The Finger Lakes region and surrounding areas in New York are home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, with each brewery offering unique experiences, delicious brews, and vibrant atmospheres. Here's a detailed look at some of the standout breweries that make this region a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
Two Goats Brewing
Nestled in a renovated 19th-century barn with views of Seneca Lake, Two Goats Brewing has become a beloved spot for craft beer lovers, live music aficionados, and those seeking a serene yet lively atmosphere. Founded by Jon and Jess Rodgers in 2010, the brewery’s inception traces back to Jon’s fascination with a blonde doppelbock in Ithaca in 1984. This moment sparked a passion for brewing that has culminated in the creation of Two Goats Brewing.
The brewery focuses on crafting high-quality, traditionally styled beers using basic ingredients, embodying a philosophy of simplicity, authenticity, and efficiency. Signature offerings include the Beef-on-Weck sandwich featuring local beef slow-cooked, thinly sliced, and served on a housemadekimmelweck roll with au jus and a mild cream sauce. Vegetarian options include a homemade hummus sandwich or a hummus bowl with chips.
According to Sam, who is a hostess at Two Goats, the brewery currently has eight different beers on tap. “The first one we have is our Hector Lager, and that's a lager style beer. Then we have our Goat Master, which is a Kolsch.”
She continued, “We have a Red Beard, and that's our Red Ale. Our Hefeweizen is our Big Deck Hefe. We have a Hazy IPA, and that is the Golden Crush. We have an Imperial IPA as well, and we just call that the X IPA."
Sam added that if you take out the Hefeweizen, and if you just keep the Lager, Kolsch, Red Ale, the Hazy IPA, and the Imperial IPA, “Those are five that we have on tap year-round."
Patrons also participate in the dollar bill tradition, where they tack dollar bills to the ceiling, which are later donated to local causes.
The brewery utilizes geothermal energy to support solar panels, providing 75% of their electricity, and diverts 80% of their waste from landfills through composting, reusing, and recycling.
Two Goats Brewing is located at 5027 State Route 414 in Burdett, New York, and is open Friday-Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday-Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., with extended hours to 9 p.m. starting in June. Live music is offered Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. starting in June, Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Scale House Brewery
Overlooking the picturesque Seneca Lake, Scale House Brewery in Hector, New York, offers a serene escape for patrons to unwind, connect, and savor a diverse range of finely crafted brews.
The brewery is dedicated to the art and science of brewing high-quality, distinctive craft beers. Signature beers include Scale House Cream Ale and Scale House Lake Monster Lager. The culinary offerings feature gourmet pizzas ranging from small ($9.95) to large ($19.95) with build-your-own options, and additional foods complement their craft beers.
Scale House Brewery hosts events, live music, and community-oriented initiatives, embracing sustainable brewing practices to minimize its ecological footprint.
Grist Iron Brewing
Founded in 2015 and perched on a 150-acre property with breathtaking views of Seneca Lake, Grist Iron Brewing Company is known for its extensive and unique variety of beers brewed on-site.
The brewery offers 15 different beers on tap, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. The menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, smoked meats, barbecue, and shareable plates, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Executive Chef Alex Brown has said that “about half of the beers on tap will be rotating throughout the summer and the rest will be mainstays.” He continued saying that mainstays include brews like the “campfire light lager, brown ale, red ale, and the lake life IPA.” Brown added, “All those are the great beers that you can always expect to have here all year round.”
According to Brown, the rotating list includes brews such as the mango IPA, a raspberry wheat, and double IPA.
Grist Iron Brewing Company’s beers are available in over 100 restaurants and bars in upstate New York, and for purchase in the brewery’s gift shop and select stores. Accommodations include The Lodge at Grist Iron, a beer-themed inn with modern amenities, and a historic farmhouse that accommodates up to 16 guests with views of Seneca Lake.
The brewery hosts beer festivals, live music, and other activities throughout the year. Grist Iron Brewing Company is open Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. (kitchen until 6:30 p.m.), Monday-Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. (kitchen until 7:30 p.m.), Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. (kitchen until 7:30 p.m.), and Friday-Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m. (kitchen until 8:30 p.m.). It is closed on Wednesdays.
Talking Cursive Brewing
Located across from the historic Niagara Mohawk Building, Talking Cursive Brewing Company in Syracuse, New York, is a woman and veteran-owned brewery that values quality and innovation.
