Where to Drink in Beacon, New York
Less than two hours north of New York City up the Hudson River Valley, Beacon benefits from its proximity to the metropolis while maintaining its small town charm, with a population that hovers right around 15,000. Bar industry veteran Lynnette Marrero, co-creator of the philanthropic Speed Rack competition and bar director for forthcoming NYC spot Milly’s, has witnessed the local drinks scene evolve firsthand, calling Beacon her part-time residence since 2007, and full-time home for the past five years.
“When a local beer bar called The Hop opened in 2012, things started to change. It really opened the local scene to craft, even evolving to have a small cocktail menu, which I created for the bar,” Marrero says. “More and more industry professionals moved here from other urban areas, bringing with them the craft trends from those markets.” Today, visitors can find local wines and spirits, Japanese-inspired dive bars, and still plenty of craft beer—all without leaving Main Street. “The drinks scene in Beacon has blossomed into a vibrant and diverse experience, mirroring the town’s artsy and eclectic vibe,” says Marrero.
Paul Brady Wine
The dual space at Paul Brady Wine puts the spotlight on beverages of the Empire State. The retail shop sells exclusively New York–made wine, cider, beer, spirits, and zero-proof offerings, while the minimalist bar pours local and neighboring wines to highlight the modern viticulture of the Northeast, along with beer, cider, and cocktails. Opened by sommelier and former New York Wines ambassador Paul Brady in 2022 (with partner Kels Nollenberger), the shop also offers Brady’s own line of wines, produced in collaboration with winemakers like Todd Cavallo of Wild Arc Farm and Ben Riccardi of Osmote in the Finger Lakes. With an atmosphere both sophisticated and relaxed, Marrero notes, “this is sort of the locals’ ‘living room,’ drawing Beacon’s hospitality community together for food, wine, and plenty of camaraderie.
Hudson Valley Brewery
“Hudson Valley Brewery perfectly captures Beacon’s creative and laid-back vibe,” says Marrero of the craft-beer destination. Brewing since 2017, the brewery opened its taproom in a beautifully restored historic mill building in 2023. The rotating lineup of traditionally inspired modern brews includes sour farmhouse ales made solely with New York ingredients—like “Natalie” with wildflower honey and chamomile, or “Kinds of Light” with Cabernet Franc grape skins—as well as fruit-forward sour IPAs and creative lagers. “The brewery is a perfect pit stop after exploring art museum Dia: Beacon or strolling Main Street,” says Marrero. “Don’t be surprised if you leave with a few cans to take home—these beers are worth savoring again and again!”
Hudson Valley Brewery; photo by Patrick Capriglione. | Paul Brady Wine; photo by Meghan Spiro.
Quinn’s
“Known for its laid-back atmosphere, affordable drinks, live music, and a quirky ambiance, Quinn’s is a cultural hotspot with dive bar charm,” says Marrero. However, atypical to standard dive bar offerings, Quinn’s stocks more than a dozen sakes, spirits like shochu and plum wines, and a trim but respectable list of Japanese whisky. Complementing the drinks is a menu of Japanese snacks ranging from ramen and donburi to kimchee hot dogs and purple sweet potato fries. “The intimate layout is perfect for catching up with friends or settling in for a live music set,” Marrero says. “They often host experimental and jazz performances, making it a hub for Beacon’s creative community.”
Draught Industries
Demonstrating their devotion to a perfectly poured pint, Draught Industries is one of only a handful of bars in the country to use the lauded Flux Capacitor tap system, which allows precise control overpressure and temperature on each individual beer. “They are Beacon’s go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts, with an impressive rotating selection of beers on tap, featuring everything from local Hudson Valley brews to rare and sought-after releases from around the country,” says Marrero. But casual drinkers need not feel excluded, as the bar also serves up craft cocktails, ciders, and wine in a laid-back environment with a substantial Mexico-inspired menu. And when you’re ready to start your craft beer journey? “The knowledgeable staff is passionate about beer and always happy to recommend something new or guide you through the tap list,” Marrero says.
The Roosevelt
Located in the Hudson Valley Food Hall, which opened on Main Street in 2019, The Roosevelt takes its name from the historic theater that originally occupied the space. Continuing to pay homage to locality, the bar’s menu of creative cocktails highlights New York state spirits like Black Dirt Bourbon and Albany Distilling’s vodka, such as in the It’s a Living cocktail (vodka, Aperol, aloe liqueur, passion fruit, and lemon). “It’s part of a food court featuring six other vendors, so there are plenty of options for snacks and meals to pair with your drinks,” says Marrero. Swing by on Thursdays for their weekly “oysters with Dad” evenings, and check the calendar for regular DJ sets and drag shows.
The Wild: Kitchen & Bar
A brand-new sister concept from the Kitchen + Coffee team, The Wild opens this spring and puts its emphasis on the latter half of the day, with an eclectic, seasonal menu sourced from Titusville Farm. “It might not sound like the kind of place for a serious cocktail, but Jessica Gonzalez, an alum of Death & Co and the NoMad in NYC, is heading up the bar program,” says Marrero. “With her roots in the craft cocktail world, Jessica is now creating something different.” The program will put just as much emphasis on spirit-free options as it does on cocktails, and other offerings like cider, wine, and beer. “This will be a beverage program that balances indulgence and wellness, tradition and innovation,” explains Gonzalez, the food and beverage director and general manager. “I want our guests to feel good about what they are drinking.”
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