Brooklyn is no stranger to great breweries. Perhaps moreso than any other borough, this is the heavy-hitter in the craft brew scene and locals can't help but benefit. Here's a roundup of the 10 best Brooklyn breweries you can't afford to miss.
LessConsidered one of the most popular Brooklyn breweries, the masterminds behind Threes Brewing are applauded for churning out some of the most balanced craft brews in NYC. That’s not to say the brews lack complexity (anything but!), it’s just that the velvety texture makes them (almost) too easy to drink. The focus is on creating approachable lagers, hop-forward IPAs and floral pilsners all while perfecting traditional styles with modern twists. Plus, the outdoor patio can’t be beat.
Started by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso, an identical twin from Denmark, Evil Twin Brewing seems to have one mission in mind: upset the apple cart. His twin brother launched Mikkeller Brewing Company in 2006, which Jeppe challenged with Evil Twin Brewing in 2010. Originally started as a nomadic brewery (without a home base, brewing beers at other breweries in New York City), Jeppe settled down in Queens and then opened a location in DUMBO. Everything on offer is bound to impress.
This New York City microbrewery has made headlines for their refreshing lagers that can be found in stores across the country, but only those that find themselves in Brooklyn have the chance to visit the taproom. The thoughtfully-designed taproom is half the draw, with cozy leather couches and plenty of picnic tables, somewhat reminiscent of those old-school basement hangouts. Invite some friends and spend the afternoon catching up over delicious pints guaranteed to please any palate.
Opened in 2020, Wild East Brewing Company’s success can be attributed to one thing: they serve some of the best beer in Brooklyn. Specializing in sours and fermented beers, expect to find flavorful and refreshing pints of lagers, farmhouse ales, hazy IPAs and knock-out sours. The spacious taproom is irresistibly inviting and oozes industrial-chic farm. It’s the only place you want to be during a relaxed weekday.
Winning the New York State Brewers Association’s highly coveted Brewery of the Year award 2 years in a row, Grimm Artisanal Ales is often considered one of the best breweries in Brooklyn. The taproom doesn’t look like a traditional brewery, the aesthetic is more reminiscent of a modern upscale bar, giving this Brooklyn brewery is different vibe from the others mentioned on this list. The barrels in the back serve as assurance though, you’re in the right spot so order a pint and enjoy.
Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) opened its doors in 2016, becoming the first brick-and-mortar brewery Bushwick had seen in 40 long years. Expect to find a plethora of lagers & IPAs, but not many dark beers like porters and stouts. If you're at a loss of what to order, opt for Ride the Liger, an irresistibly crisp Kolsch perfect on a warm day. The best way to try the wide array of brews is with a flight (which on Wednesdays will only run you $10).
What happens when two determined women quit uninspiring corporate careers and take on an industry predominantly run by men? They end up opening one of the best breweries in Brooklyn. TALEA (pronounced tah-lay-uh) Beer Co. is the passion project of Tara and LeAnn, two friends that wanted to make craft brews more approachable and inclusive. They strive to make easy drinking fruit-forward beers that lack acidity in an effort to capture folks that are convinced they don’t enjoy beer (yet).
The awe-inspiring selection of beer can overwhelm those unaccustomed to seeing more than 10 beers listed on a menu (Other Half Brewing typically has 19-20 beers on tap). But there’s a reason for the madness, everyone should be able to find a beer to love! The menu boasts everything from sours and ales to hazy IPAs, ciders and porters. (The IPAs are top-notch). The hardest thing about this beloved Brooklyn brewery if finding an open table in the rustic tasting room.
An unapologetic mastery of traditional and farmhouse ales has made Transmitter Brewing one of the most respected breweries in Brooklyn. The goal is to keep the focus on traditional beer by mastering the 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.
Crafting some of the most creative beers in Brooklyn, Big aLICe Brewing is a small-batch brewery named after a beloved Queens landmark (a red-and-white generator stack affectionately called ‘Big Allis’). This is a farm-certified brewery, which means every business decision is done with the community in mind. Founders, Kyle Hurst and Scott Berger, work with local hops farmers and business owners to source all of their ingredients, ensuring everything is both fresh and local.