Best 13 Breweries in Rochester NY: A Comprehensive Guide
Rochester, NY, is known for its rich beer culture and is home to some of the best breweries in the state. With a variety of options to choose from, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse range of flavors and styles. Whether you are a local or a tourist, exploring Rochester’s breweries is a must-do activity.
The Craft Beer Scene in Rochester
Rochester, NY, is known for its thriving craft beer scene. With a variety of breweries and taprooms to choose from, visitors and locals alike can find a craft beer that suits their taste.
Craft breweries in Rochester offer a range of styles, from IPAs to stouts to sour beers. Many of the breweries also offer seasonal or limited-edition brews, so there is always something new to try.
One of the most popular craft breweries in Rochester is Three Heads Brewing. Located just outside the Neighbourhood of the Arts, Three Heads Brewing offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a pint no matter the weather.
Another top-rated brewery in Rochester is Genesee Brewhouse. As the oldest brewery in Rochester, Genesee Brewing has a long history of brewing quality beers. Visitors can enjoy a craft beer and phenomenal views at the Genesee Brewhouse, which overlooks High Falls.
Rohrbach Brewing Company is another must-visit craft brewery in Rochester. Founded in 1991, Rohrbach Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including its award-winning Scotch Ale. Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks at their Railroad Street Beer Hall or by themselves.
Other popular craft breweries in Rochester include Swiftwater Brewery, Irondequoit Beer Company, and Roc Brewing.
Top Breweries in Rochester
Rochester, NY is a great place for beer lovers. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the top breweries in Rochester that you don’t want to miss.
Three Heads Brewing
Three Heads Brewing, located in the Neighborhood of the Arts, is a popular spot for beer lovers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is a great place to relax and enjoy a cold beer with friends.
Website: https://threeheadsbrewing.com/
Address: 186 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Genesee Brew House
The Genesee Brew House is a must-visit for beer lovers in Rochester. Located in a historic building overlooking the Genesee River, they offer a wide variety of beers, including their famous Cream Ale. Their rooftop patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day.
Website: http://www.geneseebeer.com/
Address: 25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605, United States
K2 Brothers Brewing
K2 Brothers Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the Charlotte neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: http://www.k2brewing.com/
Address: 1221 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609, United States
Rohrbach Brewing Company
Rohrbach Brewing Company was the first craft brewery to open in Rochester, back in 1991. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is spacious and welcoming, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Website: http://www.rohrbachs.com/
Address: 97 Railroad St, Rochester, NY 14609, United States
Swiftwater Brewing Company
Swiftwater Brewing Company is a small brewery located in the South Wedge neighborhood. They specialize in Belgian-style beers but also offer IPAs and stouts. Their tasting room is cozy and intimate, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Website: http://swiftwaterbrewing.com/
Address: 378 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States
Iron Tug Brewing
Iron Tug Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the Charlotte neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: https://www.irontugbrewing.com/
Address: 371 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Nine Maidens Brewing Company
Nine Maidens Brewing Company is a small brewery located in the Village of Macedon, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: http://ninemaidensbrewing.com/
Address: 1344 University Ave Suite 140, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Heroes Brewing Company
Heroes Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery located in the Village of Hilton, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: https://www.heroesbrewco.com/
Address: 543 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14609, United States
Irondequoit Beer Company
Irondequoit Beer Company is a small brewery located in the Town of Irondequoit, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: https://irondequoitbeercompany.com/
Address: 765 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617, United States
Sager Beer Works
Sager Beer Works is a small brewery located in the Village of Gypsum, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: https://sagerbeerworks.com/
Address: 46 Sager Dr Suite E, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Fifth Frame Brewing Co
Fifth Frame Brewing Co. is a unique brewery located in the St. Paul Quarter neighborhood. They are the only brewery in Rochester that also roasts their own coffee beans. They offer a variety of beers, as well as coffee and food. Their tasting room is modern and inviting, with a friendly staff.
Website: http://fifthframe.co/
Address: 155 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Fairport Brewing Company
Fairport Brewing Company is a small brewery located in the Village of Fairport, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: https://www.fairportbrewing.com/
Address: 1044 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Knucklehead Craft Brewing
Knucklehead Craft Brewing is a small brewery located in the Village of Webster, just outside of Rochester. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their tasting room is cozy and welcoming, with a friendly staff.
Website: http://www.knuckleheadcraftbrewing.com/
Address: 426 Ridge Rd, Webster, NY 14580, United States
The Beer Selection
Rochester, NY is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and one of the reasons for that is the variety and quality of their beer selection. Whether you are a fan of lagers, pints, scotch ales, cream ales, or dark beers, you will find something to your liking in the many breweries scattered throughout the city.
