“When you spot the red insignia (pictured), you can rest assured that good beer resides there.”
-TastingTable.com
During the last decade, New York has been witness to an explosion in the craft beer industry. As providers rush to meet the demand, The Good Beer Seal endeavors to separate the wheat from the chaff by identifying bars that serve quality craft beer and demonstrate a commitment to the community in which they do business. A Good Beer Seal Bar is independently owned and operated and has a unique sense of place; making it more than just another watering hole. A Good Beer Seal Bar is destination-worthy. In addition to offering at least 80% craft domestic/ special imported beers, a Good Beer Seal Bar engages its staff and guests in educational offerings regarding the history and originality of the beers it serves. A bar that earns a Good Beer Seal will be active in its local and global community through responsible stewardship and charitable actions. If The Good Beer Seal is on the door, good business practices, good atmosphere, and good beer is inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a Good Beer Seal?
Bars in the New York City area that are independently owned and operated are eligible for the Good Beer Seal.
How does one earn a Good Beer Seal?
Good Beer Seal Bars are committed to the presentation, promotion and enjoyment of good craft beer; seeking out the best beers from local, national and international producers. This commitment includes serving these beers the way brewers have intended, including proper glassware and temperature (within reason!). A good portion of a Good Beer Seal Bar’s beer should be via a draft beer/ cask ale program and draft lines should be properly maintained and cleaned. Roughly 80% of the bar’s offerings should be craft domestic/ special imported beers. An active community presence is essential for a Good Beer Seal bar.
Who decides which bars get a Good Beer Seal?
The Good Beer Seal is awarded by a committee comprised of knowledgeable beer-lovers who are not, themselves, affiliated with any Good Beer Seal bar.
Are there any Good Beer Seal bars outside of New York City?
No. Not yet.
What does the Good Beer Seal actually DO?
Aside from identifying bars that serve good craft beer, The Good Beer Seal is active in promoting New York City as a destination for lovers of good beer. The defining event for the Good Beer Seal is July Good Beer Month, an annual, month-long festival, which celebrates local establishments, our communities and the Good Beer we serve. In addition, throughout the year The Good Beer Seal bars band together to support charitable organizations like Just Food, Slow Food NYC, the New Amsterdam Market and other organizations that promote sustainability, through fundraising events.
Why is The Good Beer Seal necessary?
The Good Beer Seal is interested in helping small business owners compete in a marketplace dominated by corporate-run establishments. Since its beginning, The Good Beer Seal has helped to focus media and public attention on independently owned and operated businesses through community events and charity partnerships.
