Sure we love cheap, mass-made American beer—we are a drinking town with a sports problem, after all. But there’s no doubt that Buffalonians have developed a taste for craft beer in recent years. Frontrunners Flying Bison and Community Beer Works have since been joined by almost a dozen other breweries, and finding boutique beers and carefully selected imports at a WNY bar has never been easier. We doubt you need any encouragement, but if you’re looking to get your brew on, here are a few of our favorites. Use Loupe to receive exclusive perks at great local spots, like these!  

 12 Gates Brewing Co. 
80 Earhart Dr, Williamsville, 12gatesbrewing.com 

12 Gates is really new on the scene, but it has already made a big splash, earning accolades from the area’s pickiest quaffers. Its Williamsville tap room is open seven days a week, but even though 12 GBS is practically a newborn, its brews are so good they’re already on tap all over town.

 HandleBar 
149 Swan St, Buffalo, handlebarpub.com

For many, bicycle culture and craft beer go hand in hand—we offer HandleBar up as evidence. Serving hearty fare and cool cocktails, this bike-themed pub also offers a broad selection of craft beers, ideal for relaxing and refueling. In the bottle or on tap, HandleBar has your craft cravings covered.

 Big Ditch Brewing Co. 
55 E Huron St, Buffalo, bigditchbrewing.com

Voted “Best Craft Brewery in New York State” at this year’s TAP Festival (!), downtown’s Big Ditch Brewing Company knows exactly how to brew some seriously delicious beer, including its seasonal specialties, like its Galaxy Red and FC (Fantastically Crushable) session wheat IPA. Taste the strength, pride, and ambition in every sip!

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