The neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant has become quite the hotspot for craft beer options, available in all sorts of venues and stores. Here are a few of our favorite spots to grab a craft cold one.
Brooklyn Tap House (Gabrielle Sierra/Gothamist)
Any bar with the motto "No crap on tap, craft beer at its best" is a-okay in our book. Straddling the Bed Stuy-Clinton Hill border this sports bar boasts 42 beers on tap as well as 72 bottled and 5 canned choices. The craft beer options are many, including the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, Two Brothers Domaine Dupage and the Mad River Double Dread Imperial Red. Brooklyn Tap House also offers up a large food menu, a massive interior space complete with multiple television screens, and a backyard. 16oz drafts go for $6.
Brooklyn Tap House is located at 590 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 750-7557, http://www.brooklyntaphouse.com/ordereze/default.aspx
Black Swan (Gabrielle Sierra/Gothamist)
This Bed Stuy bar and restaurant is a go-to for residents with its extensive brunch/lunch/dinner menu (and late night food options), happy hour, reverse happy hour (yes!), and large bar. But Black Swan is also a great spot for sipping craft beer, with an additional to-go option for anything on tap. Try the Breckenridge Agave Wheat, the Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye, or go local with the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace. Drafts go for $6-$7, all 16 oz. draughts are available to go in either 32-ounce, half gallon or one gallon sizes. The bar also offers beer flights—any four 16oz pours for $12&mash;so you can sample a variety of brews.
Black Swan is located at 1048 Bedford Avenue, (718) 783-4744, http://blackswannyc.com
Bed Vyne Brews (Nell Casey/Gothamist)
We've already written about Bed-Vyne's new beer bar addition, but it is certainly worth mentioning again. This small bar and retail outlet is an extension of the popular wine shop next door. Ten draft beers are available alongside the wine offerings, ranging from local brews to international. Try out any of the rotating options, including Westbrook Mexican Cake and Two Brothers. Growlers to run $12-$30 and pints run $6-$9.
Bed Vyne Brews is located at 370 Tompkins Avenue, (347) 915-1080, https://www.facebook.com/BedVyneBrew
Bed Stuy BeerWorks (Gabrielle Sierra/Gothamist)
Skipping the bar crowds and buying some craft beer to go is also an option. This inconspicuous beer warehouse recently opened across from a massive Home Depot on an otherwise barren stretch of Willoughby Avenue. Boasting 139 types of bottled beer, 21 types of canned beer, and 43 types of kegged beer, Bed Stuy BeerWorks meets patrons needs with craft and imported options galore. Craft beers include Stone Arrogant Bastard with Centennial, several Abita beers including Amber and Purple Haze, as well as a variety of Founders including the All Day IPA. Prices vary.
Bed Stuy BeerWorks is located at 409 WIlloughby Avenue at Walworth Street Brooklyn, NY (across from Home Depot), 718-797-1465, http://bedstuybeer.com
Compare Foods in Bed Stuy (Gabrielle Sierra/Gothamist)
This may seem like a random addition, but one of the most interesting parts of the Bed Stuy craft beer scene is that you can find it in the local delis and markets. This small supermarket is down the block from the Bedford-Nostrand G stop, making it an easy option for those walking from the subway. For some reason the beer is spread out between three isles, but once you get your bearings you'll find that the craft beer offerings are impressive. Try the Left Hand Milk Stout or any of the Dogfish. Prices vary.
Compare Foods is located at 991 Bedford Avenue (between Willoughby Ave & Lafayette Ave), (718) 230-7870, http://comparesupermarkets.com
