I have been a frequent visitor of the pug since the days of the beginning and over my time as a consumer, client and advocate for the "craft"; I have seen many things and shared many beverages with friends and with friends I made in the process. From the days of when the Pug was the anchor tenant at the Genesee Street Mall and the covert operations that I partook in with the orange sunglasses as missions to the "escape rooms" were performed many times. To the times when a "mythical creature" would enter the establishment and destroy bottles of Firestone Walker because the devil gave his instructions. Those were the early stages of what was to become, as time passed the opportunity for a more sophisticated establishment and location was next on the agenda. With timeless dedication and artisanal craftsmanship, a constructed bar top was made with game forged divots to provide accuracy when glasses slide across the tabletop. Trust me I know, I had a miscommunication with Mike and slide an empty glass across the bar and we both watched in delight as the speed and straightness of it smashed and made a huge mess. I still think he charged me for the glass...lol Anyhow, the new place provided more space for hangout, taps, food service and retail purchases of products and became more of a steady downtown business for patrons of all types. The beer selection has been phenomenal since day one, introducing libations of all kinds to me and all the patrons. I have learned what I like (8% DIPAS) and which types are not my favorite. The pug also brought an array of food to pare with the beers on tap, that's what I was told, Brisket, Smoked Beef/Wings, Cheady Tots and Pizza or they were creations Mike made the night before and wanted to share aka experiments for the Food Truck. They have the cleanest facilities in Auburn as floors go, spending time on the floor by accident is a hobby of mine I know. I also have experienced the worst customer service from my "limited" time or the times when the party was going on but not for Jeff anymore...lol Those are two of the trademarks that the Thirsty Pug is known for, but there are many more that make this place. The camaraderie of the staff and customers is second to none, if you are a fan of craft beer and a good time, this is a place to checkout and then you might just become a regular who can never leave. read more

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Great little bottle store in the tiny strip mall building. There's a huge selection of bottles beers to pick from. There are only a few beers on tap here -- 9 when I last went. My favorite thing is that I can get a flight of all the beers, allowing me to try all the beers available. It was only $20-25 for the flight of 9 beers. These were the beers we got this time: Steuben 4.9% NY Pilsner Crooked stave - sour rose - 4.5% Oaked sour with blueberry raspberry Tilquin- Gueuze - 5.3% lambic Sloop - DDG Downunder bomb - 6.5% IPA Steuben - Pedersen Valley 6% IPA Foreign objects - Dreamtime Haruspex 8% DIPA Steuben Schwarzbier 4.9% - Black Lager High water - campfire stout 6.5% s'more stout Gun hill - barrel aged void of light 8.7% Our favs were foreign objects Dreamtime haruspex and high water campfire stout. I've been here a few times and the same guy usually works here. He's a quiet guy, not the friendliest, but not the worst. He seems like a pretty nice guy once you initiate conversation with him. Otherwise, he probably won't initiate conversation with you. I absolutely adore pugs so I was so excited that there was a pug themed beer place! I come back every time I visit Auburn. Maybe it's because of the pugs, maybe it's the beer. Either way, definitely a place to check out -- especially if you love pugs! Lots of great pug decor. read more

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The Thirsty Pug is a craft beer lover's paradise. I've been a fan since the strip mall days, but the new location is in the perfect spot to have the full bar feel, complete with high-top tables, and a cozy community nook. The draft list has something for everyone and is constantly rotating, so be sure to stop in often! Don't forget to check out the back, with beer available for purchase to take home; the selection is amazing, the beer is fresh and expertly curated for your drinking enjoyment. The owner, Mike is truly passionate about craft beer and local fare and always has great suggestions if you're having trouble making a selection! The bartenders are always super friendly and knowledgeable too! Don't forget to check out the food menu, the Pugtine (aka fancy poutine) is awesome, as is the rest of the regularly rotating menu! Hopefully you're lucky enough to catch a pickup game of trivia while you're in, or at least a seat outside or by the front window depending on the season for some top-notch people watching. Cheers in advance! read more

I frequently make trips to Auburn from Syracuse to visit some fine establishments out that way, and one place I always stop is Thirsty Pug, even if I don't need beer. There's always something new and delicious. Mike knows a lot about what's going on in the beer scene and specifically about distribution, and when there is a question or concern, goes out of his way to find the answer. You'll find the store nicely organized, they the 'Pug could certainly benefit from more space. On the upside of low space and limited inventory is that nothing sticks around for too long. The IPAs are always fresh and stored cold, and there were special lights installed so as to not skunk the hoppy beers. You won't find beer in mass quantities here (I don't think I've seen anything bigger than a six-pack), but this allows you to grab singles, a growler, taste a sample and so on, without being towered over by stacks of Founders All Day IPA 12-packs. He does the best with the space available. read more

Mike always has the most exceptional beers on tap and for sale. Mike and staff are all very knowledgeable of beers styles and brands. I have met a lot of great people here who continue to be friends from the old place to this new place. He has the cleanest floors in town but If he had free hot dogs it would be even better. read more

Fantastic beer shop. Not your typical beer store, and certainly not a typical bar. 6 taps for drinking, expertly curated bottle selection for purchase. What makes this place a true gem is the owner, who is a tremendous fount of beer knowledge. He is extremely down to earth, unpretentious, and clearly just wants to do what he can to get folks the best beer possible. Hard-working and passionate guy, and it shows. When I was there today we talked for a long while about all sorts of beer-related stuff ranging from beer styles, to new and upcoming breweries, to how folks get into beer and our palates and personal tastes change. Seriously, the guy is beer brilliant, likable, and I would imagine if he ever offered beer classes they'd be awesome. His shop is small but is expertly curated, so it certainly doesn't need to be any bigger. No mediocre beer to be found. He recently installed 6 taps and offered a nice variety across the 6 draft beers. I had Stone 2015 WootStout (lawwwd have mercy) and my friend had High Water Campfire Stout. If I remember correctly, he was also running a dunkelweizen, an IPA, and one or two from Jack's Abby that I can't remember? Draft beer is available in 4oz tasting glass, normal glass (12 or 16oz depending on the brew), or big'un. Bottle selection is separated by style and could be purchased in packs or by individual bottles, which was surprising. Looking through the shelves got my heartrate going like a kid in a candy store. Tucked away in a little unassuming mall sort of building, I walked past it on accident before my little brain realized that it was there right in front of me. Highly recommended for everyone. Beer geeks and wide-eyed craft beer newbies would both be happy here. read more

I love the Thirsty Pug. It's such a great addition to Auburn. Through the huge selection of craft brews and Mike's extensive knowledge, I've discovered so many new beers. There are so many different types of beers here, sold in both packs and singles you're sure to find something new each time. And now with 5 or 6 choice selections flowing on tap, I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Great selection of unique beers. They offer tastings with a small but fantastic variety. Must go! Knowledgeable staff!

Great place for hard to find craft brews, the owner is very knowledgeable about his inventory, and more than capable of making suggestions based on previous tastes. With the new capabilities to pour pints and fill growlers its a must visit location. read more