Are you heading to the Adirondacks and looking for somewhere to enjoy a local craft beverage? There’s nothing like heading to the Brewery for a cold one after a long hike or a day on the slopes. Quite honestly, I’m not even a big beer drinker and it’s something I always look forward to! This article is bound to answer all of your questions regarding the best Adirondack breweries.
13 Best Adirondack Breweries
Here we’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best Adirondack Breweries. No matter where you’re staying or what you’re hiking, one of these brewpubs bound to be within reach.
Adirondack Pub and Brewery
33 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845
Adirondack Pub and Brewery was inspired by a post-college backpacking trip around Europe. After founder John Carr returned from his trip and failed to find the same high-quality beers he had experienced overseas, he started to brew his own. After 10 years of brewing for friends and family he opened the Adirondack Pub and Brewery in the heart of Lake George Village.
All hand-crafted ales and lagers feature local ingredients and are brewed on-site in Lake George. Visit the pub to see what’s on tap while enjoying your typical, tasty pub-fare. Be on the lookout for the Hops, Chops, & Roll Pub Truck at local events and festivals, or book it for your next party!
Ausable Brewing Company
765 Mace Chasm Rd, Keeseville, NY 12944
This farm-based nano-brewery is owned and operated by the Badger brothers. Ausable Brewing Company, or ABC as they like to call it, is located on 140 acres in the Champlain Valley just east of the Adirondack High Peaks.
ABC is dedicated to serving only the highest quality ales, lagers, and house sodas. These local brothers do not wholesale their beer to bars and restaurants so if you’re looking to enjoy their craft, you are going to have to pay them a visit. Drive through some of the Adirondack Park’s finest farmland to stop into the red barn for a brew.
The brothers brew and serve out of their renovated 1880’s barn; you can currently stop by to pick up beer-to-go on Fridays from 2-6 and on Saturdays from 12-4. In the warmer months, you can enjoy their craft in the beer garden.
Battle Hill Brewing Company
4 Charles St, Fort Ann, NY 12827
The area’s newest farm brewery started as homebrewers who enjoyed their craft so much that they thought, “what if?” and made it a reality. In 2014 these homebrewers found a cool 19th-century building in historic Fort Ann and made big moves towards their dream job.
Since 2014, they’ve joined the local farm brewery scene and have been met with nothing but success. Using fresh local ingredients, they create and share their ales 7 barrels at a time. Battle Hill loves being a part of Washington County’s long and varied agricultural history; they hope to play a role, alongside other craft beer and wine establishments, in the resurgence of the area.
Battle Hill Brewing Company offers both indoor and deck seating for you to enjoy both their delicious beer selections and tasty food selections. Battle Hill caters to the whole family with kids menu items available as well. Aside from the beer list found on their website, you can call the taproom or check their facebook page for seasonal offerings as well!
Big Slide Brewery and Public House
5686 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Must Try Brews: Hot Pepper Pale Ale & Bourbon Barrel Aged Ubu Ale
Big Slide Brewery & Public House opened in June of 2016 and has won a myriad of awards ever since. Some of these awards include Best Restaurant in the Adirondacks (2020), their Bourbon Barrel Aged Ubu Ale won bronze at the NY State Craft Beer Competition (2018), and the Giant IPA won gold at the NY State Craft Beer Competition (2017). They’re known not only for their
The hybrid 3.5-5 barrel brew-house is located right in the dining space (with protective glass and such). Big Slide offers 10 house beers on tap, including Sours, Goldens, Pale Ales, IPAs, Porters, Stouts, and Belgian beers. They strive to create new and exciting beers like the Chili Pepper Pale Ale or the Brett Biere de Garde.
If you’re looking to enjoy the delicious farm-to-table food, you can sit at the concrete-topped bar, on the beautiful (dog-friendly) patio, or in the dining room. The locally-sourced ingredients create unique and delicious dishes – it is not your typical pub grub, but it will definitely be a meal you will remember. Big Slide’s menu features snacks, salads, sandwiches, brick-oven pizzas, and delicious entrees. Big Slide Brewery and Public House is my go-to dinner and drink spot in the Lake Placid area.
Bolton Landing Brewing Company
4933 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Must Try Brews: Sunseeker Sour Loganberry & Bourbon Barrel Aged Urban Lumberjack
This family-owned microbrewery was founded in 2017 by father and son team, Brendan and John Murnane. The newly constructed taproom is open year-round. You can drink a beer on the spacious outdoor patio while enjoying a view of the lake! Hang out on the lawn where you can play shuffleboard or a round of cornhole.
