When it comes to summertime in New York City, beer gardens provide a great way to get out, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and share a few drinks with friends. Beer gardens offer a wide variety of beer selections as well as other drinks, snacks and sometimes full meals. They often have an enjoyable atmosphere that provide a great spot to relax and take a break from the hectic lives we all live. Whether you’re looking for a place to watch the game with friends, have a few drinks at a more relaxed atmosphere or find a great spot for a date night, the beer gardens of New York City have a lot to offer. Here’s a guide to the best beer gardens in NYC.
What to Look For in a Great Beer Garden
When it comes to selecting the best beer garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect spot:
• Quality of beer and beverage options – Ideally, you want to select a beer garden that offers a wide selection of beers and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ambience – The atmosphere should be comfortable and relaxed. Many beer gardens offer outdoor seating, which can provide a great view of the city or the waterfront and help make your evening even more enjoyable.
• Food – Some beer gardens offer full kitchens, while others may just serve a few snacks. Look to see what type of food is available to pair with your beer.
• Entertainment – Be sure to look for a beer garden that offers some type of entertainment, whether that be live music, karaoke or trivia nights.
The Best Beer Gardens in NYC
- Loreley Williamsburg
Located in Williamsburg, Loreley Williamsburg is one of the most popular beer gardens in the city. The beer selection includes plenty of brews from Germany as well as other craft options. Along with beer, they offer an impressive selection of wines and spirits. Food options include a wide selection of German fare and other snacks and small plates. The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy the summer months, and the bar hosts a variety of events such as movie nights and trivia nights.
- Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens is one of the oldest beer gardens in NYC, having been founded in 1910. While it’s more of a dive bar than a beer garden, it’s still one of the best places to grab a few drinks and catch up with friends. The beer selection is limited, with mostly domestic beers available, but they offer some unique local microbrews. The food here is top notch with Czech dishes such as schnitzel, goulash and dumplings dominating the menu. The outdoor garden provides the perfect spot to take in the summer.
- Greenwood Park
Greenwood Park is located in South Slope, Brooklyn and offers a great place to relax and unwind. The focus here is craft beer, with an impressive selection of local brews as well as imported options. Food offerings are casual bar snacks as well as larger items such as wings and burritos. The beer garden itself is one of the best in the city, with comfortable seating and plenty of tables, making it a great spot for parties or large groups.
- Eastern Compton
Eastern Compton is a cozy beer garden in East Village, NYC. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting and is perfect for a date night or simply catching up with friends. The beer selection features mostly craft brews, as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The food selection consists of small plates, sandwiches and a selection of tacos. For entertainment, Eastern Compton offers live music and other special events.
- Treadwell Park
Treadwell Park is located in the Upper East Side, NYC and is the perfect spot for sports fans. They offer an extensive selection of beer, as well as cocktails and other drinks. Food offerings include a range of snacks and sandwiches. As far as entertainment, Treadwell Park shows all the big games, with plenty of TVs screening the action. It’s in a great spot for post-work drinks, as well as Sunday football game watch parties.
- Berry Park
Berry Park is a hip beer garden located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The beer selection is predominantly European, featuring brews from around the world. While the food is limited to bar snacks, they do offer a great selection of wings and burgers. The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, and they offer a variety of entertainment with DJs and live music.
- The Wilky
The Wilky is a dive bar and beer garden in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Like the other beer gardens, they offer an extensive selection of beer and other drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the outdoor space is perfect for watching the summer sunset. As far as food, they only offer a few bar snacks, but they do offer a great happy hour.
- LIC Beer Project
Located in Long Island City, LIC Beer Project is another great option for a night out. They have a great selection of beers and other beverages and offer food from a variety of local eateries. They also host a number of special events such as movie nights and trivia, making it a great spot for a date night.
- Hearth 54
Hearth 54 is located in Midtown Manhattan and offers a great atmosphere for a night out. The beer selection features a variety of craft brews as well as larger selection of beer and wine. Food includes a selection of small plates and hearty entrees.
- Loreley Staten Island
Loreley Staten Island is a great spot to visit if you’re looking for a night of craft beer and classic German fare. The beer selection includes plenty of European brews as well as local and national craft beers. The menu has a range of traditional German dishes such as sauerbraten and schnitzel. The outdoor garden provides a great atmosphere and is perfect for summer nights.
New York City is home to some great beer gardens, so no matter what your preference is, you can find a great spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends. Be sure to keep an eye out for special events to add a little something extra to your evening. We hope you enjoy your night out at one of these great NYC beer gardens!
