Webster NY beer help

If you're limiting yourself to Webster the only options are Hegedorns or Wegmans for beer stores and Macgregors for craft beer bar.

If you're willing to leave Webster there are a plenty of options in and around Rochester.

 

If I was going on a fishing trip, the only thing more important than beer would be food. I'd ask the other guys if they would be willing to make a beer stop on the way.

 

Having no beer on a fishing trip also reminds me of the W.C. Fields quote that went something like "Reminds me of my safari in Africa; someone lost the corkscrew and we were forced to live on food and water for weeks".

 

You'll be very happy with Hegedorns: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/9114/view=beerfly

 

Hegedorns for sure. It's in Webster, and it's about the same distance from the lake as the Holt Road Wegmans location. I think Wegmans probably has a slight advantage on stock size, but if you can't find anything you like at Hegedorns, you're just plain nuts.

Bonus points for Hegedorns: their beer guy is a BA member, and it's a single-store, family owned business. (Wegmans is also a Rochester-founded company, but is a massive multi-state chain that doesn't need your business as much as Hegedorns does).

I don't know about must-have beers, as I'm not sure what's sold in NY that isn't available in NH. If you're looking for local and you're not opposed to bomber pricing, Three Heads Brewing is a relatively new venture that's gotten great reviews from both BA members and the Bros themselves.

Now, for food: do you like hot dogs and/or Bratwurst? If you like hot dogs, you have to get a pack of Zweigles brand Texas Hots. Or see if you can find the mix pack - three red hots and three white hots. They're delicious, and pretty much only sold in Rochester (where they're made). Just make sure you get the pop-open variety - they're larger (six to a pack instead of eight). If you like bratwurst, Wegmans carries a brand from nearby Canandaigua called Hartmans. Their German Bratwursts (come four to a pack) are some of the best I've had, and my father (a former frequent traveler to Germany) said they're the most authentic he's ever had in the states.

And if you want something...unique...to the area, stop by Bill Grey's (right next to Hegedorns) for a "great plate". It's a plate that's half mac salad and half home fries, topped with two bun-less burgers or dogs, then covered in meat sauce and served with bread. Sound like a heart attack waiting to happen? It is. But it's another concoction that was invented in the area, so it fits the bill for "local food".

 

If wegmans still has them, get Hartmans Käse Krainer. They're filled with swiss cheese and taste amazing. http://www.hartmannssausage.com/shopping_detail_view.aspx?productPacksKey=15&categoryNamesKey=1

 

Despite my current location listing, I'll be back in Webster for most of September. You know, in case you want to share any fresh fish or something

Seriously though, enjoy! Lake Ontario tends to smell kind of funky, but it's a beautiful area.

OH, and keep this in mind: "liquor stores" in NYS do not sell beer. If it says liquor store on the outside, you'll only find wine & spirits. Grocery stores and gas stations: beer only, no wine/spirits.

Oh, and another thought (they keep coming!) - if you're at Hegedorns, hang a right onto Ridge Road and go to the next big four way intersection less than a mile away. There's a large Sunoco gas station on the right hand side that does growler and mini growler fills, and they actually have a respectable selection (I think I got Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter for $6/32oz last time I was there). You'd never guess! But if you have to stop for gas...you may as well stop there and get some other...er...supplies.

I realize I'm getting lengthy here, so feel free to just BM me if you have any questions.

 

For the record, we do also now have 12oz bottles available of the Kind IPA, Too Kind Double and Loopy Oatmeal Red.