New York’s beer scene is alive—and evolving. From cozy, under-the-radar taprooms to bigger brewery spaces, the city offers a unique opportunity to taste local creativity. These five beers, each from an active NYC brewery, are perfect entry points for anyone seeking memorable pints on a city crawl.

1. Troublesome Jellyfish – Fifth Hammer Brewing Co. (Queens)

This 7.5% ABV hazy IPA from Fifth Hammer is bursting with tropical complexity. Brewed with Mosaic and Motueka hops, Troublesome Jellyfish offers notes of pineapple, mango, and strawberry on the nose, followed by flavors of starfruit and lemon-lime on the palate. It’s a soft, full-bodied beer with a lively mouthfeel that keeps it from becoming too heavy—just the kind of nuanced brew that Fifth Hammer is known for. Still regularly available at their Long Island City taproom, it’s one of those beers that has built a quiet cult following. If you're brewery-hopping in Queens, this one is a must-sip.

Image Source: Fifth Hammer Brewing

2. Marine Layer – Talea Beer Co. (Brooklyn & Manhattan)

A West Coast-style IPA with a Talea twist, Marine Layer brings together pine, grapefruit pith, and light tropical edges on a clean, dry base. It's a beer for people who miss the bitter backbone in their IPAs. Talea—known for being one of NYC’s most design-forward breweries—has this beer on steady rotation at both their Williamsburg and East Village locations. It's a crisp, floral alternative to the city’s haze obsession, and an excellent palate cleanser mid-crawl.

Image Source: TALEA Beer Co.

3. Wavetable – Grimm Artisanal Ales (Brooklyn)

Grimm’s Wavetable isn’t just a well-made IPA—it’s a perfect showcase of the brewery’s balanced approach to hops. Brewed with a combination of Citra, Strata, and Mosaic, this 6.4% ABV hazy IPA delivers big tropical aromas, soft citrus, and a clean, juicy finish without tipping into overwhelming sweetness. It's a beer that both hop heads and casual drinkers can appreciate. You'll still find it fresh on draft at Grimm’s taproom in East Williamsburg, where the vibe is just as artful as the beers they pour. Known for consistent brewing and bold creativity, Grimm continues to prove why it’s considered one of NYC’s top-tier craft breweries.

Image Source: Bine & Vine

4. Rockaway ESB – Rockaway Brewing Co. (Long Island City)

For something malt-driven and deeply English, Rockaway’s ESB delivers a welcome change of pace. It pours a rich amber with soft carbonation and balances caramel malts with earthy, floral hops. Still served at their Long Island City taproom, this beer doesn’t chase trends—it’s brewed for drinkability and understated charm. It’s one of the few ESBs in the city still made with care, ideal for a slow pint and conversation.

Image Source: RBCO

5. Crisp – Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn)

A modern pilsner that’s anything but basic, The Crisp remains one of the best gateway lagers in NYC. Brewed with German noble hops and lagered for maximum clarity and bite, it’s a beer that delivers freshness, floral snap, and a snappy dry finish. Sixpoint continues to brew this in Brooklyn and distribute it widely. While their offerings have expanded over the years, The Crisp holds steady as a fan favorite that still shows up cold, clean, and sharp.

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These five beers represent NYC’s diverse brewing scene—from hazy IPAs and crisp lagers to classic bitters. Each one is still being brewed, widely available, and reflective of its home borough’s craft identity. Explore them in their native taprooms or find cans around town—and taste a bit of New York in every glass.