The Quest for the Holy Grain
Best Brew Pubs

Annapolis | Baltimore | Rocky Mountain Region | Alaska | Pennsylvania |Delaware | Canada | California | Washington DC Area | Western Maryland | New York | West Virginia | Florida | North Carolina |
South Carolina | Northern Virginia | Asia | London/U.K. | Deutschland | New Jersey | Austria | Slovak Republic | Palestine | New Mexico | Colorado | Georgia | Massachusetts | Vermont | New Hampshire

 

Just about all brew pubs are good...worth going into and trying the beers. Oh, I've been in one or two where all the beers tasted the same, and that was none too good, but for the most part, they are either better or best. There's something about drinking a beer right where it was brewed that...just....well, look at the guy in the photo.
How do you know when you're in one that's not so good? Well, if you look down the bar and more people are drinking Miller Lite than the home brew, that would not be a good sign.

Of course we know of more good brewpubs. Your Questmasters, however, need to re-visit each one before posting them on the site. This list will grow!

Download this Notesheet for evaluating a Beer Bar, Brew Pub or Retailer.

 

NewHampshire

 

Seven Barrel Brewery
Plainfield Road
Colonial Plaza, Rt 12-a
West Lebanon, NH 03784
603-298-5566

The Seven Barrel Brewpub is across the street and visible from the southbound exit of I-89 in West Lebanon, NH.  It's kinda dingy on the outside and rustic on the inside.  It's not very large, with a very small bar.  They have eight of their own beers, and a cask, but nothing else.  The beers seem true to style, but a little thin. Service was good, food was cheap.


Vermont

 

Three Needs Taproom & Brewery
207 College St
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 658-0889

The Three Needs brewpub is just a few steps from the main shopping area of Burlington.  In a small store front, the about 40 seats is all bar.  The brewing operation is not evident.  The very young college crowd swarms in at 4:00 when the place opens.  The Happy Hour feature is a keg of their own "Duff"  which is $2.00 a pint until gone.  They have six of their own beers on tap and six guest local beers.
If you don't like the food here, you can go to the Sadie Katz Deli...it's owned by the same guy.
Three Needs used to have a website, but I can't get it to come up now. You can read some of their reviews.

 

 

American Flatbread/Zero Gravity Brewpub
115 St. Paul St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 861-2999

There is no indication from the outside that the American Flatbread is a brewpub.  But at the bar, all of the signs point to the fact that they make their own beer.  The brewing operation is not visible but is accessible from the bar.  The bar serves nine of their own and nine guest beers.   The beers are true to style and tasty.  The only food they serve is thin crust pizza.  It is very good, but very pricey. 

 

 

The Vermont Pub and Brewery
144 College Street
Burlington, Vermont 05401
802-065-0500

The Vermont Pub and Brewery is just across from the town square in an imposing brick building.  They have an outside patio and a two-segment bar, part of which is in an enclosed porch.  The interior is not that spacious, but has an English pub decor with dark woods and cozy booths.  They have eight beers on tap plus two casks.  The beers were true to style...good, but not wonderful.  The service and food were both good, and all prices were quite reasonable.

 

Massachusetts

 

Boston Beer Company/Sam Adams Tasting Room
30 Germania Street
Boston, MA 02130
Tollfree: 800-372-1131

The Sam Adams Brewery in Boston is a brewery, not a brewpub. It has an address that should be easy to find.  Except that the streets are all one way away from the facility.  Once found, the brewery has a handout for exiting the neighborhood.  The Brewery tour starts every hour.  The first speaking stop is just inside the door...in a classroom setting where they discuss beer ingredients, with samples of barley and hops.  A few steps away is the brewing operation.  They have two or three kettles, and a half dozen fermenters.  They appear to be 71/2 barrels systems.  They explain the smallness as these are the research and development facilities.  They are constantly changing their reciepies, especially the seasonal beers.  The next stop on the tour is the bar.  They serve 7 oz. servings of three of their beers, give a spiel, and answer questions.
Their website is pretty glitzy.

 

Cambridge Brewing Company
1 Kendall Sq # 100
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 494-1994

The Cambridge Brewing Company is near the MIT campus and thus very crowded with young people.  It is very modern, almost fern bar-ish with light colored paneling and lots of windows.  Cambridge had at least 10 of their beers on tap including a cask.  The beers are true to style and very well made.  The food was good, though a little pricey.  The service was particularly good.
By the way, The Cambridge Brewing Company is very hard to find.  The address: One Kendall Square, is the name of a large office development.  All of the buildings are "One Kendall Square".  Map services don't seem to distinguish between buildings, so your map won't work.  (The bar is on the far Northwest corner of the development)


 

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery - Boston
115 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 742-2739

Part of a chain, the Rock Bottom brewpub in Boston is in the Theater district.  The bar and dining area are very large and spacious.  The brewing operation is not evident.  The six beers on tap, probably standard in each outlet, were good but not great.  The food was pricey but adequate.

 

Watch City Brewing Company
256 Moody Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
(781) 647-4000

The Watch City brewpub is just off the beaten path in Waltham, MA.  The brewing operation is in a glass walled room in the front window.  The bar is large and spacious with only room dividers separating the dining area.  Four full time beers are on tap as well as three seasonals and a cask.  The beer is good, but the food on the menu seemed pricey.

 

Boston Beer Works
61 Brookline Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts, USA 02215
(617) 536-BEER

Boston Beer Works is part of a chain of Brewpubs.  This one is located near the Boston Garden, in the Sports bar area.  It is very large with mostly restaurant space.  They serve 16 of their own brews, all of which seem true to style.  The food was well prepared with large portions.  It seemed pricey, but it was the big city.  The brewing operation is adjacent to the bar and the various tanks are visible on the upper level. The website has very little to add to this description.

 

Georgia

 

 

Moon River Brewing Company
21 West Bay Street
Savannah , Georgia 31401
912-447-0943

Moon River is unequivocally the best brewpub in Savannah , Georgia . OK, it's also the only brewpub in Savannah . But even if it weren't it would be hard to beat.
Open the front door to the 1820's building and you'll see the bar immediately in front of you. A restaurant sits to the right and beyond. And on the left, behind large the-better-to-see-you interior windows, you'll usually find brewers John Pinkerton and Chris Lady (see picture, right and center, respectively). Have a seat at the bar and watch them clean stuff, fix stuff, mess with recipes on their laptop, and occasionally mix malt, hops, yeast and maybe other magic into water and pump it around. Ya know, brew beer. That's what John and Chris truly enjoy doing: making great tasting beers.

