New Jersey has quietly become one of the most exciting craft beer states on the East Coast. The state is home to more than 150 breweries, and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey recently held its inaugural Brewers Cup, celebrating beers across 15 style categories. Whether you are planning a shore weekend or looking for a great taproom close to home, these ten breweries are a strong place to start.
Kane Brewing Company (Ocean Township)
Kane launched in 2011 a few miles from Asbury Park and quickly became a benchmark for Jersey IPAs. Head High, its citrusy flagship, is a favorite of many local drinkers. The brewery also makes Belgian-inspired ales and barrel-aged imperial stouts, and many of its recipes use New Jersey ingredients. Food is not served on site, so plan accordingly. Read the Kane listing
Carton Brewing Company (Atlantic Highlands)
Cousins Augie and Chris Carton opened Carton in 2011 inside a turn-of-the-century red brick warehouse in Atlantic Highlands. The brewery is known for food-inspired beers and for Boat Beer, an easy-drinking session ale. The upstairs tasting room has a cozy, relaxed feel, and Carton releases new beers often, so it is worth checking in before you visit. Read the Carton listing
Cape May Brewing Company (Rio Grande)
Cape May Brewing started in 2011 in a hangar at the Cape May County Airport and has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the state. The Cape May IPA is the flagship and the best place to start. The tasting room has a large beer garden and self-guided tours, and it sits about six miles from downtown Cape May, making it an easy addition to a shore trip. Read the Cape May listing
Bolero Snort Brewery (Carlstadt)
Bolero Snort began as a contract brewer in 2013, brewing at other facilities across the region before opening its own production brewery and tasting room in the Meadowlands. The taproom has indoor and outdoor seating, brewery tours, and food from partner vendors and food trucks. Leashed dogs are welcome. Read the Bolero Snort listing
Brix City Brewing (Little Ferry)
Brix City is Bergen County's first full-production craft brewery. It is known for bold New England style IPAs, and its can releases regularly draw crowds. The lineup goes well beyond hazy beers, with crisp pilsners like Ciao Bella and barrel-aged stouts. Brix City beers are easy to find at liquor stores across North Jersey. Read the Brix City listing
Source Farmhouse Brewery (Colts Neck)
Source opened in 2019 in a restored 125-year-old barn on a former dairy farm in Colts Neck. The team focuses on farm-to-glass brewing, working with local growers for its ingredients. The taproom combines the historic barn interior with a courtyard and biergarten, and the brewery welcomes kids and pets. No food is served, so bring a snack or check for nearby vendors. Read the Source listing
Source Brewing Hidey-Ho Neighbor, a 3.5% Fresh Hop Cream Ale
High Point Brewing Company (Butler)
Greg Zaccardi founded High Point in 1996, and it is one of New Jersey's oldest craft breweries. Zaccardi trained at a Bavarian brewery before returning home, and his Ramstein brand, named for the U.S. air base in Germany, reflects that background. The lineup includes hefeweizens, lagers, and seasonal favorites like Winter Wheat doppelbock and a limited Eisbock. The taproom keeps limited hours, so check before you go. Read the High Point listing
Spellbound Brewing (Mount Holly)
Three longtime homebrewers opened Spellbound in Mount Holly in 2014. The brewery takes bold approaches to favorite styles, from everyday drinkers to imperial stouts and barleywines. The taproom has indoor and outdoor seating and a friendly neighborhood feel, and the team is active in local community events. Read the Spellbound listing
Icarus Brewing (Brick)
Jason Goldstein opened Icarus in Lakewood in 2017 and moved to a much larger brewery on Route 88 in Brick in 2024. The brewery is known for hazy IPAs and imperial stouts, and its taproom offers a large rotating tap list, a mezzanine, and a beer garden with a fire pit. Yacht Juice and Drinking Crayons are among its best-known beers. Read the Icarus listing
Lone Eagle Brewing (Flemington)
Lone Eagle opened in 2016 on Stangl Road in Flemington, a lively street that also anchors the historic Stangl Factory complex. Its name is a nod to Charles Lindbergh, known as the Lone Eagle, whose famous 1935 trial took place in town. The taproom pours a rotating mix of IPAs, lagers, and sours, and the patio is a favorite on sunny days. Lone Eagle is also a key stop on the Hunterdon Beer Trail. Read the Lone Eagle listing
Plan Your Visit
New Jersey rewards curiosity. Start with two or three breweries that match your taste, such as an IPA-focused stop in Brick or a German-style lager stop in Butler, then branch out from there. Each listing on YourBeerNetwork.com includes the address, beer styles, and other details to help you plan your route. Because hours and tap lists change often, check each brewery's website before you go.
Brewery details, hours, and offerings change often. Confirm them with each brewery before you visit.
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