Monroe County boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, where dedicated brewers produce a wide range of beers, including crisp lagers, bold IPAs, and rich stouts. Many of these breweries emphasize the use of local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, fostering a strong sense of community. Each visit to these breweries offers a unique experience.
This guide will help you find the best breweries in Monroe County, whether you’re planning a casual outing, a brewery-hopping adventure, or looking for your new favorite local brew. If you’re interested in a longer road trip, refer to the map at the end of this guide, which highlights locations throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond.
Find beers you’ll love using the Untapped app. Discover and share great beers, breweries, and venues with your friends, while earning badges for exploring beers of different styles and countries.
Breweries in the City of Rochester
Genesee Brewing Company
25 Cataract St., Rochester
from their website:
Our pilot brewery features a Newlands steam-fired 20-barrel brewing system. The small batch system allows brewers to create new recipes and experiment. We offer three exclusive beers at the Genesee Brew House. The beers change frequently. Guest breweries are occasionally invited to collaborate on creating new experimental beers. The tasting bar is open Sunday through Wednesday, 11 am–9 pm, and Thursday through Saturday, 11 am–10 pm, and features a flight of four different beers for $4. You may also purchase growlers to enjoy our beer at home.
Perfect Day-Trip Pairing
High Falls on the Genesee River
High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park.
Iron Tug Brewing
371 Park Ave., Rochester
from their website:
What truly defines Iron Tug Brewing are the “Nitro Beers.” Providing a creamy texture and more evenly distributed flavors from CO2 Beers. I have sought to make the closest beer to a Guinness poured in Ireland. I also brew an excellent Irish Red ale that will keep you coming back for more.
Nine Maidens Brewing
1344 University Ave., Rochester
from their website:
Nine Maidens was created through extensive home experimentation and numerous beer tastings. Our goal is to offer the Rochester beer scene a diverse range of beer styles, including trendy, historical, and experimental options. As a nano brewery with a batch size of just one barrel, we can provide a rotating tap list featuring carefully curated recipes. The small batch size also means we have limited quantities available, so be sure to stop by frequently and enjoy our offerings while they’re fresh!
In addition to our beer, we offer kettle corn, charcuterie, soft pretzels, and flatbread pizza, all prepared by Mullers Cider House. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own food or have meals delivered to the taproom.
Rohrbach Brewing Company
97 Railroad St, Rochester
from their website:
Step into our century-old beer hall and craft brewery in the heart of the city. Our beer hall features locally sourced ingredients from our neighbor, the Rochester Public Market, and craft beers tapped right from the brewery – it doesn’t get any fresher. With our classics always on tap and available for purchase, the beer hall also offers unique one-off brews you can’t find anywhere else.
Sager Beer Works
46 Sager Dr., Rochester
from their website:
After 20 years, brewing craft beer is our greatest passion, and every ale, stout, lager, pilsner, and porter is crafted on-site using only the highest quality ingredients. Sager’s locally grown, house-made artisanal food choices—from Soft Bavarian Pretzels and Burgers to Tijuana Tacos and Charcuterie—will enhance your Sager experience.
Spotted Octopus Brewing Co
56 S Union Street, Rochester
Spotted Octopus opened a second nano-brewery location (first in Buffalo) in March 2025. A rotating beer selection pairs perfectly with pub-style food at Flow, their onsite restaurant.
Strangebird Brewery
62 Marshall Street, Rochester
from their website:
Strangebird is a new craft brewery located in Rochester, New York, near the heart of the city. Our beers cover all styles and are available exclusively at our brewery.
Swiftwater Brewing Company
378 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester
from their website:
Swiftwater Brewing Company is a farm brewery and brewpub located in the South Wedge neighborhood of downtown Rochester. Our mission is to create high-quality, innovative beer while fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and acceptance for our customers and colleagues. We are grateful for the support we receive from our community, and we hope you enjoy our beer as much as we love making it! Our food menu features a variety of snacks and small plates.
Three Heads Brewing
186 Atlantic Ave., Rochester
from their website:
Try our rotating seasonal craft brews and specials, and enjoy some weekly live music. Additionally, we feature a patio that rivals those of other breweries in the city.
Breweries in Monroe County
Aurora Brewing Company
604 Pittsford Victor Rd., Pittsford
from their website:
We are located just outside of Rochester, exactly one hour from our original taproom and brewery. Our Pittsford location is the most beautiful spot to enjoy a beer in the area, situated in a beautifully restored farmhouse on the Erie Canal. We feature ten taps of our freshly brewed draft beer, along with canned options, snacks, wine by the glass, and other beverages.