Beers are brewed on-site in the state-of-the-art 7 barrel brewhouse. BLBC also offers Crowlers, which are 32-ounce aluminum cans that you can fill up with your favorite varieties. Take your beverage of choice home with you; make sure to drink local while vacationing, boating, or hiking.
Common Roots
58 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls, NY 12803
Common Roots first came to fruition in 2005 when Bert and Christian brewed their first beer together. The father-son team knew a microbrewery was in their future. It took a few years, but in 2014 Bert and Christian were able to honor their family heritage by opening the doors to Common Roots for all to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the original brewery succumbed to fire in March of 2019. With the help of the community, they were back to brewing in no time and opened their brand new taproom and brewery in 2020. The new space is not only more energy and production efficient, but more of an experience as well. Common Roots now offers a full-service restaurant, bier garden, and event room.
Common Root’s beers intermix old world traditions with new world inspirations. The variety of beer styles will appeal to any craft beer consumer. Their beer menu is massive. By hovering over your beer of choice, you can see if it is available on draft, to go, or in a growler. You can learn about the beer itself by clicking “learn more”. The selection is truly endless – there is a beer for everyone here.
Fulton Chain Craft Brewery
127 North St, Old Forge, NY 13420
Must Try Brew: Go Fluff Yourself
One of my absolute favorite small-town craft Breweries of all time. It has a raw, home town feel while also providing delicious brews! A hot spot for summer and fall hikers as well as snowmobilers in the winter months! It’s my favorite place to stop after a day on the slopes at McCauley Mountain.
Fulton Chain Craft Brewery was founded in 2014 by two local friends. They use locally sourced ingredients to create up to 10 different beers on tap; with so many options, you’re bound to love one of them. Go Fluff Yourself is a fan favorite, but if beers aren’t necessarily your pint of … hehe … Fulton Chain Craft Brewery also offers 1911 Hard Cider, New York State Wines, and a selection of NYS Liquor.
Stop by their cozy Adirondack lodge-inspired tasting room with family, friends, or on your own. Whether you’re in town for a few days or just passing through, you won’t regret this sneaky gem in Old Forge!
Great Adirondack Brewing Company
2442 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
The Great Adirondack Brewing Company has been one of Lake Placid’s best restaurants for 30 years. Previously known as The Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood, they have rebranded due to the growth of their on-site craft brewery. Although their food is exceptional, their ever-changing line up of beers will please any palate.
The on-site brewery consists of a custom-manufactured seven-barrel stainless steel brew system. Housed behind the restaurant, this is where a wide range of ales and lagers are produced using only the finest imported and domestic ingredients. The Great Adirondack Brewing Company’s commitment to quality and consistency has garnered them a number of awards; see for yourself with a fresh pint poured from their tap.
Hex and Hop Brewing
1719 NY-3, Bloomingdale, NY 12913
Hex and Hop Brewing was founded by two friends, an engineer and an apiarist. Their love for beer, zest for adventure, and large appetites brought them to the North Country to share their craft. Ethan and Nick combine their backgrounds in engineering and beekeeping to create delicious brews through precision, science, and following the seasons harvest.
Hex and Hop Brewing is nestled in the small Adirondack town of Bloomingdale.
As you might imagine, beer isn’t the only local product you can try at Hex and Hop Brewery – there are bees and therefore, honey! Local honey and a variety of quick and tasty menu items.
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery
813 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Must Try Brews: Ubu Ale & Strawberry Milkshake Sour
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery was one of the very first places I enjoyed a meal in the Adirondacks! This spot is still a staple any time I’m in the Lake Placid area; with food and beers that never disappoint, you can’t go wrong with this pitstop.
Like many breweries, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery started with a home brew kit and a love for beer. The quality and popularity of their beers have led to a rapid expansion over the last 24 years. Their 150 different styles of beer have earned the respect of the brewing community and National attention.
Founded in 1996, when two friends purchased a local pub, the brewery grew in popularity among locals and visitors alike. The popularity of the brewery really took off in the year 2000, when a government trip brought White House interns to towns. After hearing the story behind their flagship beer, the Ubu Ale, the interns brought some back to President Clinton as a gift. The President enjoyed the beer so much that he ordered cases of it for a white house party.
