Guide to New York Beer Week 2016

Beer is bigger then ever, which is why it only makes sense that New York City’s Eighth Annual Beer Week actually lasts for nine days.  From February 19th-28th, top bars and restaurants from throughout all five boroughs will engage in an all-out celebration of suds, and we’ve rounded up some of the don’t-miss events, from a Maine v. New York showdown, to a pairing dinner at Lupulo, and a rollicking Homebrew Jamboree!

Maine vs. New York Flight Fight (2/19): As devoted as we are to New York, there’s no denying Maine’s incredible food and beer scene — so it’s anyone’s game at this head-to-head faceoff at Luke’s Lobster in Park Slope.  $35 tickets include under-the-sea delicacies like grilled lobster tails and oysters, paired with flights like Maine’s Peak Organic Fresh Cut Pilsner v. Brooklyn’s War Flag American Pilsner, and Allagash Saison v. Braven’s White IPA.

Homebrew Jamboree (2/20): Back for its fourth year, acclaimed author Joshua Bernstein will host this ode to local home brewers at Jimmy’s No. 43, with 16 of the city’s most talented crafters making special beers for the always popular event.

The Bruery Dinner at Lupulo (2/21): The Michelin-starred George Mendes is teaming up with California’s The Bruery, for a four-course tasting menu for $95 per person.  Dishes will be served family style, and inspired by (and paired with) special, Orange County-sourced suds, including Batch #1 Levuds, Humulus TrIPLe, Rueuze, Filmishmish and Grey Monday.

42 Lines of New York Beer at Taproom 307 (2/22): This Kips Bay brewery is dedicating every one of its draft lines to New York State-made beer, including their very own “I’d Tap That IPA.”  They’ll also be celebrating the official release of Empire Sweet Fire; a collaboration between their beer cicerone, Anne Becerra, and other top females in the industry.

Taco Tuesday with Three’s Brewing (2/23): Brooklyn’s Three’s Brewing is setting up shop at Randolph Beer on Broome Street, pairing a flight of their own, house-brewed beers with three tasty tacos…what better way to spend a Tuesday night?

Grilled Cheese and Beer at Stinky Bklyn (2/24): The top Brooklyn cheese shop, Stinky, is joining forces with Back Label Wines for this delicious, $40 per person event, featuring four varieties of gooey, melty grilled cheese, paired with four made-in-New York beers.

Dinner with Colicchio & Sons (2/25): This classic Chelsea restaurant is pairing off with Brooklyn’s own KelSo, for a five-course beer dinner for $65 per person. Expect dishes like Beer Battered Fried Oysters with Pilsner, Spanish Mackerel with Imperial IPA, Braised Beef Cheek with Nut Brown Lager, and Toasted Marshmallow Affogato with Black Walnut Stout.

Grimm vs. Italy at Bruno’s Pizza (2/26): If you haven’t dined at this critically-acclaimed East Village restaurant yet, now is the ideal opportunity, as the talented duo of chefs will pair their inventive Italian cuisine (think Tasso Ham and Butternut Squash Pizzas and Ricotta Gnudi with Uni) with a flight of Grimm Artisanal Ales.

Beer Week Cask Fest and Awards Gala (2/27): With over 150 casks from around the state, this annual extravaganza will feature five top New York restaurants and a special Brewers Lounge, where attendees can chat with beer makers.  There will also be awards given to standouts from NYC Beer Week, including Best Bartender, Beer, Event, Bar, and New York State Brewery.

Brooklyn Brewery Summer in Winter Party (2/28): The seminal Williamsburg brewery is closing out the festival with a massive bash at Webster Hall, including live music, dancing, prizes and giveaways, surf lessons by Surfset NYC (hey, it’s never too early to get ready for summer) and a sneak tasting of Brooklyn Brewery’s American Ale and Bel Air, long before their spring debut.

For more information, visit the event website here: