Beer

Trip Ideas & Itinerary

Cheers to this news—Rochester has been named one of the top cities for beer in the country! In fact, Matador Networks called Rochester the “best city for beer in the northeast” and Smarter Asset ranked us on the list for best cities for beer drinkers in the U.S. With more than two dozen breweries in Monroe County alone, it is no surprise that visitors looking for cities with an amazing beer scene visit Rochester.

Day 1

Enjoy lunch and one of the best views in Rochester at Genesee Brew House. Genesee is the oldest brewery in New York State and is a leader in the brewing community. Opt for a classic Genesee Cream Ale or one of the craft options from the Genesee Pilot Brewery embedded within the Brew House. Take your brews to the Genesee patio and enjoy one of the best views in the city of High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall in the middle of downtown Rochester.
After Genesee, enjoy a drink at Three Heads Brewing. Order one of their rotating seasonal craft brews and enjoy it on their patio. (Pro tip: Visit on one of their live music nights!)
Continue your city-centric brewery tour at Strangebird, the 2022 New York State Craft Brewery of the Year! The brewery boasts 24 rotating taps with a variety of styles and flavors, and a locally sourced, seasonal food menu. Grab dinner, or just have one of their beverages including a selection of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
Your final stop today is Rochester’s original craft brewery, Rohrbach Brewing Company. Founded in 1991, Rohrbach’s has been an institution in the local craft beer scene for more than 25 years. Visit the brewery’s Railroad Street Beer Hall (located in the public market district) and enjoy a classic Highland Lager or Scotch Ale, or a seasonal recipe like the Great Pumpkin or the Red Wing Red Ale.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, start the second day of your brew tour with lunch and some flights at Sager Beer Works. This cozy tap room is tucked away on a side street in the Neighborhood of the Arts. BONUS: After you finish up at Sager stop by Living Roots Winery, which is the first urban winery in the Finger Lakes and just steps away from Sager Beer Works.
Next up is Copper Leaf Brewing, located right by the Erie Canal in Pittsford. Offering a variety of hand crafted ales and lagers along with barrel aged and wild ales, they have brews on tap and cans to go.
There are several other breweries in the City of Rochester that are nearby, including Fifth Frame Brewing, Swiftwater Brewing, Nine Maidens Brewing Company, Heroes Brewing and Iron Tug Brewing, which is located in the popular Park Avenue neighborhood.
Fairport Brewing features two locations: one in Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts and the other in the village of Fairport. Be sure to try a Fluffy IPA or a Timbucha (Kombucha brewed in house) during your visit. Also in the village of Fairport is the dining and drink destination of Parce Avenue, where you will find two additional breweries, a restaurant and Iron Smoke Distillery.
Your tasting adventure will next take you into the Finger Lakes as you follow the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail. With nearly 30 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries on the map, and more popping up every day, the Rochester/Finger Lakes craft beverage culture is in full force.
Wrap up a weekend of exploring Rochester’s beer scene with a visit to Young Lion Brewing, a women owned and operated brewery, tap room & event space overlooking the north end of Canandaigua Lake.