In case you weren’t in the know, Syracuse has quickly become the unrivaled, craft beer capital of upstate and western New York. Therefore, no trip to this iconic city would be complete without a trip to some of the best Syracuse breweries ever.
And after having visited this amazing city several times, I’m here to share with you my picks for the all-time best breweries in Syracuse – top-notch Syracuse breweries that serve delicious food and even better drinks.
So, take the guesswork out of traveling to Syracuse and check out this insider’s guide to the best breweries in Syracuse New York right now!
After all, there are no less than 20 different breweries within an hour’s drive of Syracuse. That’s why it can be more than a little difficult deciding on the best Syracuse breweries for you!
Never fear though because this handy guide is here to help you plan your very own, DIY brewery tour.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Pro Tip: Consider downloading the NYS Craft Beer App. to access a great interactive map and earn prizes as you visit some of the best breweries in New York.
⏰ Wondering where to stay in Syracuse? I recommend The Parkview Hotel in Syracuse. Its a mid range hotel with excellent rooms! ⏰
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Where to Stay in Syracuse New York
Planning to visit some of the best Syracuse breweries but not quite sure where to rest your head for the night?
Well, never fear because this local New Yorker is here to give you the inside scoop on some of the best places to stay in Syracuse.
Just be forewarned that most of these places are chain hotels. Nice and well-priced, but deffo not a lot of independent, boutique hotels in the Syracuse area.
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Syracuse Carrier Circle (Budget, East Syracuse)
⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10 (172 Reviews) Price: $164 per night 📍Location: 6593 Weighlock Drive, East Syracuse, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This 2.5-star, budget-friendly hotel sits just outside Syracuse and has low-key rooms that include WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and microwaves. So, although this hotel is nothing fancy it does have what you need for a comfy stay, including an indoor pool, a gym, and a hot buffet breakfast served in the breakfast room.
Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area (Budget, Syracuse)
⭐️ Rating: 8/10 (240 Reviews) Price: $127 per night 📍Location: 6377 Court Street Road, East Syracuse, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This informal airport hotel offers bright rooms with coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and WiFi. You’ll also love free evening snacks, a complimentary 24-hour shuttle to/from the airport, a breakfast buffet served daily, an indoor pool/hot tub, a gym, and an on-site convenience store. Yup, everything you need for a nice but no-frills kind of stay.
Hotel Skyler Syracuse Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Mid-range, Syracuse)
⭐️ Rating: 8.1/10 (146 Reviews) Price: $153 per night 📍Location: 601 South Crouse, Syracuse, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This unique, 3-star, Hilton brand hotel is well-reviewed and is conveniently located right near Syracuse University. It also sits inside a historic temple with columns out front and offers stylish rooms with iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and mini fridges.
There’s even a full-on, treehouse suite that, like all of their rooms, includes access to the sleek Skyler Bar and a chill, on-site cafe. Definitely one of the better places to stay in the area.
The Parkview Hotel in Syracuse (Mid-range, Syracuse)
⭐️ Rating: 8.2/10 (1,677 Reviews) Price: $167 per night 📍Location: 713 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Conveniently located in downtown Syracuse, this hotel offers guests traditionally decorated rooms that even include ergonomic chairs (feel free to “oh” and “ah” at-will people). Other rad perks of a stay here include airport shuttle service, a daily hot breakfast, access to a bar/cafe, use of a gym, and laundry service.
Best Syracuse Breweries
1. Buried Acorn Brewing Company
Located on the Northern side of the city, near Onondaga Lake inside the Destiny USA mall, Buried Acorn Brewing Company is one of the best Syracuse Breweries that is known for its farmhouse ales and barrel-aged sours.
It’s also a relatively fun/new brewery with a super casual taproom that has amazing art plastered all over the walls. So, stop by today and try one of their 32 different beers on tap, which includes everything from classics to sour ales to farmhouse styles.
If you can, order a flight of four different beers and stop by on Friday night for some epic, live music.
And if you’re not sure what to order, some of my personal faves are the Lemon Lounger, the Sparkling Sunshine Hard Cider, the Pumpkin Shoreski, and the Oktoberfest with Coffee.
Pro Tip: Know someone with Celiac Disease who can’t have gluten? They check out Anything But Beer, another one of the best breweries in Syracuse NY. They are a grain/gluten-free brewery that uses fermented fruits to create gluten-free drinks that everyone will love.
Address: 881 Van Rensselaer Street, Syracuse, New York, 13204
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Price: 16-ounce draft is $6.00.
2. Middle Ages Brewing Company
With just 13 beers on tap, Middle Ages Brewing Company is one of the smaller Syracuse breweries on this list. And that makes sense since it sits inside the second floor of the former Sealtest ice cream factory – although they’ve expanded their taproom to include the neighboring public house too!
But, what this brewery in Syracuse lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality. And that’s basically because Middle Ages Brewing Company is the second oldest brewery in the city and has been around since ye olde 1995.
Also, as the name suggests, there is an emphasis here on creating beers with a medieval/British style about them. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a full-on knight there to greet you as you step inside.
So, stop by today, sit by the cozy fireplace, and try the Medieval Ale (more traditional) and The Dark Knight Porter. Both are great porters., with the Dark Knight being my fave since it, no joke, tasted like chocolate-covered coffee beans.
Pro Tip: Try their fun trivia night on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.
Address: 120 Wilkinson St, Syracuse, NY 13204
Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from !2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: Beers are $6 and flights are $14.
3. Willow Rock Brewing Company
First opened in 2015 near downtown Syracuse, Willow Rock Brewing Company started off as a hobby and quickly morphed into one the best Syracuse breweries of them all since you can find Congress Beer here – easily one of the most popular beers in the city’s history.
However, if you’re not into Congress Beer (it’s light, kind of like a Yuengling) then you can always try one of ten different beers on tap, including personal faves like Membeer Berries (Hefeweizen), Pumpkin Brunch Stout (oatmeal), and Orange Creamsicle for a unique IPA.
What, not really feeling like a beer? Then no worries because Willow Rock Brewing Company also has some delicious hard seltzers available, like a mint lime flavor that tastes just like a Mojito.
And if you need a break from all that maybe not-so-hardcore drinking, feel free to play a game of foosball, shuffleboard, or corn hole before catching the latest Syracuse game on TV or relaxing in their on-site Biergarten.
So, if you live near Syracuse or plan on visiting soon, make sure to stop by the Willow Rock Brewing Company. You won’t regret it!
Pro Tip: Enjoy the aptly named “Food Truck Rodeo” here in the summer that features a ton of different local food trucks on-site.
Address: 115 Game Rd. Syracuse, NY 13210
Hours: Open Monday and Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: 16-ounce cans start at $3.25 each.
4. Talking Cursive Brewing Company
You know a place is one of the best Syracuse breweries around when they started winning awards even BEFORE they officially opened.
And that’s exactly what happened to Talking Cursive Brewing Company, which sits in downtown Syracuse near the Niagara Mohawk Building and Onondaga Creekwalk.
They have a cozy but chic tasting room where you can sample old classics – as well as totally innovative brews – as you make your way through no less than 17 different beers on tap.
Because these guys are all about creating beer to help back the former grandeur of the beer industry in Syracuse, New York.
So, give them a shot and order a Spirit of Light Pilsner for me (New England IPA was good too)! You can also chase it down with an epic, pub burger or some mini-Rubens for the ultimate foodie experience.
Pro Tip: The last time I was here they had a great $10 burger and beer Wednesday special. Also, follow them on social media to see all of their weekly food specials since they’re always bringing something new to their menu.
Address: 301 Erie Blvd W, Creekwalk Commons, Syracuse, NY 13202
Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: 16-ounce draft beers start at $5.50.
5. Hot House brewing
I’m absolutely in love with the whole theme at this brewery. Hot house Brewing is quite literally run in a hot house. Their tagline… The house is hot but the beer is cold.
It is famous among New Yorkers since it is accessible and the beers are brewed with the finest local ingredients available. This makes each glass of cider/beer flavourful and an indulgence that everyone craves.
If you head out here you have to try the seasonal brews. The brewery experiments with different specialty flavors.
Pro tip: If you are around in the right season, try and snag some outdoor seating. It’s a fun way to pass the day and the farm environment around is just soothing.
Address: 6200 S Bay Rd, Cicero, NY 13039, United States
Hours: Monday and Tuesday closed. Wednesday – Saturday: 11:30 am -9:00 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
6. Heritage Hill Brewhouse
Hidden away in the Southeastern suburbs of the city is this bad boy of the brewery world – a place that not only serves excellent beer but that also serves delicious food too!
They also first opened their doors in 2018 and are now known for the exquisite views of Syracuse that you can enjoy from their expansive, outdoor seating area.
Yeah, think of this place as basically a giant farm with red barns and outdoor picnic tables where you can relax and take in the outdoor awesomeness all around you.
And, added bonus? You can bring the kids along with you since there’s a nice play area here that children will love.
Wait, did I mention? There are farm animals here too! So, say hi to these adorable critters for me after ordering one of 13 beers on tap.
