Before summer comes to a close, it’s time to gather up your friends and meet up at the countless breweries located around western Queens. At these breweries, you can try out a variety of beers of different flavors – there’s a flavor for everyone! It’s the perfect place to hang out, chill out and play.
Here are the top five breweries in western Queens
Focal Point Beer Co.
Focal Point Beer Co. Photo via Google Maps
Known as “Your favorite neighborhood Brewery and Taproom,” Focal Point Beer Co. features not only a wide array of beer on tap, but also community events, outdoor seating, food options and a cocktail bar – Focal Point has everything for everyone. Guests can try beers from different regions and flavors, such as wheat, IPA, stout and sour.
Focal Point Beer Co. is located at 43-50 12th St. in Long Island City. Their hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 10 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 11 p.m., Fridays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
SingleCut Beersmiths QNS
SingleCut Beersmiths. File photo via Facebook/SingleCutBeersmiths
Founded in 2012, SingleCut Beersmiths is regarded as the pioneer of the East Coast brewing scene. According to their website, “Award-winning perfectionists, the Beersmiths devotion to lead and not follow is expressed in the brewery’s distinctive year-round offerings.” Not only do they offer beers on tap, but they also offer live music, rotating food options, pinball machines and vinyl records. They also have a variety of beers, including pilsners, sour, lagers and IPAs.
SingleCut Beersmiths QNS is located at 19-33 37th St. in Astoria. Their hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 12 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 12 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 8 p.m. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Bier & Cheese Collective
Bier & Cheese Collective. Photo via Google Maps
Craving beer with a side of cheese? Bier & Cheese Collective is the place for you. This cozy neighborhood spot offers a bottle shop, a craft beer bar and a wide array of gourmet cheese to pair with your mouth-watering beer. They offer ciders, pilsners, lagers and IPAs, all unique in flavor. They even offer bourbon, aged in barrels.
Bier & Cheese Collective is located at 35-11 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria. Their hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 12 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 10 p.m.
Finback LIC
Finback LIC. File photo courtesy of the LICP
Finback LIC is the spot for anyone craving comfort Asian food with a side of mixed-culture beers. Though they’ve been in operation since 2014 in Glendale, their Long Island City location – their newest location – is dedicated to “time as an ingredient,” according to their website. They sell a variety of IPAs and lagers from all over the world.
Finback LIC is located at 29-37 41st Ave. in Long Island City. Their hours are Mondays through Wednesdays from 3 to 10 p.m., Thursdays from 12 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sundays from 12 to 8 p.m.
Fifth Hammer Brewing
Fifth Hammer Brewing. Photo via Fifth Hammer Brewing
In operation since 2017, the name “Fifth Hammer” derives from an Ancient Greek fable about Pythagoras, who came to understand the nature of harmony. The brewery features a 15-barrel brewing system built into the neighborhood. Aside from its wide variety of beers, Fifth Hammer hosts many events, such as trivia night on Tuesdays and live music on Thursdays.
Fifth Hammer Brewing is located at 10-28 46th Ave. in Long Island City. Their hours are Mondays from 2 to 10 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 to 11 p.m., Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 12 to 10 p.m.