This article has partner links that I may receive compensation from at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site by using them!
At first glance, Ridgewood, Queens might not seem like a place that would have a ton of craft beer. It’s a quieter residential area of Queens. However, it’s located right next to Bushwick & East Williamsburg. And it’s that spillover that’s helped it become a newer but more relaxed place to hang out & drink beer. There may not be a ton of nightlife in Ridgewood, but the diverse neighborhood also has tons of great food to eat before & after you visit the local breweries. Here is a selection of great places for craft beer in Ridgewood, including breweries, beer bars, and bottle shops, most of which are located along the southern part of the neighborhood near Bushwick.
The Best Breweries in Ridgewood, Queens
Evil Twin Brewing NYC
Danish craft brewing legend Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø opened Evil Twin Brewing NYC in Ridgewood in 2019, following years of anticipation. It was worth the wait.
The resulting Evil Twin Taproom is a lovely air-conditioned greenhouse that’s a departure from dank warehouse spaces you might find at other breweries. There’s also a huge outside patio.
Inside you’ll find 20 taps of excellent craft beer, both their own & also some guest taps.
The taproom has a lot of strong IPAs, pastry stouts, fruited sours, and beers with experimental ingredients, as those familiar with Evil Twin will expect. However, they’ve also recognized the need for diversifying their taps, so you’ll also find lagers & seltzers. Given the strength of many of their beers, Evil Twin is a place to go to with a stomach full of food & plans to drink water. Thankfully, everything is available as a smaller 5-ounce pour so you can sample a few.
Book your hotel in New York City now!
For non-beer drinkers, there are natural wines, hard ciders from New York, and boozy slushies from their Selma’s Bar next door.
If you can’t make it out to Ridgewood, Evil Twin has another taproom in DUMBO, and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø also owns Tørst, one of the best craft beer bars in New York City, in Greenpoint.
Address: 1616 George St, Queens, NY 11385 (map)
Nearest Subway station: Halsey St (L)
Bridge & Tunnel Brewery
Bridge & Tunnel Brewery is an inviting nano-brewery that wears its New York heart on its sleeve.
The family-owned, dog- & kid-friendly spot can also be described as a dive, but in the most adoring way possible. The interior reminds me of a basement I once lived in, decorated with decades of hand-me-downs and repurposed items. With 60s & 70s rock playing on the stereo, the picture is complete.
Outside, tables provide great sunset views beyond a graffitied former something that will inevitably be rebuilt itself someday.
Oh yeah, the beer. There are 16 rotating taps of beer, many named for various New York City places, events, and people. The small batches allow for some fun experimentation, such as their popular bagel beer. Beer prices are also cheaper than most anywhere else, a reminder that craft beer does not have to be inaccessibly expensive.
No New York City brewery better epitomizes the city’s passion & DIY mentality. In a world where craft breweries start to feel the same, Bridge & Tunnel Brewery is doing something just a little bit different.
Address: 15-35 Decatur St, Ridgewood, NY 11385 (map)
Nearest Subway station: Halsey St (L)
Queens Brewery
Queens Brewery operates out of an expansive street art-covered warehouse building that’s part brewery, part events space, and part ???. Whatever it all is, it’s definitely large.
Inside you’ll find live music & other events, plus arcade games & coffee. And yes, beer. Possibly. On a recent visit, there was only one beer available – a bottled stout. Based on other reviews, the beer selection is sometimes a work in progress. But it’s a fun space with a lot going on, so hopefully they’ll figure it out.
Address: 1539 Covert St., Queens, NY 11385 (map)
Nearest Subway station: Halsey St (L)
The Best Craft Beer Bars in Ridgewood, Queens
Craft Culture
While Craft Culture is not a huge place, the intimate bar has an excellent selection of 16 taps, plus dozens of well-curated bottles & cans from not just in New York City, but also beyond. It’s a welcoming place both for beer connoisseurs & anyone who wanders in looking to expand their world & learn a bit more about craft beer.
Craft Culture is a great neighborhood gathering spots with games, trivia nights, and watch parties for sports, as well as food.
Address: 59-04 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385 (map)
Nearest Subway stations: Halsey St (L) & Seneca Av (M)
What are your favorite Ridgewood beer spots? Comment below!
Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!
Here are some great New York City tours & activities & other things to see & do in New York City.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Ridgewood, check out these New York City hotels.
