The best beer gardens and beer halls in NYC

What is it? Up in the borough, where Yanks hold it down, this friendly little beer hall is located inside a beautiful Italian market. This place is in New York’s real Little Italy on Arthur Ave. The vibes are unlike anywhere else in the city.

Why we love it: There’s so much to see and smell and eat before, during, or after a session at the Bronx Beer Hall. It’s not exactly the Euro biergarten or brewery outpost you’re picturing, but it’s got a great selection that comes in half-pints all the way to growlers. Enjoy a phenomenal antipasto platter at a big communal table lit by skylights. Perfecto.

Time Out Tip: This place is a great facet of an afternoon spent exploring The Bronx’s Little Italy on Arthur Ave.

Opening hours: Tue noon-midnight; Wed noon-10pm; Thu noon-11pm; Fri noon-midnight; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun noon-6pm

Expect to pay: ~$10-12/pint; antipasto platters ~$15-20

What is it? Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan and Andrew Burman founded the IPA-focused brewery in 2014. The place sits at the weird yet somehow quaint intersection between Carroll Gardens, Red Hook and Gowanus. The taproom pours 20 rotating drafts alongside wine, cider and soft drinks, with cans and bottles available to go.

Why we love it: Rotating taps and a stripped-down room keep the focus squarely on the brews. This isn’t a taproom meant to shove brand identity down your throat. Simply, Other Half makes and features some of the most delicious beers you’ll find anywhere. The place is anchored by the IPA, and yes, there was a time when breweries’ more “challenging” IPAs tended to taste like lime juice fermented in a full ashtray. But Other Half represents the antithesis of that trend, placing high value on balance and drinkability over gatekeeping snobbery.

Time Out tip: It’s two blocks from the Smith-9th Street station–the station with one of the highest street-to-rail elevations of any municipal rapid transit system anywhere. Look it up. The view from the train is stunning, so if you’re visiting, get your camera ready. Come on a weekday if you want elbow room at the bar.

Address: 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri noon–midnight; Sat 10am–midnight; Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: ~$8-10/pint; ~$14-24/Four pack of 16oz cans

What is it? NYC's first exclusively women-founded brewery and taproom opened its doors in 2021 under the direction of co-founders LeAnn Darland and Tara Hankinson. They lean toward fruit-forward and sour beers. Cocktails, wine, coffee and snacks are also available all day. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating and beer to go. A second Brooklyn location opened in Cobble Hill in June 2022, but we’re focusing on the flagship.

Why we love it: These beers’ fruity aromas and undertones add a ton of depth and nuance. Almost nothing from this place starts and finishes in the same register–this ain’t your dad’s bland Sunday afternoon football swill, that’s for sure. The room itself is classy, bright, designy–it’s more or less the opposite of the beardo bro industrial brewpub. 

Time Out tip: You can bring a laptop here during the day or get loose with your friends at night–both feel appropriate.

Address: 87 Richardson St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–9pm; Fri noon–10pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: ~$10-13/12 oz pour; $22/flight of four; ~$18-20/cocktail ~$5-7/coffee

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What is it? When it opened in 2016, KCBC was the first brick-and-mortar brewery to operate in Bushwick since Schaefer closed in 1976. Everything at KCBC is brewed and packaged on-site. The garage-like taproom is fun and low-pressure.

Why we love it: There’s a ton going on in Bushwick and KCBC feels like the cool older brother. It’s serious fun–despite the wild illustrative aesthetic and zany beer varietals, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. At the taproom, you can also get cocktails, NA beer, wine, sodas and, if their menu of snacks doesn’t satisfy, you’re welcome to order delivery.

Time Out tip: If you don’t want to interrupt an evening’s rhythm, you may want to just bring food preemptively. They’re fine with that. Also, the place is dog-friendly.

