New Jersey Local Craft Beer Guide
New Jersey Craft Beer—words we are proud to see together. Brewers in our state are also proud… proud to share a passion for a statewide beer culture that is growing by leaps and bounds into a local beer movement.
Committed to their craft, New Jersey brewers are producing award winning beers from ales to lagers, pilsners to porters. Many practice sustainability, greening their brewing facilities and processes, using locally sourced ingredients and even sharing spent brewers’ grain recycled for high-quality animal feed.
Craft beer has helped enhance and revitalize tourism in our downtowns and provided thousands of jobs across the state. Whether producing trendy or classic style brews, these artists are proud of the tastes they create right here in the Garden State.
This guide, our first Local Craft Beer Guide, is intended to introduce you to many of the best breweries in the state, as well as help you find some great places to drink them. The listings are in two sections:
- Breweries and Brew Pubs—Here’s where NJ artisans work their craft. Many breweries have tasting rooms and offer tours. Others are brew pubs, making their own beers to be enjoyed along with enticing food menus.
- Taphouses and Restaurant Bars—With the rise of NJ craft beers, restaurants, bars, and taphouses across the state are carrying more and more NJ beer options. The establishments listed here all serve at least 2 New Jersey draught beers on a regular basis; many carry far more.
Be sure to ask for New Jersey beers wherever you dine. Keep this guide handy, and… Cheers!
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: Huntderon Brewing Company
Founded in 1996 and now located in Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon Brewing Company’s wholesale distribution has dramatically increased craft beverage availability throughout the Garden State by providing the most diverse portfolio of New Jersey and local brands. Hunterdon represents over seventy domestic craft beer and spirits brands, hundreds of imports, a unique line of sakes, ciders, wines, meads and ready-to-drink cocktails. Find their products in restaurants, bars and retail outlets across the state. 908.454.7445.
BREWERIES & BREW PUBS
7 MILE BREWERY
7 Mile Brewery, Cape May County’s newest craft brewery, has tastings, tours and cold beer on tap at their production facility. They offer beers of every style and taste, and many are made with home-grown, Jersey fresh ingredients. Grand Opening is Saturday September 3; come by and experience the best of craft beer.
3156 Route 9 South, Rio Grande
609.365.7777
Check website for hours.
THE ALEMENTARY BREWING CO.
Alementary produces fresh, local craft beer on-site in their high-tech brewhouse, giving customers the chance to enjoy samples and pints in a relaxing tasting room. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, tours of the production facility, and a satisfying lineup of beers create a unique experience unmatched anywhere in Bergen county.
58 Voorhis Lane, Hackensack
201.968.1290
Thursday-Friday 5-8pm; Saturday 12-10pm; Sunday 12-6pm
BUCK HILL BREWERY AND RESTAURANT
Buck Hill Brewery’s farm-to-table approach and their seasonally-inspired menu bring customers the best of each season, every day. Complementing their food is the fi nest well-known and unique craft beers, and a full bar. Coming Fall 2016—their brewery!
45 State Route 94, Blairstown
908.854.5300
Open daily
CAPE MAY BREWING COMPANY
Founded in 2011, Cape May Brewing Company has quickly risen to the pinnacle of New Jersey craft brewing. Committed to sustainability and sourcing local ingredients, CMBC is proud to count among its over 150 beers two that have been certified Jersey Fresh. Open year-round for tours and tastings.
HQ: 409 Breakwater Road, Cape May
Tasting Room: 1288 Hornet Road, Cape May (inside Cape May Airport)
609.849.9933
Open daily 11am-9pm
CLIMAX BREWING COMPANY
The oldest microbrewery in NJ, Climax’s guiding principle is a simple one: beer should be a pleasurable drinking experience. Using only the best ingredients, malts, and hops, Climax’s mission is to be the premier brewer of authentic styles of beers and ales in New Jersey.
112 Valley Road, Roselle Park
908.620.9585
Friday 5:30-8:30pm.
CRICKET HILL BREWERY
New Jersey is home to some of the finest craft beers available anywhere. Farm to table food deserves great fresh beer and there is none fresher nor more delicious than beers brewed at Fairfield, New Jersey’s own Cricket Hill Brewery. Look for Cricket Hill at your local market. LIVE JERSEY, DRINK JERSEY!
24 Kulick Road, Fairfield
973.276.9415
Thursday-Friday 5-8pm; Saturday 1-5pm
CZIG MEISTER BREWING COMPANY
Located in historic downtown Hackettstown, this 1920s era brick building was transformed into a craft brewery with tasting room and outdoor biergarten that has a classic Brew Hall feel. Here is where brewmaster Matthew Czigler creates beers adhering to traditional old-world standards, and also releases 3-4 specialty beers each weekend.
106 Valentine Street, Hackettstown
908.651.5492
Thursday 3-9pm; Friday 3-10pm; Saturday 12-10pm; Sunday 12-6pm
DARK CITY BREWING
Asbury Park’s first craft brewery, Dark City Brewing is proud to be a part of the city’s very rich history. DCBC’s primary goal is to craft beers that are unique and eccentric to accentuate the creative community that they call home.
801 Second Avenue, Asbury Park
732.455.3792
Summer: Thursday-Friday 5-10pm; Saturday-Sunday: 12-8pm. Winter: Thursday-Friday 5-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 12-6pm
DEMENTED BREWING
Producing a variety of ales, wheat beers and stouts, Demented Brewing’s focus is on producing a variety of seasonally inspired “insanely flavorful ales” that are on tap mainly in their tasting room. Stop in for a pint or a growler any day of the week.
600 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex
732.352.3430
Open daily 12-10pm.
FLYING FISH BREWING CO.
Flying Fish is the most decorated and sustainably focused of New Jersey’s craft breweries and is available at retailers and restaurants throughout the region. Visit their tasting room to see what New Jersey beers are all about. Check their website for hours and more information.
900 Kennedy Boulevard, Somerdale
856.504.3442
Wednesday-Friday 3-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 12-6pm
GASLIGHT BREWERY
The Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant, the first and only brew pub in Essex County, has been a mainstay in the Village of South Orange for the past 18 years. The Soboti family-owned and operated establishment offers everything from award winning beers and entrees to banquet room space and beer dinners.
15 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
973.762.7077
Open daily
HIGH POINT BREWING
Founded in 1996, High Point Brewing Company is America’s premier brewer of German-style lagers and wheat beers. Named after the town of Ramstein in Germany, home of the US Ramstein Air Force Base, Ramstein beers refl ect the marriage of German tradition and American innovation.
14 Kiel Avenue, Butler
973.838.7400
Monday-Friday: 3-7pm; Saturday: 1-5pm
LONG VALLEY PUB
Nestled at the foot of Schooley’s Mountain in a breathtakingly restored 200-year-old barn, their fresh brews, quality food and dedicated staff make this a perfect site for a night out. Their award-winning brewer and outstanding culinary team have developed a wide variety of unique beers and culinary creations.
1 Fairmount Road, Long Valley
908.876.1122
Open daily
MAN SKIRT BREWING
Man Skirt Brewing is in the heart of Hackettstown, located in an old bank building. Go inside and check out the original vault, get a tour of the brewing system, and taste some great beer. Man Skirt Brewing offers classic beer styles from England, Germany, and America, all brewed with care— and without pants!
144 Main Street, Hackettstown
908.989.0286
Thursday-Saturday 4-9pm; Sunday 12-5pm
RIVERHORSE BREWING
Riverhorse’s mission: To make great beer and have fun doing it. And they do both. From ales to pilsners to porters, from summer blondes to IPAs to their “sour series,” Riverhorse invites you to get a little less serious and try something new and delicious.
2 Graphics Drive, Ewing
609.883.0890
Friday-Saturday 12-7pm; Sunday 12-5pm. Online reservations required for tours.
SCREAMIN' HILL BREWERY
Screamin’ Hill combines a love of beer and farming, producing fine ales using their own farm-grown ingredients, from barley, wheat, and rye to their own pumpkins. Their goal is to create the freshest beer you’ve ever had, and have you enjoy it in their restored barn on the family farm.
83 Emley’s Hill Rd, Cream Ridge
609.401.2025
SLACK TIDE BREWING CO.
Slack Tide Brewing Company, founded in 2015, has a simple philosophy: Create a diverse, high-quality line of beers made with all natural ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. And, make Slack Tide Brewing Company a destination in Cape May County where locals feel at home and visitors look forward to returning.
1072 Route 83 Unit 3, Clermont
609.478.2343
Friday-Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 1-6pm
THREE 3'S BREWING
A small craft brewery, Three 3’s focus is brewing IPA’s and Saison style beers available in their tasting room and distributed all over NJ. Try their flagship Hibiscus Saison, flavored with a generous amount of cascade hops and hibiscus flowers.
50 13th Street, Hammonton
856.524.0848
Thursday 5-8pm; Friday 5-9pm; Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 12-4pm
TRAP ROCK RESTAURANT
Showcasing local and seasonal flavors alongside home-crafted beers, Trap Rock’s menu features comfort food with hints of Southern flavors. Their warm and cozy tavern-inspired décor is perfect for drinks with friends or celebrating a special occasion in their private Brewer’s Room. Their award-winning brewery is constantly rotating different styles of beer. Their beer is also available at other Harvest Group restaurants.
279 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights
908.665.1755
Open daily
TROON BREWING
Planned opening in October 2016, Troon is an independent brewery located on Double Brook Farm in beautiful Hopewell, NJ. They are beholden to only two things: the pursuit of the best ales possible, and the continued support of agriculture in Central Jersey. They invite you to “Come join the milieu.”
Located at Brick Farm Tavern, 130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road, Building #5, Hopewell
Check Troon Brewing for opening date and hours.
TUCKAHOE BREWING COMPANY
Tuckahoe Brewing Company was established in 2011 in Atlantic County. They offer an outstanding lineup of craft beers, ranging from traditional styles such as IPA’s and porters, to sours and one-offs that are available only at the brewery. Their tasting room is available for private parties.
3092 English Creek Ave, Egg Harbor Township
609.827.5375
Friday 5-9pm; Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 1-6pm
TWIN ELEPHANT BREWING
Twin Elephant Brewing Company’s vision is to offer an extremely fresh variety of high quality, handcrafted ales and lagers brewed mindfully with locally sourced ingredients when available. Their vision is for patrons to enjoy their unique local beers in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere that augments their tasting experience and to share their thoughts with each other and provide feedback to the brewer.
13 Watchung Avenue, Chatham Borough
973.507.9862
Friday 4-10pm; Saturday 12-10pm; Sunday 12-6pm
ACROSS THE BORDER, BUT STILL LOCAL!
PINE ISLAND BREWING
PIB is a passionate small-batch, grassroots company, founded by a couple of off-centered beer lovers with a cool idea, great tasting beer, hard-working attitude, and a desire to make high quality, genuine American craft beer. Visit their tasting room located in beautiful Pine Island, NY.
682 County Route 1, Suite B Pine Island, NY
Friday: 4-8pm; Saturday: 1-7pm; Sunday: 1-5pm.
TRÖEGS INDEPENDENT BREWING
Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. “We’re not an English ale brewery,” says Chris Trogner. “And we’re not a German lager brewery. We take bits and pieces from each one of those traditions and come up with what we think is a creative and great-tasting beer.” Hershey, PA.
TAPHOUSES & RESTAURANT BARS
ADDAMS TAVERN
Addams Tavern was designed with comfort and elegance in mind, with soaring ceilings, wood burning grill, and murals by a local artist. Perfect for a romantic date, an evening out with friends, or a celebration, Addams Tavern offers both classic cocktails and modern twists, a worldly wine list, and of course, NJ and local craft beers.
115 Elm Street, Westfield
908.232.3201
THE ARLINGTON
The Arlington is a premiere bar and restaurant located on Long Beach Island. Creative New American food paired with craft cocktails and 22 rotating craft drafts from NJ and elsewhere plus a beer engine. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Enjoy their weekend brunch.
1302 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
609.494.8848
ASBURY FESTHALLE & BIERGARTEN
Bringing an authentic European experience to the Jersey Shore, this venue features a 9,000 square foot outdoor rooftop biergarten and a 6,000 square foot indoor hall with live music and long communal tables where strangers become friends. Their Austro-Hungarian menu is complemented by a choice of 100 imported, American and Jersey beers.
527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park
732.997.8767
ASBURY OYSTER BAR
Located in the historic Convention Hall on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the Asbury Oyster Bar provides a unique dining experience offering a curated selection of shellfish, cheese, charcuterie and wine. The full service cocktail bar has a collection of handcrafted mixed drinks and features a selection of NJ craft beers to pair with your meal.
Convention Hall, Asbury Park
732.455.8500
THE BLUE PIG TAVERN
Located within the legendary Congress Hall, The Blue Pig Tavern is the ideal location for casual, light American fare. Breakfast, lunch and dinner made with fresh seasonal ingredients from Beach Plum Farm. Enjoy a local NJ beer while dining al fresco.
