Finback Brewery
“They do have a rotating selection of local art pieces and a number of board games as well as a side room with corn hole.”
“My favorites were Double Sess(ion), witbier with Szechuan Peppercorns, Ginger and Chamomile infused; Brand New Family – very drinkable Kölsch.”
“I went on a warm Saturday afternoon in May with the hopes of trying their IPAs, my fave beer.”
Finback Brewery
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Inexpensive
8 reviews
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Finback brewery is tucked away in a mostly residential part of Ridgewood. The front end of the brewery has a bar, bench seating, and plenty of space to move around. During my visit, Finback had about a dozen drafts on tap with plenty of variety amongst the drafts. Finback has a reputation of offering fresh and quality beers at bars, so I wasn't surprised to see that the standards were just as good at the brewery. I felt the bar was understaffed; there was only one bartender who had to pour and clean glasses.
Unexpected warehouse-style brewery tucked away behind some houses in Queens. The space is huge, the staff is friendly, the featured artwork is fun, and most importantly the beer is excellent! Only problem is getting there… It's a little easier if you have a car.
I'm a big fan of trying new beer, especially when you can go to the source. In constant search of new breweries, I stumbled upon Finback on Yelp and knew I needed to try it sometime. That "sometime" was yesterday as my buddy and I headed over to see what this brewery was all about. Finback has a very unassuming entrance, but the garage door next to it offering you a view inside (and of the little Finback van) makes it hard to miss. Upon entering you'll see the chic and stylish bar straight ahead with long picnic-style tables to the right accompanied with board games to play. There's also a room to the left with more seating. You can also peer into the back on the right to see where the magic happens (i.e. where the beer is brewed). We sat at the bar and tried a few tasters ($2-$3 each) of several of the beers. Each had a great taste and variety of style and flavor. My favorite was The Known Universe which was a gose style and was available in cans of 4 so I made the investment. We only had a little time before we had to go, but I'll definitely be returning for more from this awesome brewery.
Over the course of about five years, likely north of that estimate, microbreweries appear to have morphed into a saturation point across the country, or so it seems.
To me, the saturation never reached the overflowing point in NYC but may be closely reaching that point.
Cooks and Crafts is a yearly event hosted within the walls of Finback and although few vendors were peddling their wares, I thought the idea was adorable and good for the community.
Bellying up to the bar my accomplice and I waited a fairly long time to be addressed. One bartender serving, two others in and out, toweling down spouts, banging away at the point of sale terminal always with their backs to the customers. I honestly couldn't pick and one of them out of a small crowd.
With only four beers available, at ten minutes of five o'clock on a Saturday early evening, did drain some excitement from my first experience.
Beginning with the Starchild, from label to the liquid contents within the Sapporo-esq pint, I just didn't get the citrus musty flavor. Points to be had for the across the four beer board, as the ingredients gave all brews huge body and intense flavors. Double Session(ion) took home the gold for overall best in show.
The fermenter and vats sat in the dark as I really had hoped to gain a closer more illuminated gander. From ownerships perspective, I do understand this not being an available option.
From how I read the overall inner workings, it seemed staffers, manager and ownership were dull to the emotions that should be center stage at such a venue. Not a smile to be had, a smiling comment to be shared, with the one exception of the main bartender who made our first and only Finback experience quite pleasant.
Great brewery located on the edge of a quiet residential neighborhood. We were there on a very slow and laid back Sunday and really enjoyed the beers we tried. My friend's toddler daughter greatly enjoyed the tic tac toe board as well, which made life easier for all of us!
Look forward to visiting again
Popped in one weekend – place had a pretty light crowd. Beer was good – wish they offered flights vs ordering one at a time.
Nice place to hang out – big tables, games available and plenty of room for activities.
Would go back again – I've heard great things but wasn't blown away.
Finback was the lone brewery that my husband and I had not visited in the area. We decided to just make a "quick pit stop" on the way home (back to Boston). Uhhh…that pit stop turned into about 2 hours of us just hanging out and enjoying a great brewery.
The space has a really cool and relaxing warehouse vibe (it is a warehouse) where you can go, relax, eat some free popcorn and play board games. BUT the best part?! Their beers are actually really good! They have some unique and interesting brews and I love what they are doing with their sours.
I have no idea how you would get here on public transportation, but I had a car so I was golden. I will be making a return visit the next time I'm in town and I will be bringing my car-less friends!
Came here for a can release about a month ago. I'm used to going to Other Half brewing and getting there super early for the releases. At Finback, you can get there an hour early and be one of the first people on line. It's a little tough for me to get to. It's in a nice residential part of Queens, so I had to subway it and then get an uber. The tasting room is amazing. High ceilings, lot of space, lot of tables, and cheap tastings. They are making great brew and hope to return for another release.