Craft Beer Brewer Opens Owego Taproom with Rooftop Deck

A Tioga County man with a passion for brewing craft beer has opened a taproom in the heart of Owego.

James Hankey recently launched the Owego Brewing Company in a small building at 187 Main Street in the village.

For years, the spot had been home to the Old Owego Diner and then Ernesto's Diner. It was occupied since 2018 by Kathy Cakes Creative Bakery, a business operated by Hankey's wife, Katherine.

James Hankey said he decided to fulfill his dream of starting his own brewery at the site. Construction for the new business started early last year.

James Hankey standing behind the bar at the Owego Brewing Company on April 13,, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The space on the street level was remodeled into a taproom and a covered rooftop deck has been added.

Hankey said he has more than three decades of homebrewing experience. His operation isn't big - it operates on "a nanobrewery scale." He uses a half-barrel system to carefully craft each batch of beer he produces.

In addition to a small selection of craft beer on tap and Finger Lakes wines, Owego Brewing Company offers homemade root beer and a limited food menu. Homemade pretzels and specialty desserts provided by Kathy Cakes also are available.

The business now is open Thursday through Sunday.

The rooftop deck at the Owego Brewing Company on April 13, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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