Allentown, PA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Essential Directory
Allentown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Lehigh Valley, is experiencing a resurgence in its brewing tradition, drawing locals and visitors alike to its growing craft beer scene. With a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, the city is now home to a vibrant array of breweries offering a broad selection of craft beers. From stouts and porters to IPAs and lagers, the variety is as rich as the community's brewing heritage. Establishments such as Brü Daddy's Brewing Company and Yergey Brewing have become mainstays, creating a hub for beer enthusiasts to explore innovative flavors and time-tested brews.
The city's breweries are not just places to sample an array of craft beers; they serve as social gathering spots where camaraderie is built around the appreciation of well-crafted brews. Many of these establishments, like The Trapp Door Gastropub and Liberty Street Tavern, offer inviting atmospheres complete with food pairings that complement their beer selections. Moreover, seasonal offerings and special releases keep the beer lineup at venues like Seven Sirens Brewing Company and Bonn Place Brewing Company fresh and exciting throughout the year.
Breweries in Allentown are a testament to the city's dedication to the art of brewing. Visitors can indulge in beer tastings and tours, often met with the opportunity to learn about the brewing process from the passionate artisans themselves. The craft beer movement in Allentown is more than just about the beverage; it's about craftmanship, community, and the celebration of local flavor. For those who appreciate the depth and breadth of beer, Allentown's craft beer scene is a journey worthy of exploration.
History of Craft Brewing in Allentown
Allentown, Pennsylvania, holds a deep-rooted legacy in the craft brewing industry. This city’s brewing history reflects a rich tradition that has evolved substantially over the years.
Pioneering Breweries
Allentown's brewing history began in the 1840s, marking the city as an early contributor to the American brewing scene. The Neuweiler Brewing Company is among the most notable early breweries, established by the Nuding family in the late 19th century and functioning under various names and ownerships until its closure in the late 1960s. This brewery played a significant role during its operation, surviving events such as Prohibition.
Craft Beer Evolution
The craft beer landscape in Allentown saw a resurgence in the mid-1990s, spearheaded by Weyerbacher Brewing. Founded in 1995 by Dan and Sue Weirback, this craft brewery on South Sixth Street in Easton has contributed significantly to the local culture and economy. Following their lead, the Fegley family opened the Brew Works in 1998, providing a new venue for craft beer enthusiasts and further solidifying Allentown's reputation within the Pennsylvania craft brewing community. These establishments laid the groundwork for a new generation of craft breweries in the region.
Craft Breweries of Allentown
Allentown presents a rich tapestry of craft breweries, each with their unique specialties and atmospheres. The city's breweries are distinguished by their dedication to quality, inventive flavors, and the embodiment of Lehigh Valley's growing beer culture.
Yergey Brewing
Located in Emmaus, just outside of Allentown, Yergey Brewing is a must-visit nano-brewery known for its artisanal beers. Since 2016, they've been serving a rotation of beers in a welcoming community-focused taproom.
Funk Brewing
Funk Brewing, another Emmaus gem, brings a touch of boldness to the local scene. Their innovative and flavorful beer selections push the boundaries, ensuring there's always something new to taste.
Hijinx Brewing Company
Dedicated to mischief and fun in their brewing process, Hijinx Brewing Company crafts award-winning beers. Their lineup is centered around high-quality ingredients, producing a diverse range of styles that captivate the palate.
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company
Brü Daddy’s stands out with its modern approach to beer-making and a vibrant atmosphere that encourages social gatherings. Their establishment is a popular spot in Allentown for both classic brews and adventurous offerings.
Fegley’s Brew Works
An Allentown staple, Fegley’s Brew Works combines sustainability with craft brewing. They offer an extensive beer list, with sustainable practices at the core of their operations, guaranteeing a guilt-free pint.
Hop Hill Brewing
Hop Hill Brewing offers patrons a more intimate setting with their small-batch approach to brewing. They focus on quality and complex flavors, creating an inviting space for true beer aficionados.
Bonn Place
Characterized by their cozy taproom, Bonn Place is a place where traditional meets innovation. Their beer selection often includes twists on classic styles, and their friendly ambiance makes every visit memorable.
McCall Collective Brewing
As one of the newer additions to the Allentown brewery scene, McCall Collective Brewing already stands out with their family-oriented approach and diverse beer menu. They've quickly become a local favorite, with a taproom that reflects Allentown's heritage.
