Thin Man Brewery / Photo x Colin Gordon
If you’ve been reading Step Out Buffalo you know there’s lots ‘brewing’ in Buffalo and Western New York. So, we thought we’d ‘hop’ to it and get you sorted out with a comprehensive list of (open) breweries and brewpubs crafting beer in the area. It’s the ‘yeast’ we could do. Malt. Criteria that must be met to be considered a brewery: brewing beer on site. Enjoy!
12 Gates Brewing Co. / Photo x Jessica Kelly
12 Gates Brewing Company
Williamsville, Northtowns
80 Earhart Dr, Williamsville NY, 14221
Brewery Bar
Opened in December 2015 by a group of eight owners according to Business First, 12 Gates is a bit difficult to find as it’s tucked way back off the road (just FYI). Once you do you’ll likely be greeted by friendly bartenders, soft lighting, reclaimed wood decor, and a glass backdrop behind the bar displaying the vessels that brew. Light fare (similar to Resurgence or Hamburg) is available as are some pretty hardcore flights.
What we had to say: 12 Gates Brewery Shakes Up Williamsville Bar Scene
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
42 North Brewing Co. / Step Out Buffalo
42 North Brewing Co.
East Aurora / Southtowns
25 Pine St, East Aurora, NY 14052
This beautiful brewery opened in October 2015 off Main Street in the Village of East Aurora. It features a long bar with plenty of room and tables for hanging out, snacky food, a view of the brewing room, board games, shuffleboard, a beer garden and of course, some interesting locally brewed beer.
What we had to say: Now Open: 42 North Brewing in East Aurora
Hours: Tuesday – Thrusday 4pm -11pm, Friday&Saturday 12pm – 12am, Sunday 11am – 8pm
Becker Brewing
Gasport / Niagara County
3724 Quaker Rd, Gasport, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
The Becker Brewery at Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards offers a variety of Becker brewed beers and ciders, each locally produced and hand crafted, as well as other craft beers from around the country. Visit the farm for a drink, a meal (including Sunday brunch), a tasting, or one of their many events.
Tasting Room Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11am to 6pm; Thursday – Saturday: 11am to 9pm; Sunday: 10am-6pm
Food Service Hours: Wednesday 11am – 4pm, Thursday -Saturday – 11am to 9pm, Sunday – 10am-2pm
Big Ditch Brewing Co.
Big Ditch Brewing Co.
Business District / Downtown
55 East Huron, Buffalo, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
Big Ditch opened their tap room in Spring of 2015 and has it all – tons of their own brews on tap at all times, a full dinner menu with great food and a really cool space with three different sections for eating, lounging and drinking. A great option if you’re looking for a delicious meal to go with your local beer experience.
What we had to say: Now Open: Big Ditch Brewing Company’s Tap Room
Hours: Monday – Wed 11am – 10pm; Thurs – Fri: 11am – 12 am; Sat: 12 pm – 12 am; Sun: 12pm-8pm
BlackBird Cider Works
Barker, Niagara County
8503 Lower Lake Rd, Barker, NY
Cidery
This Niagara County farm cidery (which we consider close enough to a brewery and equally as cool) is 30 minutes northeast of Lockport overlooking Lake Ontario. On site you’ll find a tasting room with several varieties of cider to try and an apple orchard which feeds production of BlackBird’s craft hard ciders. You can even take a private orchard tour (must be scheduled ahead of time).
Hours: June- October: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 5pm; Saturday: 11am-6pm; Sunday 12 pm – 6pm
Buffalo Brewing Co.
Larkin District / Buffalo
314 Myrtle Ave, Buffalo
A modest operation that opened summer 2016 just down the street from Larkin Square. These guys are doing things a bit differently than some other breweries on this list. The space is limited to production and quick tastings/growler fills for starters – no food here. Plus, when it comes to beer they aren’t necessarily taking the same hop-heavy approach as their contemporaries, rather they’re focusing on investing in buying quality malts.
What we had to say: New in Larkin District: Buffalo Brewing Co.
Hours: Thursday&Friday: 4pm-8pm; Saturday: 12pm-8pm; Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Buffalo Brew Pub
Williamsville, Northtowns
6861 Main Street, Williamsville, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
Around since before craft brewing was cool (1986!), the Buffalo Brew Pub has long been a staple for beer lovers in the Northtowns. All that craft beer experience adds up to a well-curated beer list, including a number of seasonal in-house brews. Visit for a cold beer and lunch or dinner seven days a week.
