Awesome. Stumbled on this place. Bear is an awesome dude, amazing service, and great beer choices. Highly recommend and killer local brews. Great vibes and dogs welcome, always a plus Check it out! read more

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Their burger is so special , juiciest pate that I ever have , Great Happy Hour Deal. Burger + Draft = $12 + $3 fries , Mon- SAT is Plus ! Friendly stuff, dog friendly cozy outside table , they let us try from the tap ! 2023.07 read more

The Hoptimist - Happy Hour Special - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

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The restaurant was relatively small the drinks were great. The bartenders were nice and attentive.there was a cute dog. The food was great. I liked it, I liked it. read more

For those in the UWS, fear not. There are so many great beer watering holes. The Hoptimist is one of our neighborhood favorites! You can bring your baby and people watch with a beer, meet up with friends for a lazy weekend afternoon. Lots of great NY beer options. It can get busy over the weekends and would recommend coming here with a smaller party given the limited seating. read more

This small, quant, beer bar is decent enough for a stop, not memorable enough to return. The beer selection is decent, but not overwhelmingly exciting. The outdoor seating is nice. I would pass entirely on the food. We got the grilled cheese, by recommendation of the bar tender, and the cauliflower bites. The grilled cheese was rather tasteless, burnt and overall, as a recommendation, not great. The cauliflower bites were well battered and fried, but rather than tossed in hot sauce, served with a side of less than desirable tasting hot sauce. Overall, there's many other food options in the immediate area. read more

The Hoptimist - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a very very small place. There was a huge dog in here. Blocking everything. I couldn't get to the counter to order without running into it. People and management need to mindful of those with allergies, and especially the health code, as there was obviously dander ALL OVER THE PLACE, and I totally couldn't breathe. The person behind the counter thought nothing if it, nor the dog owner, since I looked right at them regarding this. It's just really rude. Mind you, I love dogs and animals in general. There is a code for a reason. People who are allergic are sick with respiratory ailments for days/weeks. Really ridiculous. read more

Great little spot for a variety of beer. You can either enjoy there or pick up some cans to go. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable if you end up having a hard time figuring out where to start or go in terms of what they have. Highly recommend a nice flight of a variety of beers first time you're there to get the most out of it. Pick 1-2 you like and then let the staff help you fill in the rest depending on your mood. It's a fairly tiny spot but definitely an enjoyable vibe. A lot of their beers on tap rotate so stop in to see what's new/currently available. read more

The Hoptimist - Beer Flight - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

Decided to pop in here last night because I wanted fries and a drink. It's a cute, cozy, bar. They serve a countless number of beers and small bites. I got the Native, which was their only cider on the menu. I personally don't really like alcohol, but the cider was not bad. It reminded me of beer, but I just prefer sweet drinks if I'm going to drink something. I also ordered the fries which were pretty good and my friend devoured his mac n cheese. Update: had to comeback and retract my statement. They said that the mac n cheese did not sit well the next morning... hahaha I haven't even gotten to the best part... THIS IS A DOG BAR! Like come on now! The best of both worlds. read more

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I walked in here on 1/24/2025 around 3:30pm to check out their very limited selection, I didn't even open the refrigerator door since I didn't see anything I wanted and as I was walking out I was aggressively stopped by the woman behind the bar that yelled "excuse me sir excuse me sir what do you have in your pocket" I then pulled out a beer that I just bought from the near by craft + carry store that they don't even sell at this location, not only did I feel embarrassed but the bartender did this with a full bar adding to my embarrassment. I honestly felt singled out being the only person of color at the establishment at the time. I will never return or recommend this profiling establishment. read more

The Hoptimist - Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

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This is the best brew shop for beer heads on the Upper West Side and the community watering hole your social life has been missing. With a draft pour list that's brilliantly curated and constantly rotating, serving exclusively beers brewed in New York, this place benefits from close relationships with local breweries to serve the best beers. You can stay in the loop for beer events and tap takeovers, or bug a certain patron for their homebrews. IYKYK. But the community keeps people coming back. It's not a noisy party bar like the rest of the bars on this block, and plenty of people come here for a quiet beer on their laptops, but the Hoptimist's funny and whip-smart bartenders have kept people coming back and building relationships. If you're showing up for your first time and seem sociable, expect to maybe get pulled into the ongoing discourse. If you show up two days in a row, watch how many of the same people you see again, popping in for a quick beer and to say hi. read more

A very low key, relaxed tap room to enjoy some uncommon beers in a relatively quiet setting. They do flights for a reasonable price, and are happy to chat with you while you sip. It's a refreshing change from the loud, crowded bars along the same street. Special shout out to Bear behind the counter was an incredible bartender who was both super knowledgable and super friendly. read more

Yet ANOTHER great beer hang on the UWS. From BEER RUN to CRAFT & CARRY.... And now THE HOPTIMIST Loving the knoched up local beer on tap vibe!! Great hang, killer nice staff:) I'll be back very soon read more

Okay so the drinks are a little pricey but if you want a bar where you can really talk then this is it. They have a great variety of craft beers that you can either buy to bring home or drink there. I've brought some pretty strong beers and I love the area it's near. The bartenders are great too read more

UWS neighborhood gem with knowledgable and friendly bar staff. Warm and welcoming atmosphere and you can bring your dog! Rotating selection of beers from NY State with a great variety of styles. Hannah and Bear are the best. Love the smashburger with fries + pilsner special -- gotta be one of the best deals in Manhattan. read more

Wonderful place that lets you bring your Dog inside. Great selection of beer and many weekly specials. Would come back read more

The Hoptimist - Beer flight - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

Great place for a beer! Plenty of local beers on tap. Nice service. Grab a sandwich nearby and come have a beer or two!

This spot is hands-down my favorite place in the neighborhood - it's my local Cheers! The beer selection is incredible, with something for everyone, and the vibes are amazing. It's not just about the drinks - or the tasty food - it's the community of people! Every time I walk in, I either run into good friends from the bar or I strike up a conversation with someone new. They've got jazz nights, D&D game nights, and of course, the cutest dogs you'll ever meet. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stay for "just one more" (and then another). There's nowhere else I'd rather spend most of my nights in New York! read more

No frills beer bar on the West Side doling out mostly local brews. Saturday early evening, despite the limited amount of seating, was able to snag a table and head up to the bar to get drinks. Decent sized draft list ranging between $7-10 depending on type/size as well as several fridges of cans in the back. Tried both the "Where Are Your Friends Tonight?" ($7 for 10oz) from Alewife and "Wet Gravity" ($9 can with corkage fee) from Foreign Objects. Both good NY beers and not too bad of a price point considering the area. No food to speak of as far as I see, but they didn't mind we brought in some cookies to chow on. Like the vibe overall so a good stopover in the neighborhood. read more

The Hoptimist - Beer - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

Beer lovers- REJOICE! All I wanted in manhattan for 2 days was a New York beer. It's amazing how a city that is such a melting pot, didn't have local beers at the local eating joints we went to. Then, after a long morning of Central Park walking, we stopped by to get a New York beer after eating pizza because I was told The Hoptimist have an array of New York beer! ONLY New York beers. Talk about tying local. Then we entered and met Austin, who is super friendly and knowledgeable. Didn't judge me for wanting a beer with two kids in tow on Halloween day at 1:30 in the afternoon. They got candy too because Hoptimist was participating and so I was able to drink my beer in peace! The array of IPAs here are an expanse. If I could, I would've had 3 beers today. Let me start with- I live in NC, the beerland of judgmental beer-loving folks. The beers that Austin curates are OUTSTANDING. The bar is eclectic, he let me taste beers but of course the one he recommended was the best so we got ourselves a pint. I'd totally keep coming here to grab a nice cold one and make new friends if I were a local. On the happy ending note, Austin gave us adults a can of beer 'adult trick-or-treaters' read more