Currently, our Rochester location is serving only small snacks. We plan to introduce more food items in the coming weeks, but we wanted to open and share our great beer with you first. We encourage you to order takeout from a delivery service like Grubhub or from one of our local restaurants.
Blue Barn Cidery
928 Manitou Rd., Hilton
from their website:
Blue Barn Cidery is licensed as a New York State Farm Winery, which allows us to certify that all our products are made from 100% homegrown ingredients. That’s why you won’t find “big label” or “imported” cider and beer on our menu. Every brewery and cidery featured on our menu also holds a Farm License, ensuring that you can enjoy your drink knowing that all the ingredients were grown right here in New York, supporting local farmers like us. Additionally, our Guest Feature taps offer rotating selections from other local brewers.
Blue Toad Hard Cider
120 Mushroom Blvd., Henrietta
from their website:
Old-school values, new-world sensibilities. Born in a barn, Blue Toad Hard Cider honors the tradition and legacy of America’s first beverage.
Bones and Barley Brewing Company
377 S Union St., Spencerport
Opening Soon
from their website:
We are thrilled to carry on the torch passed down by Brindle Haus Brewing Co. and continue serving the Spencerport community!
Copper Leaf Brewing
50 State St., Pittsford
from their website:
Coming soon! Re-opening under new ownership.
According to Cleveland Prost, Copper Leaf Brewing in Pittsford is set to reopen later this summer—with the same name, same vibe, and same beloved brewer. New owner Jorge Chavez is bringing back Clay Killian and his fan-favorite beers, like the Rochester Staple cream ale and Flanders Red.
Faircraft Brauhaus
25 Parce Ave., Fairport
from their website:
New to the old American Can Factory, the birthplace of the beer can, is Faircraft Brauhaus. Enjoy a German-style beer and select food pairings while surrounded by the work of talented local artists and musicians.
Fairport Brewing Company
99 South Main St., Fairport, and 1044 University Ave, Rochester
from their website:
The best place to experience our handcrafted beers is in our Tap Room, where you can enjoy tastings, pints, and growlers. There, you’ll find the cozy comfort and antique ambiance of a converted auto repair garage. Or, for three seasons of the year, enjoy a brew and entertainment under the sun and stars of our outdoor patio.
Fifth Frame Brewing
5370 St. Paul Blvd., Irondequoit
Fifth Frame recently opened a new taproom in Irondequoit inside the old Summerville Grill.
from their website:
An easygoing brewery serving hearty comfort classics alongside coffee, craft beers, burgers, and biscuits. Stop in for dinner or Sunday brunch.
Griffs Brewery
324 W. Ridge Rd., Spencerport
from their website:
We are located near Spencerport, NY, where we make all our craft beer. Visit us and experience the family-friendly atmosphere.
Irondequoit Beer Company
765 Titus Ave., Irondequoit
from their website:
Our story begins with a hidden treasure in the Town of Irondequoit, located in Upstate New York. An old barn, once filled with the hard work and determination of generations who farmed the land, had become empty and forgotten. We wanted to revive that spirit of harnessing Nature’s bounty and creating something we could take pride in. So, we restored this little barn and are honored to present Irondequoit’s first brewery.
Nate, our Head Brewer and a resident of Irondequoit, has carefully crafted ten exceptional beers for you to enjoy on tap. We also offer a menu designed to ensure your visit is complete and memorable.
K2 Brothers Brewing
1221 Empire Blvd., Penfield
from their website:
K2 Brothers Brewing is a NYS Farm/Micro Brewery owned and operated by brothers Kyle and Bradley Kennedy. A full food menu is available.
Knucklehead Craft Brewing
426 Ridge Rd., Webster
from their website:
When you visit our taproom, you can always expect a member of the Dummer family behind the bar. Our Knucklehead staff is ready to educate you about our beers and make friends with everyone who walks in. We typically have 6 to 8 beers on tap, including our three flagship brews that are always available. Over 90% of our beer is served directly from the taproom, making it the perfect place to try our offerings! Our food menu features appetizers, sandwiches, and paninis.
