ARTILLERY BREWING Photo by Ed Williams
The brewery scene is quickly expanding on the Main Line. Here are some of our favorite breweries around the region.
1. The Delco-proud 2SP Brewing Company has just opened an impressive taphouse in the former 3,500-square-foot La Piña Mexican restaurant space in Chadds Ford. The fully redesigned interior accommodates 135 seats, with a 20-seat bar offering 12 taps. There won’t be any brewing on site, but they are aging beer. A small menu features smash burgers, and the patio is dog-friendly. 95 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 840-8736. 2sptaphouse.com
2. Swarthmore finally has a spot on the beer bandwagon thanks to Beach Haven, N.J.’s Ship Bottom Brewery, which is never shy about trying new concepts. Its Blendery & Barrel House opened this past winter in the once alcohol-shy hamlet. The brewhouse-type tasting experience is enhanced with some interesting new wines, hard ciders and seltzers. 5 Park Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 467-5804, shipbottombrewery.com
3. Von C Brewing Company’s Rick, Eric and Jay von Czoernig are sixth-generation brewers dating back to 1860, when their third great-grandfather, Christian Schmidt, founded Schmidt’s Brewing Company in Philadelphia. These days, the focus is on IPAs at von C’s 20-barrel, 16,000-square-foot microbrewery and massive tasting room. Food trucks can be found in the outdoor beer garden. 1210 Stanbridge St., Norristown, (484) 231-1501, voncbrewing.com
4. With COVID numbers on an encouraging downward slide, suds fanatics can expect beer festival season to kick into full gear in 2022, with signature events like the Kennett Brewfest and KOP Beerfest Royale at full capacity. We’ll keep you updated on mainlinetoday.com.
5. Horsham’s first brewery is focused on small-batch craft ales and lagers. Big Chief Brewing Company owner Mark Dashner incorporates his Native American heritage into the overall experience with beers like Pochahontas Porter, Dances with Hops and Cochise Hickory Stout. 193 Easton Road, Horsham, (609) 367-3833, bigchiefbrewing.com
6. At press time, Lost Planet Brewing was planning on a spring opening in Royersford’s first fire house, which dates to 1894. Its 10-barrel brewhouse also has a brewing lab and seating for 150. Look for German-style beers, Belgians and a saison at its two full-service bars and the outdoor beer garden. 301 Walnut St., Royersford.
7. Phoenixville’s Rebel Hill Brewing has added a second taproom. Partnering with Lock 29 Mont Clare, the brewery is now in a prime spot overlooking the Schuylkill River, with a full menu and a rotating beer selection. 127 Bridge St., Mont Clare, (610) 927-4312, lock29montclare.com
8. Refusing to let the lingering pandemic slow them down, Suburban Brewing Company’s Eric Yost and Corey Ross went ahead and debuted their 322 Taproom in Honey Brook a little over a year ago. It features a 10-barrel brewery, a kitchen, a taproom, an outdoor patio, and a bar and a second-floor lounge. 3041 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, (484) 514-9550, suburbanbrewingco.com
9. A contract brewery with a taproom based out of Stone House Grille in Kimberton, Hares Hill Brewing Co. is expanding into South Coventry. On the food side, they’ve partnered with Tony Joe’s House of Great Eats. There will be 12-seat bar in the taproom, with additional table seating and a beer garden. At press time, the opening was delayed as Hares Hill awaits the arrival of new kitchen equipment. 1161 Ridge Road, Pottstown, hareshillbrewingco.com
10. Artillery Brewing Company’s Barracks Taproom takes a bit of scouting to locate, but it’s well worth the effort. Artillery is the second small-batch brewery to land on the western edge of West Chester Borough. Its beers sport Revolutionary names like the Paoli Massacre, the Fog of War, the Patriot and the Traitor. And it’s just a short stroll to the more established Wrong Crowd Beer Co. 333 Granite Alley, West Chester, (484) 999-5976, artillerybrewing.com
11. Dublin Brewing Company is set to open its 11,000-square-foot brewery and winery taproom in a former karate studio. Ireland-born owner and brewer Brendan FitzGerald was shooting for a summer opening at press time, with the total taproom capacity of about 200. A Mediterranean-themed menu will keep foodies happy, and an on-site library will satisfy bookworms. 137 Wallace Ave., Downingtown.
12. Father-and-son entrepreneurs Will and Bill Mangan have transformed what was their third McKenzie Brew House location into a more upscale and personable experience. Will’s + Bill’s Brewery ferments its beer on site—and you can take a peek at the 10 barrels through windows in the revamped dining area. Taps pour Berwyn 1877 Lager, WB’s Signature Light, Tartan IPA and others. 324 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, (484) 318-8538, wills-bills.com
Related: Devon’s Will’s + Bill’s Revamps the MacKenzie Brew Pub Model