The brewery offers a wide variety of draught beers, weekly food and drink specials, can and bottle releases, and events like Brewer's Dinners and charity fundraisers. Signature offerings include a finalist for Best Burger in New York and a silver medal-winning Bohemian pilsner, which is either on draught or in the tanks. The atmosphere is enhanced by knowledgeable beertenders who serve with a smile.
Twisted Rail Brewing Company
Twisted Rail Brewing Company has multiple locations in New York and prides itself on making delicious beer using 60% or more New York-grown grains, hops, malts, and fruits. The brewery supports local farmers and donates 100% of their spent grains to feed livestock.
Signature beers include Lake to Lake Lager (ABV 4.9, IBU 11), a clean, crisp lager perfect for light beer drinkers; NYS Pilsner (ABV 5.4, IBU 57), a Bohemian style lager with hoppy, sweet, bready, and malted tones; Frost Town Farmhouse Saison (ABV 5.8, IBU 25), a golden wheat ale with a citrus-sweet nose and spicy coriander finish; Raspberry Wheat Ale (ABV 4.6, IBU 15), a summer favorite with slightly tart raspberries and a sweet fruity nose; and It Takes 2 to Mango (ABV 3.9, IBU 12), a German Gose’ sour with fresh mango flavor.
Lucky Hare Brewing Company
Lucky Hare Brewing Company, located in Hector, New York, and Watkins Glen, New York, is dedicated to producing high-quality farm-brewed craft beer. Established in 2016, the brewery moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Watkins Glen in 2018, increasing its production to 1,500 barrels annually.
The "Wild Hare Series" highlights locally sourced fruits aged in local wine barrels. Signature beers include traditional flagship ESB, IPAs, lagers, kettle sours, barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stouts, and Belgian inspired ales.
The Brewery of Broken Dreams
The Brewery of Broken Dreams is located at 8319 Pleasant Valley Road in Hammondsport, NY, on the Keuka Lake Beer Trail. The brewery is housed in a historic building that has seen various uses over its 120+ year history, including serving as a winery and surviving multiple fires and renovations.
All beers are brewed with 100% New York State hops and base malts, emphasizing local ingredients and collaboration with neighboring farmers. Popular brews include their Triskaidekaphobia Strong Ale and other creatively crafted beers that highlight the flavors of the region.
The tasting room provides several serving options: tastings ($8 for four 2oz samples, with additional samples at $2 each), flights ($12 for four 4oz samples, with additional samples at $3 each), full and short pours, and growler fills. Prices for full pours range from $6 to $9, and short pours from $4 to $5. They also offer cider and wine pours, and various snacks such as chips, pretzels, nuts, cheese-filled pickles, and cheese curds. Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks as well.
The Brewery of Broken Dreams is open Thursday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 6:30 p.m., with hours changing seasonally.
Rooster Fish Brewing
Rooster Fish Brewing was one of New York's first official farm breweries and is located at 223 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. The former brewery has since assumed the role of a tap-room that offers craft bewa from local breweries, with a rotating offering of at least five craft-style small batch beers and up to four seasonal and special brews.
The menu includes a wide array of craft beers, with at least seven craft-style small batch beers and up to four seasonal and special brews available at any given time. The bar also features a pub kitchen offering a diverse menu that caters to various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options. The pub's menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
“We are no longer a brewery. We are a Pub that promotes local breweries on our taps,” said Elishea. She continued saying, “we carry and support our local breweries and our customers enjoy coming here because they can try multiple breweries in one stop.”
The operating hours for Rooster Fish Brewing are as follows:
Monday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Personal Best Brewing
Personal Best Brewing is a microbrewery and taproom located at 321 W. State St. in Ithaca, New York. The brewery is situated in a renovated building that formerly housed the City Health Club. The facility now includes an outdoor beer garden, a variety of recreational activities such as shuffleboard, and a taproom offering a diverse selection of beers.
The beer menu at Personal Best Brewing includes a range of styles to cater to different tastes, including IPAs, sours, stouts, lagers, and bocks. Some of the beers currently on tap include "Another Green Whirl," "Active Suspension," and "Garbage Plate," showcasing the brewery's ability to offer both classic brews and innovative new creations.
In addition to their extensive beer offerings, Personal Best Brewing features FITTNELL BBQ on Fridays and Saturdays, providing delicious BBQ options to complement their beers. The BBQ service operates Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 8 p.m.
The brewery is open Wednesday-Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. They also host trivia nights on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. and happy hours from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and all day Sunday, offering $1 off pint specials and half-off shuffleboard games
