Community Meets Luxury

Meet The New Generation of Poughkeepsie Brew Pubs

April 21, 2022

Have you heard? Poughkeepsie’s in the middle of a brewing renaissance. A number of new (and newly-restored) brew pubs and beer-centric bistros are generating buzz in the world of, well… buzz. Here are a few that are fast becoming favorites among beer lovers in Dutchess County:

Zeus Brewing Company
178 Main Street, Poughkeepsie
https://www.zeusbrewingco.com/
There are many good reasons why Hudson Valley Magazine chose Zeus as “Best New Brewery” of 2020. Food is light, fresh, and tends to be gourmet but not fussy, with specialty hand-tossed brick oven pizzas being the main attraction. House-brewed craft beers range from several IPAs to a popular coffee-milk stout called “Room for Milk” and a strong Belgian ale aptly named “Time Burglar.” For those seeking something more theatrical than beer, Zeus offers a half dozen fun/fruity/flowery cocktails — ll are named after the films of director Wes Anderson. High ceilings and large windows create an atmosphere of elegance in a former industrial space, but the real gem is the popular rooftop deck. Four stories high, this spacious patio-in-the-sky offers amazing views of the river, the surrounding mountains, and two iconic Hudson-spanning bridges. When the weather is nice, it’s a spectacular spot to eat, drink, and take lots of pictures.

King’s Court Brewing Company
40 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie
https://www.kingscourtbrewingcompany.com/
Taking its name from the building’s former identity as the stately King’s Court Hotel, this world-class downtown Poughkeepsie brewery has been serving great food and drink to Hudson Valley locals and visitors since 2018. Brewmaster and co-founder Cortlandt Toczylowski has followed up an award-winning beer-making career in California with this impressive 2,500 square foot shrine to the glory of hops and hospitality. Not content to specialize in any one type of beer, King’s Court offers 20 rotating taps of exclusive in-house offerings that tick every box in a beer-lover’s bucket list. Standouts include “Moon Jammin’  Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Black Lager,” “Bat Exodus  Nitro Milk Stout” and “Sweet Sunset,” a sour gose beer with pineapple, blackberry and peach. The vibe and decor are both comfortable/casual and the overall feel is of a place where “everybody knows your name,” even if you’re new in town. Renovations on the original hotel structure preserve such details as hardwood floors, brick walls, and marble stairs, and a pleasant back patio caters to the outside crowd. Beyond the classic glass of beer, they also sell growlers, sampler flights, and takeaway cans.

Mill House Brewing Company
289 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie
https://www.millhousebrewing.com/
A veritable veteran in the local brewing scene, Mill House goes all the way back to 2013(!), and over the course of a decade has built up a loyal base of craft brew aficionados. Billing itself as “an industrial chic American style brewpub located in the heart of Poughkeepsie,” Mill House has a warm and bright interior lit by dozens of beautiful softly glowing chandeliers. Decor is somewhere between rustic and cushy, and the overall feel is of stylish but unpretentious charm. The kitchen offers an extensive menu that covers all the bases, from appetizers and sandwiches to full entrees and fabulous desserts. Not to be overshadowed by the food, the craft beer selection is top-drawer and includes a host of whimsically-named brews including “Hopthamology” sour IPA and “Velvet Panda” American stout. Regulars swear by the Kielbasa & Pierogies and “Köld One” Kölsch beer, and no visit is complete without finishing up with the mindblowing chocolate and vanilla experience known as “The Slutty Galaxy Brownie.”

Obercreek Brewing Company
59 Marlorville Road, Wappingers Falls
https://obercreekbrewing.com/
While not technically in the city of Poughkeepsie, Obercreek Brewing Company makes our must-sip list thanks to an ever-evolving selection of fantastic craft-brewed beers that are typically available only at this one location. Not for the gourmet dining crowd, this no-nonsense brewery is a mostly-outdoor space that’s part of the organic Obercreek Farm. It’s a bit like a working vineyard’s wine-tasting room and patio, but for hop-heads instead of wine lovers. Atmosphere is tranquil and scenery is lush, and if you long to sip fantastic beer under a tree or beneath the stars, this is the perfect place. A tent and outdoor heaters offer comfort as well. Snacks are sold, and food trucks come by for special events, but food is not the focus, and that’s just fine, because it’s the beer that brings in the customers. Since opening in 2017, Obercreek has aimed for quality over quantity, focusing on a short list of signature double IPAs, stouts and ales, all on tap. Bottled selections include delicious “farmhouse ales,” flavored with various wine grapes. Regulars often choose the French Press coffee stout, which has become locally famous. Cans, growlers, and crowlers are available for off-site consumption.

As the Poughkeepsie area continues to grow as a paradise for fresh local fare, we hope you have a chance to discover all the fabulous new offerings that continue to make Dutchess County a wonderful place to live.

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