Beer Types and Flavors
In Allentown, PA, craft beer enthusiasts have a variety of beer types to explore, each boasting unique flavors and characteristics.
Diverse IPAs
India Pale Ales (IPAs) in Allentown stand out for their variety, ranging from the intensely hoppy to more balanced and fruity options
Bar and Pub Culture
Allentown, PA, boasts a robust bar and pub culture that pivots on an extensive variety of craft beers, coupled with a selection of venues that cater to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Establishments range from cozy taverns to modern brewpubs, offering not just pints and growlers but also finely crafted dining experiences.
Craft Beer Bars
Craft beer bars in Allentown hold a reputation for their eclectic beer selections and knowledgeable staff. Liberty Street Tavern and Strange Brew Tavern exemplify this with a frequently updated tap list that spans local and international brews. Visitors can expect a warm atmosphere where the tap menu takes center stage, showcasing everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
Popular Craft Beer Bars:
Liberty Street Tavern
The Trapp Door Gastropub
Strange Brew Tavern
Brewpubs and Dining
Allentown's brewpubs merge craft beer with exquisite dining options. The Trapp Door Gastropub stands out for its menu that pairs well with its in-house beer selection. Another not-to-be-missed spot is the Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company, involving patrons in a comprehensive beer experience with the chance to view the brewing process while enjoying their meal.
Noteworthy Brewpubs:
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company
The Trapp Door Gastropub
Union and Finch
Growler and Pint Services
For those preferring to enjoy their beer at home, many establishments offer growler fill services. Hijinx Brewing Company and Yergey Brewing are known for their take-home options, providing aficionados the opportunity to carry out their favorite brews by the pint or growler. These services guarantee that the craft beer experience doesn't have to end once you leave the bar.
Growler and Pint Services:
Hijinx Brewing Company
Yergey Brewing
Seven Sirens Brewing Company
Consumer Experience
Visitors to Allentown can revel in a rich tapestry of craft beer offerings, guided by a wealth of communal insight and structured tasting experiences.
Beer Reviews and Recommendations
For beer aficionados seeking crowd-sourced recommendations, Yelp stands out as a go-to platform. Reviews on the site often praise local favorites such as Union and Finch for its inviting ambiance and The Trapp Door Gastropub for its unique beer selection. Here, service quality frequently earns high marks, with many establishments fostering an atmosphere that is both friendly and informative.
Brü Daddy's Brewing Company: Known for a diverse beer menu and engaging service.
Yergey Brewing: Complimented for laid-back vibes and full-flavored brews.
Tasting Tours
Tasting tours grant a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process, complementing the sensory pleasure of the brews with educational elements. Lehigh Valley Breweries offer tours and tastings that immerse visitors in the local beer culture. Participants can expect an array of stouts, porters, and unique craft offerings, complete with stories of brewery origins and brewing methods.
Two Rivers Brewing Company: Offers a glimpse of the historic building alongside beer tasting.
Weyerbacher Brewing: Founded in 1995, this brewery is a staple for tours, showcasing a vast beer variety alongside its rich history.
Community and Events
Allentown, Pennsylvania, is home to a vibrant craft beer scene that comes to life through annual festivals and ongoing brewery tours and activities. These events reflect the city's passion for high-quality, locally produced beer and offer both residents and visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the community's brewing culture.
Local Festivities
Each year, Allentown plays host to several craft beer festivals that showcase the variety of beers from the Lehigh Valley and beyond. The Lehigh Valley Craft Beer Festival is a notable gathering, typically held at Coca-Cola Park, featuring unlimited tastings of local craft brews along with food trucks and live entertainment. The event has seen editions like the one on October 7, 2017, and offers a unique on-field experience. In the heart of downtown, Fegley's Brew Works has established itself not only as a local brewing institution but also as a festive host with its own annual event. Their Craft Beer Festival, for instance, was celebrated on January 29th, 2022, on Hamilton Street, drawing in crowds for special tastings and introducing attendees to a broad range of flavors from breweries such as Sherwood Street Brewing and Cape May Brewery. Allentown BeerFest, another highlight, transforms the streets with its gathering of craft beer aficionados and a selection of the finest local breweries coming together to share their creations.
Brewery Tours and Activities
Beyond the festivals, both visitors and locals can enjoy year-round brewery tours and activities that provide in-depth knowledge and a glimpse behind the scenes of the beer-making process. Fegley's Brew Works, located on West Hamilton Street, isn't just known for its events but also for the brewery tours that reveal the intricate craft involved in their beer production. Tours often include a visit to the brewing floor and a detailed explanation of their brewing methods, given with pride and expertise.
