5 - I'd try to convince my wife to drive an hour just to come here Skip to the end to see my rating…read morescale. Although it's more of the modern feel than the earthy feel that I prefer, Tin Barn more than makes up for it with an awesome view of Seneca Lake, an expansive outdoor seating area, and friendly staff. Although we didn't eat while there, they do have a food menu, so Tin Barn really hits all the important aspects I look for in a brewery - good beer, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, dog friendly outdoor seating, and availability to get some snacks. It all creates an inviting atmosphere that I'd be happy to visit again next time we're in the FLX Region, even if we stay on one of the other Lakes. My rating scale: 1 - Just don't 2 - You'll survive, but there are better choices close by 3 - Good choice if you're in the area 4 - I'd drive 30 minutes out of my way just to come here 5 - I'd try to convince my wife to drive an hour just to come here

I was quite impressed with their beer. I'm not sure why I thought that a brewery on the East Coast…read morewouldn't make good hazy beer, but I was wrong. Pretty much all their Hazy IPAs were quite nice. And they had a large selection of them. All the way from sessions to triples. I also tried the fruit sour - which is not really my type of beer - but I think they did a good job on that one too, very fruity. Hazy IPA's are their thing - they did have a couple others like the sour and a blonde, but this is mostly a place to go for a hazy. We also got food. I thought the pretzel sticks with mustard where quite good - although I ordered the beer cheese with them and was pretty unimpressed with that and wished I had just stuck with the mustard. I also go the Buffalo chicken nachos which were decent. Not blow me away, but tasty. And very filling. Great space. Huge indoor and outdoor space. Big patio with a gorgeous view of Seneca Lake. I saw games inside.

Lovely space with lots of interesting decor...even the bathrooms!…read more Staff was great on my recent late afternoon visit. He was very friendly and provided some great information on the cask-brewing process and how it differs from the American process. The few beers in my flight (about $12ish) all tasted great but lacked the traditional carbonation found in most typical beers. This, along with being served at room temperature, is a major difference from other beer I learned. The cask ales are naturally carbonated giving it a milder, less harsh, and maybe flatter taste. Most other beers are force-carbonated. While not available on the day I visited, I would loved to have tried some of their food options. Maybe I will the next time I am in the area. There is a small "shop" in the corner which sells British-based foods including teas and sweets. Some lovely views on the back deck!

I have so many great things to say about this place, from the people to the food…read more Food: We were politely provided some chips (fries) and curry from the owner (which I did not know at the time). Both the fries and the curry were exceptionally flavorful and made me rethink about English cuisine (kidding). My wife bought a gin and tonic with a great citrus gin and Mediterranean tonic which went down smooth and was actually tasteful even to myself as a non-drinker. Service: Nicky who helped us with the drink inside was so kind and patient and gave my wife recommendations which is how she ended up with her great G&T. The owner, Bradley, was not only an amazing gentleman but super funny and kind. This is the type of place you go to because it makes you feel warm and at home. Aesthetic: English goods line the back wall and artifacts from England line all the other walls, feeling like you are in a pub somewhere in southern England. Such a cool feel.

Brewery with a view!! They had live music when we visited (Thursday night). We sat outside with…read morebeer, cider and wine and enjoyed the view. They have a very limited menu (roast beef sandwich, bowl of chips and hummus bowl). The bartender was fantastic! We'd definitely visit again when in the area.

It's been a while since we last visited Two Goats, and it reminded me of a spot closer to home--one…read morethat would easily become a regular hangout. We had the chance to try some great beers, and one unique experience stood out: mixing two beers together, a concept similar to a blend in the wine world. As the bartender put it, "It's a game we like to play." On tap, they had a solid lineup: 1. Hector Logger - A traditional lager (4.9% ABV) 2. Goatmaster Kölsch - A crisp Kölsch (5.1% ABV), which I tried and really enjoyed 3. RedBeard - A Red Ale (5% ABV), a reliable go-to beer 4. Cream Ale - A bit different at 6.7% ABV, more robust than the typical lower-ABV versions 5. Golden Crush - A hazy IPA (5.1% ABV) that had nice fruit-forward notes, but not overpowering 6. X IPA - An Imperial IPA (7.8% ABV) Mosaic! Mosaic! - A Pale Ale (5.2% ABV) that followed the traditional pale ale profile and was very enjoyable 7. Goatmeal Stout - An Oatmeal Stout (8.1% ABV) Then came the blends--something I hadn't seen much of before. The only one I tried was 1. Goat Juice, a 50/50 mix of Hazy IPA and Kölsch (5.1% ABV). It was bursting with amazing flavors, the best of both worlds. Some of their other blends included: 2. Red X - A mix of Red Ale and Imperial IPA 3. Goatgasm - A Kölsch and IPA blend 4. Headbutt - A Stout and Cream Ale combo I tend to gravitate toward Hazies, Kölsches, and Pale Ales, so this place hit all the right notes for me. I can't wait to come back and see what new creations they have on tap next time!

