April 7th is National Beer Day, and if looking to indulge in some festivities, you’re in luck. The Montclair + Northern New Jersey area is bustling with breweries providing creative takes on the ancient art of brewing. While all of the breweries on this list have indoor seating available, it’s the outdoor seating that sets them apart. From Montclair to Jersey City, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor breweries in the Northern New Jersey area to try this season.
902 Brewing Company | 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
902 Brewing Company started its journey right from an apartment in Hoboken and has evolved into a large warehouse in Jersey City since. It serves up a ton of beers. The menu is extensive, and customers are bound to find something for everyone here.
Read More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
Alementary Brewing Co. | 58 Voorhis Lane, Hackensack
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Located in Hackensack, Alementary Brewing Co. features an outdoor area and serves up a variety of delicious brews. The beer menu here includes German Ale, American Lager, Imperial Stout, and Baltic Porter, among other options.
Bolero Snort Brewery + Tasting Room | 316 20th Street, Carlstadt
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Although this brewing company was founded back in 2013, Bolero Snort officially opened its doors to Bergen County in 2019. Located in the heart of the Meadowlands, this spot features a 30-barrel American-made brewhouse, and a spacious and welcoming public tasting room — as well as an outdoor area with tables. Customers can enjoy brews like an Imperial Rainbow Sherbert Sour, Pale Ale, and Euro Lager, among many other options.
Cricket Hill Brewing Co. | 24 Kulick Road, Fairfield
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Established in 2001, Cricket Hill is one of the original craft breweries in New Jersey. This microbrewery serves up year-round and seasonal beers with a taproom and tours available for guests that feature tastings. Reservations are not required and the venue touts its kid-friendly vibes. Its outdoor beer garden opens on a seasonal basis, weather permitting. Outdoor seating is a first-come, first-serve circumstance.
Czig Meister Brewing | Main Street Czig Parking Lot, Behind Dollar General, 106 Valentine Street Brewery 100, Hackettstown
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As another dog-friendly and family-friendly establishment, Czig Meister Brewing Company is a historic gem in Hackettstown, New Jersey. It was originally built around 1900 as a carriage house during Hackettstown’s Flourishing horse-drawn carriage industry. Now, it operates as a craft brewery with a German-style outdoor Biergarten.
Departed Soles Brewery | 150 Bay Street #2A, Jersey City
Departed Soles opened its doors in Jersey City in 2015 and has been serving locals top-notch brews ever since. From GoodbIPA, Southward Ale, Brut Tang Can, and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. There is limited outdoor seating so plan accordingly. The space is dog-friendly, so even Fido can join in on the fun.
Diamond Spring Brewing Company | 50 Broadway, Denville
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Located in the heart of Downtown Denville, Diamond Spring Brewing Company is a newer spot with a large outdoor area in the front that gives customers views of Broadway. The brewery is a 1960s service station transformed into a chill downtown taproom, and features brews like Lakeside IPA, The Duke Pale Ale, Diamond Spring American Lager, and Island Hibiscus Blueberry Blonde Ale, among other options.
Five Dimes Brewery | 247 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
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Nestled in Westwood, New Jersey, Five Dimes Brewery is a craft brewery with a rooftop. There is also a bonus for dog-owners out there, the rooftop is pet-friendly so there’s no need for Fido to be left out. Five Dimes Brewery also has a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) policy and customers are welcome to order from a variety of local restaurants in the area.
Four City Brewing Company | 55 South Essex Avenue, City of Orange
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The team has spent the last ten years perfecting recipes that are exciting, innovative, and most importantly, delicious. From Brü Berry Sour Ale to Tartufo Stout, everything is delicious. Four City Brewing Company is dedicated to providing the quality craft beer that discerning beer drinkers have come to expect. Outdoor seating is available when the weather gets warmer. Its outdoor setup is set along the front sidewalk with barrels and stools placed outside.
Ghost Hawk Brewing Company | 321 River Road #6, Clifton
Born from a passion for delicious beer, Ghost Hawk Brewing Company is the first-ever craft brewery in Passaic County. The brewery welcomes both kids and pets. With an incredibly friendly staff, feel-good music, and tasty beers, Ghost Hawk is everything one looks for in a brewery. Outdoor seating is only available once the weather gets warmer outside — a tent and tables are placed outside.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Run by a husband and wife duo, Denise Ford Sawadogo and Leopold ‘Leo’ Sawadogo have turned their passion for brewing into a wildly successful business. No matter when customers visit, there are always new beers on tap to try at Montclair Brewery. The brewery has won several awards and frequently comes up with seasonal or special-ingredient brews, in addition to fan favorites.
NJ Beer Co. | 4201 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen
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New Jersey Beer Co. started by brewing just three delicious year-round beers — it produces a variety of unique and seasonal beers all year round. From the Strawberry Lemonade Sour to Peanut Butter and Chocolate Porter, there is a brew for everyone on this menu.
See More: Your Guide to Breweries + Outdoor Beer Gardens in Hudson County
Woodbridge Brewing Co. | 33 Main Street, Woodbridge
This microbrewery is nestled in the heart of Woodbridge Township. The spot makes home-brewed beers and serves up hearty fare like ribs and burgers. Woodbridge Brewing Co. is situated inside a historic building and has a rooftop deck outdoor space to enjoy all of its drink selections as well as food.
