Being home to the Finger Lakes, it’s no secret that Upstate New York is a prime wine destination. What flies further under the radar, however, is that beer lovers can also find plenty to love in various towns in Upstate New York.
From historic breweries to more modern craft beer hubs, here are some of the best breweries in Upstate New York.
Wondering where to stay? Check out our favorite off-season hotels in Upstate New York, as well as one of our favorite hotels in Lake Placid, Mirror Lake Inn.
Photo courtesy of Saranac Brewery
Saranac Brewery in Utica
If you’re equal parts beer aficionado and history buff, Saranac Brewery in Utica is a must-visit. Home to Utica Club, a.k.a. the first beer sold in the US after prohibition, Saranac is now run by Fred Matt, the fourth generation of the Matt family. Fred’s great-grandfather took over the brewery in 1888, and still sells an IPA developed by him in 1914.
But it’s not just history at Saranac Brewery. As trends in the beer world have shifted, Saranac manages to not only keep up, but be a leading innovator. While many breweries are developing nonalcoholic and zero ABV beers, Saranac has found a happy medium with its Saranac Weekend Warrior Mid-Strength 3% ABV beer.
Should you make your way up to Utica—via Amtrak to Utica Train Station or with a flight to Syracuse—make sure to take a VIP Tour of Saranac Brewery. The experience includes behind-the-scenes looks, a guided tasting, and a complimentary pint or flight of beers.
Photo by Kaitlyn Rosati
Ithaca Beer Company in Ithaca
Should you make your way to the Finger Lakes region and need a good brew as a change of pace from all the wine, Ithaca Beer Company is a staple. Best known for their hoppy Flower Power IPA, the brewery was founded in 1998 by owner Dan Mitchell (who still runs the show today). Ithaca Beer Company also whips up a crisp Lakeside Lager, and offers rotating seasonal beers like a Passion Fruit IPA and a Vanilla Porter.
Ithaca Beer Company also has a stellar food menu. It’s not just beer flights here, but a French fry flight, too. They also offer “bacon nibs” tossed with a bourbon maple glaze, house-cured gravlax, a vegan chorizo burger, and a Friday fish fry.
Photo courtesy of Visit Rochester
Strangebird Brewing in Rochester
If there’s one city that’s a perfect base for brewery hopping in New York state, it’s Rochester. With over two dozen breweries in Monroe County, Rochester is also home to the state’s oldest brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, founded in 1878.
However, if you’re looking for something more modern, I’d recommend a visit to Strangebird, which has won several awards for its innovative brews, like its acclaimed Bear Fight Stout. Their sour Rainbow Slippah is my personal favorite, with strong tart notes of passion fruit and guava. Beyond beer, Strangebird has a solid food menu, with offerings like a smash burger, and pizza with toppings from mortadella to pickled chilis. If you have young ones with you, The Strong National Museum of Play, an interactive museum that added on a 90,000 square foot extension in 2023, is just around the corner.
Photo via Briar Brothers Brewing Company
Briar Brothers Brewing in Buffalo
As the name insinuates, Briar Brothers Brewing was founded by brothers Dylan and Joel Betti. Their journey to owning a brewery was fueled out of a passion for beer, but technically started in 2017 when Joel bought Dylan a “Make Your Own Beer Kit” for the holidays. It sat in the closet until a typical wintry day in Upstate New York, when they finally made their first batch of beer.
Now, they’ve transformed old grain silo complexes into a brewery and tasting rooms. The brewery is a new kid on the block, having opened in 2022. Some of the fan favorites include Bedda Wit Chedda, a Double IPA at 8% ABV, Curious Mind (a coconut porter), Lombard Lager (a Polish pilsner), and the innovative Punch Bowl: Strawberry Banana Sunrise, a delightful fruited sour.
Photo courtesy of Great Adirondack Brewing Company
Great Adirondack Brewing Company in Lake Placid
Transformed in 2018 from Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood, this brewery is ideal for those who want a pint with high-quality steak and fresh seafood. With stellar views of Mirror Lake on its Main Street location, Great Adirondack Brewing Company is home to a custom-built seven-barrel stainless steel brew system, which produces a constant rotating selection of ales and lagers. Their Whiteface Stout has won a plethora of awards, and their Belgian Saison is not to be missed, either. Each beer on draft is $8 for a pint, and they also offer specialty cocktails for $16. Booze aside, make sure to order their prime rib for that classic Americana experience.