On a visit today you can sample nine Moon River beers for $9.50. Notable year-round selections include the Swamp Fox IPA that holds its own against Dogfish and the Californians, a darned decent Claire de Lune Kolsch originally on tap before the hop crisis made it fashionable, and a chewy Captain's Porter. Almost every Thursday there's a creative small batch brew that has included the award-winning Little Chocolate Doughnuts Porter “ actually ‘dry-doughnut-ed' in the firkin for a little touch of ‘HOT NOW' goodness!” If this were not enough Moon River stocks guest taps that recently poured Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfen Weisse and Kasteel Rouge from
Brouwerij van Honsebrouck
. If you're beer clueless they'll find you a Miller or Miller Light in a bottle if you quietly ask real, real nicely for it; wine and spirits are also available. When its busy service can be slow and food can be variable, but the quality and selection of beers more than make up for it.

Moon River is in the Savannah Historic District so it has a large tourist trade. But it keeps local roots with a Quality Assurance Club ($3.50 house draft beers all day, and more), by hosting the Savannah Brewers' League (homebrew club) the first Wednesday of every month, and in sporting local art for sale on the walls. And there's no need to slam down that last beer – you can take a to-go cup and walk around the Historic District. And so it goes at Moon River Brewing Company, Savannah , Georgia , USA . Bless its heart.

 

Colorado

 


Steamworks Brewing Company
801 East Second Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970-259-9200

Steamworks Brewing, just off Main St. in Durango, is unusual in that the glassed-in brewing operation is in the center of the facility just past the foyer. The kitchen and dining area share the left side, and the entire right side is bar area; with the large bar seating about 40 itself, and about 25 tables and booths. They serve eight of their own beers and eight guest brews. They specialize in Pizza and cajun-style food, but the items on the menu seem pricey.


 

Carver Brewing Co.
1022 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
970-259-2545


The Carver Brewing Company is located in the historic district of Durango. When it opened in 1988, it became the first brewery in the Four Corners region since prohibition. The bar area is rather small, seating maybe 20 at the bar and at tables. The dining area is also small. When searching for the restrooms, one will discover the "brewpub" in the back of the building, in a small and cozy room, with the brewing operation visible behind. There is also a beer garden outdoors. Both bars have the same 10 beers and menu.



Ska Brewing Company
545 Turner Drive
Durango, CO 81303
970-247-5792


The Ska Brewery, located just outside Durango, Co, is a microbrewery rather than a brewpub. It has a small tasting room and retail shop. They have about 10 of their own beers on tap and seating for about 20. They also sell growlers and bottled beer, paraphenalia, and home brewing supplies.



New Mexico

 

Three Rivers Eatery and Brewhouse
101 East Main Street
Farmington, NM 87401
505-324-2187

The Three Rivers Brewery is located in an historic building in downtown Farmington. The bar area is adequately sized with the bar itself seating about 10. The adjoining dining area, game room, and beer museum are each in separate store fronts. Beers include a golden honey ale, a stout, an IPA, and a cider among others. Two casks are also offered. The pub grub is good and not expensive. One must step between various brewing tanks to reach the rest rooms.

 

Santa Fe Brewing Company
27 Fire Place Santa Fe, NM 87508
505.424.3333

 

The Santa Fe Brewery, New Mexico's oldest microbrewery, is in the desert just outside Santa Fe. The brewpub is located across the parking lot from the brewery. The pub is very large, but most of the space goes to the eatery, game rooms, and dance hall. What appears to be brewing equipment in the foyer is actually holding tanks for the bar, with the beer being pumped underground from the brewery. The pub serves all 10 of the Santa Fe beers.

 

Second Street Brewery
1814 Second Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-3030

The Second Street Brewery is in an older industrial neighborhood with very limited parking. Very eclectic; the dining area, kitchen, and bar share the same space. They serve nine of their own beers. The proprietors envision Second Street as a
" neighborhood brewpub that locals can call their own, as well as a place tourists can visit and enjoy." The brewing operation is in the back behind closed doors.


 

Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery
4056 Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505.438.1800  

The Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery is a large stand-alone restaurant across from the Mall in Santa Fe. There is also a downtown location.The bar seats about 30 itself and has about 15 tables and booths. The brewing operation is visible beyond the large dining area.
They serve seven of their own beers. The pub grub is good and reasonably priced. With light paneling and lots of windows, this is an inviting place to eat and drink.


Chama River Brewing Co
4939 Pan American Freeway
Albuquerque, New Mexico
505.342.1800

Located in the restaurant strip near the mall,
Chama River Brewery is a restaurant that makes it's own beer. The bar area takes up most of the space and the bar itself seats about 50. The tiny brewing operation is visible behind the bar. They have ten of their own beers on tap, with no guest brews. The menu is upscale.

 

Il Vicino
3403 Central N.E.
Albuquerque, NM
505-266-7855

Il Vicino is a small brewery with a small "tasting room". With four seats at the bar and four other seats, ten people make this a crowded place, although there is seating outside. They have their 8 beers on tap and all sizes of kegs and growlers are available.


Kelly's Brewpub
3222 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 262-BREW (2739)

Kelly's Brewpub is in a building that used to be an auto dealership. The one time showroom is now the main dining area. This large area seats well over 100 in German beerhall style. The patio seats nearly as many. The bar, too, is large and spacious. Kelly's has about 20 of their own beers on tap as well as about 15 guest beers. Access to the brewing operation is adjacent to the men's room, but the brewery is not really visible. The menu has typical Bar B Que pub grub, and seems high priced.

 

Palestine

 

Taybeh Brewing Co.
Taybeh, Ramallah
West Bank, Palestine
Tel. +972-2-2898868 taybeh@palnet.com

Ok, so Taybeh is not really a brewpub, but it's the Middle East's only microbrewery, and that's pretty special.

In May of 2006 I had the opportunity of visiting the charming little Palestinian village of Taybeh , the Taybeh Brewery, and the Khoury family who have made this enterprise their lifetime commitment. One does not ordinarily associate brewing beer with the Arabic-speaking residents of the West Bank , because of the natural assumption that they must all be Muslims, who abstain from alcohol. However, there still remains a sizeable number of Palestinian Christians throughout the Holy Land .

Only 20 minutes from Jerusalem , Taybeh is located in the gently rolling Judean hills, and is covered by olive trees. The Khoury family has lived in Taybeh for at least 600 years. Taybeh currently produces two varieties of beer, Taybeh Gold, and Taybeh Dark. Both are produced with strict attention to German purity laws, allowing them to export and sell Taybeh in Germany .

