Brooklyn Brewery Williamsburg Review: Craft Beer & Taproom Guide

Brooklyn Brewery Williamsburg Review: Craft Beer & Taproom Guide

If you’ve walked around Williamsburg in Brooklyn, you’ve probably seen the iconic Brooklyn Brewery logo. Bold letters, circular badge, clean vintage vibes. But what is Brooklyn Brewery exactly? Is it just another commercial beer brand? Or is it still a real local spot worth checking out?

We stopped by their Williamsburg location to find out what’s changed, what’s still great, and whether it’s a place you should visit with your friends or just skip altogether.

What Is Brooklyn Brewery? A Quick History

Brooklyn Brewery was founded in 1988, back when Williamsburg wasn’t the hip, artsy neighborhood it is today. The brewery was started by Steve Hindy and Tom Potter, two guys who wanted to bring flavorful craft beer to New York City. They teamed up with designer Milton Glaser (yes, the same guy who made the “I ❤️ NY” logo) to build a bold, Brooklyn-rooted identity.

What started as a small-batch operation has now grown into a global name in the craft beer world. But despite its expansion, Brooklyn Brewery still keeps its local Brooklyn roots intact.

Is Brooklyn Brewery a Local Brewery or a Big Brand?

While Brooklyn Brewery is distributed internationally and has wide recognition, it hasn’t lost its identity as a craft brewery. It’s not a mass-market brand like Budweiser or Coors. The beer is still brewed in Brooklyn, and the vibe at the Williamsburg taproom reflects its local roots.

So even though it’s big, it still feels small, in a good way.

Brooklyn Brewery Taproom Vibes: Artsy and Cozy

Walking into Brooklyn Brewery’s Williamsburg location, you’re immediately surrounded by art and creative energy. There’s graffiti-style artwork, bold murals, and graphic visuals on the walls. It reflects the neighborhood’s culture perfectly.

The indoor space has a rustic, wood-paneled design that gives off cozy, cabin-like vibes. It feels like you’re hanging out in an upstate brewery, but you’re still in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s a perfect setting for catching up with friends, grabbing a drink with your partner, or hosting a casual hang.

Great Spot for Groups, Couples, or Solo Sipping

Whether you’re with a big group or just want a chill beer with one friend, Brooklyn Brewery is a great place to hang. The indoor cabin vibes make it feel like a cozy getaway right in the middle of the city. It’s casual, laid-back, and there’s enough room to sit, talk, and actually enjoy your drink.

The space is super open and flexible, kind of reminds me of a cross between a school cafeteria and a community event room, in the best possible way. There are long communal benches, perfect for big groups, and plenty of open seating so you don’t feel cramped. One side of the room has couches and small coffee tables, which is great if you’re just chilling with a date or a couple of friends. It’s casual without trying too hard to be “cool.”

There’s also a nostalgic video game machine tucked near the back, though it seems like they haven’t turned it on in a while. (Apparently it used to be active. It would be fun if they brought it back.)

If you’re hosting a meetup, catching up with out-of-town friends, or just want a relaxed environment that doesn’t feel like a packed bar, this place is perfect. It’s also dog-friendly, which makes it even more fun if you’re an animal lover.

Brooklyn Brewery Tour: Currently Paused

Brooklyn Brewery was well-known for its public brewery tours, especially on weekends. But as of now, they’ve paused those experiences due to their upcoming move. Here’s what it says on their official website:

“With our upcoming move to a new home, we’ve paused tours at our current brewery. We hope to have brewery tours up and running at our new space quickly. Thank you for your patience.”

They do offer private event reservations, but if you were hoping for a casual walk-in brewery tour, you’ll have to wait until they reopen tours at their new space.

My Favorite Beers at Brooklyn Brewery

I tried several of their beers, and here are my personal favorites:

• East IPA: This one is bold, floral, and citrusy. My go-to pick. It’s refreshing without being too heavy and has just the right amount of bitterness. I personally prefer IPA, so if you are not into IPA’s bitter hoppy taste, there are more options!
• Brooklyn Lager: Their signature lager. It has a beautiful amber-orange hue and tastes a bit more bitter and toasted compared to typical golden lagers.

If you’re not sure what to order, East IPA and the Lager are great introductions to their craft lineup.

What Beers Do They Serve?

Brooklyn Lager is the only beer available on draft when we visited, but they stock a good selection of cans and bottles behind the bar. You’ll usually find:

• Brooklyn Lager
• East IPA
• Pulp Art Hazy IPA
• Brooklyn Brown Ale
• Seasonal releases like Winter IPA or Summer Ale
• Limited collaborations and small-batch brews

If you’re into trying new flavors, just ask what’s available. Staff are super helpful.

Why Brooklyn Lager Looks More Orange

You might notice that Brooklyn Lager looks darker than typical lagers, more orange or amber than gold. That’s because it’s brewed in the Vienna lager style, which uses roasted malts. The flavor is deeper, toastier, and a bit more bitter than what you’d expect from a mass-market lager.

Honestly, it makes the beer stand out - both in color and taste.

Do They Serve Food?

No, Brooklyn Brewery does not serve food directly. But don’t worry, they allow you to bring in your own food or have it delivered.

There are plenty of great restaurants and takeout spots nearby. We saw lots of people ordering pizza or bringing in tacos to enjoy with their beer. It’s super casual and flexible, which we really liked.

Why You’re Seeing Brooklyn Lager on More Draft Menus

These days, Brooklyn Lager is showing up everywhere: from local dive bars to airport lounges. That wasn’t the case a few years ago.

Their wide draft distribution is probably due to solid growth, smart branding, and the fact that Brooklyn Lager is easy to enjoy - flavorful, but not overwhelming. It’s a great entry-level craft beer for people new to the scene.

How Brooklyn Brewery Stays Relevant in a Crowded Beer Market

The craft beer market is competitive, but Brooklyn Brewery has stayed in the game by:

• Staying deeply tied to Brooklyn and NYC culture
• Collaborating with artists and creators
• Offering both flagship and experimental brews
• Balancing wide distribution without losing their brand identity

Their success feels earned, not forced. They’ve scaled up without selling out, and it shows.

Things to Do Near Brooklyn Brewery (Williamsburg)

If you’re heading to Brooklyn Brewery, plan to hang around Williamsburg for a while. There’s a lot to explore within walking distance:

• L’Industrie Pizzeria: Super popular pizza spot known for its burrata slice and long lines, definitely worth trying, especially if you skip the line with our pickup trick
• Smorgasburg (on weekends): Outdoor food market with dozens of vendors and great eats
• Domino Park: Chill riverfront park just a short walk away, perfect for grabbing a beer to-go and watching the sunset
• Other Half Brewing: Their Domino Park location is just steps away — a great stop if you’re doing a brewery crawl
• Gentile Gelatieri: Authentic Italian gelato right nearby, a perfect sweet treat after pizza or beer
• Sauced: One of the coziest natural wine bars in the area with great vibes and snacks
• Artist & Fleas: Indoor market with local art, fashion, and vintage finds
• Bedford Avenue: Main street full of coffee shops, boutiques, and people-watching spots

There’s no shortage of things to eat, see, and drink nearby.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Brooklyn Brewery?

Yes, 100%. The beer is great, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s a fun, no-pressure spot to spend time in Williamsburg. Whether you’re into IPAs, lagers, or just looking for a solid place to meet up with friends, Brooklyn Brewery delivers.

Pro tip: bring your own food, sip on an East IPA, and take your time. It’s exactly the kind of laid-back experience that reminds you why you love New York in the first place.