The national rise of craft beer has played out in New York City in some very refreshing ways. Microbreweries—or craft breweries—produce beer in small quantities, with independent ownership. Ingredients and techniques can keep to traditional ways, or look to innovations. The results are wide-ranging and almost always more interesting than what's poured by large-scale producers. Read on for some happening “hop” spots in New York, serving up the best of craft beer. After all, in the words of Peter Adeney, “If people say the world isn’t getting better, they haven’t looked at the beer aisle recently.”
Heartland Brewery
Since 1995, Manhattan’s Heartland Brewery has been serving unique, locally brewed craft beer. A pioneer in the craft beer movement, Heartland Brewery offers several classic brews, as well as seasonal brews. The iconic beer and food destination initially debuted in Union Square, but since then has expanded to include Midtown West, the Empire State Building, and beyond. Times Square, 127 W. 43rd St., 646-366-0235, heartlandbrewery.com
HB Burger
Beyond the vast selection of craft beers and ales, casual-but-stylish microbrewery and restaurant HB Burger offers delicious pub grub, including (of course) some seriously tasty burgers. Its lineup of beers includes New York favorites Harvest Wheat, Indiana Pale Ale, and Farmer Jon’s Oatmeal Stout. Times Square, 127 W. 43rd St., 212-575-5848, heartlandbrewery.com
The Jeffrey Craft Beer and Bites
Bespoke bar The Jeffrey is a craft beer, cocktail, and espresso destination on the Upper East Side. By day, it offers locally roasted artisanal coffees from Brooklyn Roasting Co., but in the afternoon and evening, the rustic spot transforms into a craft beer and cocktail mecca. A rotating lineup of 30 international and local brews will slake your thirst. If not, there's a separate growler bar tasting area with 10 taps, which are utilized for beer, bourbon, and whiskey tasting classes. 311 E. 60th St., 212-355-BEER, thejeffreynyc.com
Rattle N Hum
This easygoing midtown locale celebrates great beer and tasty pub food. It has nearly 40 microbrews on tap, as well as specialty bottles. It even boasts a corner dedicated to traditional cask beer—served room temperature. Find beer flights (4 four-ounce pours), and specials on weekdays from 11am to 7pm. 14 E. 33rd St., 212-481-1586, rattlenhumbarnyc.com
Upstate Craft Beer and Oyster Bar
Upstate is an East Village oyster, seafood, and craft beer establishment that serves a rotating roster of craft beers. Renowned for its popular happy hour, Upstate doesn’t have a freezer on its premises, so everything is brought in or made fresh daily. 95 First Ave., 917-408-3395 upstatenyc.com
