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Varick Street Brewery District

4.5
·253 reviews·Utica, United States

Historic Saranac Brewery offering tours, delicious food, and lively summer concerts in Utica, NY.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Concert series & outdoor vibes

CrowdHigh
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copper kettles

Varick Street Brewery District

Best Time

Summer evenings

Concert series & outdoor vibes

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Saranac Brewery offering tours, delicious food, and lively summer concerts in Utica, NY.

4.5
(253 reviews)

"Absolutely the best tater tots I’ve ever had, and the service was wonderful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🍻 Sample Flights

Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint.

🎶 Check Concert Schedule

If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saranac Brewery Tour

Saranac Brewery Tour

Brewery

Explore the historic brewery founded in 1888 and learn about Saranac beer production. A must-do for beer enthusiasts!

Iconic Tater Tots

Iconic Tater Tots

Restaurant

Experience the 'best tater tots' and incredible mozzarella sticks, praised by visitors for their deliciousness.

Summer Concerts

Summer Concerts

Outdoor Venue

Enjoy live music in a vibrant summer atmosphere with good security and friendly staff.

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Planning Your Visit

Brewery Tour Value

The brewery tour is $20 per person, which some find expensive. Consider if the insights and 'cool stuff' are worth the cost for your budget. Flights are a good alternative for sampling.

Summer Concert Series

This spot is a popular summer concert venue. Expect good security and staff, but be aware that crowds can sometimes be immature. The surrounding area has become a bit shadier over time.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Concert series & outdoor vibes
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less crowded brewery tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍻 Sample Flights

Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint. Reddit

🎶 Check Concert Schedule

If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds. Reddit

🛍️ Don't Miss Swag

The gift shop offers nice merchandise. Grab some souvenirs to remember your visit! Reddit

🍔 Simple but Tasty Menu

The restaurant menu is simple but fantastic, with highly recommended burgers. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍻 Sample Flights

Get a flight to try various Saranac beers at the source. A great way to taste without committing to a full pint. Reddit

🎶 Check Concert Schedule

If visiting in summer, see if there's a concert. It's a highlight, but expect larger crowds. Reddit

🛍️ Don't Miss Swag

The gift shop offers nice merchandise. Grab some souvenirs to remember your visit! Reddit

🍔 Simple but Tasty Menu

The restaurant menu is simple but fantastic, with highly recommended burgers. Reddit

🌟 Amazing Service

Staff like Isaiah, Cal, and Emma are praised for being sweet, quick, efficient, and helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(253 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the delicious food, especially the tater tots and mozzarella sticks, and highlight the friendly and efficient service from staff members. The historic brewery tour and the vibrant summer concert series are also significant draws. However, some find the brewery tour to be a bit pricey, and there are occasional comments about the immaturity of concert crowds and the changing nature of the surrounding area.

"Always a good time, been to this music venue 4x. Good policing, security, staff, and place to be in the summer for concert series! Crowds can be a little immature and surroundings have gotten a little more shady in the past 5 years"

Review Squad 11

"Beautiful beautiful interior. Absolutely the best tater tots I’ve ever had. The Mozzarella sticks were also incredible. Came here just to stop in and see what it looked like and so happy we stayed for a quick drink/snack! We also had wonderful service. Our server, Isaiah, was incredibly sweet, quick, and efficient! I am so beyond satisfied. He was attentive, recommended food and was damn right about the suggestions, and made sure we left smiling."

Stacey A

"We did the tour. It was amazing. Tom was a great tour guide"

Doug Meadows at David Douglas

What People Like

Delicious tater tots & mozzarella sticks
Friendly and efficient service
Historic brewery tour

What People Dislike

Expensive brewery tour
Immature concert crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Varick Street Brewery District is located in Utica, NY. Driving is the most common way to access it, with parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so check local transit schedules if relying on buses or trains. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available at the brewery. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially if attending a summer concert, as lots can fill up quickly. Reddit

The district is relatively compact, making it walkable. If you're visiting for a concert or just to enjoy the atmosphere, walking between the brewery and nearby areas is easy. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The brewery tour is priced at $20 per person. Some visitors find this to be on the expensive side for a brewery tour. Reddit

