Looking for the best microbrew in the city. I have heard of Heartland in Manhattan and Brookly Brewery in Brooklyn (I know that one was hard to figure out).

We're looking for a good selection of beers combined with decent/good food. We'll be staying in Manhattan, so obviously Heartland would be the logical choice based on location. We'd prefer to go where the beer and food are good, if that isn't Heartland.

Any advice would be appreciated. Also, can you give your opinion on which beers you like or dislike at the suggested brewery.

Thanks,
Paul

I'm not a beer afficianado but Heartland gets dreadful reviews in Zagats. Here's a website that lists other options.

http://www.nycbeer.org/brewpubs.cgi

Huh, McLaurie? Here's the current review from Zagats (not glowing, but hardly "dreadful"):
"Bustling bar scenes where tourists fraternize with former frat boys turned suits." (Is there anything wrong with this?). "These designer microbreweries tender typical pub grub; expect cacophony and secondhand smoke. (Ignore that last comment since smoking is now out.)

To be honest most of the beers (usually the dark ones and their oatmeal stout) have been too sweet for me at Heartland -- but I suspect their ales and lagers are much better as that's what I see most drinking -- I just happen to be a dark beer fan. But we went just yesterday for lunch for one of their very good buffalo burgers. We were disappointed as they don't serve them for lunch, only dinner, at the 43rd Street location. Instead I had one of the best regular burgers I've ever had in New York, covered with blue cheese. (Hey if I couldn't get the low cholestrol buffalo, why not go whole hog?) Partner had delicious meatloaf with crispy little onion rings and mashed potatoes. Sure they're noisy and not great dining, but their food sure is a big step above the usual "Friday's" type places and most other brew pubs I've been to.

There's a huge lively and fun place at Chelsea Piers called the Chelsea Brewing Company. Only had one beer there which was very good, and sensational mussels.

You do know there are several Heartland locations, one on 43rd between 6th and 7th, one near Rockefeller Center, and one right at Union Square?

I work near the Union Square Heartland Brewery and used to work at the Brooklyn Brewery. I got hooked on the beer at Brooklyn Brewery, but I can tell you they no longer serve food there. However, there are a multitude of cafes and restaurants in the area if you travel down Bedford Ave and the side streets.
As for Heartland, they are currently running Oktoberfest, and serve food with outdoor dining. I have yet to wander in there, so I can't comment on the beer nor the food.

I believe that Manhattan is now down to only three brewpubs - Heartland (several locations), Chelsea (1 location, very far from subways), and Typhoon (which I assume still exists). Heartland is OK...some of the beers are good and some are so-so (but they'll let you sample them if you're at the bar), the food is average, and the crowd is mixed - travelers and office workers. I haven't been to Typhoon in years...I stopped going when I was almost flattened by the crowds of chichi people there. It was a more "upscale" place with not-so-great, expensive Asian food. I have never been to Chelsea because of the location.

Sadly, the brew pubs I used to frequent are no longer around: West Side Brewery, Carnegie Hill Brewery, Zip City. Too bad...they were a passing fad.

The food at Heartland is mediocre at best -- you're best bet is probably a burger.

Brooklyn Brewery's beer is excellent, but don't expect food or ambiance -- there is no food and the interior consists of wooden picnic tables in a warehouse setting. One purchases tokens in the front and then stands in line for the beer (no servers) in the back.

Typhoon is more overpriced midtown nightmare than brewpub, but if you want to spend alot for little, give it a shot.

For great beer selections, try d.b.a. and/or Peculier Pub. Visit www.sheckys.com for locations/descriptions.

Hmmm...it's not a brewery, but the Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens, has some good Czek beers and fantastic Eastern European food - for instance, they have best potato pancakes I've ever had in my life. It's not far from the nearest subway station and the ride is only about 15 minutes from Midtown if you care to venture out.

You might find these sites helpful:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/
http://www.pubcrawler.com

Thanks for all of the good info. I was hoping that Brooklyn had food (I've heard their beers have won award at the G.A.B.F.). If we can't eat and drink at the same place, we'll probably pass. My wife isn't a huge microbrew fan, so going to a brewery without food is a hard sell.

Yes, I had heard there are several locations for Heartland, but sounds like only a burger is the way to go..., then again burgers and beers aren't a bad comination.

I'm leaning towards Chelsea brewery. Do they have a full menu?

Hopefully we'll sneak in for a beer or two at Brooklyn.

Paul

If you go to the Brookyln Brewery...try the Pumpkin Ale if they have it. It is fantastic and all the liquor stores around me are completely sold out. sigh...

You're in New York - GO TO MCSORLEY'S! You want a brewpub, go to Orlando or Vegas. You want an authentic bit of American history while in NY, you go to McSorley's.

It is the same as it has been since 1854. They serve one beer, an ale. They have made some concessions to modern times as you'll be able to get burgers and such.

Pumpkin ale? Do they give you a skirt with that?

BTW, McSorley's is at 15 East 7th St. Contrary to popular belief, women are now allowed in.

Just remembered...there IS a way you can combine food and drink at Brooklyn Brewery. Plenty of times people have ordered things in from outside. (ie had food delivered, like pizza, chinese and such) while sitting in the Brewery. They have open houses from 6-10 on Fri and Sat with $3 pints. You're also allowed to bring in food from outside in case you find a place you like on the way there. (closest train stop is Bedford Avenue on the L line)

Ryan,

McSorleys has "modified" itself, so can you (ha-ha). No knock on N.Y. because I'd chose it any day, but Vegas does have some good breweries.

Try some of the "brewpub" beers, they're actually good. Yes, pumpkin ale is very good, kind of like Thanksgiving in a bottle.

Missjanna,

Maybe we will do the pick up food and go to the brewery, sounds like a good idea.

Paul

McSorleys, now there's a dive bar I must say. Spent quite a few bucks on beer there one Saturday afternoon.

For some cheap eats and Great seafood just north of the South Street Seaport And buckets of ale go to Jeremy's Ale House
Bar Food, American (Traditional)

254 Front St, New York 10038 it is Right under the Brooklyn Bridge take the #6 train to City Hall or to Fulton Street

Phone: 212-964-3537

I noticed yesterday the signs at Heartland Brewery, that they also are now featuring Pumpkin Ale.

While not a brewpub, another great bar idea is the Blind Tiger in the West Village at Hudson and West 12th. They have a website you can check out.

A ton of great beers on tap and in bottles. They have most of Brooklyn Brewery beers on tap. Beer tap menu changes weekly. Weekends have free bagels. Also have menus you can look through to have food ordered in from local places.

PATRICK-Heartland gets a 13 for food, 12 for decor & 13 for service (all out of a possible 30). I consider that awful.

For different beers, try this place on Hudson St.

http://www.blindtiger.citysearch.com/

or for the closest thing to an English pub in NYC, go to the North Star Pub at 93 South St across from the Seaport.

Sorry, Puddy. You & I were posting at the same time!

I haven't been to McSorleys but I have been to the Old Town Bar on 18th st & the burgers & atmosphere are one of a kind

Sorry, McLaurie, I was speaking to your comment about the "reviews" in Zagat's which I didn't find awful as I quoted above.

In terms of the ratings, sure they are low, but still higher in two of three categories than places including Katz' and Carnegie Deli. And way higher in all three categories than TGI Friday's and Houlihan's, the closest type places I can compare a brew pub to. I don't think anyone would expect to compare it to a fine, full scale restaurant.

Want a great burger and some nice beers? Go to Heartland. Want fine dining? For God's sake don't go there.