The Brooklyn Brewery
79 North 11th St. (Berry St. and Wythe Ave.), Williamsburg
718-486-7422
What it is: The first brewery in Brooklyn, arriving at (and partly responsible for) the resurgence of the craft brewing industry in New York in the late 1980s.
Why we love it: The Brooklyn Brewery has been providing quality and innovative brews to the borough since 1988, when founders Steve Hindy and Tom Potter delivered the very first cases to a parched community of beer drinkers. With year-round staples like their flagship Brooklyn Lager, seasonal favorites like the Brooklyn Summer (those cans!) and specialties like the coveted Monster Ale and quarterly Brewmaster’s Reserves, the Brooklyn Brewery has gained notoriety around the city, country and world, today distributing in 25 states and 27 countries (most recently, the Baltics).
Events occur here regularly, from beer releases to foodie festivals, lectures and comedy nights. Check the Facebook page to see what’s going on. Free tours run every Saturday and Sunday on the half hour (Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm to 4pm), so make a day of it with friends, family or out-of-towners looking to experience some lighthearted history and serious drinking.
What to order: If you’re game for a boozy beast of a beer, try the latest BMR (currently a quadruple ale at 9.9%). If you’re in it for the long hall, go for the 1/2 Ale (a hoppy, sessionable saison) to double your drinking time.
Regular tip: Get there early if you want to score a table, and definitely take advantage of the order-in (pizza or any other nearby eats) policy to enjoy a longer (read: less wasted) stay.