A destination-worthy Brooklyn brewery with exceptional, experimental beer and a lively rooftop, but expect beer-led pricing, occasional service friction, noise, and pizza that divides opinion.
Grimm Artisanal Ales excels with strong beer expertise and an appealing taproom setting that draws loyal regulars and visiting beer enthusiasts to its Williamsburg rooftop. Pizza execution and food consistency prevent a higher grade, with some guests praising the pies while others report inconsistent quality, and premium pricing limits broader appeal beyond dedicated craft beer fans.
Grimm Artisanal Ales is a beer-first Williamsburg destination with a handsome, multi-level taproom, rooftop seating, and an energetic social pulse. Reviewers describe it as a neighborhood staple and a place worth traveling for, with staff who are often warm and impressively fluent in the beer list. The clearest recurring mood is relaxed enthusiasm: "a laid-back hang" where new releases, good company, and the brewery cat can turn a quick drink into an afternoon. The kitchen plays a supporting but meaningful role, serving New Haven-style pizza and bar snacks that pair naturally with the beer. White pies, hot pepperoni, and inventive clam-and-bacon combinations receive enthusiastic praise, while one detailed diner found the pizza burned and undersized; availability has also been uneven. The drinks are the main event, especially for IPA, sour, stout, and experimental-beer fans, with wine and non-alcoholic options making the group dynamic easier. Families are welcome according to the venue and several reviewers, but this is still a lively brewery rather than a dedicated family restaurant. Kids may find pizza, salad, pickles, and snacks, yet the beer-led atmosphere, weekend noise, and occasional crowding are better suited to an early visit or an event where casual movement is expected.
Area vibe: Trendy, creative Brooklyn neighborhood with a strong nightlife and artisanal food and drink scene.
Safety: Generally safe and busy at night with good lighting and active foot traffic on main corridors.
What's nearby: Near McCarren Park, subway lines (L at Bedford Av), independent bars, breweries, and restaurant clusters along Metropolitan and Bedford avenues.
The white pie, hot pepperoni, and clam-and-bacon pizzas are standout choices, though availability and execution can be inconsistent.
Plan for a lively, potentially crowded weekend visit and prices that rise quickly when you add beer to the food.
Grimm combines a stylish multi-level taproom and rooftop with an energetic weekend scene that can become loud and crowded.