Brooklyn Brewery Tours

Founded in 1988, Brooklyn Brewery if a staple of Brooklyn's craft beer scene. Located on Brooklyn's bustling Northside, the brewery houses a production facility, tasting room, and store with beer-related merchandise. Tours run daily, and the tasting room is open on weekends; it's a perfect spot to hang out and drink up.

The Basics
Brooklyn Brewery continues a longstanding Brooklyn brewing tradition. Situated a stone's throw from an area once known as "Brewers' Row," Brooklyn crafts a flagship lager, seasonals, and barrel-aged beers. The pilsner is popular in local bars, and IPAs appeal to hoppy beer lovers. When in doubt, ask your bartender: They're all knowledgeable about the brews.

Consider booking a brewery tour to discover the inner workings of the Williamsburg facility. Weekday tours must be reserved in advance for a fee. Alternatively, Brooklyn Brewery offers free, first come, first served tours on weekend afternoons. If you choose a free tour, be prepared to wait in line: Tours are popular with tourists and locals. Several NYC beer tours make a stop at Brooklyn Brewery too.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Beer enthusiasts and foodies should visit Brooklyn Brewery.
• The brewery invites patrons to bring in food, which can also be delivered to the tasting room.
• Brooklyn guided beer and food tours tend to make several tasty stops—including Brooklyn Brewery—and transportation is often included.
• The drinking age is 21, and staff will check your ID.

How to Get There
Find Brooklyn Brewery at 79 North 11th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The easiest way to arrive is by subway. Take the L train to the first stop in Brooklyn: Bedford Avenue. Alternatively, take the G train to the Nassau Avenue stop. Traveling by car is also an option, since the brewery is close to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, but prepare to battle for street parking.

When to Get There
Brooklyn Brewery is open Monday through Friday evenings. On Saturday, the brewery opens at noon and closes at midnight, and on Sunday, it's open from noon to 8pm. Arrive on a weekday if you book your tour in advance. To sip pints and socialize with locals, arrive on a weekend evening and plan to stay late.

Special Events
Check the calendar before you arrive—Brooklyn Brewery frequently hosts events, concerts, and tastings. Around December, keep an eye out for holiday markets with local vendors selling handicraft and art. In summer and fall, try the Fourth of July or Halloween to find hip and boozy brewery parties.