The non-alcoholic beer market in New York has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences regarding their drinking habits. As alcohol consumption among younger populations has decreased, non-alcoholic beer options are becoming more widely available and popular across the city.
Demand from New York City’s diverse and trend-conscious population has led to a surge in the accessibility and the variety of non-alcoholic beers. From local craft breweries to major beverage companies, the market is responding with an expanding array of alcohol-free beer options like IPAs, pilseners, wheat beers, and more.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer in New York
Consumer trends in New York and worldwide are increasingly favoring non-alcoholic beer. Marketwatch, which covers topics in the spirits, wine, and beer markets, reported that sales of non-alcoholic beers sold in chain grocery stores rose by 30% in 2023 and called the non-alcoholic category “a boom in the making.” Major brands like Sam Adams, Budweiser, Lagunitas, and Michelob have launched their own NA alternatives while watching the sales of their alcoholic tentpole cans struggle to match that growth. Meanwhile, a few independent craft brewers, such as Good Time Brewing, are making their name brewing only non-alcoholic beer in NYC.
Factors Driving the Popularity of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beer may seem like it appeared overnight, but its rapid growth reflects a few trends and consumer habits that have been percolating for years.
Better For the Long Run
Increased education on the physical and mental health impact of overconsumption of alcohol is a major factor driving the popularity of non-alcoholic beer in New York. While alcohol in moderation does not present significant health risks, some people are deciding to cut back or stop drinking entirely particularly for physical or mental health reasons. But much of our social culture, especially in a city with a bar scene like New York’s, revolves around drinking. Non-alcoholic beers provide a way to enjoy the taste and experience of drinking beer while avoiding alcohol. Sober or not, Good Times are for everyone.
Diverse Flavor Options
The non-alcoholic beer category was once confined to flavorless, watery lagers, but innovations in brewing technology have led to a significant improvement in the flavor profiles of non-alcoholic beers. The variety of non-alcoholic beer now available means that consumers can find high-quality options in a variety of styles that suit their individual tastes, making these beverages more appealing and satisfying than ever before.
Social Acceptance
As younger generations report consuming less alcohol overall, social acceptance of non-alcoholic options has grown. It is easier now for people to choose these beverages in social settings without feeling out of place than it was for older generations who, when surveyed, consistently reported higher consumption levels. This shift is contributing to a more inclusive drinking culture where non-alcoholic options are embraced, and the decision not to partake isn’t as remarkable.
Increased Availability in NYC Restaurants
Non-alcoholic beer options in NYC restaurants and bars are becoming more prevalent as establishments recognize the growing demand for these beverages. The increased availability means that consumers have more options to choose from the many non-alcoholic drink varieties when dining out, further driving the popularity of this category. Some trendy spots, like Hekate and Getaway, now only serve non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic beers, providing all the social and cultural experience of NYC bar culture in an environment where patrons don’t feel pressured to drink.
Best Spots in New York to Buy and Enjoy Non-Alcoholic Beer
Non-alcoholic beer is available all over NYC – and so is Good Time Brewing. There are alcohol-free beer options in NYC restaurants like Balthazar and neighborhood groceries like Key Food Supermarket in Hudson Heights. Whether you want to sit down with your friends for a pub sesh or take a six-pack home after a long day, there are plenty of ways to buy and enjoy non-alcoholic beer in whatever way suits you.
Here’s our list of the best spots in New York City to have a Good Time:
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Minetta Tavern: A joint so historic that it has a Wikipedia page. Enjoy a Good Time IPA amid the classic downtown vibes of Macdougal Street. The speakeasy turned French bistro used to be the favorite haunt of NYC writers– notably Ernest Hemingway, who described his writing process as “write drunk, edit sober.” He must have been drinking Good Time while editing.
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The Hoptimist: What drives NYC beer culture? The amazing craft beer brewed across New York State. In the Upper West Side, The Hoptimist is the destination bar for the best craft beer from the Empire State– and Good Time IPA, a New York brewed non-alcoholic beer, is proud to be a part of that selection! Now you can debate the finer points of upstate vs downstate breweries without getting tongue-tied.
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Sweet Afton: Sweet Afton isn’t like other Irish pubs– it’s a cool Irish pub, where the greenest things on the menu are the avocado toast and Good Time IPA cans. At night, settle in for great craft beer, artfully made cocktails, and “Astoria’s best burger.” You can always alternate your regular beers for non-alcoholic beers to make sure you feel fresh to enjoy their amazing brunch the next morning.
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Minus Moonshine - Dry Drinks + Potions: Dry liquor stores are on the rise, and Minus Moonshine is Brooklyn’s best shop for all non-alcoholic libations. In addition to NA spirits and wines, their non-alcoholic beer offerings are unparalleled across the borough. This is the perfect spot to stop by for a six-pack of Good Time IPA to bring home or to a hangout with friends.
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Rolo’s: The new American bistro that is a favorite spot of “The Bear” lead Jeremy Allen White has helped make Ridgewood into a foodie destination. Rolo’s puts a lot of care into their food menu, and just as much goes into selecting their alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Dinner reservations at Rolo’s are a hot commodity– but a non-alcoholic Good Time IPA is the perfect accompaniment to their brunch menu, which is a tad more accessible without booking in advance.
Use our bar and restaurant locator to find Good Time non-alcoholic beer for sale near you. If you don’t see any options close to you, don’t worry: we are expanding to new areas, and offer shipping to most states in the USA.