The Khoury family are absolutely determined to make a difference, one beer at a time, no matter what the odds. I have consumed thousands of beers for the pure pleasure of it, but it was not until I visited Taybeh that I understood that drinking a beer could be so virtuous, and provide such benefits for others.

 

Slovak Republic

 

The Slovak Pub
Obchodná 62
Bratislava, Slovak Republic
81102

The Slovak Pub is on the second floor in a busy shopping district. It has seven rooms and is advertised as a college bar. At lunch it was very crowded. Brewing equipment is not evident. Happy hour is before 6:00; the house beer is very inexpensive. They also have several other draft beers. They claim to be the only bar in the world where a student gets free soup for getting an A on an exam.

 

Austria

 

Foamee Geht Nach Österreich.
In den folgenden Fotos folgen wir Foamee auf seiner „Skireise“ zu Österreich und zur Slowakischen Republik.
Parken war frei ungültig, aber.
Folgende Aufträge der Leute nicht werden gesprengt.
Foamee bildete viele Reisen zum „Lebensmittelgeschäftspeicher.“
Jeder ist gehender Skiing. Aber wo ist Foamee?
Jaaaaaaaa.....

 

Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln
A-5020 Salzburg, Lindhofstrasse 7
T: +43-662-431246

The world famous Augustiner Brewery is in Downtown Salzburg close to the tourist district. It's pub is unique. After walking down a myriad of halls, there is a cash register. Pay for the beer you want, grab a mug from the wall and take it to the guy that fills it.(see photo) When changing taps, he drives the tap into the wooden keg with a mallet. Take the beer into one of three large rooms that each seat about 200. Back in the hall are various food concessions selling meals or snacks to take to your table. The brewery and equipment are not accessable from the pub.


 

Schwalben-Bräu
Gewerbestr. 639,8970 Schladming

This brewery is in a small restaurant. There is no bar. The one-barrel system shares the dining room with 12 tables. The three year-round beers and one seasonal are good, but not wonderful. It is located near the busy tourist area.
Note: They change the beers on tap without telling anyone. What was pils one day will be marzen the next. The tap just has the brand name.


 

Schloss Brau
Mondsee


Schloss Brau is a chain of brew pubs throughout Austria. They differ in size and format. All have Schloss Brau as the house beer, as well as several other drafts. The beer is not made on the premises. As with other "Brew Pubs" in Austria, the wait staff does not know where the house beer comes from.

 

Weissbierbrauerei Bernd Tobsch
Rupertgasse 10
    A-5020 Salzburg

This brew pub in Salzburg is much larger than it seems. The modest front enterance leads to room after room, each in the traditional beer hall motif, as well as a large beer garden. The older style seven-barrel brewing system is hidden in a back room. Many young people frequent the place, most speaking English !! The two beers on tap are a weiss and a particularly good marzen.


 

Brigitta-Brau
Dresdner Strasse 38 - 40,
Brigitta Passage,
1200 Wien.

Tel: 01 - 334 4141

Brigitta-Brau is a neighborhood brewpub in a neighborhood that has seen better days. The place is bright, with three sides all glass and has brew pub decor. The three barrel system is in a room adjacent to the bar. They have one beer year round and five seasonals, noted by their appropriate months, on the menu. They tend to ignore the bar patrons as they serve those dining.

 

Wieden-Brau
Waaggasse 5,
1040 Wien.

Tel.: 01 - 5860300


Wieden-brau is a modern looking brew pub just off a busy street. Newly done in an old building, the place is large and friendly, with dark wood paneling and copper light fixtures that look similar to brew kettles. The seven-barrel computerized system is in the room next to the bar. They have three full time beers on tap and one seasonal.


 

1516
Krugerstrasse 18 / Schwarzenbergstrasse 2,
1010 Wien.

Tel.: 01 - 9611516
The 1516 bar is located near the high end shopping district in Vienna. Modern fixtures with old dark woods and plenty of windows make this an interesting place to drink. What appears to be a seven-barrel system is behind one side of the bar. They have six of their own beers on tap as well as a Victory Hop Devil which is guest brewed on the premises. It is uniquely their own as they could not get American hops for it.


 

7 Stern
Siebensterngasse 19
Vienna, Austria
1070

In a neighborhood with many other bars, the 7 Stern stands out. It is large with many rooms, a glass-domed ceiling, and brewing memorabilia on each wall. The bar is built around a computerized copper 10- barrel system. They have at least six of their own beers on tap. However, the staff seemed too busy doing other things to pay much attention to the customers.

 

London/U.K.

 

Brew Wharf Yard
Stony Street
SE1 9AD
London
020 7378 6601

 

The Brew Wharf is a brew pub away from London's tourist area but close to the London Bridge railroad station. It is large and spacious. The main dining room is blocked off during lunch as there is penty of space in the bar and the outside patio. The brewing system is behind glass off of the main dining area. They make four of their own brews and have several guest taps and handpulls. The foods on the menu were quite pricey.

Simple Simon's
1-9 Church Lane St. Radigunds
Canterbury, CT1 2AG, UK
+44 1227 762355

Simple Simon's brewpub in Canterbury is just off the tourist path. Although they have recently started making their own brew, they have been selling beer for 600 years. Some of the original patrons were still lingering at the bar, but seemed a bit slow in responding to my questions. Besides their own beers, they have 21 guest taps, including 9 different handpulls. The bar area is small and cozy, but there is an upstairs dining area as well as a large courtyard.


Mash
19-21 Great Portland St
London, England
W1W 8QB
020 7637 5555

Mash is a very unique brewpub located in one of London's busier shopping districts. The decor is ultra-modern, and the three-barrel, automated brewing system is on display behind the DJ booth, until happy hour when a curtain is pulled across. The crowd is very young and techno music blares from the speakers. The beer caters to this young crowd in that they serve a wheat , a wit , and a summer blonde, along with their vienna lager. The beer seemed true to style.

 

Bunker Bier Hall
41 Earlham Street
Covent Garden, London
WC2H 9LD

Bunker Bier is a brewpub in a trendy London shopping district. Located in the basement of a store block, the facility is quite large. The stand up bar is about 40 feet long. The dining area and kitchen probably extend another 50 feet. The beer-making equipment, a copper ten barrel system with four fermenters, is at the other end. The center of the bar area has a half dozen sofas and some leaning rails. There are very large booths throughout, and several of the tables in the dining area will seat 12. The beer is brewed in the German tradition and seemed true to style. There are also bottled beers. The Japanese bar girl wouldn't discuss beer as she is a non-drinker. The brewer was on vacation, and the manager was busy.





