10 Great Spots to Grab Craft Beer on Tap in Rochester, NY
Rochester has become quite the hot spot for beer connoisseurs in recent years. With a variety of breweries and distilleries just miles from each other, the options are endless if you are craving a cold craft brew. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of different local spots in the Rochester area, and the following is a list of some of my favorites:
1. Knucklehead Brewing — Webster
Located in Webster, NY not far from Lake Ontario, Knucklehead Brewing is a small, family-owned operation that brews their own beer. Knucklehead offers a relaxed, homey atmosphere with couches and a fireplace — it almost feels like you’re sitting in your own living room. Order a flight of Knucklehead’s flagship beers and grab a snack or meal made by the owner’s son, who is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.
2. Genesee Brewhouse — Rochester
The Genesee Brewhouse offers all of the familiar Genesee beers as well as a selection of Genesee craft beers, including one of my favorites, the Genesee Scotch Ale. Check out the gift shop downstairs, visit the tasting room for a flight, or go upstairs and grab a table in the dining room for a full menu. My favorite part about the Genesee Brew House? Sitting outside and checking out the gorgeous view overlooking High Falls and the Rochester skyline.
3. CB Craft Brewers — Honeoye Falls
CB Craft Brewers is a bit of a hike from Rochester, located in Honeoye Falls, NY. But it’s well worth the drive down to the quaint town. Craft Brewers always has a huge selection of beers on tap, most of which are made by Craft Brewers themselves. As a matter of fact, most custom beers seen at Rochester Area restaurants are made by Craft Brewers. Looking for a great gift for your beer lover in the family? Get them a “beer for a year” card where they can return monthly for a free flight tasting and growler fill of their choice.
4. Three Heads Brewing — Rochester
Three Heads is located in downtown Rochester, in the Neighborhood of the Arts right around the corner from Gleason Works. Three Heads Brewing offers some of my favorite beers, including “The Kind” and “Too Kind” IPA’s. They have an excellent setup that includes outdoor seating, as well as encouraging a social environment through games.
5. Radio Social — Rochester
Speaking of engaging games, Radio Social, located on Carlson Road, has tons of them. Bowling, Giant Jenga, and Corn Hole are a few of the activities that Radio Social has to offer. It is located in an old factory, so the founders had tons of room for bowling alleys, lawn games, and multiple bars. They offer a great selection of craft beers too!
6. Tap & Mallet — Rochester
The Tap & Mallet, owned by Joe McBane and Casey Walpert, strives to be the Rochester destination for craft beer and pub fare. With a contemporary and comfortable atmosphere, the Tap & Mallet also offers globally-inspired meals and appetizers to complement their brews. They ensure the freshness of both the taste and selection of their beers by limiting their draft lines to 30 (plus one cask ale), and frequently rotating their lines so they always have something different for us to try out.
7. Whichcraft Brewing — Webster
Located in Webster, Whichcraft’s largest draw is it’s huge selection of craft beers. They have rows upon rows of taps, and behind the bartenders are refrigerated cases of cans from breweries all over the US. If you are going to stop at Whichcraft, take advantage of their selection by ordering a flight of beers, and while you’re at it you should grab a snack from the food truck located inside the building!
8. Jeremiah’s Tavern — Rochester, Penfield, Gates, & Henrietta
Most people from Rochester know about Jeremiah’s Monroe Avenue location, but they now have four different locations around Rochester. You can’t beat the original Monroe Ave location with its rustic feel and city vibe, but their Penfield location offers an outdoor bar with tons of seating, gas fireplaces, and a large selection of craft beers on tap. I recommend stopping in on a Friday for their fantastic fish fry, or getting their delicious chicken wings any day of the week.
9. Young Lion Brewing — Canandaigua
If you are looking for something to do, drive down to Canandaigua Lake and check out the shops on Main Street. While you’re there, stop in at Young Lion Brewing for a nice local craft brew. They are right at the northern tip of Canandaigua Lake, so the ambiance is fantastic. Young Lion offers three of their home-made beers including an IPA, Double IPA, and a Pilsner, as well as a selection of their lesser-known craft creations. As one of the newer breweries in the area, I highly recommend a visit.
10. Donnelly’s Tavern — Fairport
Donnelly’s is an Irish tavern that is located in the village of Fairport, right in between the train tracks and the canal. Donnelly’s is a classic tavern known for their burgers and their huge list of craft beers. The selection is so vast that when you ask for the beer list, they will give you a tablet to scroll through. They also offer outdoor seating in the summer time.
Have you been to any of these spots? What would you add to the list? Connect with us on Instagram @phrank.ly or in the comments below!
Author: Ryan Nolan
