Drawing a Crowd—The Connecticut Craft Beer Revolution

Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford
The tasting room and beer garden at Two Roads are as popular as ever, and for good reason. This Stratford brewery hosts regular events and offers special seasonal and limited releases and even vintage “from the vault” selections that can only be enjoyed on site. Area Two is a sour, barrel-aging and experimental brewery featuring a tasting room, seasonal patio and a rooftop beer garden.

New England Brewing, Branford & Woodbridge
Home of the infamous G-bot and legendary Fuzzy Baby Ducks, New England Brewing is one of the longest-lasting breweries in the state. NEBCO recently opened a new location in Branford, where you can enjoy fresh beer and good vibes with picturesque views of the Long Island Sound.

Kent Falls Brewing, Kent
Specializing in farmhouse-style beers, Kent Falls Brewing tends to use lots of fresh, Connecticut-sourced ingredients from coffee beans, wine casks and cherries. The tasting room is situated within scenic Camp Farms. 

Fox Farm Brewery, Salem
They produce mainly NEIPAs at this farm-based brewery, but craft beers fans are finding Fox Farm's offerings reminiscent of Rhode Island’s Tilted Barn and Massachusetts’ popular Tree House. Their laid-back tasting space is based in a 1960s red barn and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks.

Counter Weight Brewing, Cheshire
Owner/brewer Matt opened Counter Weight in 2016 after years as a top brewer for New England Brewing Company. With a menu of pizza and other comfort food, the two-story brewery frequently hosts events and is handicap accessible.

Lasting Brass Brewery, Oakville
Named for "The Brass City" of Waterbury, the homespun Lasting Brass Brewery is owned and operated out of a quaint, refurbished factory space. With board games and movies playing for the entire family, Lasting Brass offers lots of different varieties of beers.

New Park Brewing, West Hartford
This popular West Hartford Brewery is hot, both in location and for producing a great selection of high quality brews, including some of Connecticut’s best IPAs. New Park also features live music and offers a extensive menu of tasty pizza with outdoor patio seating.

Thomas Hooker Brewery, Bloomfield
Proudly named after the founder of Connecticut, the legendary Thomas Hooker Brewery has an expanded selection of beer along with delicious food. The outdoor biergarten is a popular gathering space for locals and tourists alike.

Relic Brewing, Plainville
A Connecticut player since 2012, Relic is known for doing things their way, particularly for producing well rated small batch brews. The intimate tasting room also offers a unique selection of ciders, wines and spirits from around the world, specializing in gins, whiskeys and mescals.

Kinsmen Brewing, Milldale
Housed in a refurbished train depot not far from a hiking/biking trail, Kinsmen offers a selection of brews along with oversized parlor games, outdoor picnic games, plush couches, a cozy fireplace, live music, plenty of tabletop seating, a long bar and more. 

Brewery Legitimus, New Hartford
The inviting taproom, outdoor patio and food trucks at Brewery Legitimus make for a great tasting experience around their Belgian style beers and American IPAs. Not far from Satan’s Kingdom State Park and Ski Sundown, it's a great place to stop after a day on the river or the slopes.

Brewport Brewing Company, Bridgeport
Choose from house brews or rotating guest taps at this urban craft brew oasis. Built in an old newspaper distribution factory with architectural details in every corner, Brewport invites you to sit at old newspaper folding tables or relax at the bar while enjoying great brick oven pizza, fresh salads and terrific beer.

These Guys Brewing Company, Norwich
Norwich's first brewpub is located in a historic tavern and creates unique and delicious brews. They emphasize complex malt flavors and balance that comes together with an ever-evolving seasonal menu.

Thimble Island Brewery Company, Branford
Not only do they have a tasting room, but they also have lawn and patio seating and fun events, including Tuesday trivia nights.

See our Beer Trail page to find even more great places to discover. And of course, make sure you check out the CT Brewers' Guild for the most current list of craft beer destinations around the state!