It's recommended to check the brewery's official website or call ahead to inquire about booking requirements for tours, especially during peak seasons or for larger groups. Reddit

As it involves alcohol production, there are typically age restrictions for brewery tours. Visitors are usually required to be of legal drinking age to participate fully, though policies may vary. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the gift shop and restaurant without taking the brewery tour. Many visitors stop in for a meal or drinks and to browse the merchandise. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially for the restaurant and shop versus the tour times. It's best to check the official Varick Street Brewery District website for the most up-to-date hours of operation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant offers a simple but fantastic menu, with burgers being a standout item. They also serve incredible appetizers like tater tots and mozzarella sticks. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan dishes isn't widely detailed in reviews, but it's always worth asking the staff for current offerings. Reddit

Visitors rave about the tater tots and mozzarella sticks, calling them some of the best they've ever had. The burgers are also highly recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Getting a flight is a popular way to sample the wide range of Saranac beers brewed on-site. Reddit

While it's a brewery, the restaurant atmosphere is generally pleasant, and families often visit. However, be mindful of the overall vibe, especially during concert nights. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The interior of the historic brewery offers great architectural shots. The outdoor concert venue can also provide dynamic photo opportunities during events. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed during brewery tours, but it's always a good idea to confirm with your tour guide. Be mindful of any restricted areas. Reddit

The vintage brewing equipment and the Saranac branding throughout the facility offer unique visual elements. The gift shop also has branded items that make for fun photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families can enjoy a visit to the Varick Street Brewery District, particularly for its restaurant and the opportunity to see the historic brewery. The restaurant offers a simple menu with crowd-pleasing items like burgers and appetizers that kids usually enjoy. Reddit While the brewery tour might be less engaging for very young children due to its focus on brewing processes, older kids might find the history and machinery interesting. Reddit It's advisable to check the schedule for any events that might make the atmosphere too crowded or loud for younger children. Reddit

🍻 Beer Aficionados

For serious beer lovers, the Varick Street Brewery District is a must-visit. The chance to tour a brewery founded in 1888 and sample a wide array of Saranac beers directly from the source is a significant draw. Reddit Opting for a beer flight is highly recommended to experience the diversity of their offerings. Reddit Engaging with the knowledgeable staff can also provide deeper insights into the brewing techniques and history of the beers. Reddit

🎶 Music Lovers

If you're a fan of live music, timing your visit for the summer concert series is key. This is when the district truly comes alive with a festive outdoor atmosphere. Reddit Expect a good crowd and a lively vibe, with security and staff ensuring a generally well-managed event. Reddit Be prepared for larger numbers of people, especially on popular concert nights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Saranac Brewery Experience

The Varick Street Brewery District is home to the historic Saranac Brewery, founded in 1888. Visitors can embark on a brewery tour to explore the facilities and learn about the brewing process of their wide range of Saranac beers. While the tour is priced at $20 per person, many find the insights into the brewery's history and operations to be valuable. Reddit For those who prefer to sample without a full tour, ordering a beer flight is a popular choice, allowing you to taste various brews made right at the source. Reddit

Beyond the brewing, the district also features a restaurant and a gift shop. The restaurant is noted for its simple yet delicious menu, with standout items like burgers, tater tots, and mozzarella sticks receiving high praise. Reddit The gift shop offers a variety of Saranac-themed merchandise, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs. Reddit The overall atmosphere is described as pleasant, with friendly and helpful staff contributing to a positive visitor experience. Reddit

Summer Concerts and Atmosphere

During the summer months, the Varick Street Brewery District transforms into a popular music venue, hosting a concert series. These events are a significant draw, offering a vibrant outdoor atmosphere for enjoying live performances. Reddit Visitors consistently praise the good policing, security, and staff during these concerts, contributing to a safe and enjoyable environment. Reddit

However, it's worth noting that the crowds at concerts can sometimes be perceived as immature. Reddit Additionally, some long-time visitors have observed that the surrounding area has become a bit 'shadier' over the past five years. Reddit Despite these minor concerns, the summer concert series remains a highlight for many, offering a great opportunity to experience the district's lively side while enjoying a cold Utica Club or other Saranac brews. Reddit

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