4 - I'd drive 30 minutes out of my way just to come here. Skip to the end to see my rating scale…read more Climbing Bines was one of seven breweries we visited on our recent trip to the FLX region, specifically Seneca Lake. To be consistent with my rating scale I really had to think hard about this one because there are quite a few good breweries right around Watkins Glen. When I asked myself if I'd be willing to drive 30 minutes to bypass a couple of other breweries to get there the answer was yes - depending on the weather. The tap room has the earthy feel that I find comfortable, it has a really nice outdoor seating areas, and its super dog friendly. Although there are some better beers close by, Climbing Bines gets bonus points from me for the ambiance and scenery. It really is a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing place. Don't get me wrong, the beers are OK, but I'd mostly drive a bit to hang out there for an evening if it's sunny and if there's a food truck. My rating scale: 1 - Just don't 2 - You'll survive, but there are better choices close by 3 - Good choice if you're in the area 4 - I'd drive 30 minutes out of my way just to come here 5 - I'd try to convince my wife to drive an hour just to come here

On our Seneca Lake brewery tour (July 14), we didn't stop at the new Climbing Bines tasting room in…read moreGeneva, NY, but instead stopped at the Hop Farm. I always like this location! It is big with lots of outdoor space. It has two event spaces (one enclosed) and often has food trucks. The website recommends bringing chairs on the weekend, because they have more space than seating. One thing to note about the beers is that some are made with ingredients from other farms. On the menu, those are marked as "Pando" (I don't remember what that stands for). Wineries in the Finger Lakes region have wine trail markers. I hope the breweries will advocate for something similar. Those markers could help more people discover the growing number of breweries in the Finger Lakes.

Had the girls come in town for a wellness weekend of Yoga, sounds baths, cheese tastings,…read morewaterfalls, and the lake. I live in Hector and have been to Lucky Hare a couple of times. Once for a bonfire! Lol It's a local thing. They have a wonderful casual deck. I love sitting out there. On this last visit, we skipped the beers, and went straight for Babe's burgers. They are stationed on the deck. I ordered their burger with carmelized onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pickle on the side. The tomato was a farm fresh Tomato which is AWESOME! It was a local farm grown tomato, and the burger was delish. We ordered a small fries, and 3 of us shared them, and still threw some out. Yes, a small is that large. They don't sell drinks at the babes burger window. We got those at the bar. They had a free water jug, with plastic cups. I ordered a Waterloo sparking water, one friend had regular water, and the last had a soda. Because the owner makes their own beer there. I highly recommend checking them out, for beers and burgers. We didn't order any this time, because we were getting ready to go on a long drive. But....Since I live there, I can confirm their beer is worth it! I love their casual atmosphere, it's a great place to go to talk and dine. It's a local place, so it wouldn't be awkward to see go there and run into friends and start combining tables. Everyone is super friendly, so if you're ever lonely or bored, it's a great place to stop by, and hang out, you're almost guaranteed to make new friends. Parking can be tricky if they are busy, but people park on the street as long as they don't block any cars from getting by. I also love that they allow dogs, on leash, and they can't beg. Common sense rules, so don't leave your dog at home. Bring them out!

We loved that we could bring our pup and eat outside. We ordered a beer (lemon) and a cider at the…read morebar and we ordered a bacon burger with a small fries and a side apple salad...all delicious. The burger was good but I warn you about the fries....they are super good but a small fries is about a half of pound plenty for 3 people. I heard from another customer that the large size is a full pound....holy cow! The salad was delicious too. You can tell it was fresh lettuce (I think butter lettuce) with lots a blue cheese, walnuts and apples. One order is a meal. I am so glad we got it to share because we were satisfied with that. It's fun to sit outside and we met some really nice people (locals) who made us feel welcome. I recommend for sure. The parking was full so that tells you something.

We hiked Watkins Glen and needed some food and adult beverages. Grist Iron Brewing was the place!…read more It's set up on a hill so have a great view of Seneca Lake. They have a lot of beer choices, seltzers where you can add your own flavoring, and a decent selection of wine. Food options are good too and the portions... huge! We got the pulled pork nachos and the buffalo chicken wing dip. Both were delicious. They have reasonable priced merch so be sure to check that out as well. We put this on our "favorites" list :)

Pretty nice venue, large open areas, high ceilings. very friendly bartenders who allowed samples. I…read morehad a flight, we didn't order any food, but it all looked amazing! beer was good, had good flavor and the flights were relatively cheap. Great view as well!

A very cute place near Seneca lake. While it does not have a lake view, its close enough to the…read moremain road. They are one of the few wineries that also serve food, so its a great place to grab lunch. The sandwiches we got were amazing (the Brooklyn and the Cuban). I would give the deli and bakery a 5/5. The attached winery was okay. They only do tastings at the bar, not at the table (at least when we were there). It was pretty empty.

