Cheers: Our Go-To Breweries in Canandaigua
Something about lake life lends itself to a nice cold beer while sitting back and relaxing. Rivaling some of the country’s hottest craft beer destinations, the Finger Lakes’ beer scene is continually evolving with more than 75 craft, farm, and microbreweries across the region. Beer enthusiasts staying at The Lake House don’t need to go far to find outstanding local beer, however. Some of the best beer in the Finger Lakes is crafted at breweries in Canandaigua, within 15 minutes driving from the hotel.
While there’s always more to explore, these are some of our go-to breweries in Canandaigua.
A must-visit while staying at The Lake House, Young Lion Brewing Company is right across the street on Canandaigua Lake. This woman-owned and managed brewery is one of New York’s larger microbreweries known for its pilsners, IPAs, and stouts. (The Lake House keeps Young Lion’s pilsner on draft year-round and rotates through some of its other seasonal options.) Open Wednesday through Sunday, Young Lion’s taproom is a welcome spot (pet-friendly too!) to sample its seasonal and guest brews along with ciders and wine. That said, you’ll only be able to try the proprietary The Lake House beer that Young Lion is brewing exclusively for us — an imperial stout aged in whiskey barrels and on oyster shells — back at Rose Tavern.
While founded in Brooklyn, Other Half Brewing has made a fitting home in the Finger Lakes with Other Half FXL, a farmhouse brewery situated on eight acres of land. Just a 10-minute drive from The Lake House, Other Half Brewing draws in locals and visitors alike with more than 20 IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts, and seltzers available to enjoy indoors or outside. Need something to nibble on? The brewery also offers bites from rotating local food vendors.
The sprawling brewery is also conveniently close to Bristol Mountain, so, naturally, we had to include an après ski tasting in our Ski & Stay package — see more details here.
If you’re a fan of heavily fruited sours, IPAs, and experimental brews, this small brewery on Main Street Canandaigua is for you. A straight shot down the street from The Lake House, about a 15-minute walk or just a few minutes by car, Frequentum is a local favorite and regular partner of The Lake House partner. The brewery’s selection is always changing (check out its social media channels for recent beer drops), so there’s always something new to try. Case in point: the recent small batch of Jasmine Rice Lager with Calamansi.
Another brewery about 10 minutes away from the hotel heading toward Bloomfield, The Irish Mafia Brewing Co. offers a wide selection of beers on tap — there really is something for everyone – along with a full food menu of bar food favorites. Pair the binge-worthy pretzel bites or a specialty burger with a pint of the Impetuous red ale or cleverly named Mafia Incider (local loganberry and apple cider) or opt for a tasting flight to test out what’s on tap.
Twisted Rail Brewing Company’s Canandaigua Lake tasting room offers a wide selection of the brewery’s craft beer, along with Heron Hill Winery wines and spirits from Black Button Distilling — two other local craft beverage brands. Here you can sit inside or on the outdoor patio (where dogs are allowed) to sip your beer or choose a meal from the pub menu. The brewery is situated on the eastern end of Kershaw Park (a community park right on the water and only a 15-minute walk from The Lake House) with beach access. Just what you’re wanting when picturing breweries in Canandaigua.
Around for decades, Naked Dove Brewing Company, which is less than ten minutes away driving from The Lake House, is one of Canandaigua’s OG breweries and still going strong with a variety of beers available on tap and canned to go. The warehouse-style taproom — you’re right in the heart of the microbrewery — has indoor seating as well as outdoor areas.
A mile away from The Lake House on Main Street, you’ll find one of Canandaigua’s gems: Peacemaker Brewing Company. This small, local spot livens things up with regular live music and trivia nights to go with its selections of ales, sours, IPAs, and stouts. To see what’s coming up during your stay, head to their Facebook Page for details on available beers and activities.
Breweries in Canandaigua aren’t the only craft beverage in the region. The area is also home to a number of local cideries, distilleries, and wineries (see our Finger Lakes winery recommendations here), so you’re sure to find the perfect craft tipple for your tastebuds.