In addition, neighboring cities like Easton and Bethlehem participate in the craft beer enthusiasm. Easton, with its own suite of breweries, and Bethlehem, known for hosting events on its vibrant Southside, are significant contributors to the area's reputation as a hub for craft beer. These cities, along with Allentown, epitomize the vibrant craft beer culture along the Susquehanna Street corridor, bridging communities through a shared love for beer. Brewery tours across this region offer a personal connection to the brewers, often the owners themselves, providing guests with their unique stories and brewing philosophies.
Map and Guide to Allentown’s Breweries
Allentown, renowned for its booming beer scene, boasts an impressive array of craft breweries. A detailed map is indispensable for navigating the locales, while the right touring tips can enhance the overall experience.
Navigation and Locales
Those seeking to explore Allentown's craft beer offerings will find Breweries in PA to be a useful resource. The site provides an interactive map essential for locating breweries throughout the Lehigh Valley area. Popular spots include the following:
Brü Daddy's Brewing Company
Yergey Brewing
Hijinx Brewing Company
McCall Collective Brewing
These breweries are known not only for their unique assortments of beers but also for creating inviting atmospheres conducive to socializing and relaxation.
Touring Tips
When planning a tour of Allentown's breweries, consider these tips:
Research Hours and Tours: Each brewery's hours of operation and availability of tours can vary. Checking in advance is recommended.
Transportation: Designate a driver or utilize ride-sharing services for safety and convenience.
Sampling: Opt for smaller pours to enjoy a wider variety of brews without overdoing it.
A well-planned route guided by an updated map paired with these tips will lead to a satisfying and safe brewery touring experience.
Craft Beer and Local Economy
Craft breweries in Allentown, PA, have become a significant component of the local economy, showcasing business growth and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Business Growth
In Allentown and the Lehigh Valley region, the craft beer industry has seen an uptrend, with the number of craft breweries reaching 25 and an expected increase to 27. This expansion reflects the broader pattern of economic development driven by craft beer, which merges manufacturing with the appeal of local artisanal products. Breweries in this area contribute to job creation and tourism, engaging consumers with a taste of eastern Pennsylvania's culture and craftsmanship.
Local Breweries:
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company
Yergey Brewing
Seven Sirens Brewing Company
Female-Owned Breweries
The craft beer scene in Pennsylvania is not only growing but diversifying. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in business, There is a rise in female ownership within the industry, marking a shift towards gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated field. These female-led enterprises are making their mark, redefining the craft beer experience with unique perspectives and innovative tastes.
Notable Female-Owned Brewery:
[Name of female-owned brewery, if available in knowledge base]
By focusing on both business development and inclusive practices, the craft beer industry in Allentown is not just brewing beverages but also fostering a thriving and progressive economic environment.
Beyond Beer
Allentown, PA's craft beverage scene extends far beyond beer, offering locally-produced wine and spirits for a well-rounded taste of the region's artisan offerings. For enthusiasts looking to expand their palate, the local craft breweries also suggest novel food pairings that enhance both the brews and bites, providing a complete gastronomic experience.
Local Wine and Spirits
The Lehigh Valley is home to a burgeoning wine industry, with an array of local wineries that tempt the palette with an assortment of varietals. From robust reds to crisp whites, the area's viticulture reflects a dedication to quality and regional character. One can find wineries offering tastings and tours, delivering not just a glass of wine, but an immersive experience.
In the realm of spirits, Allentown's distilleries distill a spirit of innovation, producing traditional and unique liquors that hold their own against longstanding brands. Craft spirits like small-batch gin, whiskey, and vodka are created with meticulous care, often utilizing local ingredients to achieve flavors that speak to Allentown's heritage and natural resources.
Craft Breweries and Food Pairings
The relationship between craft beer and food in Allentown is one of symbiotic delight. Brewpubs and breweries often curate menus or recommend local dishes that complement their craft beer selections. For instance, a bold IPA might be paired with a spicy dish that balances the hoppy bitterness, or a light pilsner may accompany a delicate seafood entrée, enhancing its flavors.
Liberty Street Tavern: Known for a variety of craft beers, ties in with hearty American fare.
The Trapp Door Gastropub: Offers a selection of brews alongside gourmet and inventive dishes.