Lock 32 Brewing Company
10 Schoen Place, Pittsford
from their website:
We always feature nine signature Lock 32 beers on tap, along with a rotating selection of seasonal options. To complement our offerings, we also have refreshing 1911 Hard Cider on tap, as well as non-alcoholic beverages for kids and designated drivers. Our tasting room provides a scenic view of the canal.
Oak & Apple Cidery
from their website:
At Oak & Apple, we are a small cidery run by a husband and wife. We like to call ourselves a farm-to-glass small-batch cidery. Everything is done on our farm in Penfield, New York – from growing and pressing our apples to fermenting, aging, and bottling our ciders. We do everything in-house because that way, we know the taste of our cider will stay as good as the day we made it, and because we love the process.
Okay Beer Company
125 W. Main St., Honeoye Falls
From their website:
A brewery built within the four walls of an old bowling alley. Located 25 minutes south of Rochester in the Village of Honeoye Falls, NY. Eight house-made beers, craft cocktails, and local wine. Sixteen lanes of bowling, indoor and outdoor dining.
Preservation Beer Company
75 N Main St, Fairport
from their website:
Some say all things in moderation. We say all things in preservation.
RG Brewery
1360 W. Sweden Rd., Brockport
from their website:
Our beautiful Adirondack-style tasting room is the perfect escape, just a short drive from home. We offer the highest quality wine and beer, all produced in-house.
Rising Storm Brewery
1880 Blossom Road
from their website:
RSBC – The Mill – Located at the former site of the historic Daisy Flour Mill, just minutes from the heart of Rochester. We make exceptional beer, deliver the most memorable craft beer experience, & have fun doing it! We serve high-quality, approachable, and delicious food daily in our taproom. Our kitchen rotates the menu regularly, and you can always expect an array of options that pair well with our beer.
Stoneyard Brewing Company
85 Clinton St., Brockport
from their website:
Stoneyard Brewing Company does what we love best – brew beer! We will become your favorite local brewpub, offering 16 beers on tap and high-quality food.
Triphammer Bierwerks
111 Parce Ave., Fairport
from their website:
Housed in a 7,800-square-foot industrial building with a unique local canning history, the brewery provides an inviting space to enjoy freshly brewed beer on-site.
Descriptions for breweries are from their websites.
Places to Try a Variety of Local Brews
If you want to taste Rochester’s craft beverages but don’t know where to start, head to Mullers Cider House on University Avenue. This craft cider bar offers over 100 cider varieties, along with delicious local and seasonal food.
Or head to Fattey Beer Company in the Neighborhood of Play. Fattey Beer is a dog-friendly bottle shop, tap room, and craft community experience, with a large selection of craft beers, wine, cider, seltzer, sodas, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a world-famous chicken sandwich.
Or check out these events for a taste of Rochester:
Rochester Real Beer Expo in June “features 65 breweries, cideries, kombucha producers, and other craft beverage makers.”
Flour City Brewers Fest in August is “a craft beer festival celebrated in Rochester, NY, featuring local craft breweries, cider, wine, spirits, local foods, and live music.”
New York Cider Fest in October.
Google Map of Locations
Explore More
A perfect day in Rochester would include a visit to one of its world-class museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario.
Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.
Rochester-Area Shopping Guides
Rochester offers delightful shopping experiences, from charming neighborhood boutiques to bustling shopping destinations in nearby villages.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage.
🍎 Apple Everything! Rochester’s Best Ciders, Fry Cakes, Fritters, Pies, and More
Come September, we begin to crave all things apple: cider, donuts, fritters, hard cider, pie, and warm cinnamon fry cakes.
Your Rochester Date Guide for Spending Quality Time Together, Day or Night
Whether it’s your first date or 50th anniversary, trying various activities with your partner is a great way to shake up your routine.
Which are your favorite Rochester and Monroe County craft breweries?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Has this article been updated for 2022?
Yes, in fact, we recently added Heroes Brewing Company!
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Seed + Stone Cidery, first Cidery in Rochester’s city had awesome traditional style ciders along with some unique ciders
Visit the Blue Barn Cidery: https://www.bluebarncidery.com/
I love it because it uses it’s own local fruit to brew cider and pairs up with other local breweries and wineries to present their products as well, has tons of classes and fun events. It has even paired up with our local library for events. It’s set on a gorgeous farm and has a new venue for weddings and other events. Check it out! Find it on Facebook too.
Ooo! Thank you for the recommendation, Terri! I’ll add them to the list over the next few days.