quintessential neighborhood craft beer bar. No pretension, no lines — just 16 well-curated taps, decorative plates from old-school NYC breweries, and a crowd that's there for the beer. Crown Heights is slightly outside the typical tourist path, which keeps it genuine. The grilled cheese sandwiches are a sleeper hit. Late-night hours (until 1 AM Fri/Sat) make it a proper local hangout.
- What to order
- Covenhoven, a neighborhood beer bar at 730 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Crown Heights), serves pints for $8–12. With 16 craft beer taps featuring local favorites like Other Half's Forever Simcoe DIPA and rotating regional picks, Covenhoven is a curated beer bar rather than a brewery. The soft pretzels and loaded grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect pairing. Ask about their bottle/can selection — they carry hard-to-find releases from NYC breweries.
🕐 Opening hours
9Spuyten Duyvil
European Beer SpecialistQuick comparison
- Best for
- European Beer Specialist in 359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
- Strengths
- Known for European Beer Specialist · 359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
- Price / value
- $9–14/pint
- Why it made the list
- A Williamsburg classic that takes the opposite approach to every other bar on this list. Instead of 20+ taps, Spuyten Duyvil intentionally limits to six drafts and one cask, guaranteeing freshness. The real draw is the 100+ bottle collection of European microbrews — if you want Belgian lambics, German smoked beers, or rare Scandinavian sours, this is your spot. The leafy backyard is one of the best outdoor drinking spaces in Williamsburg. A quiet, thoughtful counterpoint to the flashier breweries nearby.
- What to order
- Spuyten Duyvil, a European beer specialist at 359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg), offers pints for $9–14. Spuyten Duyvil deliberately limits its tap selection to just six drafts and one cask, ensuring nothing goes stale. The real treasure is the 100+ bottle list focused on European microbrews — Belgian lambics, German rauchbiers, and rare Scandinavian sours. Grab your bottle and settle into the spacious, leafy backyard.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is the best craft beer bar in New York City?
Other Half Brewing Company is widely considered the best craft beer destination in NYC. Founded in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood, they've expanded to multiple locations including a waterfront taproom at Domino Park in Williamsburg. Known primarily for their exceptional hazy IPAs, Other Half changed the East Coast brewing scene and consistently draws lines for limited can releases. Reddit's craft beer community mentions them more than any other NYC brewery.
How much does craft beer cost in NYC?
Expect to pay $8–$14 per pint at most NYC craft beer bars. Brewery taprooms like Other Half, Finback, and KCBC tend to be slightly cheaper ($7–$12) since you're drinking direct from the source. Beer bars like Tørst and Proletariat can run higher ($10–$16) for rare pours. Happy hours at bars like Blind Tiger can bring prices down to $6–$8. Overall, NYC craft beer prices are on par with other major US cities like San Francisco and Chicago.
What is the best neighborhood for craft beer in NYC?
Gowanus, Brooklyn is the undisputed craft beer capital of NYC. Within a few blocks you'll find Other Half, Threes Brewing, Wild East, and Finback Brooklyn — four of the city's best breweries all within walking distance. Williamsburg/Greenpoint is a close second with Tørst, Grimm, Spuyten Duyvil, and Other Half's Domino Park location. For Manhattan, the West Village (Blind Tiger) and East Village (Proletariat) are your best bets.
Can you do a craft beer brewery crawl in Brooklyn?
Absolutely — Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood is perfect for a brewery crawl. Start at Other Half Brewing (195 Centre St) → walk 10 minutes to Threes Brewing (333 Douglass St) → 5 minutes to Wild East Brewing (623 Sackett St) → 5 minutes to Finback Brooklyn (545 President St). That's four world-class breweries in under 30 minutes of walking. For a longer crawl, take the G train to Greenpoint for Tørst, then walk to Grimm in East Williamsburg.
What styles of beer is NYC known for?
NYC's craft beer scene is best known for hazy/New England IPAs — Other Half practically defined the East Coast hazy IPA movement. You'll also find excellent sour and mixed-fermentation beers at Wild East and Grimm, creative stouts at Evil Twin and Other Half, and European-inspired lagers at Wild East and Threes Brewing. The city's diversity means you can find virtually any style, but if you're visiting for the first time, the hazy IPAs are what put NYC on the craft beer map.
Are NYC craft beer bars good for tourists?
Very much so. Most NYC breweries and beer bars are welcoming and casual — no pretension. Blind Tiger in the West Village is the most tourist-accessible (open since 1995, central location, 28 taps). For a quintessential Brooklyn brewery experience, Other Half's Domino Park taproom has waterfront Manhattan views. Proletariat on St. Marks Place is easy to combine with East Village sightseeing. Just note that many Brooklyn brewery taprooms open at noon or later — plan your crawl for afternoon/evening.
Where can I buy craft beer cans to go in NYC?
Most NYC breweries sell cans to go directly from their taprooms. Other Half is famous for their can releases — check their Instagram for drop schedules. KCBC, Finback, Grimm, and Evil Twin all sell cans on-site. For curated bottle shops with hard-to-find beers, check out Covenhoven in Crown Heights (16 taps plus extensive bottle/can selection) or City Swiggers on the Upper East Side. Tørst also carries rare bottles and cans from across the country.