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Rochester is more than tourist attractions and waterfalls. The city has a thriving craft beer scene that makes it one of the top 10 best beer destinations in 2019 by Vinepair.com. With more than 25 breweries, Rochester proves how much it loves craft beers by offering artisan brews and award-winning beers.
Check out our list of 10 essential breweries to know why the “Young Lion of the West” has become a new beer destination in New York!
1. Genesee Brewing Company
Founded in 2012, Genesee Brewing is part of Rochester’s oldest brewery- the Genesee Brewery Campus, which offers not just craft beer but 100 years of craft brewing history. The brewery includes a two-story building with an exhibit area and a 40-feet-long bar made from vintage old cedar brewing tanks and handcrafted by the employees as its main attraction.
With its approximate distance from the High Falls and Genesee River Gorge, the rooftop patio overlooking the city and Rochester skyline made it a perfect place to unwind. Aside from creative beers, the food is just as stellar with pub-fare sandwiches, burgers, and hotdogs, including the special Zweigle’s, New York’s best, on the menu. Discover the best of Genesee through brewery tours!
- Crowd Favorite: Cream Ale, 5.2% ABV. A flagship beer of Genesee Brewing that has a smooth character of lager and great ale flavor.
- Highly Recommended: Genesee Beer, Lager, 4.5% ABV.
- Fun Fact: Genesee Brewhouse’s bottle lines can produce up to 900 bottles per minute, formerly High Falls Brewery.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am–10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–11pm
Address: 25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605
Contact: (585) 263-9200 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Three Heads Brewing
Three Heads Brewing was founded by three homebrewers who joined together to love craft beer, camaraderie, and talent. Three Heads Brewing provides award-winning beers, live music, and a welcoming gathering spot for beer and music lovers. They have partnered with local musicians and artists, including Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, to create the “Rochester PhilSharmonic,” a crisp and tasty pilsner, as part of their efforts to promote local music and the arts and creative, flavorful brew. This brewery has a fantastic beer garden where they host concerts and festivals, which is one of its fascinating features. They offer bar snacks and daily food truck events in addition to their seasonal and year-round artisan brews.
- Crowd Favorite: The Kind India Pale Ale, 6.8% ABV. A hoppy American IPA with pine and citrus flavor and aroma.
- Highly Recommended: Too Kind, IPA, 8.5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Three heads only serve bar snacks, but bringing food and delivering it to the brewery is allowed.
- Fun Fact: Three Heads Kind India Pale Ale becomes Rochester’s number 1 craft draft beer.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 2pm–9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Address: 186 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact: (585) 244-1224 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Rohrbach Brewing Company
Named after the small town in Germany, Rohrbach Brewing is a century-old brewery founded in 1991 that produces fresh and locally sourced craft beers, thanks to its neighbor – Rochester Public Market. With two locations within Rochester, this brewery is one of the local’s favorite places to drink, dine, and learn the art of craft brewing. Aside from an eclectic beer selection, they also offer a unique one-off brew only available in their taproom. The Beer Hall in Railroad St. offers wood-fired pizza and famous chicken wings. At the same time, its Buffalo Road brewpub serves pub favorites, starters and salads, and even German specials such as German Potato Pancakes!
- Crowd Favorite: Scotch Ale, 6.8% ABV. A Scottish-style ale with sweet caramel flavor.
- Highly Recommended: Space Kitty, IPA, 8.4% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Rohrbach accepts dining reservations on the brewpub, but the outdoor patio is now first-come, first-serve.
- Fun Fact: Rohrbach Brewing has its hop garden behind the brewpub, where they grow more than 75 hops.
Hours: Open Mon 11am-9pm, Tue-Thur 11am–11pm, Fri 11am-12am, Sat 11:30am–12am, Sun 12pm-9pm
Address: 3859 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
Contact: (585) 594-9800 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Roc Brewing Company
Roc Brewing is one of the pioneering local microbreweries in downtown Rochester, offering tasty craft beers and delicious foods with a great view of the Rochester skyline. The brewery produces tasty, handcrafted beers made from the finest ingredients that can line up with the world’s best brews. They are available to purchase individually on pints, 4oz flights, and crowlers in their taproom. Roc Brewing brews old-style English ales and serves delicious pub grub, such as hotdogs, hamburgers, sausages, and fries.
- Crowd Favorite: Whoopass IPA, 8% ABV. An Imperial IPA pack with grapefruits, tropical fruits, and pine flavors.
- Highly Recommended: Lagerithm Lager, 5.9% ABV.
Hours: Open Mon-Wed 4pm–10pm, Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm-8pm
Address: 56 S Union St, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact: (585) 794-9798 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Swiftwater Brewing Company
Swiftwater is a farm brewery that strives to make exceptional beers with every batch. In keeping with their swift water concept, their taproom features a kayak display in addition to handcrafted tables and chairs constructed from premium black walnut trees. The brewery sells not only beer but also cider, wine, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Thus, everyone can always find something to enjoy. Munch on their mouthwatering sandwiches and small plates, with gluten-free alternatives in a welcoming setting built on camaraderie and community.