Address: 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat noon–midnight; Sun 1pm–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$9/pint; ~flight of four/$20; ~$55/three 4-packs; ~$14-20/cans

What is it? A husband-and-wife-owned brewery with a serious pedigree. Joe and Lauren Grimm’s business has been named New York State Brewery of the Year four times. They’ve got 10-plus draft lines and an ever-rotating selection, with oak barrels dedicated to aging. The rooftop biergarten features Lala's Brooklyn Apizza (New Haven-style), whose sourdough uses cultures from the beers downstairs. Neat!

Why we love it: Their accolades are well-earned. They branch out but these aren’t wacko septuple-hopped upside-down s’mores-flavored IPAs. It’s more refined than all that. They’re very into sours, so if that’s what you’re into as well, you’ll fall in love. With new offerings premiering weekly, the taproom is well worth a check-in and a flight of whatever’s new. The room’s airy, minimalist form leans into the building’s industrial function.

Time Out tip: It will, no doubt, be crowded on a nice day, but Grimm’s rooftop is the primo seating. Up there, you’ll find Lala's Brooklyn Apizza, which is a thin-crust affair cut into rectangles for some ungodly reason. We get it: you’re different. Nonetheless, it’s quite tasty and well worth trying. Go during the week. Nice weekend days are a zoo.

Address: 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2pm–10pm; Fri–Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–8pm

Expect to pay: ~$4-8/4oz pour; $6-8/8oz pour; ~$8-13/pint

What is it? A massive indoor/outdoor nightlife venue and beer garden on the Ridgewood-Bushwick border, opened by Mister Saturday Night cofounders Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter. The outdoor space hosts the beloved daytime party, Mister Sunday, in addition to programming like readings and screenings. 

Why we love it: With an excellent sound system, a calendar of guest DJs, and fairground-esque environs, this place feels like the clubhouse you always wanted as a kid. Think the Foot Clan hideout in the 1990 Ninja Turtles movie, sorta. There is a wildly diverse set of experiences to be had here, from parent meetups on sunday afternoons to sweaty dance club nights. You can grab beers, cocktails, soda, food–whatever experience you’re after, you can find it at Nowadays.

Time Out tip: Mister Sunday is the daytime banger, but it’s seasonal and ticketed, so don’t expect to just walk in. Check nowadays.nyc to see what’s going on and when. Daytime is a great time to go with a big group, kids, and dogs.

Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Opening hours: Mon–Thu closed; Fri 10pm–midnight; Sat 12–6am & 10pm–midnight; Sun midnight–10pm

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What is it? A sprawling Austro-Hungarian beer hall that’s been a Brooklyn staple for nearly 20 years. There are three sections: the main Hall, an open-air Biergarten with a retractable roof, and the back Bier Haus.  

Why we love it: It’s got the post-industrial realness; Radagast is two different defunct warehouses connected by an open-air area. Say “Biergarten in Brooklyn,” and this is probably most people’s touchstone. There’s live music, big communal tables, event programming, a full grill featuring tube-shaped meat, and more than a dozen specialty taps. Maybe more than any other of its ilk, this is the Bavarian prototype filtered through a distinctly Brooklyn sensibility.

Time Out tip: The retractable roof means you can drink in the open air when the weather permits, but Saturday nights pack out fast. Arrive early or head to the back Bier Haus for more breathing room.

Address: 113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–1am; Fri noon–3am; Sat 11am–3am; Sun 11am–1am

Expect to pay: ~11-14/0.5L pour; ~19-26/1L pour; ~$26-38/pitcher; ~$11-37/plate of food

What is it? One of New York's oldest beer gardens is Astoria’s own Bohemian Hall. It’s a Czech institution where the beer tends to the lighter side–pilsners and light lagers, although they serve more than that. Sausage platters, for instance.

Why we love it:  The beer prices keep pace with other places, but the food prices are comparatively low, i.e., a proper sausage-and-fixings platter that can amply satisfy two for $20 each. The place has much more genuine vibes than most others of its kind; that is, it isn’t trying to be a thing, it just is. That makes it feel special.

