Varick Street Brewery District
Historic Saranac Brewery offering tours, delicious food, and lively summer concerts in Utica, NY.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Concert series & outdoor vibes
Varick Street Brewery District
Best Time
Concert series & outdoor vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Saranac Brewery offering tours, delicious food, and lively summer concerts in Utica, NY.
"Absolutely the best tater tots I’ve ever had, and the service was wonderful!"
🍻 Sample Flights
Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint.
🎶 Check Concert Schedule
If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 253 reviews
Type
Restaurant
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saranac Brewery Tour
Brewery
Explore the historic brewery founded in 1888 and learn about Saranac beer production. A must-do for beer enthusiasts!
Iconic Tater Tots
Restaurant
Experience the 'best tater tots' and incredible mozzarella sticks, praised by visitors for their deliciousness.
Summer Concerts
Outdoor Venue
Enjoy live music in a vibrant summer atmosphere with good security and friendly staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Brewery Tour Value
Summer Concert Series
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍻 Sample Flights
Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint.
🎶 Check Concert Schedule
If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds.
🛍️ Don't Miss Swag
The gift shop offers nice merchandise. Grab some souvenirs to remember your visit!
🍔 Simple but Tasty Menu
The restaurant menu is simple but fantastic, with highly recommended burgers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍻 Sample Flights
Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint.
🎶 Check Concert Schedule
If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds.
🛍️ Don't Miss Swag
The gift shop offers nice merchandise. Grab some souvenirs to remember your visit!
🍔 Simple but Tasty Menu
The restaurant menu is simple but fantastic, with highly recommended burgers.
🌟 Amazing Service
Staff like Isaiah, Cal, and Emma are praised for being sweet, quick, efficient, and helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the delicious food, especially the tater tots and mozzarella sticks, and highlight the friendly and efficient service from staff members. The historic brewery tour and the vibrant summer concert series are also significant draws. However, some find the brewery tour to be a bit pricey, and there are occasional comments about the immaturity of concert crowds and the changing nature of the surrounding area.
"Always a good time, been to this music venue 4x. Good policing, security, staff, and place to be in the summer for concert series! Crowds can be a little immature and surroundings have gotten a little more shady in the past 5 years"
Review Squad 11
"Beautiful beautiful interior. Absolutely the best tater tots I’ve ever had. The Mozzarella sticks were also incredible. Came here just to stop in and see what it looked like and so happy we stayed for a quick drink/snack! We also had wonderful service. Our server, Isaiah, was incredibly sweet, quick, and efficient! I am so beyond satisfied. He was attentive, recommended food and was damn right about the suggestions, and made sure we left smiling."
Stacey A
"We did the tour. It was amazing. Tom was a great tour guide"
Doug Meadows at David Douglas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Varick Street Brewery District is located in Utica, NY. Driving is the most common way to access it, with parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so check local transit schedules if relying on buses or trains.
Yes, parking is generally available at the brewery. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially if attending a summer concert, as lots can fill up quickly.
The district is relatively compact, making it walkable. If you're visiting for a concert or just to enjoy the atmosphere, walking between the brewery and nearby areas is easy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The brewery tour is priced at $20 per person. Some visitors find this to be on the expensive side for a brewery tour.
It's recommended to check the brewery's official website or call ahead to inquire about booking requirements for tours, especially during peak seasons or for larger groups.
As it involves alcohol production, there are typically age restrictions for brewery tours. Visitors are usually required to be of legal drinking age to participate fully, though policies may vary.
Yes, you can visit the gift shop and restaurant without taking the brewery tour. Many visitors stop in for a meal or drinks and to browse the merchandise.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the restaurant and shop versus the tour times. It's best to check the official Varick Street Brewery District website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a simple but fantastic menu, with burgers being a standout item. They also serve incredible appetizers like tater tots and mozzarella sticks.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan dishes isn't widely detailed in reviews, but it's always worth asking the staff for current offerings.
Visitors rave about the tater tots and mozzarella sticks, calling them some of the best they've ever had. The burgers are also highly recommended.
Absolutely! Getting a flight is a popular way to sample the wide range of Saranac beers brewed on-site.
While it's a brewery, the restaurant atmosphere is generally pleasant, and families often visit. However, be mindful of the overall vibe, especially during concert nights.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior of the historic brewery offers great architectural shots. The outdoor concert venue can also provide dynamic photo opportunities during events.
Generally, photography is allowed during brewery tours, but it's always a good idea to confirm with your tour guide. Be mindful of any restricted areas.
The vintage brewing equipment and the Saranac branding throughout the facility offer unique visual elements. The gift shop also has branded items that make for fun photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit