My Favorite Craft Beer Stores and Locations: NYC

I plan on writing another several part series dedicated to my favorite craft beer watering holes and stores. Today's post will focus on my current residence: NYC.

NYC has a plethora of bars, restaurants and craft beer stores. Even the local bodegas and corner stores carry a few bottles of high end ales and lagers. But how do I choose where to buy, and specifically, where are the best places to go and how can I keep track of it all?

Stores:

City Swiggers: 320 E 86 St, NY NY 10128 (Between 1st and 2nd Avenues) http://cityswiggers.com

City Swiggers carries approximately 1400 beers at any one time, and has upwards of 700 different varieties on the shelves at all times. They have a large local selection, and also have several shelves of imports.  The place can be a bit pricy, but their selection is one of the best I have seen in NYC. Additionally, they have a bar with 10 rotating taps, and offer flights, pints and growlers. Definitely a place to come check out, try a few beers, and make a mixed six-pack.

Pioneer Grocery Store: 

There are several Pioneer grocery stores in the city, but the one located on 74th and Columbus has the best beer selection of them all. They carry approximately 500 different beers all sold by the individual bottle. Living near it has allowed me to try many different varieties, all without lugging them too far home! The pricing is a bit lower than City Swiggers on the whole.

Noble Grains: 313 E 95th Street  (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)  http://www.noblegrainsnyc.com


Noble Grains is a hole in the wall up on the east 90's. They carry an impressive bottle selection, and also serve growlers. They are a bit on the pricy side, but the selection makes it worth it. 

Key Foods:

Another grocery store that makes my list is Key Foods. These are all over Manhattan, but some of them (UES) has an excellent and extensive selection. I was able to purchase a case of Hopslam before it was released anywhere else in NYC. 

Fourth Ave Beer: 246 11th Street, Brooklyn (4th Avenue)

This store is located in Brooklyn down off of the F train stop at 9th Street. The selection is probably the most impressive I have seen in the city. However, the prices are the most astronomical. Things that I would pay $4 a bottle for in Manhattan can go for $7 or $8 here, making me typically avoid it. However, if there is something really rare or hard to find, it is a good last resort. 

Triboro/Euromart/Astoria Beer Wine & Cheese:

These three are grocery stores in Astoria, that all carry excellent selection. They tend to get Dogfish 120, KBS, Bourbon County Coffee and more great ones.


Bars:

Upright Brew House: 547 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 (Perry)


Upright is hands down my favorite craft beer bar in NYC. The staff is phenomenal and incredibly knowledgeable. Rob, Jay, Allie, and Yasmine know a ton about beer, and take care of you very well. Their selection of craft beers is impressive, as they consistently get Stone, Founders, Maine, Cigar City, and many local beers on tap. The food is tremendous too, and the place doubles as a high-end coffee shop in the morning. Check this out, and tell them Scott sent you!

Rattle N Hum/Beer Authority:

Rattle N Hum and Beer Authority are two sister bars located in Manhattan. Beer Authority is right next to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Rattle N Hum is located on 14 E 33rd Street (Between 5th and Madison). Both of their selections are excellent, as they host many tap-takeovers. I was able to try KBS at Founder's NYC launch party, as well Goose Island Bourbon County Barleywine on tap. 

Others

Unfortunately I cannot ramble on forever. However, some other places to check out are:

Alewife: Long Island City
Draught 55: Midtown East
Taproom No. 307: Gramercy
Gramercy Tavern: Gramercy (This also containts aged/cellared beers on the menu!)
Amsterdam Ale House: Upper West Side
The Ginger Man: Midtown (this place has an unbelievably large tap selection)
Stout: Midtown West near Madison Square Garden
Blind Tiger: West Village (They are known for having an extensive sours list)

I realize there are so many more, but this is the beautiful thing about craft beer bars: they are popping up everywhere everyday!

Cheers!

Scott