New York Beer Project

I could have lived with the over seasoned sauce dips of the pretzel appetizer we had or the assumption by the server that we weren’t going to want dessert, but what really topped it off was the raw burger I was served. I showed the server, he apologized and then took it back. Once everyone else at my table had finished their burgers, mine was finally returned to me BUT it was the SAME patty with a new top half of the bun! Yep– with my bite taken out of it and everything and now over cooked… Gross!
The bartender was watching TV instead of tending to her 3 guests at the bar whose drinks were almost empty.
The beer was alright. Again, over powering flavor, like their appetizer dips. I had the Lockport Lager and tasted their Buckwheat.
P. S. Stop calling your nacho cheese dip, «Queso»…
Won’t be coming back. I’d rather make the drive out to the Barker Brewery for good food and beer. Trust me, Im sad this place turned out to be this bad, it could have been great!

The restaurant was very busy when we arrived there at 2:30 PM. They said it would be a 20 minute wait. This was my first time there, so we took a little tour of the place. We actually waited less than 15 minutes. The ambience was rustic New York City, very intestine with all the beer making equipment in full view. The patrons all seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere and the food. Our server was very accommodating and explained some of the selections we asked about. The appetizer was delicious and my lunch of crab and lobster cakes were very good too. My companion had a salad with rotisserie chicken that she said was delicious and minus the avocado like she requested. Unfortunately I’m not a beer drinker, and of course that is what this place is all about. They have a full bar, so you can get whatever you like. Their menu has a lot of different items on it and I will defiantly return to try more of them. Try this place if you are looking for a good time with a great menu.

My husband and I went here with another couple for Friday night dinner. Going in, we really wanted to like this place because Lockport has so few choices. We got there early, a little after 5, in an effort to beat the crowds. First thing we were hit with was a wall of noise. It is the noisiest restaurant/​bar I have ever been in. We were seated in about 20 minutes.
We all ordered drinks including «the bottom of the barrel» which, according to the menu, was an $ 8 (the price was not on the menu) concoction of root beer and rum topped with whip cream and crushed root beer candy and served in a root beer barrel glass. What was actually served was a teeny tiny small glass of root beer and rum. Nothing special and certainly not deserving of a place on the menu under «Specialty Cocktails». Only after we questioned the waitress why this sad little drink wasn’t at all like the description did she offer an explanation:“We’re out of whip cream.” Apparently they were out of root beer candy and root beer barrel glasses as well. The drink would have been easily twice the size if served in the proper glass as well. But we were charged full price.
My husband and I ordered the East Village Nachos for an appetizer and New Yorker salads. We asked the waitress for no guacamole and no beans on the nachos. She asked us what kind of meat we wanted. When I said that it wasn’t on the menu she said «they left a lot off the menu but I’ll help you through» and so we opted for chicken. We got the nachos and they had beans and guacamole so we sent it back. The second time they came the guacamole and beans were off but so was the chicken so we just settled for that because we didn’t want to wait. The salads came true to order. It’s worth mentioning that you could feed a family of 5 from the size of the salad bowls.
My husband ordered a second Lockport Lager beer and was brought a different kind so we had to send that back.
To wrap things up, we asked in the beginning for 2 separate checks which the waitress kindly agreed to do. When we got our checks they weren’t correctly split and we had to finangle that between ourselves. On the way out I made a quick stop in the ladies room. No toilet paper. A common occurrence and no big deal but just frosting on the cake.
Just an odd little note, we sat in a booth and the table was way too high. It came up to mid-​chest. Weird and uncomfortable but no big deal.
These problems, coupled with very average, expensive food and an atmosphere so loud you had no choice but to yell at the person next to you if you wanted to say something, are the reasons we will not be going back.

This place is better than the reviews make it out to be.
A friend and I waned to try this place out since we both love beer. Got here around 5pm, just before the place started to fill up and were quickly seated. Our server Ben was pretty prompt and I started the afternoon with a Lockport Lager and my buddy had a Nitro tap Coffee Milk Stout. The turn around time on the drinks was short, only a couple of minutes. They promote the Lockport Lager as a Czech pilsner, so the only think I can compare it to is Pilsner Urquell. It was a little more hoppy than Urquell and not nearly as crisp.
With our drinks we ordered food. My friend ordered the The Flat Iron, a no frills burger and I tried the Breakfast at Tiffany’s, both medium. At the same time we put in for a round of the Nitro tap Coffee Milk Stout, which hit the table just as we were finishing our last round. The Nitro tap Coffee Milk Stout was extremely smooth, like a creamy chocolate milkshake. I could drink it all day.
The food time was not to bad considering the place was really starting to fill up. My Breakfast at Tiffany’s Burger American cheese, bacon, arugula, tomato, hot sauce with a fried egg on top. The burger was amazing! The beef was done perfectly and the toppings were properly portioned. This place loses one star because the hot sauce get to be too much. After ¾ of the was though the burger it builds up on the tongue and it’s all you can taste.
Our server had perfect timing because just as we were finishing up the our round, he was right there to see what we wanted next. For desert I had the Train of Thought, an amber and my buddy had the Lockport Lager. The train was ok, I knew it was a hoppy amber when I ordered it and it tasted like it should, but it’s not my preferred beer. My friend came to the same conclusion about the Lockport, good but not what Urquell had taught us what a pilsner should taste like.
I will be going to New York Beer Project again. Our server was great as there was never a point where we didn’t have a beer. I really want to try the Breakfast burger sans hot sauce.

I want to start off admitting that this won’t be a popular review because everyone wants to like a nice, new brewery.
Coworker and I ordered two flat iron burgers. We both ordered them medium-​well. Both came out as chard (albeit hand formed) hockey pucks.
The French fries were good. The beers were good… and most of the food we saw running around us looked good. The service was nice and good (at the bar). We both aren’t the type to send stuff back, nor wait for a refire on lunch break… but if the cooks can’t even get a burger right?!
Cooking a medium-​well burger too much and not having pink is one thing. Cooking it till its burnt and hard as a hockey puck on a day where it’s not busy is kind of a joke.
I’m sad about this. Niagara County needs more breweries with good food (there’s only one other one, I believe).
NYBP needs to get organized and consistent. Opening without your own brews had me scratching my head… so I would’ve thought that now that they have really LAUNCHED, would’ve worked out the food kinks.
Made right, I’d imagine this burger and beer could’ve yielded a 4 star review… but so badly burnt. Had pizza here before and it was good. So 2 stars. Maybe 3^rd time will up the score.

We came in on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. We opted to go into the tap room where we could be seated right away, only thing was that it was a limited menu. That was fine with me, I wanted to try their beer and some of their food. We had no idea if we should just sit anywhere or if someone would seat us, had to ask someone.
Once we found a place to sit we weren’t sure if we should place our order at the bar or if there are servers. My husband went up to the bar and asked and they said they had servers. So he came back to the table and we sat and we waited and waited and waited. We seen one girl running food out to a table, never to make eye contact with us. Frustrated my husband went to the bar where he waited and waited for service there. He managed to get a flight of their beers and order food at the bar. They need to explain to people that that is what needs to be done if that’s how you get served.
We tried a flight of their beers the winter warmer was good. If you like hoppy beers the destination IPA is for you. The Lockport lager is ok. The coffee milk stout was not to my liking. The food we had was meh, we had the nachos, pretzels and antonitos. None of which I would return for. The pretzels were good but dipping sauces were nothing to write home about. Overall a very confusing and frustrating experience. Prob won’t be back.

Love this place. It’s very new so I’ve lowered my standards a little. I have been here several times and have never had to wait. They are very accommodating and the staff is so friendly. I finally got to taste their beer last night. It is finally on tap! The winter warmer was delish!
The food is always very good but not outstanding. They use quality ingredients yet something seems to be lacking. Seasoning?
They still need to work out a few things but I have had a great experience every time I have visited.

I have very mixed feelings about the NYPB. Let’s start with the good… The space is huge, boasting three separate areas for your enjoyment. The first area is the dining room, which also has the main bar. Super tall ceilings, nice lights and plenty of seating. The second area is the small bar in back. This area has picnic style tables as well as some stand ups. In this area you can also view the brewing tanks. Lastly, my favorite area is the upstairs. In the upstairs the crowds are smaller and you can play cornhole, giant connect 4 and giant Jenga. Overall the vibe here is really nice. Even though it is noisy, when I’ve been in there, it never seems overwhelming. When I’ve been the bathrooms have also been clean. This be a great place to host a big party. The location is great as well. Now for the not so good. The service when we have been has been a little flaky in the dining room, but they’ve also been very busy. For the tables themselves, you can expect to hit your legs on the way out, they were poorly designed. Where my biggest disappointment lies is in the food. The food, when it’s been properly cooked, has been delicious. The issue is, both times I’ve been there I’ve had to send food back for being burned. I’m not a picky person, a little over cooked might slide… But I am talking burned black. The first time this happen it was with an order of pretzel sticks, so it was clearly visible and they sent it out anyway. The second time, it was with a burger. With the burger I can see why it may not have been as noticeable to the waitress, but it was still one step away from being charcoal. On the second visit, the manager was apologetic and did try to make things right. My hope for this place is that they are able to get their kitchen staff to put out consistent food, make their wait staff a little more attentive and if they stay as busy, provide more parking. This is a new restaurant and I’m sure they’re going to have growing pains. This place has huge potential and I will go back for drinks and for food, just not in the near future.

I love the atmosphere, gorgeous place. I’ve only had a burger there… great.
And the hot pepper cakes outstanding. I’m hoping they put them on the regular menu.
They do have to work on the service there. A lot !!! Nice kids… but they really need some training. I did have one girl that was really good though.

I had high hopes for this place but was ultimately let down. In time, however, I believe that NYBP is going to be awesome.
Pros: The building is gorgeous. They went to great lengths to make it aesthetically pleasing. A rustic look with a modern twist — very cool. The place is also huge! I don’t even know how many tables and spots at the bar there were, but it was a lot!
Cons: I go easy on restaurants when they’re new because there are growing pains. It’s difficult to judge staffing and supplies, among the many other factors. But there were a couple things that really bothered me, mainly the service.
The service was pretty awful. They were busy and the servers were running around like crazy. Customers understand that service might be slower, but it’s not an invitation to be rude. Our server routinely rushed us through her interactions with us. Food and drink was dropped off and she was gone and didn’t check back for a good 20 minutes. When she did come back, she spilled a beer on the table. No big deal, it happens, and it was not a problem. The issue was her attitude. Barely an «I’m sorry» or an effort to make things right. She didn’t comp the beer, which isn’t expected, but it would have been nice considering a lot of it landed in my wife’s lap.
The next downside was the food. We ordered an array of apps. None of them were memorable.
I do think that this place has huge potential. It’s in a great spot and is in a gorgeous building. When the brewery takes off and the staff/​kitchen get it together, it will be great. I’m excited to update this review with more stars!

This was definitely a wonderful experience.
The atmosphere and ambiance is industrial with brick walls, stunning wood/​iron tables, and Edison bulb lighting. The soft glow of the lightening completes a good steampunk setting.
The host was nice and pleasant to speak with. He took our names and pointed out the bar and game room upstairs. We stayed preoccupied until our table was ready. Personally I am accustomed to waiting 30+ minutes with reservations at almost all good restaurants in Buffalo and Rochester thus not bothered by it.
Our server Chris was wonderful. He made many good recommendations. My water glass and wine glass stayed full, as well as clean silverware and napkins.
The food here was amazing. As per Chris’s recommendation, I started with a house salad. It was wonderful with an amazing house vinaigrette. For my meal I had the lobster cake and crab cake that came with a side of quinoa and sweet potatoes. It was delicious! The restaurant actually used real lobster and crab which is very rare. My partner had the burger with pulled pork, cheddar, and slaw with a side of house cut fries. The burger was a colossal entity unto itself with great flavor.
For dessert, we shared a skillet chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and pecans. It was exquisite.
On top of it all the pricing was fair.
I will definitely visit again and recommend NYBB to everyone.

I was so excited to try this place when I was home for the holidays! I had heard to expect a long wait and so-​so service since it was brand new.
The restaurant was very spacious and has two floors and two bars on the first floor. I liked the décor and ambiance.
I experienced the exact opposite! When we arrived they told us it would be a two and a half hour wait so we found a spot at the bar and ordered a drink and the salsa appetizer. We barely waited 20 minutes and they said our table was ready! I guess they had an opening and they asked us if we would like to be seated earlier than the anticipated wait. The answer was, of course!
I was so excited to not have to wait that long because I was very hungry.
The service was also excellent. Our waitress (I believe her name was Amanda?) was so helpful and very attentive. My expectations were exceeded based off of what I heard and the stereotype that services takes a few months to develop.
I tried the loganberry beer which was very tasty. I also tried the apple pie drink and a drink that was similar to a white Russian. All so good and the prices were very reasonable.
I ordered the Hell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese and that was awesome. Very tasty and filling. I got to take home leftovers to each which was exciting because who doesn’t like to eat leftovers? It means a day you don’t have to cook!
I’m excited to visit here when I am back in town over the summer because their brewery will be open by then. Great new place!

This place is getting 3 stars right now because of their beer selection.
New York Beer project is something i would expect to have TONS of options for beers, that is not the case right now. We came in on a Saturday night and it was super busy but this place is HUGE so i couldn’t imagine it being hard to move around in, thankfully when i walked in i was right. There is so much space here!
The first time i noticed was the décor, tall lights and ceiling, brick everywhere, TONS of tables and a large bar area that drags into another area of the restaurant.
I didn’t explore any other parts of this building other than the area when you first walk in but i was still impressed.
Honestly there were only about 10 – 12 beer options on draft, SUPER disappointing, isn’t this a beer place?!
Not only was i disappointed in the draft selection but it will FOREVER for me to get a beer, probably a sold 10 – 12 mins and i was right at the front of the bar.
They do offer a cocktail list with all local distilled liquors in them, they all sounded very good. I had their White Russian that had black squirrel liquor in it, super yummy!
We did take a look at the menu, wish i would have taken a photo of it, but it looked FANTASTIC. We did have an order or the pretzel because another friend of mine was raving about them. they were huge, warm and delicious!
We will definitely come here for dinner soon and give this place another shot. I did hear they are going to be getting more beers soon and i did see a «grand opening» event page on social media so I’m hoping when we visit next time there will be more of a selection.

My first visit to this new spot happened to be the busiest bar scene day of the year and fresh upon opening, so I felt it was important to make another trip out before giving an official Unilocal review.
During that first visit there was quite a wait, which was to be expected and at least one appetizer joined the table well beyond over done (pretzels). The wait between visits however, stayed true to some of those characteristics despite having some time to settle from the grand opening. Seemingly, thus far, I was off on the assumption that kinks would be worked out.
This second visit, waited half an hour to be seated, which was fine, we went upstairs and played some games! However, the meal once ordered took quite some time to make its way to us. My pizza was tasty, would definitely order it again, however my husband (whom I am sure will write all about it) ordered a medium well burger and had charcoal in its place.
Where on earth does this sound like a four star Unilocal review, you might be asking? Well, in light of the long wait for food my husband decided to sauce up that burger and begrudgingly ate the entire thing. What he did do however, was alert the waitress to the blackened rock. Soon after, the manager came to the table, accepted and even thanked my husband for the feedback. We also shared the first burning experience with him. He offered to bring additional food our way, or drinks, and went even further, taking the meal off the bill. He did not have to do this and I genuinely believe that he will follow up with the cook with hopes to continue working on consistent service all the way around. For this, I give the restaurant a four. The waitress remained very sympathetic as well, and service stepped up once the food arrived. One unique thing she did to add to that star rating, once we were finished she also asked if she could bring more drinks. Never happens.
We will continue to give this place a shot I am sure. The atmosphere remains loud but comforting, with good food when prepared as ordered and friendly staff!

This review only reflects the ambiance right now as I have not yet tried the food or their own beer, which will be available in mid-​January. In the meantime NYBP is offering local brews until their production kicks in.
What a stunning place the NYBP is! The theme here is 1930s/​1940s Grand Central station and this influence can be seen throughout this beautiful building — from photographs on the walls to street signs and retro chandeliers. There’s no other local brewery that has put this amount of detail into everything. Even the tables and chairs incorporate some sort of early century machinery into their designs.
There are 4 main areas to NYBP. The restaurant, the main bar, the beer garden, and the upstairs banquet hall. The beer garden provides a similar vibe to what can be found at Resurgence Brewing — a nice bar, party games, and long tables within a large open space overlooking the brewery operation. This is a very relaxing place to enjoy a beer.
The main bar is huge and adjacent to the restaurant. This is the area the especially reminds of Grand Central with it’s chandelier directly overhead which appears to be a near exact replica of the one in NYC.
The restaurant area is spacious and relaxing, and, although adjacent to the bar, manages to separate itself appropriately to enjoy dinner.
Service-​wise the bartenders were prompt, friendly, and very familiar with the beer on tap.
I look forward to making a return trip to try the food and the own beer.

This place is huge. There two section. One side is more like a restaurant and got huge bar. There a smaller section with bars and tables that look more like a brewery. Also notice there up stair loft that you can go up. and played pool. More like a game room. There menu seem more like pizza and burger. I share a six slices pizza. The crust was good but pizza sauce didnt have much a taste to it. I have a cup of chicken that serve in a tiny cup and three spoon full of your chowder its gone. The soup was good and tasty. January 20 they will started serve there own craft beer. This place is good for large group. I will come back for there beer and tried there hamburger.

So I want to love this place. It’s a great addition (in theory) to the area. It’s cute inside, has a cool vibe, etc. However, the service is horrendous. Been here twice, each time have waited over an hour for the food. This was followed by excuses from the server about the kitchen.
The first time, everything about our order was wrong. For example, water w/​o ice has ice; salad w/​o dressing is swimming in in dressing; food is cold. This time, we were told that they «ran out» of mac & cheese and the wait was bc they had to «run out and get more».
Moreover, it’s not just us. The two rows of tables and booths all have no food. Everyone is annoyed.
NYBP — seriously get your act and timing together around food service. I know we won’t be back for a LONG time. Don’t have hours to spend waiting for food, listening to manager apologize to every table, waitresses on pins & needles from upset patrons. Ugh.
Good luck.

Drinks weren’t that great.
Food was alright.
Wouldn’t go here again for either of the two, but the atmosphere is great.

This was our first experience at New York Beer Project. We were there around 230 on a Saturday afternoon. The food was pretty good, and any special requests that we had were completed. It was apparent that they were still working out the kinks, as our meal for five took over two hours.
The building is beautiful, and they did a wonderful job decorating it. There are lots of large TVs, with a variety of sports on. They have a very large bar, with lots of seating. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the easiest place to take the kids in our group. There are not any changing tables in the bathroom, and the seating is low with high tables, making it difficult for the older child to eat at the table.
I ordered a burger, and it was good. It came with cheese, mushrooms, onions, and a pub sauce. It wasn’t overly sauced which was good for me, but if you like lots of sauce, I recommend asking for extra. It came with the choice of fries or macaroni salad. The portions were fair, and our overall bill was less than I expected.

Beautiful space and welcoming service, but not quite the whole package (yet). I’m looking forward to returning and updating my review.
NYBP stands out from a half mile away; we were drawn in on opening week! While waiting for a table we grabbed a beer at the back bar and checked out the upstairs space. Both are perfect, no complaints. Fast and friendly bar staff with fair prices. The «Project’s» vibe is set by its lighting. They know it is good and they highlight it, down to the lightbulb salt & pepper shakers.
I’ll keep my complaints brief. The food wasn’t great. There is no problem with having a big menu if everything is on point, but that’s not the case here yet.
They (a Beer Project) also opened without their own beers, which I just don’t understand. Perhaps jumping the gun by a couple months?
We’ll be back in 2016 because I can see myself stopping in for a game, with family, or for work. Hopefully the kinks will be worked out.