Held on National Beer Day, the competition invited Queens residents to nominate and vote for their favorite breweries and establishments that serve standout craft beer, with Bridge and Tunnel Brewery earning top honors.

The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is located at 15-35 Decatur St. in Ridgewood. Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce

“We’re incredibly honored to be named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” Bridge and Tunnel Brewery Owner Rich Castagna said. “As someone who was born and raised in Ridgewood, this recognition means everything to me. Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is deeply rooted in Queens and New York City culture, and that pride is part of who we are and what we brew every day. After 23 years of brewing, every beer we create reflects our passion for craft, creativity and community. Our taproom has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported us, voted for us and continues to show up for local breweries and small businesses. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the incredible craft beer scene here in Queens.”

Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce

As the winner of the Queens Best Craft Beer Competition, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery received a plaque to mark the occasion, as well as a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

The plaque awarded to the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery. Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce

“Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech said. “This competition showcased the incredible talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that define Queens’ craft beer scene. From crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to innovative small-batch brews, the nominees reflected the diversity and quality that make Queens a destination for beer lovers. We’re proud to celebrate a local business like Bridge and Tunnel Brewery that continues to bring people together through great beer and community.”

Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce

Multiple local elected officials, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and New York City Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, also weighed in on Bridge and Tunnel Brewery winning the competition.

“The eclectic offerings of the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery are hugely popular among both Queens residents and those who are willing to cross numerous bridges and tunnels to enjoy this amazing brewery’s fine craft beers,” Richards said. “The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is a Ridgewood neighborhood treasure and a wonderful place to hang out with friends while enjoying refreshing and delicious beverages. I congratulate the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being selected as the purveyor of Queens’ Best Craft Beer, and I wish this outstanding local establishment much more continued success.”

“Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery on being selected as Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” Gianaris said. “I’m glad to see Bridge and Tunnel Brewery taking its place among the many great Queens breweries, especially here in western Queens.”

“Bridge and Tunnel Brewery’s recognition as Queens’ Best Craft Beer is a reminder that our industrial areas are not just places of work but are places of creativity, culture and community,” Gutiérrez said. “Businesses like this are only possible because neighborhoods like Ridgewood still have space for makers, manufacturers and small producers to thrive. As New York City continues to grow, we have to protect and invest in our industrial business zones so local businesses can keep creating jobs, building community and making the kinds of spaces that give our neighborhoods their character.”

Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce

The Queens’ Best Craft Beer Competition marked the 14th annual “Best of Queens” food and beverage competition. The previous competitions included the best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, deli and soup.

Evil Twin Brewing NYC, which is also based in Ridgewood, and Long Island City’s Fifth Hammer Brewing Company placed second and third in the Best Craft Beer Competition. Both businesses were recognized with certificates.