 

Annapolis

 

Castlebay Irish Pub

193-A Main Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Phone: (410) 626-0165
FAX: (410) 267-7810
Owner: Vincent Quinlan

Castlebay has got to be Maryland's smallest brewpub. Yet making only one beer, they sure do it right! The house brew is Three Nuns, an Irish-style ale that is creamy, balanced, and flavorful. If you check Walter's Data, you will find that Three Nuns ranks in the top 5 out of 1100 beers rated. Castlebay has about 14 taps and maybe 12 bottles. They have good food, but personally, I have never needed more that Three Nuns and raw oysters.

The staff is friendly and professional,there is music and darts, and if you're lucky, you can speak with owner Vincent Quinlan himself.

 

Rams Head Tavern

Rams Head Tavern & Fordham Brewing Co.

33 West Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410)268-4545

Tavern Email: annapolis@ramsheadtavern.com

On Stage Email: booking@ramsheadtavern.com

Rams Head Tavern is one of Maryland's most well-established brew pubs. Their fare is pretty standard...lager, ale, stout, light, and a seasonal. In addition to their house beers, their guest taps bring the draft total above 20, and they stock about 120 bottles. Things can get pretty hectic in the bar when busy, and the bartenders, though seeming to move at warp speed, may take a while to serve you. If this happens, try the Down Bar in the basement; it's friendlier, and you may want to soak up the lore of old Annapolis, or join the World Beer Club.

Adjoining the tavern is Rams Head On Stage, a national entertainment venue and one of the best places to see live music in the region. Rams Head is nothing if not successful, and also has locations in Crownsville, Savage, Baltimore, and Rehobeth Beach, Deleware.

Above-World Beer Club; Below-Down Bar

 

Baltimore Area

 

Red Brick Station

8149 HoneyGo Blvd • White Marsh, MD 21236 • 410.931.PUBS

Red Brick Station houses the White Marsh Brewing Co., a local brewer of fine beers. There are around 7 on tap, one hand engine, and one guest beer. The regulars range from Honeygo Lite at 3.6% to the Daily Crisis IPA weighing in at 6.1%. RBS offers a casual atmosphere with good food and "Baltimore's Best Happy Hour." Mug clubbers drink more for less.

 

Ellicott Mills Brewing Company

8308 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410.313.8141

One of the best types of brew pubs for a Questor is one that makes good beers and lots of them. Ellicott Mills Brewing Company is one of the best in the Baltimore area. They are prolific in the styles of beer they make, but their specialty beers are their bocks.

Walk down to the Batskeller where bartender Tim Kendzierski runs one of the best bars in the region. The food is great, too.

The stone edifice that is the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company used to be a hardware store. Don't take these beers for granite.

Pictured top: Timmy K.

Below: Brewer Darryl &
Chef Rick

 

 

Timmy exhibits his own method of sanitizing the beer glasses.

 

 

DuClaw Brewing Company

DuClaw began as a brew pub in Bel Air, MD and now has spread to Fells Point, Bowie, and Arundel Mills. DuClaw's secret is brewing beers that people love to drink, and providing a fun setting in which to do it. DuClaw unveils a new seasonal beer each month, and these give-away nights are extremely popular. You can get on their email list and print coupons for these free products.

 

The Brewer's Art

1106 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Tel: 410-547-6925

The Brewer's Art is one of the rare jewels in the crown of Baltimore's craft brewing industry. I don't know how far you'd have to journey to find another Belgian brewpub...if you find out, let us know. The basement bar is dark and secluded, offering private corners, attracting mainly locals and the occasional brood of interlopers. The home brews are Belgian. There are usually 5 on tap, with Ozzy and Resurrection being staples of Baltimore's beer-drinking populace. Each beer is served in a specific glass. The overhead chalkboards list at least 100 bottles of guest beers from all over the world. Everything seems to be carefully chosen to satisfy the pickiest beer drinker. Upstairs is upscale, with another bar overlooking Baltimore's historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood.

 

Western Maryland

 

Johansson's Dining House

4 W. Main Street
Westminster, Maryland, 21157-4816
(410) 876-0101

Located in quaint downtown Westminster, Johansson's in noted for fine dining and beer. Although their brewing operation was on hiatus for a while, they are brewing once again; although on our visit, they only had two varieties...an amber and an altbier. They have brewed maybe 10 different beers in the past, and are probably best known for their Hoodlehead IPA. They provide 11 guest taps and about 20 bottles, mostly commonplace. The bar is long, dark, and comfortable, and darts are offered for those so inclined.

 

Brewer's Alley

125 North Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701

Brewer's Alley is located in an historic building, and was Frederick's first brewpub. They have 7 brews on tap, and rotate about 10 seasonals in with their 5 regulars. They also offer three bottled beers. On this Saturday night, the bar was jumping, and the fact that many patrons were consuming Miller Lites is testament to the fact that this must be a swinging night spot as well as a source of excellent craft-brewed beers. The Pils was hearty, yet delicate, and well-hopped. The hefeweizen was excellent, so much so, that when I set mine down, it disappeared. On the right you can see a "giraffe", a device that dispenses 2.5 liters of beer right at your table. It's guaranteed to infuse your group with instant Gemutlichkeit.

 

Barley and Hops
GRILL & MICROBREWERY
5473 Urbana Pike,
Frederick, Maryland 21703
Phone: 301-668-5555
e-mail: barleyandhops1@aol.co
m

Located in a shopping center, just South of old downtown Frederick, Barley and Hops is a friendly place to eat and drink. They offer about 7 taps...one is a hand engine. They also offer several bottled beers. Their brewings range from the summery hefeweizen and kolsch to a hoppier, stronger pale ale and red ale. My favorite was the pils, which was an excellent example of the style. The staff was particularly helpful in providing material for this site.

 

 

Pennsylvania

 

McKenzie Brew House
240 Lancaster Ave
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 296-2222

McKenzie Brew House features 5 regulars on tap as well as 2 or 3 seasonals. They sell no other beer. They offer a varied selection of boilerplate regulars...lager, ale, and stout. I had two seasonals; one hit and one miss. Two bottle-conditioned beers are also featured. The bar is large and rectangular and there is lots of open space. The feel is modern, clean, and hi-tech. Wood bar and floors warm up an otherwise minimalist feel. The brew works are visible. Bartenders were young and pleasant when questioned. The crowd was young, upscale, and lively.
McKenzie has another location in nearby Chadds Ford. The bar area here takes up most of the building; the dining area is perhaps half as large as the bar. Besides being spacious, the bar is modern and well lit. The menu seemed pricey, but the portions were large and well prepared. There were five year-round brews and two seasonals on tap. Although true to style, the beer efforts seemed modest: the boldest offering was a pale ale. The brewing operation is not evident.


 

General Lafayette Inn and Brewery
646 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA  19444 
Telephone (610) 941-0600

The General Lafayette Inn is housed in a building whose construction was begun in 1732. The restaurant and brewpub itself is a warren of cozy, comfortable rooms that make even a first-time patron feel at home. At any given time they will offer 8-12 taps of their own beers, and two casks. They included a nice assortment of styles with several Belgians and a raspberry mead ale.
The bartender was professional and informative, and the clientele seemed to be there for the beer. Growlers were being filled.
This was a pub that warrants a return visit.

Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Ln
Downingtown , PA 19335

Victory has a pub ajacent to their brewery in Downingtown, PA. Tours are available, but the brewing operation is not evident from the pub. The bar area is very long and narrow starting at the entrance door. The dining area is a large area beyond, with the tables crowded together in a noisy and casual manner. They have about 12 of their own beers on tap, and they are quite reasonably priced. A store with their bottled products and paraphenalia is at the far end of the building.

 

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

130 E. Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
P: 610 983.9333  

The Iron Hill Brewpub in Phoenixville, PA, is one of seven in this chain, and is in a newly renovated building in the downtown area. It has large windows and light colored paneling, accented with stainless steel and copper ornamentation, making the place feel very bright yet somewhat sterile. They have six of their own beers on tap. The beers are true to style but expensive... as were the menu items.

 

Sly Fox Brewery
519 KIMBERTON RD. (RT.113)
PIKELAND VILLAGE SQUARE
PHOENIXVILLE, PA 19460
P. 610-935-4540

The Sly Fox Tavern is a brewpub in an older strip mall in Phoenixville, PA. The bar is long and zig-zags around kettles and some fermentation tanks. There are also about 8 tables. The dining area is in a separate room and seems rather small but cozy. There is more dining area upstairs. The pub grub was good and reasonably priced. They had about 10 of their own beers on tap as well as bombers of two of their specialty beers.
There is also a location in Royersford.


Dock Street Brewery
701 South 50th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-726-2337

Located in West Philly, on the edge of University City, can be found Dock Street Brewery. The decor was industrial, yet cozy, and the crowd was a mixed lot. Dock Street offered 6 taps of their own beer, and two more in bottles. The styles included an excellent IPA and Golden Ale, as well as Kolsch, barley wine, and others. The bartenders were friendly and helpful, and...this is a big plus...each style was served in the appropriate glass. It may be a little out of the way, but put Dock Street on your list.


 

Union Barrel Works
6 N. Reamstown Road
Reamstown, PA 17567
717-335-SUDS (7837)

You wouldn't expect to find a great brew pub in this sleepy little Pennsylvania town about a mile off the main antique drag. But you'd be wrong. A long bar has ample room for a crowd of beer drinkers, and there are a number of tables for dining. The beers were tasty and true-to-style. Tin ceilings and hardwood floors add to the feeling of a mature neighborhood watering hole. You have to look for the Union Barrel Works, and that you should do.


Lancaster Brewing Company
302 N. Plum Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-391-6258

The Lancaster Brewing Co. sits in the idyllic small town of Lancaster , PA, which carries its 200+ years with great dignity. The building is perfect for a brewpub; a former tobacco warehouse. It's a massive, timber-framed structure, with all of the hand-worked joinery left exposed. There are ample nooks and crannies to create an adventuresome, varied floorplan. The high ceilings, exposed timber framing, varied textures of wood and steel in the structure and brewing vessels, and overall spaciousness combine to create the perfect setting for enjoying beer, food, and the company of other bon vivants. The knowledgeable and friendly wait staff might be stretched a bit thin at the busiest times, but are still good-natured and helpful. Being a brewpub, it really is all about the beer, and Lancaster really delivers. Its Milk Stout, Hop Hog IPA and Hefeweizen all stand out as superb examples of vastly different brews.  I would return in a heartbeat.

 

The Brewerie at Union Station
123 West 14th St.
Erie, PA 16505
814-454-2200

The Brewerie at Union Station is in a refurbished railroad station. They have lots of room in a spacious setting with railraod decor. There is a 3.5-barrel lauter and kettle on display in one hallway, and seven barrel fermenters in another. The food is very cheap and the service good.They have seven of their own beers on tap as well as two guest taps. Their bottled beers are all from other local breweries. The men's room is spacious with no waiting.

 

Triumph Brewing Company
117-121 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

phone: (215) 625-0855

The Triumph Brewing Company is an upscale restaurant that serves nouveau cuisine; small portions of unique dishes at high prices. Go there for the beer.
The brewing equipment is upstairs. The first floor ceiling has been recently reinforced with large steel i-beams.

Philadelphia is a beer-savvy town, and most of the patrons knew why they were there. The beer list is arranged from light to heavy, and is generally quite good. I saw some unusual styles, including a kellerbier, vienna, and a rauch weizen-doppelbock. And the restrooms are unique...visit even if you don't have to. This is Triumph's third location, the other two being in New Hope, PA and Princeton, NJ.




Kutztown Tavern
272 West Main Street
Kutztown, Pennsylvania, 19530
Phone: 610.683.9600

The Kutztown Tavern is an inviting place to drink. There are several over-stuffed couches sharing the entryway space with what appears to be the 5-barrel brewing system of the Golden Avalanche Brewing Company. The very long bar area shares space with six 16-barrel tanks. A large dining area is beyond. They have eight beers and a seasonal on tap. The food is good, the prices are low, the service is quick, and the servers attentive.

 

Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Company
165 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 16635
814-695-2931

Marzoni's is a stand-alone building in a shopping center near Altoona, Pa. A new building, it has lots of windows and blond paneling making it light and spacious. The bar side takes up at least half the space. There are about 25 booths and tables and the large bar sits about 35 . The food is good and not expensive. The 10-barrel system is visible adjacent to the bar. They have six year-round beers and two more seasonals in a good rotation. The beer is tasty and true to style, and quite reasonably priced at $2.75 for 20 ounces, even cheaper at Happy Hour.

 

Manayunk Brewing Company
4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215.482.8220
Email: info@manayunkbrewery.com

Located on the banks of the scenic Schuylkill River in the quaint town of Manayunk, the Manayunk Brewing Company provides locals and visitors with an array of hand-crafted beers, and much more. At the time of our visit, they offered 8 taps...4 regulars and 4 seasonals. Their brews seemed diverse in style, and, as brewer Chris Firey explained, are "brewed to satisfy a variety of thirsts." A trip to Philly should include a stop in Manayunk; walk the streets and check out the several good beer establishments...and then grab a seat on the deck at the Manayunk Brewing Company and sip a cool one while watching the river flow.

