Local friends brought me and my partner here while we were visiting from out of town and we had a great time. They come here pretty often, love craft beer, and this is their favorite brewery. The space is large, and bright, with a bit of an industrial touch to the architecture. There is indoor and outdoor seating. This is a nice spot to get together with friends and we saw kids running around too. There is shuffleboard, bean bag toss, and another game I wasn't familiar with. There is a BBQ restaurant inside too, which you order separately from the alcoholic drinks. The bathrooms are gender neutral single stalls. (They had period products available in a little basket.) read more

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This was a pretty sweet brewery when you walk in your greeted by what I believe is shuffleboard. And although I have never played, it was pretty cool to see an active shuffleboard community. The furnishings on the one side of the bar part are very cool and mid-century modern looking. There are a couple food trucks outside. We weren't there for food however we were just there for a drink and to check out the space. Dog friendly, which is always a plus for dog owners and there were people there celebrating birthdays, playing board games or just hanging out at the bar. It was a sweet cool vibe and can't wait to come back and check out the food trucks and taste more of their fantastic brews. Did I mention how cool the mid-century modern contemporary vibe furniture was? read more

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I can appreciate a team of people that try to build something from nothing but they really needed to consult someone before building this space. The layout is all wrong, it's too loud and cramped. The beer is good but they did too much of their own renovation and it looks like it. They really need help. read more

The massive shuffleboards in the back look like a lot of fun. The overall vibe is exposed concrete and utilitarianism. I visited on a "brew day," which meant the brewery was filled with a yeasty, hobby, mash smell, which was fascinating. I had a nice conversation with the people behind the bar about their brewing processes. From their menu in that conversation, it appears they may sub-specialize in sours, which is very cool depending on one's palate. Would definitely visit again. read more

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This a a great location in downtown Ithaca and has great beers to boot. Awesome staff and very open atmosphere. Professional shuffleboard courts. Huge outside area. And they have Fittnell BBQ right inside the brewery. Husband and wife team who do a great job. Food is great!!! Brisket is so tender and moist. Ribs were great. Pickles were to die for. Heard that sometimes they run out of brisket so order early. Pulled pork was really tasty. Chicken things were great per my wife. Smoked sauce with cheese was really tasty my wife did not. Are for them oh well. Baby portabella mushrooms were great too. The pickles onions were really tasty as well. Mac and cheese was really good too! We shall return. read more

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If microbrew had a vibe this would be it. Nice staff, plenty of space, and activities. And don't forget they have beer! Only tried a couple and hope to come back to discover more. Inside in some parts does get loud as the sound bounces off the concrete floor, but it's a bar. If the weather is nice outdoor space is perfect to chill and have a nice beer. read more

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Visiting Ithaca and happened across this place when they were having a Fittnell BBQ "popup" (Friday and Saturday night apparently). As a southerner I was expecting to be disappointed. But the BBQ? So good. They were out of ribs so we had the brisket, pulled pork, and sausage. All were amazing. But while I am not normally a sausage fan, it was incredible. Don't sleep on it and order one. Ordering is "by the pound" (quarter pound minimum). We ordered a half pound of brisket, pork and a single sausage (SO SAD!) for a table of six along with some sides and it was more than enough. One more thing- the sides are all good, but the spicy pickles? I'd get those all day and Sunday. If you're looking to avoid the usual BS northern BBQ and get some good and tasty BBQ, make sure you hit this place up. read more

Honestly I really enjoyed it, it exceeded my expectations. Robin was an awesome pourer and explained the beers very well. Definitely coming back, he hooked it up! read more

Personal Best Brewing - Flight!!! - Breweries Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Insane manager took shuffleboard discs we paid for, she was aggressive to kids, during a birthday event we paid for because a woman complained that she ended up screaming at. Place needs a better manager- gave three stars because the beer was good and one of the bartenders tried his best to make it right. Won't be coming back anytime soon. read more

My favorite brewery in Ithaca. The aesthetics are modern industrial/Scandinavian, and there is a shuffleboard center in the large space. However the beer is what I came for and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed their sours - the Body Heat and the Tape Rewinder. The active suspension was also excellent for a Hazy IPA. read more

I attended an unexpectedly large gathering at Personal Best last Friday and they were MORE than gracious and accommodating. It is such a perfect set-up for large groups, and they handled the situation professionally and courteously. I personally don't drink alcohol, but they have 2 delicious NA options for beer (the one I had was tasty!). My drinking friends were commenting on how good the drinks were as well. The environment is fun and interesting even without being intoxicated :) I would highly recommend Personal Best to anyone looking for delicious beverages, friendly staff, and conveniently located, comfortable, and entertaining surroundings. read more

Some of the best beer in the finger lakes and great atmosphere. I absolutely love personal best. Extra high marks for their sours.

