Top 10 Beer Spots In ‘Cuse
Syracuse has a lot of hidden gems, which is really a nice way of saying this place requires some effort and exploration on your part if you want to really discover what the city has to offer. I still remember when my best friend visited me from sunny South Florida and got her first view of ‘Cuse from the vistas of scenic I-81 south. She looked at me and said, “it looks like this place needs a good bath”. While she was not wrong, there is more to this post-industrial city than meets the eye. During the inclement, frigid winter months you could bundle up and take part in the numerous winter sports and outdoor options this area affords you. Or better yet, you could don your beer blanket instead and stay warm inside any of these great local drinking spots!
Here are the top ten places to grab a beer around town:
In a small town like Syracuse, variety is always welcomed. Located in Hanover Square, The Evergreen is known for its ever-changing beer wall that reflects the owner’s passion for craft microbrewing. By purchasing one keg at a time of each variety, their taps are constantly changing and provide ample options. In order to try as many flavors as possible, I would suggest finding yourself a date and sharing a flight. It is cuffing season after all.
Stop in and see the “Best Bartender” in Syracuse and my favorite beauty, Alicia at this local downtown favorite. They have 69 beers on tap not to mention cask conditioned ale options. It has gotten to a point where I don’t even have to peruse their extensive beer list anymore, I just say “give me something I’ll like” and Alicia never disappoints. While the place itself is not much of a looker, its location is rumored to have once been a brothel during the times of the Erie Canal’s operation, which used to run right outside the front door. This is a great place to play pool, throw some darts at your friends, and if you’re feeling particularly indulgent order the J Ryan’s burger (be sure to ask why they got rid of the waffle fries, I am still trying to figure that out).
Syracuse’s local craft beer darling has two locations where you can try their locally brewed beer, at their downtown brewpub and the scenic Farmstead bottling facility in Cazenovia (it is absolutely worth the drive). Known for their ales and lagers, Empire’s growth has been prolific over the last 23 years and their beers can now be found all over the state. Even as they continue to expand they stay loyal to their local roots, supporting small businesses and sponsoring events. The atmosphere at both locations is casual and social.
The most recent addition to Syracuse’s growing food and beverage scene, this spot brings the coast to CNY. This is the place to go if you are in search of the extremely sought after beers from breweries like The Alchemist, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and SingleCut, just to name a few. You may come for surprising beer selection but you will certainly stay for the fresh seafood and the cozy atmosphere.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this is the spot for cozying up at the bar with a beer during snowy winter evenings. Located close to student housing in the Westcott neighborhood, this is a classic choice for both students and locals. With a rotating draught list as well as a myriad of bottle options there is always something new, something familiar, something local, or something you will enjoy. Plus, their beautifully renovated copper bar provides the just the right reflective light for selfies, of which I have about a thousand here.
6) Now and Later Bottle Shop and Tap Room
Looking for that obscure beer you had that one time at that one place that you cant remember the name but you would recognize the label and you just have to have it again? Best bet you will be able to find it here! This place does not have a beer list, they have a beer book with just about every beer known to man. It is the perfect spot to conduct an impromptu beer class (I’ve done that) or pick up a six-pack to enjoy from the comfort of your own couch in your Christmas onesie (I’ve also done that). With literal floor to ceiling coolers of the absolute widest variety of beer choices, they something for everyone.
Wolff’s is like a Disney Epcot ride of beer plopped in the middle of Syracuse’s downtown. This is the place for you if you are into the following… authentic German biers, soccer games, trying to toss as many peanuts as possible in the beers of friends and strangers, and fine weiner wursts. You can also get yourself a genuine boot stein and see how much beer you can chug in a single sitting!
Not only can you stop into this rustic Westcott staple to drink some beers, there is also a good chance whatever you order off the menu has also been infused with the golden nectar. With seasonally rotating taps, lots of bottles and cans to choose from, and food options like beer cheese and beer battered chicken you will leave almost regretting your decisions. Almost.
This place has been serving up craft beer options since before the hipsters even knew what craft beer was. Founded in 1995 during what Blue Tusk refers to as the “great craft beer revolution” this was and remains one of the cherished spots for local beer fanatics. Best of all, here they abide by the British pint. This means you will receive your tasty brew in a 20oz glass for your personal enjoyment.
And finally, if you absolutely insist on taking advantage of these colder, snowier, more bitter months and head to the slopes have no fear, you can still find good beer! After (or preferably during) a good ski session at Toggenburg, Syracuse’s closest mountain, make sure you head to the Foggy Goggle and sample some of their diverse beer options. You can even find the “Tog Grog” a spicy winter ale brewed exclusively for the resort by Empire.
