NYC's 4 Best Craft Beer Bars
Do hops, malted barley and wheat make your mouth water? Whether you consider yourself a beer geek or not, craft brewing is a growing movement that's giving big-brand beer a run for its money. Check out a range of full-flavored brews at these NYC bars. By Selena Ricks-Good.
See Also: NYC's Best Beer Selection
Rattle 'n Hum
15 E. 33rd St.
New York, NY
(212) 481-1586
rattlenhumbarnyc.com
This narrow Irish pub gets crowded easily, but join the party and you'll get to choose from more than 40 microbrews on tap, a corner dedicated to traditional cask beer and a range of beer flights starting at $10. The menu offers suggestions for those unfamiliar with craft beer, and a constant rotation of brewery tastings and events are a hit with the beer-loving community. Get $1 off select brews between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. on weekdays.
Spuyten Duyvil
359 Metropolitan Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 963-4140
spuytenduyvilnyc.com
Specializing in Belgian brews, this Williamsburg beer bar stands out among the PBR crowd. Choose from 140-plus rare brews--only six on tap, but the bottled list is extensive and international--and a rotating cask ale. Head to the backyard beer garden for some prime relaxing and nibble on cheese and charcuterie.
d.b.a.
41 1st Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 475-5097
drinkgoodstuff.com
Recently, owner Ray Deter tragically passed away in a bike accident, but the beer continues to flow at this East Village haven as well as its Williamsburg and New Orleans locations. Deter made sure craft beer and cask-conditioned ale had a place in NYC since opening d.b.a. in 1994, a time when mass-market beer ruled. Choose from a staggering list of microbrews, hand-pulled ales, and seasonal beer on tap. Grab a pint and head to the back patio, and be sure to dedicate a toast to Deter.
Blind Tiger Ale House
281 Bleecker St.
New York, NY
(212) 462-4682
blindtigeralehouse.com
This casual West Village bar is serious about beer. Nearly 30 ever-changing brews are on tap, including cask ales and a gravity keg, and another 80 beers are available by the bottle. Happy hour can draw a mix of NYU students and the after-work crowd, but the vibe is always friendly and laid-back. The bar recently updated its food menu, including chicken liver and bacon pate and pilsner-brined chicken wings.
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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.
