Craft Beer in Rochester: 4 Breweries You Need to Visit

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I went to Sperry High School in Henrietta, just outside of Rochester, New York. Like a lot of kids in small towns across America, I couldn’t wait to leave. Now that I’m grown, I look forward to visiting and seeing all the changes. One huge change is the craft beer scene. They are doing some great things in the 585. Here are four places to get a great craft beer in Rochester.

Craft Beer in Rochester, New York

Now is the best time in U.S. history to be a craft beer lover. The U.S. has more than 150 beer styles and 20,000 brands, more than any other market in the world. Every time I visit home, I discover new breweries in the area. On this trip, we explored the explosion of breweries in Upstate New York.

What is Craft Beer?

I don’t like beer, but my husband loves it, and I love spending time with him at craft breweries. Craft beer is made in small batches using traditional methods. Each brewer experiments with different ingredients, styles, and brewing techniques. Beer tasting, much like wine tasting, involves looking at color, sweetness, bitterness, alcohol content, and added flavors like coffee or fruit. My husband loves comparing all these details, which is why we checked out five great breweries in Rochester.

1. Genesee Brewhouse, Rochester

Genesee Brewery isn’t known for craft beer, but things have changed. Rochesterians are proud of Genesee Beer, the oldest brewery in New York State, with more than 140 years of history. Since 2012, the brewhouse has been serving beer, wine, and food overlooking High Falls.

The large warehouse has three floors. The first floor has a small museum. The second-floor restaurant has a patio with great views of the falls. The third floor is an open deck with even better views.

Steven and my mom ordered flights, and I had a local Riesling. It was so good, I ordered a second glass. We shared wings and fried pickles, then had a Reuben, a black and bleu burger, and fish tacos for lunch. Everything was delicious, and the views made it better.

A couple of notes: tables are reserved for two hours, and the waiter was a little too attentive, which cut off our conversations. My mom enjoyed her Genny, and Steven ordered the Simcoe S.M.A.S.H Pale Ale from the Pilot Batch Series.

Address: 25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605 – (585) 263-9200

2. Lock 32 Brew Company, Pittsford

We visited Lock 32 a year ago and came back because the beer is great. They also serve local wine. The brewery has doubled in size since our last visit.

A second location is opening soon on the canal in Bushnell’s Basin. The new space will feature rotating beer taps, food trucks, and a second-story deck. It’s in a converted art gallery and will have an Adirondack vibe with outdoor fire pits.

Steven ordered Doc Gabs Red Ale, one of his favorites.

Address: 10 Schoen Place, Pittsford, NY 14534 – (585) 500-8844

3. Wood Kettle Brewery, Greece

We found Wood Kettle Brewery by chance. We met Mark and Sherry at Lock 32 and learned they owned the brewery. A few days later, we stopped by and were impressed. The brewery sits on a beautiful piece of property on the edge of Greece and Hilton.

WKB opened after some setbacks, including the loss of a business partner. Now, family members run it. Most beers are brewed on-site, and they serve local Finger Lakes wines. The kitchen serves pretzels, brats, wraps, and fish tacos with homemade mango salsa.

We sat next to Doug, a regular, who joked about waiting for a coveted mug club membership. The most popular beer is Blondshell, a blonde pale ale named after Sherry. Steven ordered the Red Pale Ale and the Pour Man’s Porter.

Address: 1192 Manitou Rd, Hilton, NY 14468 – (585) 366-4183

4. K2 Brothers Brewery, Penfield

Brad and Kyle started brewing beer at home in 15-gallon batches. Now, they brew 250 gallons at their Penfield brewery. K2 is popular for its variety—beer, New York wines, spirits, ciders, and even colas.

I suggest sitting at the bar for the atmosphere, or you can enjoy a meal in the newly renovated beer garden. Brad told us they love collaborating with other local brewers. K2 already has 100 loyal members and a long waiting list for its mug club.

Address: 1221 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609 – (585) 413-1997

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