Truth be told though, my fave has to be their seasonal, Oh My Pumpkin Pie yam beer with a sugar rim (Psst…the Alota Colada fruited sour is also good too)). Pair it with a meatball burger and you will not be disappointed by one of the best Syracuse breweries on this list!
Pro Tip: Stop by nearby Pratts Falls to really make a day of it. Also be sure to bring cash or stop by the ATM on-site before ordering.
Address: 3149 Sweet Road, Jamesville, NY 13078 (about 20 minutes outside the city)
Hours: Open Monday through Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Entrees are around $15 each.
7. Stout Beard Brewing Company
Looking for one of the best breweries in Syracuse that serves pickle beer? Yup, you read that correctly. Pickle beer.
It’s basically made with pickling spices that give it a truly unique flavor. However, if the Bill Pickle Ale isn’t for you, then you can always rock out with a Maurice Triple Chocolate stout instead.
Other than that, just enjoy the cozy atmosphere inside the taproom of one of the best breweries in Syracuse.
Because these master brewers have been running this NYS farm brewery since 2016 and now have around 13 beers on tap in a bigger and better location in the Westcott area.
Just be aware that contrary to what the name might suggest, this Syracuse brewery definitely doesn’t have a ton of different stouts on tap.
Yeah, I don’t want you to walk away from one of the best Syracuse breweries low-key disappointed or anything.
It’s also a fairly small brewery but they do a great brunch. So, if you can, definitely try the breakfast pizza or the pretzels with beer cheese. One word, yum!
Address: 126 Dell St, Syracuse, NY 13210
Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
8. Full Boar Craft Brewery and Tap Room
This light and airy Syracuse brewery has an industrial feel about it that is perfectly complemented by a giant boar’s head that hangs above the central bar area.
There’s also ample seating here, making it easy to enjoy one of 16 different beers on tap, all of which are well-balanced and bursting with rich flavor.
And while no food is served here – except for the occasional food truck and a light snack – guests will love pours of their favorite beers that are anywhere between 8 ounces and a hefty 64-ounce growler.
That’s why it’s no surprise that Full Boar Craft Brewery makes it on this list of the best Syracuse breweries.
In fact, their Heavy G’s Idaho 7 IPA is one of my favorites. It has just enough bitterness that it doesn’t overwhelm your palate but still gives you some kick.
I also really like their Black Boar Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter. The flavor profile reminds me of a Reeses or something similar.
Pro Tip: This is one of the best Syracuse breweries for special events. So, stop by on Wednesdays for “Randall Night”, where they feature a different beer that is made with a unique assortment of fruits, spices, and/or candies.
Address: 628 S Main St, North Syracuse, NY 13212
Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Price: A flight of four beers is $8.
9. Red Hawk Brewing
You’ll love that this is one of the best Syracuse breweries that is run by a woman who was inspired to get into the biz by her grandmother.
So, if you enjoy traditional, old-world farmhouse and abbey-style ales/lagers/ciders, then this is the place for you since the emphasis here is on Belgian-style, small-batch beers that are made using nothing but the highest quality ingredients.
In total, 14 beers are on tap here and come in unique flavors like Figgy Pudding and Bogberry Ale – although, truth be told, the fermented ginger beer (using a recipe dating back to the 1600s) with a shot of dark rum is my personal fave.
However, if you’re not into sour/tart beers and are looking for more of a strong IPA, then this definitely isn’t the place for you.
Otherwise, though, this brewery is a joy to visit and offers charcuterie plates, cheddar brats, and artisanal pizzas that will perfectly pair with your drink.
Added bonus? They have some non-alcoholic beverages on the menu too, including a delicious apple cider and an old-fashioned, homemade Sarsaparilla (say that ten times fast).
If you want, you can also take a tour of the brewing facility and learn all about the brewing process at either 11:30 am or 12:15 pm throughout the week.
These tours are extremely popular though so you may not be able to nab a coveted spot since space is limited and they run on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Address: 4504 Bussey Road, Syracuse, NY 13215
Hours: Open Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
10. Now & Later
Fully equipped with snazzy things like a bottle shop and ample indoor/outdoor seating, this rustic/relaxing bar easily makes it on this list of the best Syracuse breweries.
After all, with a selection of more than 400 different craft beers are on offer (most are in bottles and cans and not on tap), this is THE primo destination in Syracuse for anyone who loves beer even just a little bit.
And while this may not be a brewery per se, Now & Later has become an integral part of the community since it first opened its doors in 2015.
Therefore, it’s a great place to go if you want to have a beer at the bar and then take one home with you for later (hence the name Now & Later).
