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Joe Wright

Jul 28 .

Walkable Breweries, Downtown Adventures and Lodging in Penn Yan, NY

Walkable Breweries & Downtown Adventures in Penn Yan, NY

While many Finger Lakes getaways involve a fair amount of driving between lakeside wineries and breweries, Penn Yan offers a refreshingly walkable option—perfect for those who’d rather leave the car behind. Tucked along the northern tip of Keuka Lake, this charming village has become a rising star destination for craft beer lovers, thanks to three breweries all located within a few blocks of each other.

Whether you’re in town for a long weekend or just passing through, Penn Yan makes it easy to sip, stroll, and explore—no designated driver required.


🍺 Three Breweries, One Strollable Loop

Laurentide Beer Company

📍 12 Maiden Lane
📞 (315) 694-7605

Set in a 200-year-old carriage house just behind the historic Laurentide Inn, this inviting brewery offers a well-curated lineup of beers brewed on-site—IPAs, lagers, sours, and stouts all rotate through its dozen taps. They also serve Finger Lakes wines and spirits from neighbors like Anthony Road Wine Company and Barrington Distillers.

✔ Elevated gastropub menu
✔ Patio
✔ Wine, cider & spirits available
✔ Overnight stays at the Laurentide Inn or above the brewery in a modern loft suite


Upstate Brewing Company – QKA Taproom

📍 130 Water St.
📞 (607) 292-2368

New in 2024, the QKA Taproom is a sleek outpost of Elmira’s Upstate Brewing, located alongside the Keuka Lake Outlet Canal Trail. With 10 rotating Upstate taps, this bright and modern space is steps from lodging, local shops, and waterfront views.

✔ Dog-friendly (inside & out)
✔ Cider & wine available
✔ Scenic canal-side seating

📍 Pro tip: Park behind Water Street Wine & Spirits and walk right in along the trail!


Lake Life Brewery

📍 111 Liberty St.
📞 (315) 694-7054

Another 2024 addition, Lake Life Brewery is locally owned by longtime Penn Yan residents and offers a cozy, community-driven taproom with wood-fired pizzas and a stellar variety of European-inspired ales. Expect styles like Czech pilsners, Irish reds, Belgian lagers, and hearty stouts, with rotating seasonal and experimental batches.

✔ Food menu with brick oven pizza
✔ On-site parking
✔ Patio seating
✔ Seltzers & ciders


🛏 Where to Stay: Lodging Within Walking Distance

Planning a beercation? According to Upstate Beer Tourist market research, 65% of beer travelers choose accommodations based on proximity to breweries. These Penn Yan stays put you just minutes from all three taprooms:


🍽 Where to Eat in Downtown Penn Yan

Casa Mezcal Reserva

📍 104 Liberty St. | (315) 924-3113
A vibrant Mexican restaurant with bold flavors and a deep mezcal list. Don’t miss their Combo Gordo, tacos al pastor, or craft margaritas.

The Wagner Restaurant

📍 124 E Elm St. | (315) 536-8062
A beloved local diner offering classic comfort food. Known for their all-you-can-eat salad bar, hearty breakfasts, and Friday fish fry.

Parker’s Grille & Tap House

📍 11 Main St. | (315) 227-2494
Part of a regional favorite, Parker’s serves up American pub fare with 20+ craft beers on tap, smashburgers, wings, and wood-fired pizzas.


🚶‍♂️ Stretch Your Legs: Keuka Outlet Trail

Keuka Lake Outlet Trail along the canal just behind Upstate Brewing Company

📍 Trailhead: Lake Street Playground, 107 Lake St.
📍 Alternate: Penn Yan Village Boat Launch, 290 Water St.

This 7-mile scenic rail trail connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake, offering a peaceful blend of history, nature, and recreation. The first 1.3 miles through Penn Yan are paved and accessible, making it a great option for walking or biking after a brewery visit.

Trail Highlights:

  • Seneca Mills Falls – 40-foot cascade with historic canal ruins

  • Crooked Lake Outlet Historic District – Mill foundations & canal locks

  • Multi-use friendly – Hike, bike, snowshoe, or paddle alongside the creek

  • Year-round access with picnic spots, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly sections

🗺️ Download Trail Map PDF


🛍 Shop Local in Downtown Penn Yan

Add some charm to your stroll with a stop at these unique local spots:

  • Long’s Cards & Books115 Main St.

  • Keuka Candy Emporium131 Main St.

  • Amity Coffee3 Main St.


🏁 Final Pour

Penn Yan delivers one of the Finger Lakes’ most walkable and rewarding small-town escapes. With craft beer, cozy eateries, boutique shopping, and lakeside trails all within steps, it’s the perfect destination for your next car-free Finger Lakes adventure.

About Me.  Upstate Beer Tourist. 

Upstate beer tourist holding a rusty nickel 36 ounces crowler.

My name is Joe. You’ve stumbled upon this website probably because we share a common interest, that being craft beer! For me, it’s about beer, but it’s as much about the hunt. Finding new craft beer and craft beverage destinations across this great country, each one unique in its own right. It’s also about meeting new people, especially those that help produce and serve great craft beverages. While also experiencing the sites, nature and communities around these craft beverage destinations with people you enjoy. So yeah, I’m a beer tourist. Sound familiar?

For me, home is Buffalo, NY. Where I’ve also worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for almost thirty years. Currently on a sabbatical from bartending after my last stint of five years at Rusty Nickel Brewing Company.  I am also a Level I Cicerone Certified Beer Server.

When not working, I’m usually exploring the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State with my wife and three dogs. Searching for new breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries to enjoy and add to our travels. We love the Finger Lakes Region so much, and all that it offers in craft beverages and scenery, that we have a little retreat near Keuka Lake. With the multi award-winning Keuka Brewing Company just down the road, we’ve designated it as our official Finger Lakes home base.  Hence, my self moniker as “The Upstate Beer Tourist.”

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Brewery Travel with Upstate Beer Tourist