Our next winery stop was Tabora, nestled along Seneca Lake. We were fortunate to have Keith as our…read moreserver, and he may have been one of the most remarkable people I've met in quite some time. His deep knowledge and passion shone through as he shared the rich history of the winery. The owners originally purchased land in Bucks County for farming but later moved to the Finger Lakes region, where they expanded into winemaking, a bakery, and a deli--a true craft-driven endeavor. Tabora was offering a special deal: buy one tasting flight, get the second free. Normally, I gravitate toward the drier the better, but the Winemaker's Jam caught my eye. My flight included: 1. 2021 Pinot Noir 2. 2021 Cabernet Franc 3. N.V. Heritage Noir 4. 2021 Maréchal Foch I started with the Pinot Noir, a light-bodied wine with aromas of cherry blossoms, strawberries, and dried fruit--absolutely sensational. Keith explained that all of Tabora's wines age in used French oak barrels but never for more than 18 months. Instead of prolonged oak aging, they transition the wine to stainless steel, preserving freshness while imparting just a touch of oak influence. Next up was the Cabernet Franc, which had soft tannins, a light body, and notes of raspberry and green bell pepper, with a slight oak finish--and wow, it was good. Then came my hands-down favorite: the Heritage Noir, a blend of different wines that was dry yet bursting with layered fruit flavors. It was truly an incredible experience on the palate. Finally, I sampled the Maréchal Foch, a sensational, jammy wine with hints of blackberry and pomegranate and a beautifully smooth finish. But Keith wasn't done yet--he had me try a few more, including an unoaked Cabernet Franc, which became another favorite. Aged 100% in stainless steel, it was bright with red fruit, hints of cherry, vanilla, and a touch of chocolate on the finish. Beyond the wines, Keith himself was a standout. As we sipped, he shared his life journey--from New York to Hawaii, a path shaped by his mother and sister. His stories were captivating, and if he ever writes a book, I'd be the first in line to read it. Cheers to Keith and Tabora for an unforgettable experience! #fingerlakes

Best pizza I've ever had ... could Use a little sauce for…read morethe crust but the Hector Hot Chicken hit different! Super tasty! Side salad was also super fresh and made with love. The view on the deck with the sunset and live music was ALL THE VIBE! And the service ... wow ... literally a stream of folks checking on us, clearing dishes, bringing us water, food ... never needed a thing ... super attentive and helpful. 10 out of 10 would highly recommend ...

4 - I'd drive 30 minutes out of my way just to come here. Skip to the end to see my rating scale…read more First time at Scale House but not our first trip to the FLX. There are a few really good breweries in the area and Scale House is right up there with them. If you've read any of my other brewery reviews, you know my top three considerations are outdoor seating (meaning it's dog friendly), convenient food choices, and of course the quality of the beer. They have a spacious covered deck and a great lawn area, so their outdoor seating is excellent. They have an outdoor stage and we were fortunate to get to see some of the local talent performing the afternoon we were there. The inside area is also pretty roomy for a brewery and has more of the industrial/earthy feel that I dig, rather than a contemporary vibe. They also have a built-in pizza shop and it appears as though many patrons go there as much for the pizza as the beer. My one regret from our trip is that I didn't take advantage of the opportunity to grab a pie there...it looked fantastic. Top it all off with a solid beer selection and Scale House is definitely a place that I'd go a little out of my way to visit. I am going to try to talk my wife into heading back there...mostly to get a shot at trying a Meat Special. My rating scale: 1 - Just don't 2 - You'll survive, but there are better choices close by 3 - Good choice if you're in the area 4 - I'd drive 30 minutes out of my way just to come here 5 - I'd try to convince my wife to drive an hour just to come here

A huge fan of this place and I am glad my wife recommended it to me…read more Food: I ended up going with an all-american beef burger which was OUTSTANDING. I was also super interested in their salted potatoes which I never had before. The potatoes were good, but the butter by the end made it a bit heavy, albeit delicious. Service: the young lady helping us was so nice and gave us some recommendations which ended up with the potatoes. Aesthetic: really cool design with the tables and almost feels like a camp cantina. I really liked that they served the potatoes in a plant pot, it made it feel very farm-like.

Nice spot in pretty much the middle of nowhere in upstate NY. I apologize that I can't recall the…read morenames of the dogs we ordered, but mine had peanut butter and was excellent. My wife's was great too. Sadly they did not have shakes when we went. I absolutely loved the poutine tots, and this was probably my favorite thing we ordered! I had a good chuckle at the negative reviews posted in the bathroom too. I won't be joining those. It's counter service with lots of seating inside, and the restaurant was clean and vibrant. Staff was friendly too, and I enjoyed the tableside marshmallow toasting. The marshmallow did seem to have an odd floral taste to it, but I didn't mind it at all. They also have alcohol available.