It is summer in New Jersey and there is nothing better than kicking back on a warm day and cracking a cold and refreshing beer. If you find yourself in Bergen County and have a hankering
for craft beer, look no further! Bergen County is home to some of the finest breweries in the state, each offering a unique selection of craft beers that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, these breweries have something for every beer lover. So, grab a pint and join us as we raise our glasses to the five best breweries in Bergen County!
1. Bolero Snort Brewery
Bolero Snort Brewery, located in Carlstadt (near the Meadowlands), offers, as they say, “serious beer for not so serious people.” Each brew, seen as a hop-portunity for a great pun, will have you smiling while imbibing on their rich list of lagers, sours, and cream ales. Dog- and family-friendly, as long as both are well behaved, this brewery/tap room is not to be missed.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Popular Brews:
- Ragin Bull – Lager
- Jersey Sarcasm – Lager
- Shattered Hops: The Sun – Double IPA (collaboration with other NJ based brewery Icarus Brewing)
- Looks Like You’ve Got Some Pain Behind Those Eyes – Sour- Fruited
2. Brix City Brewing
Brix City Brewing is a cleverly and thoughtfully named brewery based out of Little Ferry, NJ. “Brix” derives from the meaning of the sugar content of a water solvent, and “City” is a nod to Newark’s nickname “Brick City,” which was once a hub of beer production and home to 50 breweries in pre-prohibition Newark. Inspired by their love of music, owners “Joe and Pete” create and name their brews with music on their minds. This brewery is sure to tap into your love of beer with their many offerings.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Popular Brews:
- Heady Jams – IPA
- Jam Tapes: Nolan’s Mix – Lager – IPL (India Pale Lager)
- Grand Affair – Stout
3. Five Dimes Brewery
Fives Dimes Brewery’s flagship location took over somewhat of a Bergen County landmark for locals of Westwood, NJ, but has certainly made a name for itself since its opening in 2022. Taking over the space of the long-loved L.N. Grand 5 & 10 Cent Store (“the store that had everything”), this brewery remains a place for locals to come together and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying a cold brew. Owner Chris Alepa recently expanded his vision with another location of Five Dimes in Red Bank, NJ.
Dog-Friendly: Westwood’s outside rooftop is pet-friendly
Popular Brews:
- Penny pincher- New England-style Pale Ale
- Orange Lunatic- Belgian Style Witbier
- Milkshake IPA- A collaboration with Conrad’s
4. Gearblock Brewing Company
Gearblock Brewing Company is a craft micro-brewery located in Waldwick, NJ. Gearblock brews small batch beers, so do not hesitate to try a brew because they are destined to switch gears on a dime to introduce their latest creations. This is what makes this brewery tick. Inspired by their love of automobiles, Gearblock’s owners take pride in the beers they create.
Popular Brews:
- Diablo – Belgian Strong Golden Ale
- Sleeper – IPA New England
- Shakedown Street Mango – Sour-Fruited
- Standard Coupe Vanilla Porter – Porter American
5. Hackensack Brewing
Hackensack Brewing Co. is a microbrewery brewing beer with heavy nods to Hackensack’s musical past while preserving its present for future Hackensack beer drinkers and residents. It is a love letter to the place where its two owners, Herbert Lamont Barr III, and Mike Jones, met and grew to love beer together. One of only four Black-owned breweries in NJ, one of its most popular beer options is called Moment’s Notice, named after the song recorded by John Coltrane at the Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Popular Brews:
- Moment’s Notice
- Clinton Place Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Bergen County Brew Up a Good Time
Bergen County is a veritable utopia for those thirsty for both vibrant brewery culture and a place to call home. For those considering making this spirited region their new home, Bergen County rolls out the welcome mat with open arms and full pint glasses.
Garden Communities stands ready, offering an array of apartment options that are as varied and satisfying as the local beer scene. Imagine living steps away from your next favorite brewery! Bergen County is not just a place to visit for a good pint; it is where you can live, laugh, and sip in the joy of NJ apartment living amidst a community that shares your passion for that perfect pour. So, here’s to finding your next great adventure and home in Bergen County.