- Crowd Favorite: IPA, 6.8% ABV. A crisp and refreshing American IPA with notes of Melon and grapefruit.
- Highly Recommended: Alpaca Kisses, IPA, 6.6% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Swiftwater’s beers are available on tap and to-go and accept brewery tours.
Hours: Open Tue 6pm-10pm, Wed & Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun & Mon Closed
Address: 378 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Contact: (585) 530-3471 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Iron Tug Brewing
You don’t have the best Rochester craft beer experience without trying Iron Tug Brewing’s famous Nitro beers! Founded in 2016 by Keith Owens, a marine turned home brewer; Iron Tug Brewing is a local microbrewery that offers uniquely flavored and nitrogen-infused beers. It is located in the bustling Park Avenue with a relaxing “merchant vessel” themed taproom and a favorite spot to relax and grab a drink after shopping and museum tours. Iron Tug doesn’t serve food, but thanks to its neighbor, Bomberos, you can order food and have it delivered to your table. Although it’s a small brewery compared to others, it’s worth a visit.
- Crowd Favorite: Fathom Lines, IPA, 6.8% ABV. Iron Tug’s new flagship IPA pack with pineapple and citrus aroma.
- Highly Recommended: Sponge Dive, Sour, 6% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: They have a public parking space at the back of the brewery.
- Fun Fact: Iron Tug Brewing is housed in a former Firehouse in downtown Rochester.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 2pm–9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm-8pm
Address: 371 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact: (585) 738-5606 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Fifth Frame Brewing
Are you looking for a good coffee and a creative beer? There is one place that serves both! Fifth Frame Brewing is the newest addition to Rochester’s craft beer scene, offering freshly brewed coffee, creative craft beer, and delicious foods. This brewery is unique because it roasts its own coffee, provides a friendly welcoming place for coffee lovers in the morning, and turns brewery and restaurant from afternoon to evening. Although coffee beers are already popular in Rochester, Fifth Frame Brewing set a record as the only brewery that infused its roasted coffee into its craft beers. If you dislike coffee beers, don’t worry, ,,as they also brewed traditional beer styles.
- Crowd Favorite: Luck Up, IPA, 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: PSL, Brown Ale, 6.5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Fifth Frame doesn’t have flights, but they offer 4oz pours.
Hours: Open Tue-Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 12pm–10pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, Mon Closed
Address: 155 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14604
Contact: (585) 735-7155 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. K2 Brothers Brewing
Offering a combination of traditional style and innovative approach in every brew, K2 Brothers is a go-to brewery for craft beers, wines, ciders, and brunch cocktails, offering a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy! Located in downtown Rochester, it features an expansive dog-friendly outdoor patio and a full kitchen serving a pub-fare menu. Their outdoor seating also features lawn games for fun-filled activities,,,, even during the winter, where they have tents with fire pits installed. This brewery is also a local hotspot as they host live music and entertainment events throughout the week.
- Crowd Favorite: NE- Style IPA, 6% ABV. A hop-forward American IPA.
- Highly Recommended: Jalapeno, Cream Ale, 7.5% ABV.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 10am-5pm, Mon Closed
Address: 1221 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609
Contact: (585) 413-1997 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Sager Beer Works
If you’re looking for a curated craft beer selection and artisanal food menu, Sager Beer Works is the best place! Sager Beer Works is a locally grown brewery with 20 years of craft brewing experience. It features an old-world vibe taproom accentuated with a German-style long bar counter. Aside from an eclectic craft beer selection, from ale, stout, lager, and pilsner, they also serve mouth-watering foods such as Soft Bavarian Pretzels, Tacos, and Charcuterie. If you come by and the kitchen bakes the giant pretzel, you can participate in the Pretzels Challenge and earn a $10 gift card!
- Crowd Favorite: It’s My Jam V1, IPA, 6.7% ABV. A crisp and refreshing hop-forward Indian Pale Ale with fruity flavor.
- Highly Recommended: Double Jam, IPA, 8% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Sager Beer Works’ kitchen is only open from Thursday to Saturday.
- Fun Fact: Sager Beer Works has an annual Sager Brit-Roc Beer Fest every October, which features British beers and foods.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 4pm–9pm, Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-7pm
Address: 46 Sager Dr Suite E, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact: (585) 417-5404 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Irondequoit Beer Company
If you mix creativity, passion, and craftsmanship, then you’ll get Irondequoit Beer Company! IBS is a farm-style brewery that aims to support local farms and create an impact in the community by serving fresh and tasty beers made from nature’s harvest. This brewery features an expansive dog-friendly outdoor patio that offers a relaxing place to drink with string lights, dining tables with heaters, and shade for colder months. IBC is famous for its beer and donut pairings, where you can match your favorite brew with a sugary and delicious donut in partnership with Ridge Donut! They also offer a full course menu where to can find mouth-watering foods to feed your appetite.
- Crowd Favorite: We Are Getting Crushed, IPA, 7.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Berried Alive, Sour, 4.9% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: All seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Fun Fact: Every Irondequoit Birthday celebration offers week-long events and beer releases for everyone to enjoy!
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 3pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm, Mon Closed
Address: 765 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617
Contact: (585) 544-3670 | Instagram | Website
