A craft brewery in western New York was named among the best brewpubs in the nation in the latest USA Today Readers’ Choice poll.
Strangebird Brewery in Rochester landed third on the list of the nation’s best Brewpubs.
The 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food and drink and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories.
Here’s more on the latest awards and how breweries around New York state fared:
Strangebird Brewery in Rochester NY
Strangebird Brewery – at 62 Marshall St. in Rochester – placed third among best Brewpubs in the nation, according to the 10Best results. The craft brewery has “garnered significant acclaim” and was named the New York State Craft Brewery of the Year in 2022.
In 2024, Strangebird earned a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival Competition as well as medals in the World Beer Cup and New York State Craft Beer Competition.
“Curated to pair with its beer, the food menu includes made-from-scratch items that include a BBQ cauliflower sandwich, a mortadella pizza, and black garlic parmesan wings,” according to the article.”
The craft brewery opened in 2021 at the site of a former market just off Monroe Avenue, near downtown Rochester.
New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo NY
The New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo placed sixth among best beer festivals, according to the 10Best results. The next festival will be held in mid-June at Buffalo Canalside and is expected to feature more than 50 breweries from across the Empire State. The Buffalo event is one of five annual craft beer festivals coordinated by the New York State Brewers Association.
“Since 2013, the New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo has been dedicated to showcasing the diverse range of breweries that operate all across the Empire State.”
Night School in Athens NY
Night School, home of Deep Fried Beers, in Athens, Greene County, placed second among Best New Breweries, according to the 10Best results. The brewer-owned bar and pizza parlor has been making waves since it first opened in 2024. “Deep Fried Beers is specifically dedicated to crafting ultra-hoppy DIPAs and mouth-puckering sours,” according to 10Best. The business was also recognized as a top new brewery by Hop Culture.
The Test Brewery in Brooklyn NY
Located in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, the Test Brewery ranked ninth among Best New Breweries, according to the 10Best results. The brewery is “a test kitchen brewing company. It’s a think-tank of sorts,” according to its website. “Quality, invention, collaboration and delicious design are the things we hold dear.”
“True to its name, The Test Brewery keeps Brooklyn residents guessing with its roster of constantly evolving beers. IPAs play a prominent role on the menu, but beyond just brews, the venue also charms visitors with its plant-filled patio and local natural wines.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY brewery named among best brewpubs in America
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
