The 3 Best Brewery Tours in New York City
New York City’s reputation as a beer lover’s paradise is well-earned. Its neighborhoods buzz with innovative breweries and historic taverns that serve everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs. What makes NYC stand out is not just the variety, but the way each tour offers a different perspective—from exploring Brooklyn’s trendy craft scene to uncovering Long Island’s hidden brewing treasures or enjoying intimate city stops. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated beer connoisseur, these tours give you a chance to taste local brews while learning about the city’s brewing evolution.
Instead of generic pub crawls, these options focus on carefully curated experiences that highlight craftsmanship, regional flavor, and local stories. Each tour has its own character, whether it’s a guided walk through Brooklyn’s hip neighborhoods or a full-day exploration of Long Island’s lesser-known breweries. To help you choose, we’ve ranked them based on inclusions, reviews, and overall value.
1. New York City: Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour
At number one, the Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour offers an inside look into some of Brooklyn’s hippest breweries. This 3.5-hour experience promises up to 12 craft beer samples with VIP access at select breweries, making it ideal for those who want to sample a wide range of flavors without rushing. The tour includes a complimentary snack and a Metro card is provided, easing transportation between stops.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Brooklyn’s dynamic beer scene and the personal touch of guides like Eddie and Jonathan, who bring enthusiasm and local knowledge. Reviewers love the fun atmosphere and the variety of breweries visited, emphasizing how smoothly everything runs. The small size of the group ensures a personal experience, and the inclusion of transportation makes it convenient for visitors unfamiliar with NYC transit. Priced at $99, this tour offers excellent value for a curated, social experience with plenty of beer.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a fun, all-in-one Brooklyn brewery experience with VIP treatment and diverse tastings.
2. Full day Long Island Brewery Tour
For around $150, the Full day Long Island Brewery Tour is a comprehensive option if you’re eager to explore beyond NYC’s borders. Over approximately nine hours, you’ll visit three breweries in Long Island’s best regions, with transportation in a Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle. The day includes behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process, as well as tastings paired with complimentary appetizers at each stop.
Highlights include visiting Long Island’s lesser-known breweries and enjoying the scenic ride along the Peconic River. The tour offers a chance to sample a variety of locally-produced beers and learn from passionate brewers—an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts interested in regional flavors. The itinerary features a stop at Long Ireland Beer Company, the area’s original craft brewery, and a gorgeous overlook at Peconic Brewery.
While reviews are currently not available, the detailed itinerary and focus on exclusive, off-the-beaten-path breweries make this a compelling full-day adventure for those who want depth and variety. Expect a relaxed pace with plenty of time to savor each brew.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full immersion in Long Island’s craft scene, combining scenic drives with exclusive brewery visits.
3. New York Beer and Brewery tour
If your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of New York’s brewing diversity, the New York Beer and Brewery tour offers an engaging 4-hour experience. This small-group tour hits three iconic neighborhoods—The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan—each with its own brewing story. The tour includes visits to The Bronx Brewery, Spicy Moon Bowery, and Talea Beer Co., New York City’s first all-female owned brewery.
The stops showcase a blend of traditional and innovative beers, with tastings included at each. The Bronx Brewery’s collaborations, the state-of-the-art Spicy Moon Bowery, and Talea’s fruit-forward, easy-drinking beers reflect the city’s evolving beer scene. Guides provide insights into NYC’s brewing history alongside your sampling, making this a well-rounded experience for beer history lovers and urban explorers alike.
At $150, the price is comparable to other city tours but offers a quick, focused look at NYC’s craft beer hotspots. Review-wise, there are currently no ratings, but the itinerary emphasizes a mix of city neighborhoods and a chance to meet local brewers.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a brief but lively introduction to NYC’s brewing culture and enjoy city-centric stops.
How to Choose Your NYC Brewery Tour
The right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and how much you want to explore. If you prefer an in-depth Brooklyn experience with VIP perks, the Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour is a top pick. For those eager to spend a full day discovering Long Island’s hidden breweries, the Long Island Brewery Tour offers a deep dive into regional flavors. If your time is limited but you want to sample NYC’s urban brewing scene, the New York Beer and Brewery Tour provides a quick, city-focused experience.
Consider your budget, how long you want to spend, and whether you’re more interested in Brooklyn’s trendy scene, Long Island’s landscape, or Manhattan’s historic and modern breweries. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
No matter your style or schedule, New York City offers a variety of brewery tours that showcase its craft beer diversity. The Brooklyn tour provides a lively, VIP tasting experience, perfect for those wanting to explore trendy neighborhoods. Long Island’s full-day tour is ideal for beer lovers who want to learn about regional brewing and enjoy scenic drives. Meanwhile, the city-centric tour offers a quick look at NYC’s brewing history and innovations.
If you’re a casual traveler seeking variety, the Brooklyn tour is a great choice. For dedicated craft enthusiasts, the Long Island excursion offers depth. And for those with limited time, the city tour packs a lot into four hours. Whatever your preference, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out on these flavorful experiences—cheers to discovering NYC’s beer scene!