So, give their Caprese sandwich with homemade chips a shot (FYI, their food menu is small and definitely isn’t as big as their beer menu) and pair it with a Talking Cursive Sweet Potato Brown.
Address: 620 Ulster St, Syracuse, NY 13204
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: Beers start at $4.00 each.
11. Meier’s Creek Brewing Company
Set in a stunning landscape, the Meier’s Creek Brewing Company has a creative approach to brewing. The family owned business that combines the fresh air of the great outdoors with a comfortable place to enjoy your preferred beer. It is a safe environment where the guests are encouraged to kick back, relax and enjoy a laugh with good company.
You can even peak through the huge glass windows for a glimpse behind the scenes which is a rather cool thing to do while sipping on your preferred drink/
While they brew the traditional mainstays, the brewery also releases new exciting flavors frequently.
Pro tip: You will find that the Meier’s Creek encourages you to get out and explore the property. It has something for every season including a snowshoeing trail!
Address: 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035, United States
Hours: Monday and Tuesday closed. Wednesday Thursday Sunday: 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am to 9 pm.
12. Local 315 Brewing Company
This is one of the best Syracuse breweries on this list that is a bit out of the way. So, if you’re up for a short drive then this is easily one of the best breweries in Syracuse, NY for you.
I mean, this charming taproom is hidden away in the countryside and has a wealth of fascinating relics on the wall that showcase the incredible history of Central New York.
So, yes, you now really can get an impromptu history lesson with your favorite brew.
Plus, they have a large outdoor seating area that is routinely the site of fun live music events and food truck gatherings.
Not gonna lie, there are also some super cute goats on-site as well as a pretty pink tractor. I mean, really, what more could a girl ask for?
It’s also a very family-friendly place so be sure to bring the kids and sample a strawberry rhubarb or pineapple coconut beer for me.
Full disclosure though, I stopped in the summer and those beers probably aren’t available all year long.
Pro Tip: Stop by on Friday evenings for food trucks and live music in the beer garden.
Address: 3160 Warners Rd, Warners, NY 13164
Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
13. Eastwood Brewing Company
Walking into this place feels like stepping into an unassuming, secret hideaway tucked away in the heart of the city. The exterior might scream “loading dock”, but don’t let that fool you!
Once you step inside, you’re greeted with an intimate, snug setup that instantly feels like home. From pinball machines that bring out your inner child to the peculiar sight of two shotguns hanging over the bar, there’s never a dull moment here.
Oh, and did I mention the beer? Despite being a tiny, one-barrel brewery, the variety of beers they offer is impressive. My personal favorite got to be the Belgian strong blonde; it’s a tasty treat for all beer enthusiasts out there. Food might not be on the menu, but they do let you take beer to go. Can’t wait to come back to this little gem next time I’m in town!
Address: 108 Walter Dr, Syracuse, NY 13206, United States
Hours: Mon – Fri: 4pm – 8pm, Sat: 1pm – 8pm, Sun: 1pm – 5pm
Price: A pint starts at $6
14. Bullfinch Brewpub
This place sure knows how to surprise, in the best way possible! I dropped by for dinner before a concert, and boy was I in for a treat. We were greeted within a heartbeat by the owner, who introduced himself as the chief beer nerd – how cool is that?
We started our adventure with a flight of 3 extremely unique and 1 traditional beers. All four were divine, complex, and true to their description. I could easily picture myself sipping on these all summer long.
Our appetizers came out in quick succession, which let us savour each one individually. We opted for the duck bacon corn wontons – trust me, as strange as they sound, they’re ridiculously tasty. We also tried the fried banana pepper rings, which were a first for me. The two complementary sauces were generously dipped into, and there was still enough left for the fries that came later.
The main courses were a whole different story. They were artfully described, with the ingredients and sauces highlighted. The reality? Simple, well-prepared sandwiches that lived up to every bit of their description.
The philly and the spicy chicken sandwich were spot on, so kudos to the menu writer and the chef for delivering on their promise. My only gripe was that they arrived a bit too quickly; we were still working on the appetizers. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for dessert, but that’s something we’re saving for our next visit.
Pro Tip: Get 20% OFF draft beer Monday through Thursday 2pm to 5pm
Address: 306 Hiawatha Blvd W, Syracuse, NY 13204, United States
Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 10pmPrices: Appetizers start at $10
⏰ Wondering where to stay in Syracuse? I recommend The Parkview Hotel in Syracuse. Its a mid range hotel with excellent rooms! ⏰
Map of the Best Syracuse Breweries
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That just about wraps up this guide to the best Syracuse breweries of all time!
Tell me, did your picks for the best breweries in Syracuse make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below!
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