 

 

Bullfrog Brewery
231 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701

The Bullfrog Brewery is in the shopping district of downtown Williamsport. It has a long bar and one row of tables that extends into an alcove in the back, making it seem larger than it is. It's bright inside, with light colors...blonde woods, copper tanks, and copper- colored ceiling. Large windows, with ferns and other hanging plants give it a '90's feel. The copper cooker and lauter tanks are right in the main seating area, the ten 310-gallon beer holding tanks are in a row behind the bar. They had 9 beers on tap and an ESB on hand engine. Since the brewing equipment is in the restaurant, the brewer comes to work in the middle of the night, and is gone by the time the place opens.
The bar maid was conversing with her chum and didn't pay much attention to this Questor.

 

Appalachian Brewing Company

50 N. Cameron St. Harrisburg, PA

ABC seems to have found a real niche in Harrisburg. They have a spacious bar and restaurant and brew a wide variety of beers that people just plain like to drink. For a sample of the events and activities, visit their website and get on their mailing list. Specials, beerfests, live music, contests...ABC has them. Did I mention the beers? They brew a wide variety of ales and lagers, and had 11 on tap during our visit. Brewmaster Artie Tafoya was glad to take some time to talk about the brewery.

Upstairs is the Abbey Bar...more intimate with a selection of over 50 Belgian drafts and bottles for those so inclined.

ABC also has a brewpub in Gettysburg. Questors are encouraged to check out one or both of these worthy establishments.

 

 

Bube's Brewery


102 N. Market
Street

Mount Joy, PA 17552
Phone: (717) 653-2056

Bube's is certainly one of your most unique brewpubs. Housed in an old brewery dating from 1859, Bube's features lots of dark wood, stone and copper. Bube's usually will have about 5 of their own brews on tap. The alt bier was a session beer that went down easy. They provide 18 taps altogether and about 40 bottles. As you descend the steep stone steps into the catacombs(left) you could be easily going back in time. Bube's has a mug club, special Feasts, mystery dinners and theme parties. Mount Joy isn't far from Lancaster or Harrisburg, and going a little off of your route will be well rewarded.

 

 

Stoudt's Brewing Company

Route 272 Adamstown, PA 19501 (717)-484-4386

 

For a great German Oktoberfest, Stoudt's can't be beaten. Whether for a beer fest or a visit anytime, your hosts Carol and Ed Stoudt provide the best in German beer and cuisine.
Stoudt's has about 9 taps of their hand-crafted beers. Though they specialize in German lagers, the styles are diverse with the likes of a stout and a double IPA. There is really too much happening at Stoudt's to cover in this space...just visit their website.

 

 

Selins Grove Brewing

119 North Market Street
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Get Directions

For four years I matriculated at Bucknell University. A 3-hour trip from Ellicott City, MD, up the West bank of the Susquehanna River through Enola, Marysville, Liverpool, Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam...where was Selins Grove Brewing in the 70's? Well, it's there NOW! A tiny brewing gem in an old stone house with 9 of their own drafts...2 hand engines. They brew it back in the garage. It is cozy, rustic, an oasis, the food is great, and the beer is greater. I can only speak for the pils, but Brendan says the whole sampler was excellent.

 

 

Market Cross Pub
113 North Hanover St.
Carlisle, PA 17013

717-258-1234

Well, this is another brew pub in a college town that makes me want to re-enroll. Market Cross has 13 guest taps and 3 of it's own brews. This a small brewing operation, but the beer is big on quality. Their Olde Yeller is an IPA pumped from a hand engine that will probably make my top 10. What's more...they offer maybe 200 bottles from their cooler. Frequent visitors should sign up for their Passport Program to earn free stuff. Market Cross certainly deserves the numerous awards they have won.

 

 

Otto's Pub & Brewery

2105 N. Atherton St.
State College, PA 16803

814-867-OTTO (6886)

It was a mild surprise to cruise into Otto's at 12:30 on a Sunday afternoon and find the bar full. I guess Otto's is a popular place. The only brewpub in State College provides about 8 taps, one of which is a hand pump. The beer is brewed right here, and they offer no guest taps or bottles. The barmaid was helpful and knowledgeable, expertly filling me a growler of Pils. There are specials nightly, with Friday being firkin night. They have a Pub Club featuring many bargains. Otto's is a necessary visit for any Questor in the region, and it's worth traveling to get to.

 

Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant

1516 Sansom St.
2nd Floor
Phila, PA
(215) 569-9525 (v)

The Nodding Head motto is "Taking over the world seven barrels at a time" and they sure seem to be living up to it. It will be well worth the climb up the steps to locate this gem of a brewpub. They are confident in the quality and appeal of their own brews, offering no bottles. Their confidence is not misplaced. The Grog, a medal-winning brown ale, was excellent, and so was the Monkey Knife Fight, an aromatic summer brew.

Brendan, our barkeep, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The crowd was lively and the mood of the establishment was infectious. We will return as soon as possible.

Brendan mans the taps

 

West Virginia

 

West Virginia Brewing Company

1291 University Ave.
Morgantown, West Virginia
26505
(304) 296-BREW

College towns will often have some fine beer establishments, and Morgantown is no exception. WVBC will usually have 4-6 of their own award-winning beers, and about 30 bottles. Of course, beer in WV cannot be over 6.0% ABV, but this does not prevent WVBC from brewing up some delicious offerings. Ned's Pale Ale seems to be one of the favorites, and I found out why. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Diversions include darts, pool and trivia. The sandwich was the biggest I have ever had.

 

 

Mountain State

Brewing Company

Thomas, W.Va.

304-463-4500

Brewer Brian Arnett, who used to brew for Ryleigh's in Baltimore before they ceased their brewing operation in 2005, has succeeded in bringing his craft brewing skills back to his home state. Along with his partner, Willie Lehmann, they have set up shop in beautiful and rustic Thomas, in West Virginia's scenic Canaan Valley. The Brewery is not hard to locate...right on Rt. 32 in Thomas. These lads turn out some great brews. The small onsite outlet is a snug little pub, with lots of stone and timber. They featured three beers at the time of our visit; Almost Heaven Amber Ale, Seneca Indian Pale Ale, and Cold Trail Ale. The crowd was lively, and all the beers were different and delicious. Whether you are in the Valley for skiing, hunting, or hiking, you'll want to make sure Mountain State is at the end of your trail.

