When you think of a brewery, you might picture rows of tanks, flights of IPAs, and a group of beer enthusiasts comparing tasting notes. But step into Threes Brewing in Gowanus, and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t just a brewery. It is, in fact, a living, breathing community hub.

“From the beginning, the goal was to build a space where people could come together,” says Zach Smith, who started as a bartender at Threes in 2015 and now oversees all their spaces. “Yes, we make beer, but it’s always been about more than that.”

Threes Brewing opened its doors at the end of 2014, long before Gowanus became the buzzy, rapidly developing neighborhood it is today. Back then, it was an area in transition, built on industrial roots with creative energy bubbling under the surface. “Gowanus has been changing for a long time,” Zach explains. “This was one of the first spots in the neighborhood where people could gather, meet neighbors, and create something together.”

From Backyard Block Parties to a Gowanus Staple

Before Threes became the expansive brewery brand and event space it is now, it started with a simple idea: brew small batches, invite people over, and foster connection. “The founders were brewing in a backyard, hosting little block parties where neighbors could get to know each other and the team behind the beer,” says Zach. “That spirit is still part of what we do.”

Today, Threes is far from a backyard setup, but the energy remains. The space is sprawling, featuring a main bar with gleaming tanks behind the shelves, a sun-soaked backyard perfect for summer afternoons, and a coffee shop that transforms into an event venue by night. “We’re not your typical brewery,” Zach says. “We open at 8 a.m. for coffee and stay open until past midnight somedays. People can come here all day – whether they’re grabbing an espresso, meeting friends for dinner, or catching a show.”

A Brewery That’s More Than Beer

One of the things Zach emphasizes is that Threes is about experience as much as it is about beer. “Beer can be so myopic,” he says. “People think of a brewery as just a place where beer is made. But here, we have Ninth Street Espresso in the mornings, Grand Army South for food, an elevated wine program, a bottle shop, and a craft cocktail program. There’s something for everyone, even if you don’t drink beer.”

That inclusivity shows in the menu, too. While many breweries leaned into the hazy IPA boom, Threes carved its niche with clean, approachable styles like lagers and pilsners. “We’re known for beers that are balanced and easy to drink,” Zach says. “We do IPAs, sure, but we pride ourselves on lagers and sours. These are beers that take time and care. Some of our sours age for six to nine months. We don’t feel the need to rush.”

Two beers in particular have become iconic: Vliet, a crisp German-style pilsner named after the Dutch word for “canal,” and Logical Conclusion, a standout IPA in the craft scene. “Seeing Vliet take off has been amazing,” Zach says. “It’s been with us since the beginning.”

If you haven’t tried Vliet yet, what are you doing?

Collaboration and Community Impact

Threes’ commitment to Gowanus goes beyond making great beer, it’s about giving back. “We just brewed Canal Beer, a cream ale made with New York State-grown maize. It’s a collaboration with Wild East, Strong Rope, and Finback, and the proceeds benefit the Gowanus Canal Conservancy,” Zach shares. Another project close to their heart is Food for Thought, brewed in partnership with the New York Food Bank. “We try to use ingredients they have on hand to fight food waste. The latest batch is a pale ale with zesty orange.”

Partnerships aren’t limited to beer. Threes Brewing works closely with Arts Gowanus, filling the space with rotating art from local creators. “It’s twofold,” Zach explains. “We get to support artists, and the space feels alive because of it. Art adds a whole other dimension to the experience here.”

The Vibe: Come for a Beer, Stay for the Energy

Ask Zach what he wants people to feel when they walk into Threes, and his answer is simple: “I hope they just have a nice time. That’s it. This should be a place where everyone feels welcome.”

And it shows. Whether you’re popping in for a casual drink, planning a wedding (yes, really – over 50 couples have tied the knot here), or attending a private event, Threes can flex to fit the moment. “One day, it’s a packed bar; the next, it’s a beautiful wedding venue,” Zach says. “Tomorrow, the New York Liberty are hosting an event here for over 200 season ticket holders.”

That adaptability is part of what makes Threes a neighborhood cornerstone. “We’ve seen people grow up here, literally,” Zach says. “People came in as couples, then with babies, and now those kids are running around the yard. It feels like a family.”

Resilience and Growth

Like most hospitality businesses, Threes Brewing faced major challenges during the pandemic. “It was a strange time,” Zach recalls. “But the team was incredibly resilient. We pivoted to e-commerce fast, kept as many people as possible employed, and came out stronger.” Since 2020, Threes has expanded to Huntington, Long Island, opened a retail shop in the Moynihan Station, and launched a seasonal spot on Governors Island. “We’ve grown as a hospitality business and as a wholesale brand,” Zach says. “I’ve grown up here too. Watching our team succeed is the most rewarding part.”

Why Gowanus?

For Zach, the answer comes down to character. “This neighborhood has grit and creativity. It’s never been just one thing, and that’s what we love about it. Threes reflects that energy, we are multifaceted, welcoming and always evolving.”

When asked how he’d spend a perfect Gowanus day, Zach laughs. “Start with a beer at Threes Brewing – of course. Then head to Royal Palms for shuffleboard, dinner at Insa for Korean BBQ and karaoke, maybe end the night at Public Records for music. If I’m feeling old, I might skip the late and head home for an early bedtime but I’ll probably end up just being out all night.”

Our Why Gowanus series shines a spotlight on the people and places that make this neighborhood one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic communities. From local makers and cultural hubs to businesses shaping the area’s future, each story explores why Gowanus isn’t just where they are – it’s part of who they are.

Stay tuned for more stories from the people making Gowanus such a creative, collaborative, and community-first neighborhood. Want to be featured or know someone doing incredible work in the neighborhood? Reach out to The Shop Brooklyn team, we’d love to connect!