QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CROWNS BRIDGE AND TUNNEL BREWERY AS QUEENS’ BEST CRAFT BEER

On May 15, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Bridge and Tunnel Brewery as the winner of its Queens’ Best Craft Beer Competition. The competition, which launched on National Beer Day, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite breweries and establishments serving standout craft beer, with the Ridgewood brewery emerging as the top choice.
 
“Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This competition showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Queens’ craft beer scene. From crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to innovative small-batch brews, the nominees reflected the diversity and quality that make Queens a destination for beer lovers. We’re proud to celebrate a local business like Bridge and Tunnel Brewery that continues to bring people together through great beer and community.”
 
“We’re incredibly honored to be named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” said Rich Castagna, owner of Bridge and Tunnel Brewery. “As someone who was born and raised in Ridgewood, this recognition means everything to me. Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is deeply rooted in Queens and New York City culture, and that pride is part of who we are and what we brew every day. After 23 years of brewing, every beer we create reflects our passion for craft, creativity, and community. Our taproom has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported us, voted for us, and continues to show up for local breweries and small businesses. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the incredible craft beer scene here in Queens.”

Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
 
"The eclectic offerings of the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery are hugely popular among both Queens residents and those who are willing to cross numerous bridges and tunnels to enjoy this amazing brewery's fine craft beers," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is a Ridgewood neighborhood treasure and a wonderful place to hang out with friends while enjoying refreshing and delicious beverages. I congratulate the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being selected as the purveyor of Queens’ Best Craft Beer, and I wish this outstanding local establishment much more continued success."
 
"Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery on being selected as Queens’ Best Craft Beer," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "I'm glad to see Bridge and Tunnel Brewery taking its place among the many great Queens breweries, especially here in western Queens."
 
“Bridge and Tunnel Brewery’s recognition as Queens’ Best Craft Beer is a reminder that our industrial areas are not just places of work but are places of creativity, culture, and community. Businesses like this are only possible because neighborhoods like Ridgewood still have space for makers, manufacturers, and small producers to thrive. As New York City continues to grow, we have to protect and invest in our industrial business zones so local businesses can keep creating jobs, building community, and making the kinds of spaces that give our neighborhoods their character,” said NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez.
 
The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1) Bridge and Tunnel Brewery (Ridgewood)
2) Evil Twin Brewing NYC (Ridgewood)
3) Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (Long Island City)
 
In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Craft Beer, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second- and third-place winners also received certificates.
 
This is the 14th “Best of Queens” food and beverage competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, deli, and soup.

​​​​​Press release available for download, below.

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