Brü Daddy's Brewing Company: Suggests pairings of their unique beers with eclectic, modern cuisine.
Allentown is not just about the brews; it's also about embracing the local culture through every sip of wine, spirits, and the pairing of flavorful dishes with distinctive beers.
Allentown Breweries in the Digital Space
The craft beer scene in Allentown, PA, has embraced the digital age, enhancing their reach and engaging with beer enthusiasts on various online platforms.
Online Presence
Allentown's breweries have established a robust online presence, with comprehensive websites and e-commerce platforms. Brü Daddy's Brewing notably stands out with a user-friendly website featuring from-scratch cooking and on-site brewed beers. They also offer online beer purchases, catering to customers' convenience. Yergey Brewing and Hijinx Brewing Company have also leveraged their websites to share their latest craft beer offerings and brewing events in the city.
Brewery Online Feature Highlight
Brü Daddy's Brewing E-commerce Online beer ordering available
Hijinx Brewing Company Event Information Timely updates on latest brewery events
Yergey Brewing Beer Listings Comprehensive beer catalog online
Social Media Insights
On social media platforms, Allentown breweries engage with their audience by sharing content related to their craft beers and events. McCall Collective Brewing and Fegley's Allentown Brew Works actively use Instagram and Facebook, with posts showcasing their unique offerings like Fegley’s Hoptileitious and event updates. Sherman Street Beer's Instagram feed features a variety of vibrant images that highlight their latest brews, giving them a distinctive visual branding in the digital space.
McCall Collective Brewing: Uses vivid imagery and engages followers with updates on good beer releases and taproom happenings.
Fegley's Allentown Brew Works: Provides insights about their staple Hoptileitious and informs patrons about specials and promotions.
The breweries in Allentown, PA, are effectively utilizing the digital space, from showcasing their good beer selections to engaging with the community through social media, ensuring they remain a relevant and integral part of the city's vibrant craft beer culture.
Future of Craft Beer in Allentown
The craft beer scene in Allentown, Pennsylvania, shows a promising future with a focus on innovative brewing techniques and increased community engagement.
Innovation and Trends
In Allentown, brewers are redefining the landscape of good beer through innovation. They remain ahead of the curve by exploring niche markets within the brewing industry. Experimental styles and locally sourced ingredients are at the forefront of the craft beer evolution in Allentown. These brewers lean into unique flavor profiles and brewing methods to create standout products.
Trend 1: Incorporation of uncommon ingredients that reflect local specialties.
Trend 2: Development of new beer styles that push traditional boundaries.
Trend 3: Emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly brewing practices.
Community Engagement
Craft breweries in Allentown understand the importance of community. They frequently host events such as the annual Fegley’s Brew Works Craft Beer Festival, which showcases over 50 craft beers from local and national breweries. By fostering a space for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, Allentown's breweries are creating a vibrant beer culture.
Engagement Strategy 1: Regularly scheduled brewery tours to educate and connect with consumers.
Engagement Strategy 2: Hosting beer festivals and tasting events to bolster local beer appreciation.
Engagement Strategy 3: Collaborations with local businesses and community groups to strengthen local ties and support the economy.
Through these efforts, Allentown's craft beer scene is expected to thrive, continuously fostering innovation and community spirit.
Appendix
This section contains additional resources and terms to assist the reader in understanding the local craft beer scene in Allentown, PA, including where information was sourced and the specific language associated with the industry.
Glossary
Artisan Beer: This refers to beer crafted in small batches with an emphasis on distinctive flavors and brewing technique.
Nano-Brewery: A brewery that produces beer in very small batches, typically less than three barrels at a time.
Taproom: A tasting room attached to a brewery where consumers can sample the brewery's products directly.
References
Union and Finch: Popular venue known for its selection of craft beers.
Brü Daddy's Brewing Company: Recognized for its innovative beer offerings.
The Trapp Door Gastropub: Noted for a rich variety of craft beers.
Liberty Street Tavern: Esteemed tavern offering a curated list of craft beers.
Yergey Brewing: A nano-brewery forming part of Allentown's vibrant craft beer community.
Hijinx Brewing Company: A brewery known for its high-quality, small-batch beer production.
Seven Sirens Brewing Company: Brewery that has established a following for its craft beer assortment.
Bonn Place Brewing Company: A local favorite recognized for its crafted artisanal beers.
Funk Brewing: An Allentown brewery that has received accolades for its creative beer recipes.
