Brewery Profile

Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company

The historic Old First Ward gives this Buffalo brewery a setting with a clear neighborhood identity. A visitor walking into Gene McCarthy’s/Old First Ward Brewing Company should expect a local gathering place built around beer made on site, with house-made brews served directly from the tanks to the glass. The tap list is not presented as a fixed lineup; it rotates across nine Old First Ward Brewing taps, so repeat visits may look different from one week to the next. In Buffalo’s wider beer scene, that makes the stop useful for travelers who want something tied to a specific part of the city rather than a taproom that could be anywhere.

Travelers exploring beer in Western New York often look for freshness, variety, and places that reflect the neighborhood around them. This brewery fits that pattern through its rotating taps and its event calendar, which includes Beer School and live music. Without relying on a single flagship beer or a stated specialty style, the experience is centered on seeing what is pouring that day and spending time in a room that functions as a community hub. In warmer weather, the outdoor beer garden adds another reason to linger, especially for visitors building a relaxed afternoon or evening around Buffalo stops rather than trying to rush through a long list of breweries.

For planning, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, since the nine house taps rotate and specific beer names or styles may change. The event schedule is also worth checking ahead of time if Beer School, live music, or a quieter visit matters to your plans. When the weather allows, ask about the outdoor beer garden, as it is one of the known seasonal amenities. Other details such as food service, reservations, parking, or family and pet policies are not provided here, so visitors should verify those directly before making firm plans.

Nestled in Buffalo’s historic Old First Ward, Gene McCarthy's is the definition of local freshness, piping house-made brews directly from the tanks to your glass. This neighborhood hub offers a rotating selection of nine distinct Old First Ward Brewing taps, ensuring there’s always something new to pair with their lively calendar of events, from Beer School to live music. When the weather warms, grab a pint and relax in their welcoming outdoor beer garden, making it a true Buffalo institution.

2 reviews • Website available

73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, New York, 14204-2719

Phone: 716-855-8948

Website: http://www.genemccarthys.com

Hours: Kitchen open 11am - 10pm Monday-Saturday 11am - 9pm Sunday

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company.

Beer Styles at Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company

Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes Pale Ale, IPA, Raspberry Ale, Schwarzbier, Porter, Pilsner, Irish Red, Hefe, Cider, Stout, Lager, and Red Ale. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • Trivia at Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company

    Oct 27, 2026

    Free Outdoor Trivia every Tuesday 7-9pm in the beer tent. Teams up to 6 players compete for prizes. Hosted by Matt Westerling for 7 years.

  • Trivia Night

    Oct 27, 2026

    Join us weekly for fun and challenging trivia nights at Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company. Enjoy great brews and compete for prizes in a lively atmosphere.

  • Live Music Nights

    Oct 30, 2026

    Experience live music performances on select evenings to enhance your visit with friends. Enjoy a diverse lineup in our cozy, community-focused brewery setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company located?
Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company is located at 73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, New York, 14204-2719. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company's hours?
Current hours are: Kitchen open 11am - 10pm Monday-Saturday 11am - 9pm Sunday. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Company?
Visit http://www.genemccarthys.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.