10 Breweries to Include in Your Buffalo Brewcation
Experience the beer boom that is taking Buffalo by storm! With several new and long-time favorite breweries spread across neighborhoods and towns all over the region, from Downtown Buffalo to suburban communities, craft beer is a leading catalyst of our local resurgence. So grab your Buffalo Niagara Brewcation brochure and make sure these craft breweries are on your beer-centric itinerary during your next trip into town:
1. Big Ditch Brewing Company
In the heart of downtown Buffalo lies a brewery known for it’s vibrant space honoring the spirit of the Erie Canal. Big Ditch has a penchant for nailing the formula of what makes a great beer (which is why they won New York State’s Best Craft Brewery award at TAP Festival in 2016). As the company was founded by two former biotech scientists, that should be no surprise.
2. Community Beerworks
Born out of a love for the beer, Community Beerworks has cemented their place among the brew legends of Buffalo. You could say they’re one of the veterans of this recent beer boom. Always on point, CBW crafts consistent staple beers like Frank Pale Ale and Amazing Larry Cream Ale in addition to niche brews like the Pun Intended Gose.
3. RiverWorks Brewery
As the waterfront of Buffalo experiences a once-in-a-lifetime revitalization, it’s no wonder the local breweries want to take part in the action. Occupying an already stellar multi-season sporting complex next to the magnificent grain silos along the Buffalo River, the brewery allows those enjoying the river to boat up and enjoy a frosty pint.
4. Hamburg Brewing Company
Hamburg Brewing is an all seasons beer destination. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy cold beers like their Small Town Belgian Saison on their scenic pond-side patio. In autumn, admire the Fall foliage while sipping on Oktoberfest. And in the winter, as the snow falls softly outside, be awed that Hamburg Brewing also houses a massive miniature train collection. Really!
5. Resurgence Brewing Company
Dwelling in an area that harkens back to the industrial heyday of Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing lives up to their namesake. With the notion of transformation in mind not only has Resurgence crafted classic Buffalo flavors into beers like Loganberry Wit and Sponge Candy Stout, but they’ve converted a rugged space into one of the most beautiful beer gardens around.
6. 42 North Brewing Company
Discover this artful brewer nestled in the quaint village of East Aurora. 42 North, despite being one of the newest breweries, is bringing back the craft of ‘simple done right’ with the juicy Borderland IPA and the crisp, clean Illumination Bohemian Pils.
7. Thin Man Brewery
Local beer connoisseur, Mike Shatzel, has finally brought a brewery into the idyllic community of the Elmwood Village. So as you stroll through the shops and boutiques that dot Elmwood Avenue, you can stop by Thin Man to sip on a revolving list of taps and grab a bite from their unique food menu.
8. Old First Ward Brewing Company
Lovingly named after the community it resides in, this brewery’s ties to the Irish heritage of the Old First Ward are strong. Located in the same building as Gene McCarthy’s restaurant, sample beers such as Red Clover Irish Red Ale and St. Patrick’s Pilsner over a steaming plate of their famous wings and patiently await the rumble of passing locomotives on the nearby railroad.
9. Flying Bison Brewing Company
Flying Bison is the pioneer of Buffalo’s craft beer renaissance. Made famous for their brews, like Rusty Chain Vienna-style beer and Aviator Red Irish Ale, they’ve got a knack for creating some experimental brews, too. Partake in a flight when you visit their brand new tasting room in the always-fun Larkinville district.
10. 12 Gates Brewing Company
A relative newcomer to the local beer scene, 12 Gates is making waves with brews like the West Coast IPA and Water Mill Pilsner. There’s a good chance you’ll find 12 Gates on tap at several locations around Western New York, but their rustic taproom in Williamsville is not to be overlooked.
