The reward after the tour
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FX Matt Brewing Co Saranac

4.6
·94 reviews·Utica, United States

Explore NY's brewing heritage at FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac, home to Utica Club & Saranac beers. Enjoy tours, a beer garden & great food!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere with live music

CrowdHigh
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The reward after the tour

FX Matt Brewing Co Saranac

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere with live music

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore NY's brewing heritage at FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac, home to Utica Club & Saranac beers. Enjoy tours, a beer garden & great food!

4.6
(94 reviews)

"The tour with Tom was really great! He was very knowledgeable and made it a lot of fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the 45-minute tour. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the brewery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Brewery Tour

The Brewery Tour

Brewery Floor

Discover the history and brewing process of iconic NY beers like Saranac and Utica Club. Engaging guides make it fun!

Saranac Beer Garden & Kitchen

Saranac Beer Garden & Kitchen

Outdoor Beer Garden

Enjoy a wide selection of Saranac beers and delicious food in a lively outdoor setting, often with live music.

Historic Gift Shop

Historic Gift Shop

Gift Shop

Find unique Saranac merchandise, including classic Utica Club beer steins and fun new designs.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Brewery Tour in Advance

Tours at FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac are popular and can fill up, especially during peak seasons. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider the VIP tour for an extended experience with cellar tastings.

Accessibility and What to Expect

While the building is beautiful, the brewery tour is not wheelchair accessible. Be prepared for a 45-minute tour that covers the brewing process. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the facility. The gift shop offers unique merchandise, including classic beer steins.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere with live music
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

This is the closest beer I can find for us Matts

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the 45-minute tour. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the brewery. Reddit

reddit.com

What is your recommendation for the best brewery tour and why?

reddit.com

Looking for some help! I am a start up company based in New York.

🍺 Taste the History

Learn about the legacy of Utica Club and Saranac beers. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy the Beer Garden

The outdoor beer garden offers great food and a wide selection of beers, perfect for a summer afternoon. Reddit

reddit.com

My Upstate NY friends, what are some must-try breweries along this route?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the 45-minute tour. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the brewery. Reddit

🍺 Taste the History

Learn about the legacy of Utica Club and Saranac beers. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy the Beer Garden

The outdoor beer garden offers great food and a wide selection of beers, perfect for a summer afternoon. Reddit

🚫 Not Wheelchair Accessible

Be aware that the brewery tour is not wheelchair accessible. Plan accordingly if mobility is a concern. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(94 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the engaging and informative brewery tours, with guides like Tom receiving special commendation for their passion and knowledge. The beautiful historic building and the lively outdoor beer garden with good food and music are also significant draws. While the tour's lack of wheelchair accessibility is a noted drawback, the overall experience is described as a fun and worthwhile visit celebrating New York's brewing heritage.

"The tour is wonderful, but sad to see that the trolley ride is of no more. Tom, the tour guide was great, very funny and a lot of information was given. Tour was about 45 minutes, tastings in the cellar for VIP tours, and a beer or soda at the end. NOT wheelchair accessible. Friendly staff in restaurant and bar. Great merchandise, everything is clean, absolutely beautiful building. Had a great time!"

Suzanne .Y

"We took the tour with Tom and it was really great! He was very knowledgeable about the facility and the whole process from grain to packaging. Highly recommend!! Thanks Tom!"

Wendy Becker

"We did the brewery tour while visiting Utica. I’m originally from there and it’s been awhile since we’ve visited and did the tour.
Our tour guide Tom was super informative and made the tour a lot of fun. You could tell that he really enjoyed his job. He is to be commended for his 13 years of service and still delivering it with extreme passion. Thank you Tom for making this so special."

Bernie Devins

What People Like

Engaging brewery tours
Knowledgeable guides
Beautiful historic building

What People Dislike

Not wheelchair accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac is located in Utica, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those delivering or picking up, check in at the door up the small stairs. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the brewery. Truckers delivering cans should check in at the door up the small stairs for the designated dock. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices have increased since COVID, now ranging from $5 to $20. It's recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, booking your brewery tour in advance is highly recommended, as tours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reddit

The standard tour lasts about 45 minutes and covers the brewing process. VIP tours include tastings in the cellar, and all tours conclude with a beer or soda. Reddit

Yes, there are standard tours and VIP tours. VIP tours offer additional cellar tastings, providing a more in-depth experience. Reddit

Unfortunately, the brewery tour is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this limitation. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The brewery tour typically lasts around 45 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of the brewing process. Reddit

You'll learn about the history of the brewery and the entire process from grain to packaging. Guides like Tom are known for their engaging and informative tours. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase Saranac merchandise, including classic beer steins and other unique items. Reddit

Yes, they have a great outdoor beer garden that is particularly enjoyable during the summer months, often featuring live music. Reddit

Yes, the brewery has a kitchen that serves good food, complementing the beer garden experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining

The brewery has a kitchen that offers a selection of good food, perfect for pairing with their beers, especially in the beer garden. Reddit

Absolutely! The beer garden is the perfect place to sample a variety of Saranac beers. VIP tours also include cellar tastings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While not explicitly stated, visitors generally take photos during tours. The historic building and brewing equipment offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

The beautiful historic building, the brewing equipment, and the outdoor beer garden are all excellent spots for photography. Don't forget to capture the unique merchandise in the gift shop! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the brewery tour itself is not ideal for very young children due to its duration and non-accessibility, families can still enjoy the FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac experience. The outdoor beer garden offers a more relaxed environment where families can gather. The kitchen provides food options, and the lively atmosphere with potential live music can be engaging. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out fun souvenirs. Just be mindful of the tour's accessibility limitations if planning to participate in that specific activity. Reddit

🍻 Beer Enthusiasts

For dedicated beer enthusiasts, FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac offers a rich historical and brewing experience. The tours provide in-depth knowledge about the brewing process and the legacy of brands like Utica Club and Saranac. The opportunity to taste a variety of Saranac beers, especially in the beer garden or during VIP cellar tastings, is a major highlight. Guides are praised for their expertise, making the educational aspect of the visit highly rewarding. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of FX Matt Brewing Co.

FX Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, NY, is a testament to enduring American brewing tradition. Originally founded in 1888, it's a family-owned brewery that has successfully navigated changing times while preserving its heritage. They are renowned for keeping the historic Utica Club brand alive and well, a true symbol of New York's brewing past. Alongside Utica Club, they produce the popular Saranac line of beers, showcasing both their commitment to tradition and their ability to innovate.

Visitors often praise the brewery's beautiful building and the passion of its staff, particularly tour guides like Tom, who has been sharing his knowledge for over 13 years. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the brewing process, from raw ingredients to the final packaged product. This deep dive into their history and operations makes the experience more than just a tasting; it's an educational journey into American brewing history. Reddit

Experiencing the Saranac Beer Garden

The outdoor beer garden at FX Matt Brewing Co. Saranac has become a major draw, especially during warmer months. It's a vibrant space where visitors can relax and enjoy a wide array of Saranac beers. The atmosphere is often enhanced by live music, creating a festive environment perfect for socializing and soaking in the local culture.

Complementing the extensive beer selection is a kitchen serving up good food, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal or a longer afternoon outing. Reviews highlight the welcoming staff and the overall enjoyable experience of dining and drinking al fresco. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the fruits of the brewery's labor in a lively, community-focused setting. Reddit

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