The Brewery of Broken Dreams

If your goal is 100% beer-focused, this will probably be your favorite brewery in New York State, as it is for me. While other breweries may offer more amenities such as live bands or kid playgrounds or whatever, if you want the best beer tasting experience, I haven’t found a better one upstate.

The owners / brewers have been there every time I’ve visited, and it’s really refreshing to be able to chat with the actual brewmaster about each glass in the beer flight, rather than what you’ll find at a lot of other breweries, which is usually just some college student punching a clock as a summer job and not really knowing anything about what’s on tap. It’s a night and day different experience and it’s why I keep trying to find a reason to revisit BOBD whenever I’m in the area. Doug always knows what to suggest.

I’ll attach some photos to illuminate the typical beer selection, but it’s eclectic to say the least. I’m currently sipping from 59B, which is probably the best Belgian style blonde ale I’ve ever found. I filled a growler of it on my way out and I’m regretting not getting 2.

Aside from the beer and the owners, the building itself is pretty cool; it’s a repurposed former winery just dripping of historic character. In addition, the location is awesome, just 2 minutes from Hammondsport, “the coolest small town in America”. With 3 museums within a mile, the Finger Lakes Trail just steps away, and many other wineries, breweries, and distilleries all around Keuka Lake, The Brewery of Broken Dreams is a great anchor point for a broader daytrip. Totally worth the quick jaunt from Rochester and similar distances.

They have indoor pub style seating and a nice outdoor area, as well. Can’t recommend this place enough. Bring your growlers to fill and don’t underestimate how many you may need.

A lovely small brewery oozing charm and friendliness. The beer is excellent and unique in all the best ways! A flavor profile for everyone and everything we tried was incredibly delish!! A MUST visit!

In my opinion, I would skip the wineries and hang out here every time I visit Hammondsport. The beer is great. The historical building is an absolute gem that emits a special energy. We loved it.

Visited summer 2024. Very nice beer selection and great atmosphere.

Fantastic beer!
Fantastic music!
Great vibes

Charming, local brewery with good beers.

Excellent brews, interesting selection that includes many ales brewed in UK styles, using mostly NY state ingredients. Brewer is friendly and a wealth of cool information. Cozy space, beautifully renovated.

Small but mighty! We stopped on a Thursday and it was quiet and a lovely atmosphere to walk into. The owner served us, she was knowledgeable and kind. They have a great air conditioned space inside or a nice spot outside to sit with old or new friends. Only suggestion I’d make is a fire pit for chilly days! But otherwise this was great. Beer was delicious, something for everyone.

Great beer, very cool pub vibe.

We love this place! Such a quaint quality brewery. The owners are wonderful! ?

Enjoyed the English and Scottish beers while my wife thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate stout

Always delicious!! Never disappointed!! Owner/ brewer is a true Artist! We Love the atmosphere, brews, owners, & staff! Broken Dreams is always our 1st stop in NY, and well.... our middle, and last stop. Can't get enough of their beer.

We were so lucky that TBOBD was open on Sunday as we were passing through Hammondsport. You feel right at home as soon as you open the door. The historic building was renovated by the owners and they did a great job of combining old with new. We spent about an hour talking with the owner and really enjoying our time spent there. The beer list is diverse. If you are looking for all sours/IPA's, then you may want to frequent another brewery. If you want a spectrum of quality beers from lagers to stouts, then this is the place for you. Local ciders and wines also. I had an ESB and a chocolate stout. Both well done. Thank you and we will be back for sure. Dave and Lisa

Used to love this place. Great building and used to be a great experience. Staffing changes and those running it are less than enthusiastic. Two people with zero personality running it now and the beer was not near what it used to be. Much better beer and better staff in the fingerlakes. Sadly, Looks like this place has run its course. Bring back good staff and brew better beer. Go up the road to Keuka Brewing or Steuben.

Fun place, and staff, I treating building, good brews