Queue Beer

- 500 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Welcome to Queue Beer, a standout destination for craft beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike, nestled right in the vibrant crossroads of Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens and Gowanus neighborhoods. In a city known for its diverse and constantly evolving beer scene, Queue Beer has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot, building on a decade of experience from its sister establishment, the nationally acclaimed Carmine Street Beers in Manhattan. This is more than just a bar; it is a community hub and a true celebration of New York City's rich craft beer culture.

Queue Beer’s mission is simple: to bring the very best and freshest brews from America's top breweries—and beyond—to a cozy, welcoming corner of Brooklyn. The establishment proudly operates with a deep-seated passion for quality, curating a selection that caters to everyone from the seasoned 'hop-head' to those just starting their craft beer journey. Owned by Shane, whose expertise and enthusiasm for craft beer are frequently highlighted in customer reviews, the bar is noted for its knowledgeable, friendly staff and its genuinely communal atmosphere. The name itself is a playful nod to the legendary lines that often form nearby for special beer releases, embodying the fun, community-driven spirit of the industry they champion.

The ambiance at Queue Beer is often described as cozy, casual, and trendy, blending an appealing industrial vibe with an inviting comfort that makes patrons feel right at home. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the city, to meet up with a group of friends, or simply to enjoy a solitary, perfectly poured pint while watching a game. As an establishment that identifies as Asian-owned, Queue Beer adds another layer of diversity to Brooklyn’s rich tapestry of local businesses, further cementing its role as an inclusive and essential neighborhood fixture.

For any New Yorker seeking an exceptional beer-drinking experience characterized by a curated, top-tier selection and authentic community spirit, Queue Beer is poised to become your new local favorite. The emphasis here is on quality, variety, and an educational, enjoyable service experience.

Location and Accessibility

Queue Beer is strategically located at 500 Smith St in Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA. This location places it right on the border of Carroll Gardens and Gowanus, an area known for its burgeoning creative and culinary scene. For those traveling via public transit, the bar is highly convenient, situated just a one-minute walk from the Smith-Ninth Streets subway station, serving the F and G lines. This proximity to a major transit hub makes it an easy trip from many parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

The bar's location is particularly noteworthy for craft beer enthusiasts, as it is situated literally around the corner from the original location of the world-renowned Other Half Brewing Company, making it an ideal spot to stop before or after a brewery visit.

In terms of accessibility, Queue Beer ensures a comfortable experience for all patrons:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available.
• The facility includes a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

For drivers, the area offers the benefit of free street parking, a considerable amenity in this part of Brooklyn. The overall atmosphere is geared toward creating a relaxed environment for a local crowd, yet it remains trendy enough to attract visitors from across the boroughs, solidifying its status as a significant hub in the NYC beer community.

Services Offered

Queue Beer offers a focused set of services designed to maximize the enjoyment of their beverage offerings, which are centered around one of the most extensive and well-curated craft beer menus in New York City.

• Dine-in / Seating: Patrons are invited to enjoy the full bar experience within the casual, cozy, and comfortable seating environment, perfect for groups and locals looking to hang out.
• Takeout: The bar offers a selection of its extensive can and bottle inventory for takeout. This allows customers to bring rare finds and personal favorites home, often at a discounted price below the on-site cost.
• Full Beverage Program: While the focus is heavily on beer, the bar provides a diverse menu to accommodate all tastes, including wine, ciders, and a selection of eclectic neat liquors such as bourbon, rum, and tequila.
• Expert Staff Service: The team, led by owner Shane, is consistently praised for being knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about craft beer, offering guidance on the rotating menu and ensuring fast, attentive service.
• Payments: For convenience, Queue Beer accepts a wide range of modern payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay).
• Sports Viewings: The bar occasionally uses a movie screen and projector for special sporting events, adding a great element of entertainment to the experience.
• Food Policy: While the bar does not offer an in-house food menu, patrons are welcome to order food, such as pizza, to be delivered directly to the bar to enjoy with their drinks.

Features / Highlights

The core of Queue Beer's appeal lies in its dedication to a world-class beverage selection and its commitment to community, making it a distinct and celebrated spot in the Brooklyn beer landscape.

• Extensive, Rotating Craft Beer Selection: The venue features an impressive list of 24 rotating taps and over 80 cans, showcasing an exceptional variety from top national and international breweries, including highly sought-after names like Hill Farmstead, Trillium, Fidens, and more. This ensures a fresh and new adventure with every visit.
• The Signature 'Canal Champagne': A truly unique offering, Canal Champagne elevates a classic American lager (Miller High Life) using a traditional Czech-style Lukr faucet. This special pour technique creates a dense, creamy foam that enhances the beer's flavor and texture—a must-try specialty that has become a local tradition. A portion of the proceeds from this house specialty is donated to the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, blending a great drink with a good deed for the neighborhood.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Customers consistently highlight the excellent service, noting the staff’s expertise in guiding them through the diverse menu, making both novices and connoisseurs feel comfortable exploring new styles.
• Proximity to Other Major Beer Destinations: The bar's location is a significant perk for beer tourists, as it is just steps away from Other Half Brewing, positioning it perfectly within a cluster of Gowanus/Carroll Gardens breweries and craft beer destinations.
• Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The vibe is explicitly designed to be comfortable and inviting—a "cozy corner" where the focus is on enjoying great beer in great company, whether with friends or the friendly local crowd.
• Asian-Owned Business: The establishment proudly identifies as Asian-owned, contributing to the diverse ownership landscape of New York City's small businesses.
• Commitment to Community and Art: Beyond the beer, Queue Beer engages with the local community through collaborations (like the Basmati Rice Lager celebrating Indian heritage) and support for local organizations (like the Gowanus Canal Conservancy), with its signature drinks often featuring custom artwork from local illustrators.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or for general inquiries, you can reach Queue Beer via the following contact points:

• Address: 500 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA
• Phone: (347) 599-2224

Current Operating Hours: (Note: Please check the bar’s official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they are subject to change.)

• Monday - Wednesday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What is worth choosing Queue Beer?

For New Yorkers—and anyone visiting the city's craft beer hot spots—Queue Beer is an essential choice for several compelling reasons that elevate it above the standard bar experience. The decision to visit Queue Beer is a choice for quality, community, and an unparalleled selection.

Firstly, the Great Beer Selection is non-negotiable. With 24 taps and an 80+ can list constantly rotating, this is a sanctuary for those who value freshness and variety. The selection is consistently high-quality, featuring rare and sought-after brews from the best producers across the country, as noted by customer reviews calling it a "brilliant craft beer bar with an extensive selection." If you are on a beer pilgrimage in New York City, or simply crave the freshest IPA or a perfectly balanced lager, the curation here is top-tier and a definitive draw. The experience is educational, with knowledgeable staff ready to discuss beer history and flavor profiles.

Secondly, the unique offering of Canal Champagne is a signature experience. It’s a talking point—taking an ordinary classic and transforming it into an extraordinary, silky-smooth pour using specialist Czech equipment (the LUKR faucet). It's a testament to the bar's dedication to quality in every glass, no matter the beer style, and the charitable component supporting the Gowanus Canal Conservancy gives your pint a purpose. As one visitor noted, trying the Canal Champagne was a highlight of their NYC trip.

Thirdly, the Atmosphere and Service create a truly inviting environment. In a city where bar experiences can often feel rushed or impersonal, Queue Beer offers a cozy, casual, and friendly retreat. The staff, including owner Shane, are repeatedly praised for their dedication, knowledge, and quick service. The bar excels at fostering a community feeling, making it a perfect spot for groups and a cherished local haunt. It’s an easy-going space where you can "unwind after a long day" and feel like you've "come home."

Finally, its prime Brooklyn location right next to major breweries like Other Half and its accessibility via the Smith-Ninth Street subway station make it incredibly convenient. Whether you're making a day of brewery hopping or just need a reliable, high-quality local bar, Queue Beer is perfectly situated to be your central craft beer destination in the Gowanus/Carroll Gardens area. Choosing Queue Beer means opting for a premier New York beer experience—a perfect blend of world-class selection, expert service, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.

Queue Beer

500 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA