Compare an Upper West Side Craft Beer Taproom and a 10-Seat Beer Shop Bar

Craft + Carry at 466 Amsterdam Avenue is an Upper West Side bottle shop and taproom with a wide craft beer selection, ciders, arcade games and certified beertenders. Staff host in-person tasting sessions, and the open, accessible layout keeps a welcoming tone even when sports games pack the room. Cans are sold to take home, though some visitors find to-go pricing higher than nearby options, and bulk orders cover events and offices. It opens at 12:00 PM daily and holds a 4.6 rating from 168 reviews.

Vinyl Beer at 1491 Lexington Ave Store N is an intimate 10-seat Upper East Side beer shop and bar. Rotating drafts share the counter with a select list of Japanese whiskies and a small selection of mezcals, and glass-door fridges hold craft beers for individual purchase. American snacks are on hand. The same team runs the wine store next door, and the shop is dog-friendly. Visitors praise the curated beer list and friendly service. It holds a 4.8 rating from 79 reviews.

Both spots let you drink on site or carry beer home, on very different scales. Craft + Carry is the roomy option, with arcade games, tastings, sports crowds and late hours until 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. Vinyl Beer is a cozy ten-seat counter with rotating drafts, Japanese whiskies and a neighborhood feel. Choose Craft + Carry for a group or a game, and Vinyl Beer for a quiet pint with a dog in tow. Vinyl Beer opens at 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday.