Was in NYC this past weekend on a visit and had a blast. Thanks for some great recs in this thread. While I didn’t make it to any breweries, I had some great beers. After having John’s of Bleeker’s, I stopped at Carmine Street Beers for a pint. That can selection is incredible. Later, I hit up Fool’s Gold for the Illini Elite 8 game and enjoyed some Alchemist cans on site. I was also happy to finally make it into Proletariat for a couple of drafts before finishing up at Augers which had a fun Saturday night energy. Later in the weekend, I returned to Blind Tiger after the Mets game and slices at L’Industrie and Haymaker prior to the Rangers game which were both as great as I remember. Citifield wasn’t awful for beer selection, but MSG was among the worst I have encountered. At least section 103 had a few options but otherwise it was a wasteland. Next time, I’ll try to spend some time pursuing beers in Brooklyn.
That's all news to me about Harlem Hops; I'll have to make stop next time I'm home. Does anyone know if the selection (or atmosphere) is as good at the Chelsea location?
The selection isn't as good, you'll still see some awesome cans you wouldn't at any other random shop, but it's a very abridged version, and often they'll bring down stuff that isn't selling out uptown. Both locations stay well updated on Untappd so you can see what's around. Totally different atmosphere, it's not a standalone bar but one of many vendors in a shared marketplace at Pier 57. Not the one to go to if you want to run through a bunch of the most highly rated cans in the tristate, but having all the different food options right there makes for an easy time with a group, and you can take beers to the roof deck upstairs with a great view of lower Manhattan. On a nice day it's a great time.
Was just at the Chelsea location a week or so ago and thought the selection was meh; it was much better my prior visit.
Line @tinoynk said, The Chelsea location seems to get smaller drops of stuff that goes fast (as it's usually overflow i think) and the Untappd doesn't keep up on the cans so well (tap list is accurate). If you're really looking for the harder to find stuff the Harlem location is the place to go. Untappd is updated regularly enough including the can list that it's pretty safe, though occasionally they're at the last can or two and they don't update for a day or so that it's out. Instagram they'll post new cans as well usually days after they pick them up, so that's helpful if your trip hinges on any particular offering. Their draft list is also more extensive at the harlem location.
I'm staying near the Barclay's Center this weekend in Brooklyn and Wild East, Finback and Strong Rope are around a 9 to 12 minute walk from my hotel. Which of those breweries is the best to hit if you had to pick one (love lagers and IPAs)? Also, are there any beer bars nearby to those spots that are worth hitting?
Hi, Wild East has a great mix of Lagers and IPA’s. That Strong Rope location closed and is now Forever Brewing. They opened last week. You will be close to Hops Hill Atlantic location. Great beer bar. You will also walk by Three’s Brewing if you go to Wild East or Finback. They are also a popular spot and they have a decent food menu. A mile or so past the WE/Finback/Three’s location you have Other Half and Queue Beer. Both worth a stop if you have time. All of these are easy via the subway. R train or F and G from where you are staying. Barclay is also about 3/4 mile walk to Gold Star Beer Counter and Beer Street South. Worth checking out their tap lists to see if anything catches your eye. Edit: I saw you asked “if you have to pick one” Based on what you said you like beer wise and your location, I’d choose Wild East for a brewery and Hops Hill for a beer bar.
I don’t know where to put this so I’ll put it here. Apparently, the Ginger Man has reopened in the same exact location but under new management. And, also apparently, it’s hot garbage. Figured I’d throw it out there to the rest of you. Saw a posted beer menu on a Google review from a month ago and it looked like any generic beer list from any bar in the area. I was so stoked to have randomly found this out but now bummed that it’s apparently a shell of its former self.