Time Out tip: The garden fills up fast on weekend afternoons. Arrive early to plant your flag on a picnic table. That goes double once the weather turns nice.

Address: 2919 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$9/0.5L pour; ~$16/1L pour; ~$24/pitcher; ~$14-24/sausage and fries

What is it? What started as a homebrewing project for co-founders Ethan Long and Marcus Burnett has blossomed into Rockaway Brewing Company. The brewery specializes in malt-forward, easy-drinking beers, with the original ESB the perennial fixture.

Why we love it: It’s not in Rockaway. It’s not actually a beer hall. And it’s not crazy spacious. What it is is a friendly brewery taproom in Queens. Of course, you can certainly do the same things here that you would at a beer hall (minus the sausages). This place is just so obviously a staple in the neighborhood, it’s hard not to recommend. Plus, their beer is great, with a particular focus on craft versions of the straightforward classics.

Time Out tip: Try the ESB. It’s what started it all, and it’s great.

Address: 46-01 5th St, Long Island City, NY 11101

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–9pm; Thu 4pm–10pm; Fri 2pm–10pm; Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: ~$6-9/pint; ~$17-24/can to go

What is it? A dark, Eurocentric bi-level bar and beer garden. It’s mostly German and Belgian drafts, plus all that pretzel, burger, sausage, and charcuterie plate brewpub stuff you’re picturing. It skews a little nouveau Williamsburg bro here, but the place itself is definitely up to the bierhall task.

Why we love it: If you love footie, they show games on a big projection screen here. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, it’s dark enough that you can sort of blend in and let the night play out. Drinking outdoors on the roof makes for a more memorable experience with a nice view. The draft list isn’t huge, but it definitely covers the bases. Cocktails, wine, and food round out the experience.

Time Out tip: Weekend nights, local DJs take over and this place turns way up. If you want a seat with a view, show up early in the evening and plan to watch the sunset.

Address: 4 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon: Closed; Tue–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 3pm–2am; Sat 11am–2am; Sun 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$10-11/0.5L pour; ~$15-17/cocktails; $8-20/plate of food 

What is it? This place is a workhorse. They’ve got a lot of space and open environs, plus a staggering number of beers on tap and very capable bartenders. 

Why we love it:  You’re probably not gonna have a wild night here, but if you’ve got a group, you can most certainly have a satisfying one. It’s a gastropub with a mind-bogglingly large beer menu, so you do the math. They’ve got the vibe and rhythm pretty damn well down to a science. And the sausage game is on point. Weekend days, you’re liable to find old friends with babies meeting up. At night, you’re liable to find the rest of the neighborhood turning up.

Time Out tip: If it’s busy, either A: pick out a beer before the bartender gets to you; or B: ask in all honesty and good faith for the bartender to choose and accept whatever it is without a fuss. Actually, everyone should just observe A in all cases at all times.

Address: 33 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri 1pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to Pay: ~$8-10/0.5L pour; ~$20/1L pour; ~$10-14/sausage

What is it? Fort Greene's own German Biergarten. It opened in 2009 as Der Schwarze Kölner, but nobody knows how to pronounce that, so it’s now operating as DSK Brooklyn.

Why we love it: DSK has that neighborhood bar feel and the setup of a German beer hall. It’s very cute and works beautifully. There are 18 beers on tap and a few satisfying small plates to keep you upright. Ever had currywurst? If you went out drinking in Berlin, as opposed to a slice of pizza or taco truck fare, currywurst would be your life-saver.

Time Out tip: Come on a weeknight and you'll find yourself among Fort Greene regulars, not tourists. This is what a certain type of real Brooklyn community looks like.

