Best Breweries in Bergen County NJ: A Craft Beer Lover's 2026 Guide

New Jersey's craft beer renaissance has been building for years, and Bergen County is now one of the state's most exciting beer destinations. The county's brewery scene runs the gamut from small-batch nano-breweries operating out of industrial parks to established regional players with sprawling taprooms. Whether you are a lifelong IPA enthusiast, a sour fanatic, or just someone who enjoys a well-made lager in good company, Bergen County has a taproom for you.

Here is your 2026 guide to the best breweries in Bergen County, organized by town and character.

Hackensack Brewing Company — Hackensack

Located at 78 Johnson Avenue in Hackensack, Hackensack Brewing Company is one of the county's most popular taprooms, and for good reason. With a stellar 4.7-star rating on Yelp and a loyal local following, this brewery delivers a rotating selection of well-crafted beers in a welcoming, industrial-warehouse space. The taproom is spacious with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for meeting friends after work or spending a Saturday afternoon sampling flights.

Hackensack Brewing rotates its offerings regularly, so there is always something new to try. Their IPAs are consistently well-regarded, and their seasonal releases draw crowds from across the county. The brewery is an easy stop if you are exploring downtown Hackensack, which itself has a growing dining and entertainment scene.

Explore Hackensack — town page

Ghost Hawk Brewing

Ghost Hawk has earned a reputation as one of Bergen County's top breweries by consistently putting out excellent beer in all major styles. They are frequently at the top of Yelp rankings and local beer enthusiast lists, and the taproom reflects that commitment to quality. Ghost Hawk's offerings lean toward approachable, drinkable styles alongside creative seasonal experiments.

If you are new to the Bergen County beer scene, Ghost Hawk is an excellent starting point. Their flight options let you sample a wide range before committing to a full pour, and the staff is known for being knowledgeable without being pretentious.

Gearblock Brewing Company — Waldwick

Tucked into the Pascack Valley at 140 Franklin Turnpike #2 in Waldwick, Gearblock Brewing has become a favorite among local beer enthusiasts. Reddit's r/njbeer community consistently ranks Gearblock among the top two breweries in the county, and the quality of their output justifies the hype. Their taproom has a relaxed, neighborhood feel and is a popular gathering spot for locals on weekend afternoons.

Gearblock's beer list typically includes a solid core lineup of IPAs, stouts, and pale ales, plus seasonal and experimental offerings that keep regulars coming back. If you are visiting from further south in Bergen County, the drive through the Pascack Valley towns like Waldwick and Allendale is pleasant enough to make the trip feel like part of the experience.

Five Dimes Brewery — Westwood

Five Dimes Brewery at 247 Westwood Avenue in Westwood occupies a great spot right in the heart of downtown Westwood. The taproom space is well-designed for hanging out, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that pairs well with their beer selection. Westwood itself has a charming downtown with restaurants and shops that make for a full afternoon or evening out.

Five Dimes is particularly well-suited for groups, with enough seating for larger parties and a vibe that encourages lingering. Their beer list typically includes a balanced range of styles, from light and crisp options to fuller-bodied pours. After your tasting, Westwood's Main Street has several excellent dining options within walking distance.

Bolero Snort Brewery and Tasting Room

Bolero Snort has made a name for itself with an experimental approach to brewing and a dedicated following among New Jersey craft beer drinkers. Their taproom consistently appears on Yelp and Reddit best-of lists, and the brewery is known for pushing boundaries with ingredients and styles. If you are the type of beer drinker who gets excited about hazy IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and fruit-forward sours, Bolero Snort should be high on your list.

Bolero Snort also distributes widely, so you can find their cans in many Bergen County bottle shops and supermarkets. But the taproom experience is where their personality really comes through.