One of the best ways to sample the different types of beer available in Rochester is by ordering a flight of beers. This allows you to taste a variety of different beers in smaller portions, making it easy to find your favorites. Many breweries offer flights of their most popular beers, as well as seasonal and limited edition brews.
If you are a fan of lagers, you will find plenty of options in Rochester. Many breweries offer traditional German-style lagers, as well as American-style lagers that are lighter and more refreshing. Some of the most popular lagers in Rochester include Rohrbach Brewing Company’s German-style lagers and Three Heads Brewing’s The Kind IPA.
For those who prefer darker beers, there are plenty of options as well. Scotch ales, stouts, and porters are all popular choices in Rochester. Some of the best dark beers in the city include Swiftwater Brewing Company’s Blackbird Stout and Fifth Frame Brewing’s All That is Dark and Bitter.
Cream ales are another popular choice in Rochester, and many breweries offer their own unique take on this classic style. Some of the best cream ales in the city include Three Heads Brewing’s The Common Man Cream Ale and Genesee Brewing Company’s Cream Ale.
Food at the Breweries
Rochester’s breweries are not just about beer, they also offer delicious food options. From wood-fired pizzas to salads, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best breweries in Rochester that offer food options:
- Strangebird: Strangebird offers wood-fired pizzas that are a must-try. They also have a variety of sandwiches and salads on their menu. The bar area is beautiful and probably the nicest in any brewery in Rochester. Outdoor seating is also available.
- Three Heads Brewing: Three Heads Brewing has a rotating food truck schedule, so there is always something new to try. They also offer snacks like popcorn and pretzels. The brewery has a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of beers.
- Rohrbach Beer Hall & Brewery: Rohrbach Beer Hall & Brewery offers wood-fired pizzas that are made to order. They also have a variety of salads and sandwiches on their menu. The brewery has a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating options.
- Swiftwater Brewery: Swiftwater Brewery offers a unique food menu that is a crossbreed between the usual brewery staples and gourmet. They have a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts on their menu. Outdoor seating is also available.
Brewery Tours and Events
Rochester, NY is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, and what better way to experience it than through a brewery tour? There are several tour companies in the area that offer guided tours of some of the best breweries in Rochester. These tours typically include transportation, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
One popular tour company in the area is TourRoc. They offer several different tour options, including a four-brewery tour and a custom tour where you can choose which breweries to visit. Another option is the Rochester Brewery and Beer-Tasting Tour offered by Viator. This small-group tour visits two to five brewpubs in the Finger Lakes and High Falls regions of Rochester and Canandaigua.
In addition to brewery tours, many of the breweries in Rochester host their own events. From live music to food trucks, there is always something going on at these local hotspots. For example, Three Heads Brewing hosts live music events on their outdoor stage during the summer months, while Genesee Brewhouse offers a trivia night every Thursday.
If you’re interested in learning more about the brewing process, many of the breweries in Rochester offer their own tours. For example, the Genesee Brewhouse offers a guided tour of their facility, which includes a look at their state-of-the-art brewing equipment and a tasting of their award-winning beers.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, a brewery tour or event in Rochester is sure to be a memorable experience.
Awards and Recognition
Rochester is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and many of its breweries have received awards and recognition for their exceptional beers. Below are some of the most notable awards and recognition received by Rochester Breweries.
Genesee Brewing Company
Genesee Brewing Company, founded in 1878, is one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in Rochester. The brewery has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival for its Genesee Bock beer.
Three Heads Brewing
Three Heads Brewing, founded in 2010, has quickly become one of the most popular breweries in Rochester. The brewery has won multiple awards for its creative and unique beers, including a gold medal at the 2021 New York State Craft Beer Competition for its Kind IPA.
Rohrbach Brewing Company
Rohrbach Brewing Company, founded in 1991, is one of the pioneers of the Rochester craft beer scene. The brewery has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival for its Scotch Ale.
Swiftwater Brewing Company
Swiftwater Brewing Company, founded in 2015, is known for its innovative and experimental beers. The brewery has won multiple awards, including a gold medal at the 2020 New York State Craft Beer Competition for its Oatmeal Stout.
Fifth Frame Brewing
Fifth Frame Brewing, founded in 2016, has quickly become one of the most popular breweries in Rochester. The brewery has won multiple awards for its creative and unique beers, including a gold medal at the 2021 New York State Craft Beer Competition for its West Coast IPA.
Other Award-Winning Breweries
Other notable award-winning breweries in Rochester include K2 Brothers Brewing, Iron Tug Brewing, and Sager Beer Works. These breweries have won multiple awards for their exceptional beers and are well worth a visit for any craft beer lover.
Rochester’s breweries continue to push the boundaries of craft beer and receive recognition for their exceptional beers. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out some of these award-winning breweries and taste some of the best beers Rochester has to offer.