This exponential growth allowed Lake Placid Pub and Brewery to open a second location, the esteemed Big Slide Brewery and Public House (also on this list). The awards this Lake Placid brewery has received in the past 20 years earns it the number one spot on the Best Adirondack Breweries list.
Paradox Brewery
2781 U.S. 9, North Hudson, NY 12855
This innovative, independent craft brewery is located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Paradox Brewery all started when president and founder, Paul Mrocka, fell in love with brewing while stationed in Germany as an Army Pilot. After 30 years of backyard brewing for friends and family, Paul made his dream come true as his craft became more and more popular with the Paradox Lake Locals.
Paradox Brewery beverages are like no other; the water used is found in the granite 600 feet below the Adirondack Park. It is so very pure that it requires no filtering or treatment before being brewed with the best local malts and hops. The 25,000 square feet brewery produces 50,000 barrels a year and can be toured upon visiting. Take a trip to the tasting room for over 10 beers on tap or stop in to grab a case of cans to go.
Raquette River
11 Balsam St #2, Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Raquette River Brewing was established in 2013 to brew small batch specialty ales to the local community. They experiment with both local and exotic ingredients to create beer that is as unique as the people enjoying them! Raquette River’s brews can be found on tap and in bottles around the Adirondacks.
If you’re in the Tupper Lake Area, stop in to the spacious lodge-like tasting room. Friendly puppers are welcome to join you, inside or out. The parking lot is home to two delicious food trucks to ensure you’re not only well-watered, but well-fed. The Fusion Street Woodfire Pizza is pretty tasty! Check out their home page for a list of beers on tap.
Ray Brook Brewhouse
1153 NY-86, Ray Brook, NY 12977
Nestled away, deep into the Adirondacks in the hamlet of Ray Brook lies the Ray Brook Brewhouse. Constable Native, Paul Tatro opened his strategically placed restaurant in the summer of 2019.
Ray Brook Brewhouse strives to produce wild and traditional brews that pair perfectly with their adventurous dishes. They are proud to welcome hard-working Adirondack locals as well as travelers from near and far into their rustic and homey space.
Adirondack Breweries Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best Brewery in the Adirondacks?
Lake Placid Pub and Brewery has won over 70 awards in the past 20 years, placing it at the top of my list. However, Adirondack Pub and Brewery did take home a silver medal for the Bobcat Pilsner at the 2018 World Beer Cup.
Which Adirondack Brewery has the Best Food?
Big Slide Brewery & Public House has the best food hands down. Their farm to table menu provides well thought out, delicious appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees. Wash it all down with one of their award winning brews for good measure.
Which of the Adirondack Breweries is the Newest?
The Ray Brook Brewhouse opened its doors in June of 2019. Since then, they’ve earned a name for themselves with a large selection of microbrews and reasonably priced menu items. It’s location just outside of Saranac Lake on route 86, has made it a popular destination for locals and travelers alike.
Is Saranac Brewing Company in the Adirondacks?
Unfortunately, Saranac Brewing Company is located about 2.5 hours away from Saranac Lake in Utica, NY. It’s a great brewery with delicious beers and awesome tours, however, it isn’t quite located in the Adirondack Park. If you’re driving by Utica on the Thruway, make a pit stop here.
Where can I find the Hidden Gem of Adirondack Breweries?
Coopers Cave Ale Company is quite literally the most hidden of the Adirondack Breweries. Disguised as a hole-in-the-wall joint. Coopers Cave Ale Company is a popular spot for brews, a family meal, and ice cream!
The 13 Best Adirondack Breweries
Let’s Combine Hikes & Brews
If you’re a beer junkie who also loves to hike, check out the ADK 6 PACK Challenge. This challenge combines 6 local breweries with a corresponding local mountain. Hike to the summit and enjoy a brew, and earn a patch when you’ve accomplished all 6! Although I have not personally completed this challenge, it is on the list! It seems like a great way to enjoy a few beverages and beautiful views. Please be sure to drink responsibly and leave no trace while completing this challenge.
What are you Waiting For?
The Adirondacks are home to so many awesome towns, miles of trail, endless waterways, and countless opportunities for recreation. As we gear up for the winter season, don’t forget to pair your brewery visits with a corresponding mountain to shred at! If you plan on hitting the slopes at McCauley Mountain in Old Forge, be sure to check out Fulton Chain Craft Brewery. On the opposite side of the park, West Mountain is cozied up nice and close to Common Roots Brewing Company. Stick around for more information on the top Adirondack Ski and Snowboarding slopes and make the most out of your visit!