Beer - great variety. Love it. Bbq - abysmal failure. Pulled pork tasteless, potato salad was super salty. The one true way to fail on potato salad, and they found it. They ran out of every other meat at 6 pm (opening at 5pm). Pork was the only thing left and a big disappointment. read more

Went to PB (1/19/25) to get something to eat. No one was there to take my order. The bartender said the food person was "out back." Had a beer and waited... and waited. No one showed up. After 30 minutes, I went down to street to Franco's for pizza (they have great pizza). Don't say you serve food if you don't serve food. read more

Such a great spot! The outside is unassuming but the repurposed interior is charming. I had a flight of sour ipas and was not disappointed with a single one. The beertenders were helpful and friendly. The shuffle board was so much fun! read more

Personal Best Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Ithaca, New York

What a great time we had on Friday at Personal Best! We had a pre-anniversary meetup there for our school, and way more people showed up than originally planned. The staff at Personal Best stayed calm, friendly, kept the line moving fast, and helped us all have a great time with their exceptional hospitality. A big shout out to Anthony, Graham, and everyone else behind the bar for pulling this off. read more

I went to Personal Best for a high school reunion and had a fantastic time! They were so accommodating to our very large party and the big open space was perfect for mixing and mingling. I enjoyed both their beer and wine selection and the expansive outside space. The staff was very kind and patient with us. The reunion was multigenerational and it was a good environment for those of all ages, including children and doggos in the outdoor space. It was so lovely that we'll be returning this week for a birthday get together. Thanks Personal Best! read more

When this place first opened up I was unsure of what it would add to Ithaca, but wow have I really grown to love it. It's a great place to bring kids, there's fun events there, and the bartenders are super nice. A real highlight for me is the fact that 3/4 of their beers are gluten-reduced. As someone who loves beer but has celiac disease, being able to drink most of the stuff on the menu--not just IPAs, either!--is such a gift. I love personal best !!! read more

As a local brewery lover we have visited Personal Best from the beginning. I love light beers and was always impressed by the taste and quality of their light beers. We usually visit on Sundays with friends but the last 2 weekends, we went for the sunshine and football and their DELICIOUS Cuban food. Yesterday I was disappointed to learn no food truck. Oh well things happen. As a local business owner, I never leave reviews unless I am really unhappy. They have a newer guy behind the bar ( tall curly black hair) his attitude towards customers is appalling. Last week he said " they need to hold my card, then give it back to me" " it's the best way" I always pay as I go, just so I remember to close out. I was like ok. His attitude and insistence I have never experienced here. I could tell his " tip" was his main concern. Ok so you are pouring a $7 beer, which is pretty expensive, but industry standard. Sorry I tip on your energy and service, you are pouring a beer! I also tip at the end of my bill. I worked a a waitress, I know about tipping. Well yesterday I was given a FREE BEER ( on him! ) and told " don't forget to tip your bartender!" Seriously??? I was honestly so shocked and disappointed. It's going to be very hard for me to spend my money here again. ( which with food and beer is easily $60-$70) Obviously this guy ( bartender) is only concerned about "tips" and it shows and really needs to be take a course in service. So weird and no professional. Find a new job. read more

Loved the beers here and the fact that you could buy 4oz pours so that I could try several different beers. Their sours are especially good and well balanced with fruity flavors. Also loved that they had cornhole outside and shuffleboard inside. The crowd was mostly younger but it was a super chill, casual vibe. read more

Barbecue was bad and they were out of so many options even just at 6:00 pm. Cornbread and slaw were delicious, but that does not make a meal. read more

Good vibes, and they allow dogs! Overall I had a great time. Service was good as well- you just order at the front and the line moves pretty quickly. 4 stars because there are not adequate nonalcoholic options- they only have plain sparkling water, a nonalcoholic beer, and juice boxes?? I know it may sound stupid to go to a brewery and not drink, but my partner and I were there for an event and we prefer to be less obvious about being sober. At any other bar, it's easy to be incognito with ginger beer or coke&lime. Since they don't serve food, they could at the very least carry some sodas... read more

Friendly service, awesome space and delicious beer. A bit pricey but I'm willing to pay for the overall atmosphere. Will definitely be back!

This place is so big. They have a huge outdoor area that you can hangout in. There is shade if you need it, outdoor games like corn hole. The inside is super clean and modern with a massive shuffle board court in the back. I would definitely come back. The staff were friendly too! read more

this place is terrible. received a stale flat beer and kindly asked for another. was given attitude and had to wait for a different beer. second one was t much better. then proceeded to have awful service for rest of eve- my party was mostly ignored and not served. this place will be out of business within the year. avoid it, go anywhere else that knows how to brew and serve beer. read more

Wow this place doesn't understand why putting the barbecue on their front of their web page might make people think there is actually a barbecue. They ran out of food at 6 pm. Any other food trucks on planet earth does not run out of food. Luckily we took out party of over ten people to another brewery where their food truck and scene was amazing. A real amateur show at this place. They took our drink orders without letting us know zero food. If bad was a review, it would still be too good for this place. Zero understanding or professionalism. Go elsewhere and actually have a good night. Pathetic. read more

Airy and fun feeling. Long beer line moved quickly. I really like this place. Not a meat eater but the BBQ looks really good.

This was our first visit here. We love breweries and have visited so many! This is a newer brewery and we expect it will do well now that students are back in town for the school year. The beers were great. I love NEIPA but lately I've tried to find lighter, low alcohol ones. This place has the perfect brew on tap with only 1.5% ABV. "Active Lifestyles" is going to be my new go-to when I want that hazy IPA. I also loved the Italian Pilsner called "Rental Shoes". Sometimes a craft Pilsner just tastes like a domestic canned beer to me but not this one. It was unique, refreshing, and crisp. The staff was super friendly and ready to educate us on each beer they had on tap. There was plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors with lots of activities to do, including spike ball, corn hole, shuffle board, and fire pits. We live about 45 minutes away so we hope their beers begin to show up on our local store shelves in the future. read more