Beer Around The NFL: New York Jets

Photos courtesy of: celio_salgueiro (Brooklyn) and josephcaserto (Beer Table) on flickr.

Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout, then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the New York Jets.

WHAT TO DRINK

Greenport Harbor Hopnami IPA: The much-lauded Long Island brewery uses four different kinds of hops in its tsunami of an IPA. Sharp, yet balanced with fruity malts and a dash of honey. harborbrewing.com

Captain Lawrence Imperial Smoked Porter: From the cultish Hudson Valley brewer, a full-bodied, savory porter full of dried fruit and chocolate notes, and a good dose of roast and smoke on the finish. captainlawrencebrewing.com

Brooklyn Local 1: Brewed in Brooklyn, this Belgian-style strong pale ale comes in a big bottle, ideal to house its big flavors. Fruity and floral, its funky yeast character is a result of the ancient bottle re-fermentation technique. brooklynbrewery.com

WHERE TO DRINK IT

Barcade: The name says it all – this place trades on its great selection of beer and arcade games. With two dozen taps, including a cask-conditioned ale, the bar prides itself on a roughly 75% local inventory. 388 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-302-6464, barcadebrooklyn.com

Beer Table: Acclaimed less for its vast stock – it only has half a dozen taps, two of which are reserved for wine and soda, and 25 bottles – than for its carefully curated beer list, order a brew here and it will be brought to you from the cellar like a fine wine. 427b 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-965-1196, beertable.com

The Pony Bar: Serving only domestic beers, this bar has 22 taps, including growler fills, two cask ales, and only two bottles: Bud and Bud Light. All beer is priced at $5 and the regularly changing menu can be viewed on the website in real time. 637 10th Avenue, 212-586-2707, theponybar.com

Blind Tiger: The friendly West Village bar has 28 taps, including a couple cask-conditioned ales in the rotation. The bottle list is only about 50-strong, but bar snacks – deviled eggs, kimchi, pilsner-brined chicken wings – more than make up for it. 281 Bleecker Street, 212-462-4682, blindtigeralehouse.com

WHERE TO BUY IT

Bierkraft: A true beer geek haven, take home a growler or stay in for a sandwich and a pint at this Brooklyn mainstay. There are 14 taps, plus two cask ales and about another 1,000 beers available by the bottle at this shop-slash-lunch counter. 191 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-230-7600, bierkraft.com

More Beer Around The NFL on Food Republic: