Utica Breweries Every Beer Lover Should Visit

New York State is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Which is no surprise since there are over 400 of them! Next time you’re planning a brewery tour, spend a weekend in Oneida. There are plenty of Utica breweries that you should check out. Don’t forget to get your Heart of New York Beverage Trail card. Visit all the stops and get a free t-shirt!

Baggs Square Brewing Company

330 Main Street, Suite #1
Utica, NY 13501

Jenn and her husband officially opened Baggs Square Brewing Company in June 2020. Inspired by their trip to Düsseldorf, Germany and a visit to Uerige, Baggs Square plays homage to German beer, food, and culture. Their menu is full of German deliciousness! Check out the spread we ordered – since we couldn’t choose what to get, we got everything that caught our eyes! A pretzel with beer cheese and bacon jam, spaetzle, obazda- a bacon-flavored soft cheese dip, and a Swedish meatball sub.

The brewery is located in historic Baggs Square in Utica, in the building that was originally home to Doyle Hardware.

Copper City Brewing Co.

1111 Oneida Street
Rome, NY 13440

While not technically in Utica, it’s close enough to be included on a tour of Utica breweries! Copper City Brewing is actually the only microbrewery in Rome, New York. Now, they brew a variety of delicious beer from IPAs to stouts. Rotating food trucks provide a bite to eat, both during normal business hours and events hosted at the brewery.

I know I can’t wait to visit again and try the Super Secret Stout! Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it.

Nail Creek Pub & Brewery

720 Varick Street
Utica, NY 13502

When Nail Creek Pub was opened in 2008, they vowed to be a destination for craft beer lovers. You won’t find any mass-produced lagers here! And while Nail Creek doesn’t brew their own beers any more, they have 12 rotating taps and 75-100 bottles and cans to choose from.

Plus, their food menu is incredible! They are proud to have the best burger around and many of their ingredients are locally sourced. According to their website, their menu “has evolved over the years from basic pub foods to a perfect mix of comfort and contemporary foods”. That menu includes a variety of dishes from burgers and tacos to mussels and poutine. On Sundays they serve brunch from 10 til 2.

Looking for more things to do around Utica? Check out this fall bucket list for Oneida County.

Saranac Brewery

830 Varick Street
Utica, NY 13502

Saranac Brewery is not just one of the most popular Utica-area breweries, but also one of the most notable in the state. My favorite fact about Saranac is they were the first brewery to serve beer after the Prohibition was repealed – in a matter of minutes!

Because of their history, Saranac is one of my favorite breweries to tour. From the giant copper kettles and impressive canning lines, to the Prohibition room and historic pub, it’s a must for any brewery bucket list! When you end the tour, try the classic Utica Club, or treat yourself to one of their experimental brews. Whichever you choose, it’s sure to be great.

Woodland Farm Brewery

6002 Trenton Road
Utica, NY 13502

Woodland opened in 2015 as one of New York’s growing community of farm breweries. Since it is a farm brewery, the majority of all ingredients used in their beers are from New York State. And that includes their food and cocktails too! Woodland is perfect for a laidback atmosphere where you can grab a flight and a sandwich. They are also one of the Utica area breweries that serves brunch on Sundays – and they also host a yearly cask ale festival.

16 Stone Brewpub

9542 Main Street
Holland Patent, NY 13354
New location opening soon in downtown Utica.

Hungry? 16 Stone Brewpub has you covered! In addition to their extensive beer list, the brewpub also features baked wings, hot sandwiches and flatbread pizzas. The family brewery is owned by the Constable brothers, and they have set their minds to offering creative ways to enjoy your favorite alcohols. Regulars can join the 16 Stone mug club, relax for Wine Down Wednesdays, or enjoy their Whiskey Club. And if you’re not into the harder alcohol, 16 Stone brews their own hard seltzer too. A little something for everyone.

7 Hamlets Brewing

26 Seymour Lane
Westmoreland, NY 13490

7 Hamlets Brewing is the quintessential story of two friends who turned their hobby of brewing into a successful business. And they did so at a crazy time! Keith Richards and Matthew Taylor officially opened their doors in March 2020, right when the pandemic was closing everything down. But that didn’t stop them from pursuing their dreams. The brewery is located on a beautiful plot of land, features a variety of beer styles, and has a food truck on premise.

7 Hamlets is not currently participating in the Heart of New York Beverage Trail.

Spend a Weekend Enjoying all the Utica Breweries & More!

Which of the breweries in Utica is your favorite and why? Tell me in the comments! Then, get back out there and keep supporting our local businesses. Don’t forget to tip your bartender well.

Follow me on Untappd to see what I’m currently drinking. Cheers!