Contrary to what some may think, New York isn’t all about cocktails and fine wines – the city houses a pretty scrumptious selection of beer as well. While you can walk into just about any bar and have a cheap beer, you’re not always guaranteed a quality experience. Here’s where we come in. From outdoor gardens to hip hangouts, these venues will satisfy even the most picky beer connoisseurs.
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: Hop Devil Grill
129 St. Marks Place
New York, NY 10009
The reason Hop Devil Grill is always so crowded is no mystery. If twenty three beers on tap and thirty eight kinds of bottled beer to choose from isn’t enough for you, then consider the fact that there’s a special on Hop Devil Grill’s delicious food nightly. Hop Devil is unique in that they host breweries from around the country, so you can taste test beer you may not have ever been able to try otherwise. Moving away from the dimly lit décor that is prevalent in so many pubs, Hop Devil is vibrant and bright for those who prefer their beer bars a little more wired. We also hear that one of the bartenders breathes fire. Convinced yet?
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: Blind Tiger Ale House
281 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
When the New York Times says something is the best, most people tend not to argue. But if you want our reasons why the Blind Tiger Ale House is one of the best in New York, consider this: every beer served at Blind Tiger is chosen meticulously – they don’t serve anything they wouldn’t drink themselves. Blind Tiger is also renowned as one of the best bars in the Lower East Side. Mix that with classic alehouse food, attentive service, six of their own annual festivals and an atmosphere that has been likened to that of pubs in Dublin and you’ve got a recipe for a winner.
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: Mugs Ale House
125 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Mugs Ale House is one of those rare Brooklyn bars that predate the hipster takeover – casual, fun atmosphere without a hint of snobbery. The menu boasts nearly 30 draft beers, cask ale, and an array of aged beers, all at reasonable prices. The food menu puts a unique spin on bar food mainstays. For example, the buffalo calamari is popular among Mugs fans. Regulars of Mugs can also purchase Mugs merchandise. With their foot in so many doors, it’s obvious why Mugs is a favorite among Brooklyn-ites of all tastes and ages.
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: d.b.a.
41 First Avenue
New York, NY 10003
The trend with bars has generally been that they specialize in beer or liquor, or they have a tiny selection of both. D.b.a. changes all of this. For the beer lovers, the bar offers over 250 types of beer of all kinds, from fruit flavored lambics for those with a sweet tooth, to ales and microbrews. Those who like their drinks a bit stiffer can choose from a variety of Caribbean rums, whiskeys from America and Great Britain, and international gins and vodkas. And if you prefer wine, d.b.a. has that covered as well. One word of warning: D.b.a. doesn’t serve food, so don’t come hungry.
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: Spuyten Duyvil
359 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Being housed inside of a former railroad apartment, decked out in crimson and glittering with tin, Spuyten Duyvil takes coziness to the next level. The décor isn’t the only perk, they pride themselves on specializing in Belgian beer (broken down by region), and rare imported microbrews. Music lovers will rejoice in Spuyten Duyvil as well, their jukebox Is also famous for its variety. Cuisine is limited to cheese and meat plates, but with the drink selection, you don’t really need much more.
Best Bar for Beer in NYC: Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
At 100, Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is the oldest beer garden in New York City. Dedicated to preserving the Czech and Slovak communities in the area, Bohemian Hall gives patrons a taste of beer from across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as Belgium, Great Britain and the USA. The food is delicious as well, try the Bramboraky (Czech potato pancakes with sour cream and apple sauce) or the Palacinka (baked crepes filled with chicken or vegetables, warm Muenster cheese, spinach and mushrooms). And don’t let the fun stop at eating and drinking, stop in on a Friday for live Jazz or maybe for an outdoor film put on by Astoria Indies!