NYC recommendations

Double meh on Singlecut and Brooklyn brewery, stay on the L. Brooklyn Brewery is 10+ years ago.

 

Do Grimm, Interboro, Evil Twin, and KCBC.

 

Not exactly "off the beaten path" places but some of my favorites:

Definitely recommend a trip to Mekelburg's for lunch. Killer taplist and their food is awesome (get one of the baked potatoes). I've only been to the Clinton Hill location but there is one in Williamsburg too.

Gold Star Beer Counter and Covenhoven are a couple of my other go-to spots. Grimm is really cool. Get the chicken shawarma while you're there, it's delicious and huge. I have a big appetite and could barely finish it. Enough for 2 people.

 

Another vote for Gold Star (and covenhoven, but the former really is a special spot).

You may be underwhelmed by Brooklyn Brewery, but I hear you on needing to check it out - BBCS was one of my first craft beers.

Bar Great Harry, Owl Farm and Mission Dolores are all bars owned by the same brothers. I wouldn’t say they are dives, but they share some of the qualities of a dive bar, but with a great beer selection. They’re full bars too and OF in particular can have some interesting non-beer stuff (not cocktail places tho).

 

Someday bar, st Gambrinus and threes Brewing is a nice lil crawl

 

If you're going to be in the area of Gold Star and Covenhoven, you're not a far walk to the new Beer Street South and Bierwax, both good beer bar options. The former has a full bar, I believe, but I've yet to visit. Right near there is Weather Up, a great cocktail bar with the fancy clear ice and the bartender says "what are you in the mood for?" and comes up with the cocktail for you (they also will make whatever you ask for, but I found my favorite cocktail there by letting them run with their imagination. Called an African Flower). It might be cash only, though.

If you're at Gold Star and are tempted by the Blue Marble ice cream shop next door, save yourself and stop at Ample Hills on the way to Beer Street South. There's a couple pricier on that same stretch of Vanderbilt that are quite good but would require reservations - Faun and Olmsted.

If you go to Mission Dolores, go to Threes Brewing. Underappreciated beer, has food and a full bar as well. If you go to Mekelburg's, along with @Jacobier10 's baked potato for someone else, so you can try it, get the Porchetta.

I'll second @Tallerboy's recommendation and suggest an order of Evil Twin -> KCBC -> Interboro -> Grimm since you're staying in Williamsburg. ET opens pretty early in the day and has a beautiful taproom with really good lagers (for NYC, plus good coffee) so you can start slow and work your way back towards home/Brooklyn Brewery. I think that is the strongest lineup set trip of breweries in NYC at the moment (though that could change once Finback and Wild East open up soon).

One last thing -- I've heard really good things about We Got Company, a cocktail bar near the Metropolitan G/Lorimer L stop.

 

I’m checking out Beer Street South tonight so will report back

 

When you are down by OH do yourself a favor and go to Sams Restaurant on Court St in Cobble Hill and get a pizza. It’s a real old restaurant that dates back to the 30s. My family has been going there for generations. Full disclosure - the owner doesnt need your business and he definitely acts like it. He’s a great guy but dont be surprised if you arent treated like a 5 star guest. Once you take a bite it wont matter.

 

Expensive (yeah, I know, it’s NY), won’t let you taste a beer (or wouldn’t let me), good list, kind of sterile/hipster vibe. Wasn’t a huge fan. Would go if there was something on I really wanted to try, but wouldn’t seek it out.

Be curious for your take.

 

Not sure, not a vinyl person so I've never asked but my instinct says no. They definitely play them when there isn't a DJ around.

 

lucali Is great pizza. Put your name on the list then go drink at Great bar Harry and Other half until it’s time for you to go back.

 

I get it check it off. Brooklyn Brewery was a go to in my younger years and had many good times at the old place with, the neighborhood has changed and vibe there has changed.

Whatever you do just pick an area, with traffic/weekend subway work north and south Brooklyn can be very far away. The best time to be had is walking from place to place or staying within 5 subway stops on 1 line.

So if you're in Williamsburg staying on the L would be perfect.

http://subwaytime.mta.info/index.html#/app/home

That link is your friend when timing when to leave whatever brewery you are at if you're doing the train.