If you're hunting for pure, raw honey with a true sense of place, these five Brooklyn and NYC-area sources deliver—each with its own flavor and story.
The Sweet Rise of Urban Beekeeping
Urban beekeeping has exploded in New York City, turning rooftops and backyards into thriving apiaries. This movement isn't just about honey; it's about pollination, local food systems, and reconnecting city dwellers with nature. As demand for raw, unfiltered honey grows, so does the need for reliable equipment and expertise. Whether you're a honey connoisseur or a budding beekeeper, these businesses are at the heart of NYC's apiary renaissance.
How We Evaluated Each Source
We looked at each business through the lens of what matters most to you: the authenticity and flavor of their honey, the range and quality of beekeeping supplies, their commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, and how clearly they communicate their offerings. We also considered the overall experience—from browsing their website to the story behind their hives. Each business shines in its own way, and we've highlighted what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five businesses we're featuring, so you can see at a glance what each one brings to the table.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Andrew's Honey | Rooftop honey with a side of education |
| Local New York Honey | Brooklyn | Gowanus Apiary | Local raw honey and upcycled beekeeping gear |
| Astor Apiaries | A wide variety of raw honey and beekeeping classes |
| BKLYN Larder | Gourmet food shopping with local honey on the side |
| Eco Bee Supply | Small-batch Jersey honey and sustainable supplies |
The Deep Dive: Your Go-To Brooklyn Honey & Beekeeping Sources
#1 Andrew's Honey
A screenshot of the Andrew's Honey website.
Andrew's Honey is a third-generation family operation that's been keeping bees on NYC rooftops for decades. Their Brooklyn Honey is a unique blend sourced from multiple neighborhoods, giving you a true taste of the borough's diverse flora. They offer a range of services beyond honey, including beekeeping consultations, swarm removals, and urban honey tours. If you're looking to learn or need hands-on help, their expertise is invaluable. Their website is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple to find exactly what you need. For a deep connection to Brooklyn's beekeeping heritage, Andrew's is a standout.
#2 Local New York Honey | Brooklyn | Gowanus Apiary
A screenshot of the Local New York Honey | Brooklyn | Gowanus Apiary website.
Gowanus Apiary is your neighborhood source for pure, raw, natural honey straight from Brooklyn. Their Carroll Gardens Honey comes in multiple sizes, so you can grab a small jar for tasting or a larger one for your pantry. What sets them apart is their commitment to upcycled beekeeping equipment—think nuc boxes and swarm traps made from reclaimed materials. They also offer a 'Host a Hive' program, letting you support local pollinators without the hands-on work. Their website is straightforward, with a clear focus on local honey and practical gear. If you want to taste the neighborhood and support sustainable beekeeping, this is your spot.
#3 Astor Apiaries
A screenshot of the Astor Apiaries website.
Astor Apiaries started with a couple of hobby hives on a Queens roof and has grown into a full-scale urban beekeeping operation managing over 50 hives across NYC. Their raw honey selection is impressive, with varietals like Orange Blossom and Buckwheat that capture different floral notes. They also run an Urban Beekeeping Academy and offer hive tours, making them a great educational resource. Their physical shop, The Honey House, is a must-visit for hands-on browsing. Whether you're after honey or live bees, they've got you covered. Their passion for quality care shines through in every jar.
#4 BKLYN Larder
A screenshot of the BKLYN Larder website.
BKLYN Larder is a beloved Brooklyn food shop that carries Brooklyn Queen Honey, a local favorite. While they're not beekeepers themselves, they curate some of the best local food products, making them a convenient one-stop shop. You can pair your honey with artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and other gourmet goods. Their Flatbush location is a neighborhood staple, and their online store makes it easy to get your fix. If you're looking to explore Brooklyn's food scene beyond honey, this is a great starting point. It's all about supporting local makers and enjoying the best of the borough.
#5 Eco Bee Supply
A screenshot of the Eco Bee Supply website.
Eco Bee Supply, based in Morristown, NJ, brings a Jersey twist to the NYC-area honey scene. Their raw honey is harvested from Morris, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties, offering a different terroir than Brooklyn's. They're big on sustainability, with a focus on natural beekeeping practices and even an electric bear fence for hive protection. Their website is user-friendly, with clear pricing and a range of honey sizes, including a fun bear bottle. If you're open to exploring beyond the city limits, their small-batch honey is worth the trip. They also offer bulk honey for commercial use, making them a versatile choice.
How to Choose Your Brooklyn Honey Source
Start by thinking about what you value most: the flavor of the honey, the story behind it, or the equipment and support for your own hives. If you're a honey purist, look for raw, unfiltered options like those from Gowanus Apiary or Andrew's. If you're a new beekeeper, you'll want a source that offers both supplies and guidance, like Astor Apiaries or Gowanus. Consider your location and convenience—BKLYN Larder is perfect for a quick gourmet stop, while Eco Bee Supply might be a weekend trip. And don't forget to check if they offer local pickup or shipping, as that can make a big difference. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your taste and your beekeeping journey.
Streamline Your Honey Hunt with Automation
You can set up a simple automation to track your favorite honey sources and never miss a restock. Use a tool like IFTTT to monitor product pages for 'out of stock' changes and get notified when your preferred jar is available. Or, create a recurring calendar reminder to check in on seasonal honey releases from these local apiaries. For beekeepers, automate your equipment inventory with a spreadsheet that alerts you when it's time to reorder essentials like nuc boxes or swarm traps. This way, you spend less time refreshing pages and more time enjoying the sweet rewards.
The Sweet Takeaway
Brooklyn and the greater NYC area are buzzing with incredible honey and beekeeping resources. Whether you're drawn to the hyper-local charm of Gowanus Apiary, the educational depth of Andrew's Honey, or the variety at Astor Apiaries, there's a source that fits your needs. Don't overlook the convenience of BKLYN Larder or the sustainable ethos of Eco Bee Supply. Each of these businesses brings something unique to the table, so why not try a few and find your favorite? Your taste buds—and the bees—will thank you.