The Best Craft Breweries in Brooklyn: Complete Guide to Beer Tourism in New York
You've seen it in movies and TV shows, you've read it on t-shirts, hoodies, and caps for years. For a while now, there have even been affordable plane tickets because it's true there's an ocean in between, but after all, it's not that far. Maybe today we can convince you that the trip to New York you've been postponing forever can't wait any longer.
You might say: "Just for some beer?" Well, there are over 30 breweries just in the Brooklyn neighborhood, including at least two of the most appreciated names in the United States, like Threes Brewing and Other Half Brewing Co. Brooklyn is the epicenter of the American craft beer revolution, where innovation, quality, and urban culture blend into extraordinary beers. Enjoy your trip and… Cheers!
Brooklyn: The Capital of American Craft Beer
Why Brooklyn Is Special
Brooklyn is not just a New York neighborhood: it is a cultural phenomenon. In the last 20 years, it has become a symbol of urban renewal, creativity, and craftsmanship. And beer is at the heart of this transformation.
Why Brooklyn is the craft capital:
- Density: Over 30 breweries in a relatively small area
- Innovation: Breweries experimenting and redefining styles
- Quality: Very high standards, fierce competition
- Culture: Taprooms as social and cultural centers
- Influence: Brooklyn beers are exported worldwide
The History of Craft Beer in Brooklyn
1996: Brooklyn Brewery opens, pioneer of the craft scene
2000s: Explosion of microbreweries
2010s: Brooklyn becomes synonymous with quality craft beer
2020s: Consolidation and maturity of the scene
The Best Craft Breweries in Brooklyn
1. Other Half Brewing Co.
Founded: 2014
Area: Gowanus / Carroll Gardens
Style: Modern brewery, focus on IPA
History: Other Half has become one of the most respected breweries in America in just a few years. Founded by passionate homebrewers, it is famous for its IPA and NEIPA of the highest quality.
Iconic beers:
All Green Everything (NEIPA):
- Hazy, creamy New England IPA
- Hops: Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy
- Aromas: Mango, passion fruit, citrus
- ABV: 6-7%
All Citra Everything (IPA):
- Single-hop IPA with only Citra
- Explosion of citrus and tropical fruit
DDH (Double Dry-Hopped) Series:
- Double dry-hopped IPA
- Maximum aroma, moderate bitterness
- Regularly changing
Taproom:
- Modern, industrial, spacious
- 16+ rotating taps
- Special releases every week
- Always crowded (lines on weekends!)
Why visit: To try some of the best IPAs in America, see the hype in action, and understand why Other Half is a phenomenon.
Info:
📍 195 Centre St, Brooklyn
🕐 Mon-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sun 12:00-23:00
💶 Beer: $7-10
2. Threes Brewing
Founded: 2014
Area: Gowanus
Style: Brewery + restaurant + cultural space
Concept: Threes is not just a brewery: it is a cultural hub with beer, food, art, music, and events. The name comes from the philosophy "three essential elements: beer, food, culture."
Beers:
Vliet (Pilsner):
- Modern, hoppy Pilsner
- Refreshing and easy to drink
- ABV: 5%
Logical Conclusion (IPA):
- Dry and bitter West Coast IPA
- ABV: 7%
Experimental beers:
- Sour, Saison, Stout, collaborations
- Continuous rotation
Food:
- Full menu (not just snacks)
- Modern American cuisine
- Carefully paired beer and food
Atmosphere:
- Industrial-chic design
- Huge space with garden
- Events: concerts, exhibitions, screenings
- Hipster but welcoming crowd
Why visit: For the full experience (beer + food + culture) and unique atmosphere.
Info:
📍 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn
🕐 Mon-Thu 12:00-23:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-00:00
💶 Beer: $7-9
3. Brooklyn Brewery
Founded: 1988 (taproom 1996)
Area: Williamsburg
Style: Historic brewery, pioneer
History: Brooklyn Brewery is the brewery that started the craft revolution in Brooklyn. Founded by Steve Hindy and Tom Potter, it is now one of the largest craft breweries in America.
Iconic beers:
Brooklyn Lager:
- Amber Lager, signature beer
- Malty, balanced, easy to drink
- ABV: 5.2%
- Available worldwide
Brooklyn East IPA:
- Hoppy American IPA
- ABV: 6.9%
Brooklyn Sorachi Ace:
- Saison with Sorachi Ace hops
- Lemon and spice aromas
- ABV: 7.6%
Taproom:
- Huge industrial space
- Brewery tours available
- Rooftop bar (summer)
- Events and concerts
Why visit: For the history, iconic status, and to see where it all started.
Info:
📍 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn
🕐 Mon-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-20:00
💶 Beer: $7-9
4. Grimm Artisanal Ales
Founded: 2013
Area: East Williamsburg
Style: Experimental brewery
Concept: Grimm is known for experimental and artistic beers. The Grimm siblings (Joe and Lauren) create beers that challenge conventions.
Beers:
- Sour Ale with fruit
- Very hoppy NEIPA
- Stout with unusual ingredients
- Collaborations with artists and chefs
Taproom:
- Artistic, colorful design
- Labels as works of art
- Creative atmosphere
5. Interboro Spirits & Ales
Founded: 2016
Area: East Williamsburg
Style: Brewery + distillery
Concept: Interboro produces both beer and spirits (gin, vodka, whiskey). Unique in its kind.
Beers:
- Premiere (Pilsner)
- Modern IPA
- Sour and Saison
Taproom:
- Cocktails + beer
- Outdoor garden
- Relaxed atmosphere
6. Transmitter Brewing
Founded: 2014
Area: Long Island City (Queens, but near Brooklyn)
Style: Farmhouse Ales specialist
Concept: Transmitter focuses on Farmhouse Ales (Saison, Biere de Garde) with mixed fermentation and barrel aging.
Beers:
- Traditional and modern Saison
- Aged Sour Ale
- Beers with Brettanomyces
7. Folksbier
Founded: 2015
Area: Carroll Gardens
Style: Lager specialist
Concept: Folksbier focuses on Lager in a landscape dominated by IPA. Respect for German tradition with a modern touch.
Beers:
- Pilsner, Helles, Märzen
- Modern hoppy Lager
- Schwarzbier, Dunkel
Beer Crawl Brooklyn Itinerary (1 Day)
Route: Williamsburg → Gowanus
12:00 - Brooklyn Brewery (Williamsburg)
- Start with the pioneer
- Brewery tour (if available)
- Brooklyn Lager + light lunch
14:30 - Walk in Williamsburg
- Explore the hipster neighborhood
- Vintage shops, street art, café
16:00 - Grimm Artisanal Ales (East Williamsburg)
- Experimental beers
- Sour or NEIPA
6:00 PM - Subway to Gowanus
6:30 PM - Threes Brewing (Gowanus)
- Full dinner + beers
- Evening atmosphere
9:00 PM - Other Half Brewing (Gowanus)
- Ending with the best IPA
- Buying beers to go (if available)
Practical Tips for Beer Tourism in Brooklyn
Getting Around
- Subway: Efficient (lines L, G, F, R)
- Uber/Lyft: Convenient but expensive
- Bike: Citi Bike (bike sharing) widely used
- On foot: Compact, walkable neighborhoods
When to Go
- Spring/Summer (Apr-Sep): Better weather, open rooftops
- Fall (Oct-Nov): Fewer tourists, authentic atmosphere
- Winter: Cold but cozy taprooms
Budget
- Beer: $7-12
- Meal: $15-30
- Accommodation: $150-300/night
- Daily budget: $200-400
Taproom Etiquette
- Tip: 15-20% (culturally mandatory)
- Ordering: At the bar or at the table (depends on the place)
- Conversation: Americans are sociable, happy to chat
- Releases: Special beers often come out on Saturday mornings (queues!)
Beyond Brooklyn: Other NYC Neighborhoods
Queens
- Transmitter Brewing (Long Island City)
- Rockaway Brewing (Rockaway Beach)
Manhattan
- Torch & Crown Brewing (SoHo)
- Greenpoint Beer & Ale (Lower East Side)
Bronx
- The Bronx Brewery
Conclusion: Brooklyn, Heart of American Craft Beer
Brooklyn is not just a neighborhood: it is a symbol of the craft beer revolution. From pioneers like Brooklyn Brewery to modern phenomena like Other Half and Threes, Brooklyn represents innovation, quality, and culture that have made American craft beer a global movement.
Visiting Brooklyn breweries means immersing yourself in this culture: taprooms as social hubs, beers that redefine styles, atmospheres mixing industrial and hipster vibes, and a contagious passion for craft beer.
That trip to New York you've always been postponing? It's time to do it. And Brooklyn is waiting for you with its extraordinary beers.
Discover our selection of American craft beers on Maltese.beer and bring home the taste of Brooklyn! 🍺🗽️
