Finger Lakes Villages Earn Honors as Top Small-Town Beer Destinations

Three beloved Finger Lakes communities — Geneva, NY, Watkins Glen, NY and Hammondsport, NY — have recently been recognized among New York’s finest small-town craft beer destinations, according to a ranking by World Atlas.

Geneva: Lakeside Brews and Barnyard Charm

In Geneva, visitors and locals alike are drawn to a vibrant brewery lineup nestled around the shores of Seneca Lake. The standout is Brewery Ardennes — a Belgian-style taproom housed in a restored 1909 sheep barn — which earned the accolade of “NY Belgian Brewery of the Year” in 2024.

Together with local favorites like Lake Drum Brewing and Watershed Brewing Co., the town provides both quality brews and charming settings. Watershed, for instance, features indoor and outdoor seating, ten draft lines covering lagers, ales, IPAs and more, and often hosts live music on weekends — a great mix of craft beer culture and community atmosphere.

Watkins Glen: Scenic Sips by the Water

Watkins Glen blends natural beauty and lively brewery scene to create a relaxed yet vibrant beer-lover’s destination. Near the waterfront, Upstate Brewing Co. has drawn a following for its rotating tap list, food-truck pop-ups, and social-event nights like bingo — all within walking distance of the lake.

Just outside town, Grist Iron Brewing Co. overlooks Seneca Lake and currently pours around 15 beers on tap. Their lake-view setting, rotating beer selections, and easy-going atmosphere combine to make it a strong draw for visitors looking to pair nature with a great pint.

Hammondsport: Cozy Brews by the Lake

On the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport punches above its weight when it comes to craft beer. Anchored by longtime favorites such as Finger Lakes Beer Company and The Brewery of Broken Dreams, the town offers visitors a chance to enjoy small-batch, locally crafted beers in a laid-back, community-oriented setting.

Also helping define the vibe: Steuben Brewing Company — a local favorite that even organizes a beer-themed bike club, “Pedals for Pilsners,” which combines a leisurely ride with a refreshment stop at the end.

What This Recognition Means — Beyond the Pour

• The accolade from World Atlas highlights how the drinking culture in the Finger Lakes region has diversified beyond its traditional reputation for wine — more than 70 craft breweries now operate across the region
• For beer lovers, the trio of Geneva, Watkins Glen, and Hammondsport offers a ready-made “brewery trail”: from lakeside patios and historic barns to waterfront beer gardens and lakeshore escapes.
• From a tourism and local economy standpoint: spotlighting small-town brewery scenes can draw more visitors year-round — especially beyond the typical warm-weather or wine-tourist seasons.