Seven Tribesmen Brewery

Another consistently top-rated option on Yelp's Bergen County brewery rankings, Seven Tribesmen Brewery offers a solid taproom experience with a focus on well-executed traditional styles alongside creative small-batch experiments. The brewery has earned a reputation for quality and consistency, making it a reliable stop whether you are a local or visiting from out of town.

Two Ladders Brewing and Simple Motive Brewing

Both Two Ladders Brewing and Simple Motive Brewing round out the list of Bergen County breweries worth seeking out. Two Ladders earns strong reviews for their beer quality and taproom atmosphere, while Simple Motive has carved out its own niche with a focus on balanced, drinkable styles that appeal to both seasoned beer drinkers and newcomers.

These smaller operations are the kind of places where you can chat with the brewers about what is on tap and what is coming next. The personal connection is part of what makes Bergen County's beer scene special.

High Point Brewing Company — Butler

Located just outside Bergen County in Butler (about 15 minutes northwest of Ridgewood), High Point Brewing Company is best known for its Ramstein line of German-style wheat beers. With a 4.6-star rating on Yelp, High Point is a destination for anyone who appreciates authentic hefeweizens, dunkels, and other German-style offerings.

High Point is one of New Jersey's oldest craft breweries and has a loyal following that spans generations. Their taproom is a comfortable space for sampling their full lineup, and the brewery's location near the Ramapo Mountains makes it a nice pairing with a day trip to the area's hiking trails.

Best Craft Beer Bars in Bergen County

Beyond the breweries themselves, Bergen County has an excellent collection of craft beer bars where you can find a curated tap list from breweries near and far.

Stosh's — Fair Lawn

Stosh's, at 18-15 Maple Avenue in Fair Lawn, is widely considered the top craft beer bar in Bergen County. With a 4.7-star Yelp rating and a tap list that rotates constantly, Stosh's is a must-visit for serious beer drinkers. The bar carries an impressive selection of hard-to-find releases from New Jersey and beyond.

The Plank Pizza Co Beer Parlor — Saddle Brook

At 383 Market Street D in Saddle Brook, The Plank Pizza Co Beer Parlor pairs 41 rotating taps with excellent pizza. The combination of great beer and great food makes it one of the most popular craft beer destinations in the county. The beer list changes frequently and features both local New Jersey breweries and notable national releases.

Barrel & Brew Craft Bar, Kitchen & Spirits — New Milford

New Milford's own Barrel & Brew at 872 River Road is a craft beer destination in its own right. Located in the heart of New Milford's dining corridor, Barrel & Brew offers a well-curated tap list alongside a full kitchen menu. It is a great example of how Bergen County's dining scene has embraced craft beer culture.

Other Notable Craft Beer Bars

Park West Tavern in Ridgewood, Steel Wheel Tavern, Sidebar Gastropub, The Rail Yard Tavern, Seven Lakes Station, Black Rabbit Saloon, and The Craftsman in Fair Lawn all earn strong reviews for their craft beer programs. Each has its own personality, from Ridgewood's up-casual tavern scene to Fair Lawn's neighborhood bars.

A Note on Brix City Brewing

Brix City Brewing, which was Bergen County's first full-production craft brewery, closed its Little Ferry taproom in May 2025 due to rising rent. The brewery is actively searching for a new location, and many in the local beer community hope to see them reopen in Bergen County. Check their social media for updates if Brix City is on your must-visit list.

Planning Your Brewery Tour

Bergen County's breweries are spread across the county, but several are clustered close enough to visit in one afternoon. A suggested route: start at Hackensack Brewing in Hackensack, head north to Five Dimes in Westwood, then continue to Gearblock in Waldwick. If you have a designated driver, the full Pascack Valley loop covers a lot of ground with minimal driving time between stops.

For dining before or after your brewery visits, see our guides to Fort Lee's restaurant scene, the best pizza in Bergen County, and classic Bergen County diners.

And if you are considering a move to Bergen County and wondering which town best suits your lifestyle, my 7-Question Quiz can help match you with the right community based on what matters most to you.