BREW PUBS
One could say that craft brew pubs across the nation recognize the many health benefits of beer, and are contributing to the longevity of the American public, by their use of spent grains in the brewing process. This brewing practice contributes to good mental health – grains are a valuable source of nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins and minerals – and reduces the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s later in life. Pairing of double IPA brews with complementary food items on their menu provides additional health benefits and underlies the need to visit your local brew pubs with increased regularity.
A review of some of the local brew pubs in the Susquehanna Valley and adjoining areas that serve up a nice variety of craft double IPAs along with complementary food stuffs in a pleasant environment is shared below for the benefit of the double IPA aficionado.
Wyndridge Farms—visited in 2015
Located SE of Dallastown, PA
- A massive restaurant/brewery/winery/lodge
- Situated in rural farm country, Wyndridge Farm is suited to hold large receptions/weddings, as well as luncheons
- Selection of IPAs limited when we visited, but it was worth the trip
Miscreation Brewing Company—visited May 2016 and on Sep 2017
Located on the corner in Hanover, PA town square
- Parking in downtown Hanover can be a challenge
- Started in 2013
- Owned and operated by husband and wife. Owners extremely personable and engaging
- Husband, brewer, quite knowledgeable
- Two levels for dining; also have nice outdoor seating area
- Decor very attractive—best ambiance of all pubs we visited
- Great wall art by local painter, who paints for beer
- Basement area has engaging games
- Beers good, selection limited
- Attractive food menu
- Flights available
Pizza Boy Brewery—visited May 2016
Located in Mechanicsburg, PA off route 81
- Parking on site
- Established 2002
- Owned and operated by a husband and wife.
- Husband, the major brewer, quite knowledgeable
- Large area with a long bar
- Suitable for large gatherings; able to seat roughly 100 people
- Small outdoor area under cover of ceiling
- Environment like a sports bar
- Roughly 100 beers on tap
- Food menu essentially limited to Pizza, but it is good
- Do not sell flights or samples, but growlers are available
Dempsey’s Brew Pub & Restaurant—visited May 2016
Located inside Camden Yards Baseball Stadium, Baltimore, MD
- Nice outdoor environment prior to Orioles game
- Expensive
DuClaw Brewing Co—visited May 2016
Located at 7000 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD
- Reasonably priced flights
- Good presentation of flights, good IPA selections
- Knowledgeable and attentive servers
- View of Mall traffic often entertaining
- Parking in Mall lot can be challenging
ZeroDay Brewing Company—visited January 2017
Located in Harrisburg, PA
- Nice little brewery in a suite behind the movie theater
- Named for a day of rest hikers take, i.e., zero miles walked on that day
- Pretty good variety but not all available on a particular day
- No food except “large ass pretzels” available
Market Cross Pub & Brewery—visited February 2017
Located in Carlisle, PA
- Very nice restaurant environment, looks and feels a bit Irish—varied menu
- Large beer selection, but few brewed by them
- Limited double IPAs available on a particular day
- Flights available
- Good service; knowledgeable server
Molly Pitcher Brewing Company—visited February 2017
Located in Carlisle, PA next to the graveyard where Molly Pitcher of
revolutionary war fame, is buried
- Business started 2015. Recently moved to location closer to DickinsonCollege
- Small, friendly atmosphere, will fill growlers
- Limited availability of double IPAs
- Limited food selection
Aldus Brewing Company—visited September 2017
Located on Granger street in Hanover; PA, the old Snyder’s pretzelFactory
- Name derived from Aldus Manutius a 15th century Venetian printer who
- published books for the masses—their task is to provide beer for themasses
- Limited beer menu and limited food options
- Nice area separate from the bar for TV viewing but uncomfortable metal chairs
- Started in 2014. They hold a party around Halloween each year
www.somethingwickedbrewing.com
Something Wicked Brewing—visited September 2017
Located on Broadway street in the center of Hanover, PA
- Entry off Broadway might confuse a slightly drunk person
- Nice, small area with bar and seating
- Great wall with educational quotes
- Limited beer menu. Large selection of food available—in house and from localShops
- Good pretzels
- Shirts and other items available