April 7th is National Beer Day, and if you’re looking to indulge in some festivities, you’re in luck. The Montclair + North Jersey area is bustling with breweries offering 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 North 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 you are bound to find something for everyone here. There is frequently live music performed in the taproom.
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.
Read More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
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 Haze Boiz, Lager Heads, Sour Sallies, and gluten-free options, you will find something you love here for sure. The space is dog-friendly, so even Fido can join in on the fun.
Four City Brewing Company | 55 S 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 citrus-forward IPAs to rich, toasty stouts, and from crisp cream ales to spicy Saisons, everything is delicious. Four City Brewing Company is dedicated to providing the quality craft beer that discerning beer drinkers have come to expect.
Ghost Hawk Brewing Company | 321 River Road, 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 you’d want in a brewery. You can also find Ghost Hawk beer canned locally, plenty of North Jersey bars and restaurants carry the team’s brews.
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 you visit, there are always new beers on tap for you 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.
Newark Local Beer | 538 Broad Street, Newark
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As avid beer enthusiasts, this husband-wife duo had a passion for making their own beer and decided to do a backyard renovation that included a brewing shed and pub. The brewery has several IPAs on top and hosts events regularly.
NJ Beer Co. | 4201 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen
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New Jersey Beer Co. started with brewing just three delicious year-round beers — it now produces a variety of unique and seasonal beers all year round. There are eight craft beers that are far from your typical Bud Light. From the Blood Orange India Pale Ale to the Hudson Pale Ale, there is a brew for everyone on this menu.
Pilsener Haus | 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
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The outdoor Biergarten is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends. Pilsner Haus offers over 20 premium drafts in addition to 50 European and American craft beers. Be sure to order the famous warm Bavarian pretzels served with whole-grain mustard and Liptauer cheese.
Pier 13 | 1301 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken
While we’re still a few weeks out from Pier 13’s seasonal opening, we’d be remiss not to mention this Hoboken gem. The Pier has arguably the best views of NYC and equally great vibes. It’s not only dog-friendly but family-friendly too. This Hoboken spot offers over 20 refreshing and locally sourced beers from Hoboken Brewery to Brooklyn Brewery. Some of the more unique beers that are offered are the Sloop Juicy Bomb and the Abita Strawberry Lager.
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City + 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Another rooftop that offers craft beers and all the pizza, Porta is not your average beer hall. It is another place in Jersey City where you can drink outside with friends while enjoying a cold one. It has delicious food from cacio e pepe pizza to pasta and meatballs. The rooftop is a fun spot to hang with friends on a sunny day.
See More: Your Guide to Breweries + Outdoor Beer Gardens in Hudson County
Smorgasbar | 3 2nd Street, Jersey City
Smorgasbar is located on the waterfront of Jersey City, offering a variety of food, drinks, and games. Choose from a plethora of craft beer, and a full cocktail bar where sangria, frozen drinks, and ciders are available. The space is dog-friendly and frequently has pop-up musical performances.
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
Zeppelin Hall is an authentic European-style Biergarten. It is a huge restaurant with both indoor and outdoor spaces that offers a ton of craft beer options from Hofbrau Munich Lager to classic IPAs. The locale has over 15 Belgian-style beers and you can also get wine and spiked seltzers. This venue is dog-friendly, and kid-friendly on weekends.
