You've probably seen the massive building sitting off the 219 and wondered if it was a hotel or a mountain resort. Honestly, it’s neither, though the scale makes you think otherwise. New York Beer Project Orchard Park, often called the "Beer Lodge," officially opened its doors in June 2024, and it’s basically been a beehive of activity ever since.
If you’ve been to the original Lockport location or the one out in Victor, you know the vibe. They don't do "small." But the Orchard Park spot is a different beast entirely. It’s not just another gastropub; it’s a 15-barrel production brewery designed to look like a sprawling Adirondack lodge, complete with the kind of cozy-yet-industrial aesthetic that makes you want to settle in for a long afternoon of people-watching.
What’s Actually Going on Inside the Beer Lodge?
Walking in, the first thing you notice is the noise. It's loud. Like, "we should have brought earplugs for the toddler" loud on a Friday night. But people seem to love it. There's a certain energy in a room that large—17,000-plus square feet—that you just don't get at the local corner bar.
The layout is pretty intentional. You’ve got the main gastropub area, the taproom, and then the second floor, which is basically a dedicated event machine. They have these rooms named things like the Twelve Club (an obvious nod to Jim Kelly, who was actually there for the ribbon cutting) and the Four Seasons Ballroom.
One of the coolest technical bits that most people probably walk right past is the Koelschip.
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Most breweries use closed fermenters. A Koelschip is an open-top vessel that lets the beer cool down naturally while inviting in wild yeast from the air. It’s how you get those funky, complex lambics and spontaneous ales. Seeing one in a Southtowns brewery is pretty rare, and it’s a clear signal that the brew team, led by guys like John Hyman, is trying to do more than just churn out standard IPAs.
The Menu: More Than Just Burgers
If you’re coming here for food, you’ve got options that range from "safe bet" to "I need a nap after this." The Buffalo Beef on Weck is a staple because, well, it’s Orchard Park. You can’t not have it. But they also lean into some more eclectic stuff.
- The General Tso’s Chicken Bowl: Crispy chicken, snap peas, and pineapple over jasmine rice. It’s surprisingly good for a place that specializes in beer.
- Tuscan Butter Salmon: A bit more "date night" than "game day," served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.
- Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie: This is the ultimate comfort food move. They serve the filling over mashed potatoes with puff pastry on the side.
People have mixed feelings about the food—just look at any Reddit thread about the place. Some folks swear by the Brooklyn Mozzarella Logs (they’re massive), while others think the menu tries to do too much. But the fact that the parking lot is constantly full tells a different story. It’s a "something for everyone" kind of place.
The Beer Situation
While they have their mainstays like the Destination IPA and Buckleberry Wheat, the Orchard Park location has its own exclusive: the OP Lager.
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It’s 4.9% ABV. It’s crisp. It’s exactly what you want when you’re sitting on the patio watching a Bills game on the massive video wall. It isn't trying to be fancy; it's just a well-executed lager that doesn't get in the way of your conversation.
They also have a rotating "Destination" series. One month it might be a Hawaiian IPA with mango and ginger; the next, it’s something entirely different. If you’re a fan of sours, keep an eye out for their collaborations with Perry’s Ice Cream. The Panda Paws Porter is a local legend for a reason.
Hosting an Event at NYBP Orchard Park
If you’re looking to get married or host a corporate blowout, the second floor is where the magic happens. It’s separate enough from the main floor that you don’t feel like you’re part of the general lunch crowd.
- The Twelve Club: This is the Jim Kelly-themed room. It’s got that "exclusive lounge" feel.
- The Barn on the Hudson: A bit more rustic, good for showers or rehearsal dinners.
- The New York Botanical Garden: Lots of light, very "Instagrammable."
The pricing can be a bit tricky to navigate. From what I’ve seen, there are often spending minimums (sometimes around the $7,000 mark for weddings), and service fees can sneak up on you. Always ask for the "all-in" price before you sign anything.
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Quick Facts for Your Visit
- Address: 245 Windward Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127
- Phone: (716) 464-2337
- Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM most nights, staying open until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday.
- Parking: They have a decent lot, but it fills up fast. If you're going for a game, get there early.
The "Secret" Behind the Success
Why is New York Beer Project Orchard Park so busy when some people complain about the noise or the service speed? Honestly, it’s the atmosphere. There aren't many places in the Southtowns where you can get a high-end craft beer, a full dinner, and sit in a room that feels like a $20 million mountain lodge.
The owners, Kelly and Kevin Krupski, have this #MakeADifference initiative where they donate a dollar from every pint of certain beers (like the Panda Paws) to Oishei Children’s Hospital. That kind of local connection matters to people in Buffalo. You feel a little better about that second pint when you know a tiny bit of it is going to a good cause.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to head over there this weekend, here's the play. Download the Toast app first. They often use it for waitlists and ordering, and it can save you from standing in the lobby for forty minutes.
If you want a quieter experience, try to snag a seat in the Beer Lodge area or the outdoor patio if the weather is holding up. The main dining room is where the acoustic energy goes to peak levels. Also, if you’re a fan of the Bills, this is basically Church on Sundays. Expect jerseys, shouting, and a lot of OP Lager flowing.
Check the tap list before you go. It changes almost daily, and some of those small-batch Koelschip releases disappear faster than you’d think. If you see a sour or a barrel-aged stout you like, don't wait for the second round to order it.
The Beer Lodge is a massive addition to the Orchard Park scene, and while it might not be the "quiet local pub" some people want, it’s definitely the destination brewery the Southtowns was missing.