Few beers are as deeply woven into New York history as Schaefer. Founded in 1842 by German immigrant brothers Frederick and Maximilian Schaefer, the F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company helped introduce lager beer to America at a time when most Americans were drinking ales and porters. What began as a small brewery in Manhattan would grow into one of the largest and most recognizable brewing companies in the nation.
As New York City expanded, so did Schaefer. The company built a massive brewery on the Brooklyn waterfront in Williamsburg, where generations of New Yorkers brewed, bottled, and shipped beer throughout the Northeast. By the mid-20th century, Schaefer had become a household name, consistently ranking among America’s top-selling beers. Its crisp, affordable lager earned a loyal following among working-class drinkers from New York City to Philadelphia and beyond.
Schaefer’s popularity was fueled by memorable advertising. The brewery sponsored the Brooklyn Dodgers, maintained a prominent sign at Ebbets Field, and created one of the most famous beer jingles of all time: “The One Beer to Have When You’re Having More Than One.” The slogan perfectly captured the brand’s image as an easy-drinking beer for ballgames, backyard gatherings, and neighborhood bars.
The company continued growing through the 1960s and 1970s, opening a large brewery in Pennsylvania to compete with national brewing giants. However, changing market conditions and industry consolidation made it difficult for regional brewers to survive. In 1981, Schaefer was acquired by the Stroh Brewery Company, ending nearly 140 years of family ownership. The brand later became part of Pabst Brewing Company’s portfolio.
Although Schaefer is no longer brewed in Brooklyn, the brand remains a beloved symbol of old New York. Vintage signs, beer cans, and advertisements are prized by collectors, while longtime fans still remember the days when Schaefer was the beer of choice in corner taverns, ballparks, and neighborhood gatherings across the city. More than just a beer, Schaefer remains a lasting reminder of New York’s rich brewing heritage.