 

 

 

Blackwater Brewing Company
PO Box 356, Davis, WV 26260
Phone: 304-259-4221

Nestled in the mountains, not far from Blackater Falls, is the Blackwater Brewing Company. They feature 5 or 6 styles, and all are clean, crisp, and well-made. There are several macro bottles for those who want...well, I don't know what they want. Blackwater is a great place to eat and drink in a beautiful area, and a must to visit in the Canaan Valley.

 

Delaware

 

Iron Hill Brewery
147 East Main Street
Newark, Delaware 19711
P: 302 266.9000  

Iron Hill in Newark is among the seven (for now) locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania. The square bar seats at least 20, with lots of tables and outdoor seating. They feature 10 of their own beers on tap, and 1 cask. The staff was friendy and glad to help and make suggestions. Iron Hill was a pleasant respite on a hot day in this buatling college town.

 

Stewart's Brewing Company
219 Governors Square
Bear, DE 19701
302-836-BREW (2739)

Bear, DE is about 10 minutes off I-95 and a nice stop on the way to Philly. Stewart's Brewing Co. offers 9 draft selections of their own beer, 3 of which are seasonals. The brew works are visible and the aroma was stimulating. Brewer Ric Hoffman explained that while Stewart's always strives to satisfy the general beer-drinking populace, they have been diversifying of late, brewing more higher octane beverages, such as Belgians and barley wines. They brew about 30 beers per year. The staff was very helpful, both with beer info and directions.

 

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
320 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-226-BREW

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE 19968
302-684-1000 or 1-888-8dogfish


Dogfish Head is known throughout the Mid-Atlantic for making beers that are "strong, out-there, and over-the-top." At the time of our visit, the Rehobeth restaurant featured about 7 taps, including the 60-and 90-minute IPA's, Indian Brown Ale, and Aprihop. They offer no bottles. The restaurant is family-oriented, but the bar patrons know their brews. A visit to any of the DelMarVa resorts warrants a side trip to Dogfish Head.

 

Iron Hill Brewery
and Restaurant

710 South Madison Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
phone 302 658.8200

The Iron Hill Brewery is situated on Wilmington's scenic Christina River in the midst of many interesting attractions. Of course, the prime attraction here is the beer. Iron Hill was carefully conceived and constructed to be both modern and comfortable. The beer menu features 6 regulars and two seasonals. Those we tried were fresh, clean-tasting, and delicious. The friendly staff went out of their way to be helpful, knew a great deal about their beers, and showed great pride in their workplace.

Check out their website to view Iron Hill's impressive list of awards.

If you can't make it to Wilmington, don't despair; Iron Hill has brew pubs in Newark, West Chester, Media, and North Wales.

On duty...Zack and Ben

Northern Virginia

 

Vintage 50
50 Catoctin Circle NE #100
Leesburg , VA 20176
(703) 777-2169

Vintage 50 occupies the space in Leesburg that used to be Thoroughbred's brewpub. The style is modern and somewhat chic, yet very comfortable and friendly. V-50 offers 8 or 9 drafts, all brewed on premise...no bottles or macros. The ones I tried were quenching, and I wish I had gotten the sampler. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable about the beers. There were about 16 seats at the bar, a number of tables, and seating outside. The food was also delicious.


Sweetwater Tavern

45980 Waterview Plaza
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 434-6500

There was nothing not to like about our visit to Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling, VA. The outside bar afforded a beautiful view of the lake and was a cool place to sip a hand-crafted beer on a very hot day. Brewmaster Nick Funnell has a repertoire of about 35 beers, of which 5 were on tap. The Wild West Fest was possibly the best beer I've had this summer. Inside, the spacious bar area has seating for about 60 Questors, and is surrounded by a large dining area. Their beer is fresh and popular; manager Chris informed us that they fill about 250 growlers per week. Much, but not all, of the talk around the bar was beer-related. Our bartender, Sandi, was a gem...attentive, professional, and personable. Sweetwater has two other locations in Northern Virginia but I see no reason not to return to this one.

 

Piccadilly's Brew Pub & Restaurant
(540) 535-1899
125 E Piccadilly Street
Winchester, VA 22601

Piccadilly'sis located in scenic, historic Winchester in a beautifully restored warehouse.The beers are extract-brewed in six gleaming tanks that are on display. Four regulars brews are produced, and they feature several that are blends of the other four. They also offer a large selection of bottled beers, mostly of the macro variety. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and proprietor Gary Rutherford was eager to explain the brewing process and show us around the premises. On site are two spacious dining rooms and an area for banquets and live music.

 

Washington, DC Area

 

Hops Grill and Brewery
3625 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Alexandria, VA
703-837-9107

Located in a suburban shopping center, HOPS offers four standard brews and two seasonals. A few macro bottles are available. The Bold Gold was good and clean as a whistle. At lunchtime, the bar was mostly manned by businessmen eating and drinking their lunch. The bar is rectangular and spacious, and the bar staff helpful. Kristi, the brewster, showed me the seven-barrel system and explained that she is required to brew the four standards, but has more choice in brewing the seasonals. The Fun Zen Bock was tasty with body. HOPS also has a location in Richmond, but I would not hesitate to return to this one.

 

Dogfish Head Alehouse
800 West Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD, 20878
301-963-4847

Dogfish Head is finally dispensing their fantastic, far-out beers in dear old Maryland at their Alehouse in Gaithersburg. On tap are 6 regular and 6 seasonal or limited brews. If this does not appeal to you, they have several bottles of mundane macros. The place was jumping at the post-lunch hour, yet the bar staff was attentive and helpful. As always, the ales were outstanding.

Growlers
227 East Diamond Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

(301) 519-9400
Growlers is a brewpub located in the quaint section of Gaithersburg that is still reminiscent of a sleepy, small town. It occupies the same site as the old Summit Station Brewpub. They offer 8 taps, six of which are their house beers...the other two are guest taps. They also carry about 15 bottles. The lunch hour presented an eclectic crowd of diners and beer drinkers. The bar is comfortable, and the beer was very fresh. As the name would indicate, growlers can be filled.

Gordon Biersch
7861 L Chain Bridge Rd
McLean, VA 22102
phone: 703-388-5454

Gordon Biersch is a successful chain of brewpubs across the U.S. We visited the McLean, VA location and found their lagers to be crisp, tasty, and true to style. There were 8 beers on tap, and the selection was comprehensive, including marzen, hefeweizen, and Czech lager. The place had a corporate feel to it, and was populated by an upscale crowd. Nevertheless, Matt, the bartender, made us feel at home and was willing and eager to answer a vast range of questions. There is also a location in nearby Washington, DC.

