What goes better with a hot summer day than an ice cold beer? Nothing. Beer is great all year round, and New York City loves to have a drink that’s a bit out of the ordinary from time to time. These five establishments know how to serve their beer the right way—and that’s with a little something extra to keep you coming back. Think: one-time-only events, specials, and seasonal drafts. Check out these summer beer specials in NYC that you won’t want to miss!
Best of NYC Summer Beer Specials: Heartland Brewery (Midtown West)
Heartland Brewery is the place for great grub and a smooth drink to wash it down. Even cooler than that, this brewery launched a New York Historic Beer Series on June 7th to celebrate the 30 breweries that existed in New York City before the Prohibition. They’ve brought back the George Ringler German Lager, the quintessential beer of what later became the third-largest brewery in NYC. In addition to that, the ever-popular Summertime Apricot Ale is back and on tap at all of their locations (around Midtown West). 127 W. 43rd St., 646-366-0235, heartlandbrewery.com
Best of NYC Summer Beer Specials: Bourbon Street Bar & Grille (Midtown West)
True to its name, Bourbon Street Bar & Grille offers a Cajon-style menu and atmosphere. You can catch their Mardi Gras happy hour Monday through Friday from 11am to 7pm or Sunday through Wednesday from 11:45pm to 4am. Slurp down cans of PBR, Bud Light drafts, and Stella drafts, along with an assortment of other drinks, all for a great price while enjoying some delicious gumbo, shrimp, or even alligator sausage wrapped in puff pastry. 346 W. 46th St., 212-245-2030, bourbonny.com
Best of NYC Summer Beer Specials: NYC Craft Beer Festival (Flatiron)
On June 24th, the Metropolitan Pavilion is where you want to be. New York’s very own summer seasonal craft beer festival’s going to be in town with tickets starting from $45. This signature event will bring together tasty brews like Summer Watermelon, White Lager, Happy Pilsner, Blueberry Blond and Beach Zombie from a countless assortment of breweries. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now! 125 W. 18th St., 212-463-0071, nyccraftbeerfest.com
Best of NYC Summer Beer Specials: The Wayland (East Village)
The Wayland is home to a great kitchen, memorable music, and a delicious brunch. But that’s not all that’s going to draw you in and keep you there. This bar and restaurant has an exceptional happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm. For just a few dollars, you can grab a Tecate Can, throw back a Brooklyn Half Ale, or nurse an Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout. That’s only a sampling of what they offer, so stop by to taste the full assortment. 700 E. 9th St., 212-777-7022, thewaylandnyc.com
Best of NYC Summer Beer Specials: Paulaner (Lower East Side)
To close out the summer, head over to Paulaner’s “O’zapft is!” keg tapping event at noon on September 16th. This German brewery will be tapping kegs all day long, so don’t miss out on a single drop. Paulaner will be hosting a special guest to tap the first keg, and everyone who knows how to have a good time will be decked out in their finest German attire. Feeling sad that summer’s coming to an end? Well at least Paulaner can help you welcome Oktoberfest. 265 Bowery, 212-780-0300, paulanernyc.com