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11:30 am – 12:00 am, Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 1 am, Sun 11:30 pm – 12 am
Flight of Community Beer Works beer at Hydraulic Hearth
Community Beer Works
West Side / Downtown
15 Lafayette Ave, Buffalo NY
Brewery
and
Community Beer Works @ Hydraulic Hearth
Larkinville / Downtown
716 Swan St, Buffalo, NY
Bar Restaurant
While the Lafayette Avenue brewery location is a retail space only, CBW has a satellite operation at Hydraulic Hearth that features an exclusive in-house beer. Hang out in Hydraulic Hearth’s beer garden in summer months and pair Community Beer Works brews with some wood-fired zaa.
More info: Larkinville Festivities Extend to Hydraulic Hearth
Brewery Hours: Wed-Fri: 3 pm – 10pm; Sat 12 pm – 10pm; Sun: 12pm-8pm
Photo from Ellicottville Brewing Co.’s Facebook
Ellicottville Brewing Company
Ellicottville / Southern Tier
28 – 30 Monroe Street, Ellicottville NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
With a full menu and fresh-built patio/beer garden, EBC is one of the most established local breweries for a reason. Visit for a tour, meal or just a few beers.
Hours: Mon 11:30 am – 9 pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30 am – 11 pm,
Five and 20 Spirits & Brewing
Westfield, Southern Tier
8398 West Main Road (Rt. 20), Westfield, New York
Brewery
These guys down in the Southern Tier have their hands full as New York State’s first combination winery, distillery and brewery as of 2015. Five and 20 offers 5 craft beers but stop by for a taste of all sorts of alcoholic beverages and relax on their patio during warmer months.
Hours:
July – August
Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 8pm; Friday&Saturday: 10am-8pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
September – June
Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Photo from Flying Bison’s Facebook
Flying Bison Brewing Company
Larkinville, Downtown
840 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY
Brewery Bar
As one of Buffalo’s most mature brewing companies, Flying Bison is on the hit list of locals and visitors alike. Their new space in Larkinville has an on-site tasting room serving pints and samples during Larking Square’s Food Truck Tuesday events during summer months. Plus they host group events and offer tours on Thursdays and Fridays @ 6pm, and Saturdays at 1pm & 4pm.
What we had to say: Grand Opening Celebration for Flying Bison’s New Location
Retail Hours: Thurs – Sat 12 pm – 8 pm
Four Mile Brewing
Olean, Southern Tier
202 E Greene St, Olean, New York
Brewery Bar Restaurant
For some Buffalonians, this may be pushing the boundries of how far you’ll travel to try a new craft beer. But if you’re willing to treck an hour and a half south to Olean, or if by chance you find yourself there already, visit Four Mile Brewing for locally made beer and pub food.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday 10am-7pm
Gordon Biersch
Cheektowaga
P102 Galleria Drive, Cheektowaga, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
Although Gordon Biersch is a chain restaurant, their brewers are bound by the German tradition of only including four ingredients in their beer: water, hops, malt and yeast. Gordon Biersch also hosts a number of beer dinners and other brewery events.
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 am – 12 am, Fri – Sat 11 am – 1 am, Sun 11 am – 11 pm
Hamburg Brewing Co.
Hamburg Brewing Co.
Hamburg / Southtowns
6553 Boston State Rd. Hamburg NY
Brewery Bar
This chalet-style brewpub with a snack-focused menu offers a great selection of housemade brews and tours of the brewery, including the train room. During the winter, cozy up by the fire. In the summer, bask in the sun in their beautiful beer garden. A visit here will leave you very pleasantly surprised with Western New York.
What we had to say: Unmatched Beer Sipping Venue at Hamburg Brewing
Hours: Mon&Tues: 3-10pm, Wed-Sat: 12-10pm, Sun: 12-8pm
New York Beer Project
6933 S Transit Rd, Lockport
A project if we’ve ever seen one! This huge brewery/tap room/restaurant/community hub has multiple bars, floors, and unique spaces galore. They serve food, have oversized games, tons of chalkboards, and part of the space is open to the production floor. NYBP was supposedly built on the property of Lockport Legend, Walter Kohl. They even have a Kolsch style beer named after “the iconic man”.
What We Had to Say: NYBP Brings Brewery & Gastropub Experience to Lockport
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 1am; Sunday: 10am-10pm
Photo from Gene McCarthy’s Facebook
OFW Brewing @ Gene McCarthy’s
Old Frist Ward / South Buffalo
73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, NY
An Old First Ward staple pub with a full menu and family-friendly atmosphere. They brew the OFW beer right next door to the pub. The beer garden outside backs up to the Gene McCarthys bar where they have an uber-convenient beer window.
What we had to say: The Best Spots to Bike for a Bite or a Brew in the Old Neighborhood
Hours: Sunday – Friday 11 am – 12am, Satuday: 11am-1pm
Pan Am Grill and Brewery / Photo by Jessica Kelly
Pan-American Grill and Brewery
Business District / Downtown
391 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
The Pan-American Grill is literally built atop Buffalo history within the Lafayette Hotel. The brewpub inhabits the hotel’s former grand dining room and mezzanine. It also features beers from its sister brewpub Pearl Street Grill.
What we had to say: 12 Best Fireplace Bars, Restaurants and Cafes
Hours: Sun- Thurs 11 am – 9 pm, Fri& Sat: 11 am – 11 pm
Buffalobrewerydistrict.com/panam
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
Pearl Street Grill and Brewery
Business District / Downtown
76 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
With multiple floors and balconies overlooking downtown Buffalo, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery is by far the biggest brewpub in Western New York, featuring a full menu and spaces for weddings and other large events.
What we had to say: Pearl Street Grill and Brewery is a Downtown Staple
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 am – 12am, Sun 12 pm – 12am
Resurgence Brewing Co. / Step Out Buffalo
Resurgence Brewing Co.
West Side / Downtown
1250 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY
Brewery Bar
Resurgence Brewery opened in the summer of 2014 to a whole lot of excited Buffalonians waiting to get their hands on the fun flavors this local brewery brings to the table (think Loganberry Wit, 5.5% and Sponge Candy Stout, %6). These guys have made a name for themselves by having several beers on tap, a solid snack-focused menu and a family friendly environment in a beer hall style space. Plus, their epic beer garden “where like-minded people can share ideas over a delicious and refreshing brew that was carefully crafted just few feet away” doesn’t hurt. They also have giant games inside and out like Jenga and Four Square.
What we had to say: A Huge Taste of Resurgence
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 4 – 10 pm, Fri 1 – 11:30 pm, Sat 12 pm – 11:30 pm, Sun 12 pm – 7 pm
Rusty Nickel Brewing Co.
Rusty Nickel Brewing Company
West Seneca / Southtowns
4350 Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY
Brewery Bar
One of the smaller breweries in WNY, Rusty Nickel offers a cozy tasting room in front and an expansive secluded beer garden out back.
What we had to say: Doors Open at Rusty Nickel Brewing Co.
Hours: Wed – Fri 5 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat 12 pm – 11:30pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Photo from Southern Tier Brewing Co.’s Facebook
Southern Tier Brewing
Lakewood / Southern Tier
2072 Stoneman Center, Lakewood, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
Southern Tier’s The Empty Pint brewpub is a bit of a trek from downtown Buffalo, but the brewing company’s array of beers is all there, with a “pub grub” menu to match.
All-Year Beers: IPA, 2XIPA, Phin & Matt’s American Pale Ale, 2XStout, Porter
Seasonal Beers: stbcbeer.com/our-beers
Brewpub Hours: Wed – Fri 4 pm – 10 pm, Sat 12 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 6 pm
Thin Man Brewery
Thin Man Brewery
Elmwood Village, Downtown
490 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
Brewery Bar Restaurant
First they opened as a highly anticipated restaurant complete with multiple bars, floors, patios, and decked out from top to bottom in a crash test dummy theme. Chef Bruce Wizela led the kitchen staff upon opening, allowing for a newsworthy opening on the food front. Now that they’ve got their footing as the new Elmwood Village go-to bar and restaurant, it’s time for the beer brewed on site to start flowin’. Pro tip: They have complimentary parking in Gallagher ramp across from Thin Man Brewery. Save your ticket and have it validated by their staff, and your parking will be free!
What We Had to Say: Elmwood Hits the Jackpot with Thin Man Brewery
Hours: Monday–Thurs: 3:00pm – 1:00am, Friday: 3pm-2am; Saturday: 11am–2:00am, Sunday: 11:00pm–12:00am
Woodcock Brothers Brewing Company
Wilson / Niagara County
638 Lake Street, Wilson, NY
Brewery Bar Restaurant
A revitalized old cold storage space that serves (mostly) house-brewed craft beers north of Buffalo.
Hours: Tues-Thurs 12 pm – 9 pm; Fri&Sat: 12pm-10pm; Sun 12 pm – 7 pm
Woodcockbrothersbrewery.com
Are we missing your brewery? Did you just open a brewery and it hasn’t been added to this list yet? Email us at info@stepoutbuffalo.com!