Address: 710 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri 3pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$9.50/0.5L pour; ~$18/1L pour; ~$19/currywurst

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What is it? Manhattan's largest heated outdoor beer garden. Is it the tucked-away locals’ retreat? No. But it’s got a ton of seating and sits smack-dab in the LES. Make of that information what you will. They’ve got twelve German beers on tap, a full bar, and a food menu mit all den würstchen, i.e., they got sausages.

Why we love it: If you’re going here, you’re likely already in the neighborhood. Maybe you’ve got a larger group. Maybe you just want the traditional-ish German biergarten experience and are unwilling to travel. If none of the other many, many places in the vicinity suit your purpose, here you go. Schnitzel, pretzels, picnic tables, Teutonic tonics.

Time Out tip: The place does seasonal decor with the best of ‘em. It’s open in the winter with heat lamps. 

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 5pm–midnight; Wed 5pm–1am; Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–4am; Sat noon–4am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$8-10/0.5L pour; ~$16-24/1L pour; ~$12-24/sausage plates; ~$16-20/sandwich

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What is it? Threes is one of the best craft breweries in the game these days. Thirty taps pour hop-forward ales and mixed-culture beers. Threes makes engaging complex brews feel simple and accessible. They also have a backyard and tasty pub food. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a small event space upstairs hosting music and comedy. Threes now has a second location in Greenpoint, but we’re talking about the original Gowanus location.

Why we love it: It’s a large, inviting, beautifully-designed space. Gowanus ain’t exactly Dimes Square, so that means there’s a relatively low influencer quotient, which is to say, Threes can be a reprieve from that kind of stuff. It’s sort of the proverbial cool kids’ table. 

Time Out tip: The Gowanus original is the flagship–it’s got the full brewhouse, the yard and the more fulsome food program. But the Greenpoint location is definitely worth knowing about, too.

Address: 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Mon–Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–11pm

Expect to pay: ~$4-5/5oz pour; ~$6-9/10oz pour; ~$8-12/16oz pour

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What is it? A Downtown Brooklyn brewpub that rebranded from Circa Brewing Co. to Sound + Fury in 2023. The biergarten-esque space has that stainless-steel fermentation tank and Edison-bulb thing going on, plus shuffleboard, prewpub fare, and Neapolitan-style pizza. The vibe is kind of like a mashup of a brewpub, sports bar, and a Japanese Izakaya if that makes any sense. What does any of this have to do with a walking shadow, a poor player strutting and fretting his hour upon the stage, or a tale told by an idiot? I guess the name just sounds cool and signifies nothing.

Why we love it: The beer selection isn’t crazy, but it definitely covers all the bases. Plus, the location makes it convenient–this is an easy sell if you’re going to a show at BAM, Barclays, or Brooklyn Paramount.

Time Out tip: They’re clearly making a play for big groups in Downtown Brooklyn, and they’re doing a nice job of selling mass appeal. 

Address: 141 Lawrence St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–10pm; Fri–Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$8-11/beer; ~$21/flight of four; $20-26/pizza

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What is it? Staten Island's only active brewery. You know, we had to include the Shaolin. Partners Vincent Lima, Sean Torres and Michael Caridi opened their flagship taproom/restaurant in June 2025. 

Why we love it:  Steps from the North Shore waterfront, the space features beautifully tiled floors and a nice tap list featuring Czech and Vienna-style lagers, plus all of the other stuff you want. It’s unlike anything else in the borough. Plus, they reference hometown heroes the Wu Tang Clan in their menu, so you know they’ve got good taste. The ride on the Saint George Ferry is a great experience in itself. Is it a little tough to get to? Maybe, but that’s the Staten Island experience right there! Plus, the wood-fired sourdough pizza is great. 

Time Out tip: It's right across from Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. If you’re schlepping out here, you should really take full advantage.

Address: 814 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Opening hours: Mon: noon–10pm; Tue Closed; Wed–Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$5-9/pint; ~$6/0.5pint; ~$3/beer shooter; ~$17-48/plates of food