 

Rock Bottom Brewery
7900 Norfolk Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-1311

The Rock Bottom Brewery is a successful chain, with the Bethesda location being the only one in Maryland. Brewmaster Geoff Lively knows his craft and his clientele. The former is evidenced by the impressive array of awards and medals he has garnered, and the latter by the sampler of six very smooth and drinkable beers that he graciously proffered. "We try to have something for everyone." is Geoff's philosophy, and this is no idle boast. Their five regulars are brewed to satisfy the normal spectrum of beer drinkers. In addition, Geoff offers one or two seasonals, and one or two cask-conditioned ales dispensed through a hand engine, for his more beer-cultured or curious customers. Ask your bartender, and other special brews are liable to be available in 1-liter bottles.

Rock Bottom offers fine foods and special events as well, and should be a definite stop for residents, tourists, and those citizens in search of good beer.

 

 

District Chophouse
509 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 347-3434

January 26th, 6:22 PM...it was cold in the District. We were in town for the Lupulin Hoppy Beer Slam at RFD. But being on the Quest, and so close to a brewpub, I threw on my coat and ran a coupla blocks down 7th Street to the District Chophouse. It was a good move. Brewmaster Barrett Lauer crafts about 8 regulars and a seasonal. The Bourbon Stout had been recommended to me, but in its absence, I had a Weizenbock, which was remarkably good. At a great beer place, always sit at the bar...that's where you'll learn about the local beer scene. The bartender was exceptionally helpful in spite of being very busy. The Chophouse seems to be a great place to meet and chat with friends while consuming great beer. My all-too-brief visit was over, but I'll be back.

 

Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery, & General Store

5123 Baltimore Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-927-2938

Franklin's is one of Maryland's best kept brewing secrets. Located right on Rt. 1 between DC and College Park, Franklin's has a restaurant downstairs and spacious bar up the steps. They offer 8-10 taps of their own brews, and several macro bottles for the unenlightened. Head brewer Charles Noll crafts a kolsch, hefe-weizen, pale ale, red ale, IPA, and Belgian triple to name a few. The lunchtime crowd was quite diverse, the General Store fun to browse in, and most importantly...the beer was excellent.

 

 

Shenandoah Brewing Company

652 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
703.823.9508 - info@shenandoah.com

Shenandoah is the area's first and only brewery, brewpub, and brew-on-premise facility rolled into one. The bar is small, and serves fresh on draft about 8 of Shenandoah's award-winning beers. What is not on draft is likely in a bottle. It's a minimalist menu, providing mainly chile and chips, because most patrons don't come here to eat...they come to drink beer, brew beer, and discuss the same. Drinking a beer at SB is like drinking milk on a dairy farm, or eating potato chips in Hanover...this is where it’s made, this is where they do it for real, and that adds an air of electricity to the place. There is something passionately satisfying about sipping one of SB’s many fresh selections as you wait for your wort to boil. Novices need not worry; brewmaster and proprietor Anning Smith will guide you through the process of making the style you select. The conversation is seriously about beer as well, and the bar serves as a malting pot for locals interested in drinking and brewing. It’s a hoppening place.


North Carolina

 

Southend Brewery
2100 South Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 358-4677

Southend Brewery in Charlotte, seems to be quite successful. Located in a converted warehouse, there is lots of room, but most of it is dedicated to the restaurant. The brewing operation is visible in the back but not emphasized. They have six regular brews and one rotating seasonal. The beers are true to style, but seem more commercial than passionate. It is one of a chain with other locations in Raleigh and Charleston.

 


Heinzelmännchen Brewery
Dieter Kuhn & Sheryl Rudd, Owners
545 Mill Street • PO Box 2075
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
828-631-4466

THIS IS A MICROBREWERY...NOT A BREWPUB - BUT THEY DO A THRIVING GROWLER BUSINESS, AND WILL BE GLAD TO HAVE YOU SAMPLE THEIR BEERS!

The Heinzelmannchen Brewery, Sylva NC, is a one-man operation. He has a cooker, and one 10 barrel fermenter. He uses lager recipes, but an ale yeast to make his five brews. After a three day ferment, he kegs the beer for further conditioning. He has several commercial accounts and does a good growler business.




South Carolina

 

Thomas Creek Brewery
2054 Piedmont Highway
Greenville, SC 29605
864 605 1166
thomascreek@bellsouth.net

Wait a minute now...Thomas Creek ain't a brewpub...it's a microbrewery. You can't get food, but call ahead for a brewery tour and delicious samples.

Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville, SC does no retail sales. They have a cooker, and six 50- barrel fermenters. They also have three half-barrel fermenters for special restaurant contracts. Taps on the wall allow tasting of four different beers. They have a small bottling line, and they insert bottles into cases by hand. Their variously named products are sold through SC and also Georgia. If expansion is called for, they have space thru one wall to double their operation.

 

Blue Ridge Brewing Company
217 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-4677

Located in the boutique shopping district of Greenville, SC, Blue Ridge seems like a typical yuppie brew pub. They seat about 100 and have a cozy patio in front. Their copper cooker and lauter are displayed in front with a row of 5 stainless 10 barrel fermenters down the side. There are four regular beers and a seasonal; stout, blond, ESB, pale ale, and dunkle weissen. The beers seem true to style.

 

New York

 

Southern Tier Brewing Company
2051A Stoneman Circle
Lakewood, New York 14750
Telephone 716-763-5479

The Southern Tier Brewery is located in a sparsely built industrial area outside of Jamestown, NY. It's tasting room is open Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. In The Empty Pint, as the tasting room is called, they have their seven regular beers and a root beer on tap. The bar stands about 8 and there are three picnic tables in the room as well as a bootled beer display and souvenirs. There is an outdoor seating area as well. On a plesent Saturday afternoon, there were about 20 customers.

 

Flying Bison Brewing Company
491 Ontario Street
Buffalo, New York 14207
716-873-1557

You gotta really want to visit Flying Bison. The sign on Ontario Street says the brewery is at the back of the building, and so it is in many ways. Still, once safely inside you're treated to the innards of a working brewery. Owner and head brewer Tim Herzog is proud of his facilities and his beers. He built the place around the wish-lists of other brewers and so it has such things as its own lab and a one-barrel system for test brewing. There's no restaurant but there is a small bar with Flying Bison beers on tap for samples. On our visit seven taps were pouring – the Blizzard Bock and Barnstormer Pale Ale were favorites. Pint glasses, ball caps and similar beer paraphernalia are also available for purchase. Tim and his crew give tours on Saturday but they were happy to indulge us on a dreary Monday morning. If you fear the back of buildings in industrial areas, you can also find Flying Bison in restaurants, bars and grocery stores throughout Western New York.