The Hoptimist - Beautiful IPA - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

Great selection of beer! So many options to try from their fridge, quite a number on tap too but the cans are where I feel this place shines! Small place so good for a handful of people, not a lot of standing room otherwise but there are a few tables and could easily get packed. They offer food but I think the kitchen is a place next door, didn't try the food to speak to it more. Service was great though! read more

Top notch beer bar on the UWS. They source everything locally and have a map of all NYC breweries on the way! It's a hot local spot with the friendliest patrons and bartenders. Highly recommended. It's very dog friendly too! The biggest plus. read more

Boring / snobby staff. Laughable brew selection on tap... only six beers and just two were IPA's. Don't waste your time at this ridiculous place read more

Great vibes from our beer tender. Really knew his stuff! Took multiple beers back to Las Vegas with us.

Service, food, ambiance, pups, and beer! What more do you want?! Come and make sure you say hi to Hannah! read more

The Hoptimist - Pils and Bock - Beer Bar Near Me - New York, New York

This place is an extension of many Upper West Siders' homes. All the bartenders know their beers, ciders, and regulars well, and they welcome newcomers just the same. The food is solid and comes out quickly from the kitchen next door. It's a small, cozy little bar and their selection of New York beers and ciders both on tap and in the fridges is unbeatable. Bonus: it's dog-friendly, so the pooch can come hang out while you have your pint! Can't recommend this place enough to anyone looking for a local bar that really feels local. read more

Nice spot to stop in at for a quick beer or a slower stay! They have a really nice variety of cans/bottles as well as what they have on their rotating tap. They also have dog night!!! read more

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It's hard to find beer, that considered, it is worth the price. Staff are awesome, the vibe is cool. This is a "local beer" bar for people who like to try local craft beer. It's not a place to watch football and drink bud lights. All the beer in the back is available Togo and a little cheaper (buy 6 singles for a greater discount), and I recommend you at least stop in for a to-go. read more

A few days ago I stopped in at the Hoptimist for a beer. I was thinking it is a brewery, but it is actually a place where you can try a variety ( a large variety) of craft beer. The Hopimist has an incredible selection on tap and in cans. The tap person that was there on Saturday really knew the beers and could make recommendations. He was friendly and very enthusiast about the selection. The Hoptimist is small, but also has seating outside. The atmosphere is very cool, and worth a visit. Pricing is standard for craft brews. I highly recommend, and also encourage supporting this small outfit with a recommendation on Yelp. They deserve it!! read more

Great selections of beer and easy to find a table on a Saturday afternoon. There's also a few tables outside too. Unfortunately they don't have any food. I got their IPA and loved it. They also have sours, lagers and ales. read more

Quite possibly my new fav beer bar and a sign that the UWS has hope. Yayayay. Take over the tap. Brewery rotation. Good play list. Fun crowd. Come and support these guys! read more

This was a very friendly place with a great staff. They seem to have exclusively NY beers on tap, along with a nice selection of canned beers too. Definitely take their beer seriously. Drop in for a yummy NYC draft - Far From Land from Finback in Queens was excellent - and talk up beer with the staff. read more

Beers on tap are great. But the to go cans are ridiculously priced. $9 a can to go. I thought I was accidentally charged for the corkage fee when I reviewed my receipt. Beer Run and Oh Craft also have great beer selections and are much cheaper. read more

Great beer and friendly staff. It's nice to be able to order some small bites while you drink. Food is well priced for the amount you get.

This place is AMAZING! Good beer place and amazing appetizers/food (good with the beer) and really welcoming staff (love Austin)! Definitely check it out and enjoy the beer selection! read more

Best beer bar around the UWS - always fresh beer, great selection, ordering at the bar couldn't be easier, very dog friendly, tables outside, highly recommend read more

I'm giving it a 4 only because the food is pretty basic bar fare. BUT, the beer selection, vibe and staff are reason enough to check it out. We loved the beer shop that was in this spot pre-pandemic, glad that a similar place moved in. read more