200 Congress Place, Cape May
609.884.8422
THE BONNEY READ
A classic chowder house that offers inspired, sustainably procured and locally sourced seafood, The Bonney Read boasts an open kitchen and a raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters and clams. Their full bar showcases drinks from around the world, as well as local NJ craft beers including Carton and Forgotten Boardwalk.
525 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
732.455.3352
BRICK FARM TAVERN
The beer program at Brick Farm Tavern is focused on local, craft, and quality. At the moment, half of the beers on tap are dedicated to NJ, and the other tap handles are equally distributed between NY & PA. Beach Haus, one of their featured NJ breweries, also provides their spent grain to feed the farm’s pigs.
130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road, Hopewell
609.333.9200
CLOVERLEAF TAVERN
Established in 1933 by George Dorchak, The Cloverleaf Tavern is the oldest operating business in Caldwell. Cloverleaf first operated as a “man’s bar” until adding their dining rooms starting in 1976. Pioneering the craft beer movement in NJ and across the country since the term was coined, Cloverleaf prides itself on delivering an educational beer experience.
395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
973.226.9812
CODA KITCHEN & BAR
A city vibe in the heart of Maplewood Village. Enjoy their large selection of local craft beers or original cocktails in their sophisticated, contemporary neighborhood restaurant. Inspired dishes with locally sourced and organic selections. A favorite local hangout where you can meet up with old friends or make new ones!
177 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
973.327.2247
THE DILLINGER ROOM
The Dillinger Room is a cocktail bar and eatery, with an intimate, speakeasy inspired atmosphere. Focusing on seasonal ingredients and creative techniques, The Dillinger Room prides itself on a welcoming and memorable dining experience. Try one of the 5 NJ brews they have on tap!
338 George Street, New Brunswick
732.214.0223
DOG & CASK
Thirsty? Dog & Cask is about all things craft and local. With NJ beers included in 20 rotating draft lines, 2 cask conditioned ales and more than 40 bottles, they cater to those who are new to the craft beer world and to the experienced drinker. Hungry? Enjoy tapas, appetizers, burgers and entrées.
55 State Route 17 South, Rochelle Park
201.845.5101
FARM & THE FISHERMAN
Chef/Owners Josh Lawler and Todd Fuller’s popular establishment pairs preparations of regional produce and proteins with carefully selected wine, spirits, and local beer. In the family-friendly tavern environment, they source both food and craft brews locally (10 drafts) to ensure the quality and freshness while supporting NJ farmers and brewers.
1442 Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill
856.356.2282
HUMPHREY’S TAVERN
Humphrey’s Tavern in historic Hunterdon County offers a dining experience in a lovingly restored pre- Revolutionary War building. Gastropub-style food, craft cocktails and 16 beers on tap make it a memorable NJ experience. Dinner served nightly, closed Mondays, private parties, Sunday brunch and a calendar of engaging activities.
161 Main Street, Glen Gardner
908.537.7272
INGREDIENTS ’N CRAFT (INC)
INC uses the choicest ingredients and crafts them in a way that is both delicious and approachable. They create a relaxed yet interesting dining experience that is rooted in bold flavor, shaped by scratch cooking, and paired with hand crafted spirits and local NJ craft brews.
302 George Street, New Brunswick
732.640.0553
LANGOSTA LOUNGE
Take in the beautiful Asbury Park coastline while sipping on the best craft brews NJ has to offer. Serving global cuisine for lunch and dinner seven days a week, live music and more, Langosta Lounge promises something for everyone!
1000 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park
732.455.3275
THE OFFICE TAVERN GRILL
A member of the 40NORTH Restaurant Group encompassing six restaurant brands in eleven locations throughout the Garden State, The Office Tavern Grill has restaurants in both Morristown and Summit. Along with great food, both offer New Jersey craft beers like Carton, Departed Soles, Flying Fish, Kane and more.
Morristown, 973.285.0220
Summit, 908.522.0550
PILSENER HAUS & BIERGARTEN
With a turn-of-the-century bier hall and an adjoining, sunny biergarten, the Pilsener Haus offers an array of sausages, schnitzels, strudels, and pretzels, along with vegetarian and even gluten-free options. Choose NJ craft beers from over 20 premium drafts and over 50 European and American craft beers by the bottle.
Grand and 15th Streets, Hoboken
201.683.5465
RIVER OF BEER
A family run taproom and craft cocktail bar that revels in community. Offering beer brewed by your neighbors, spirits distilled around the corner, and delicious sustainably-sourced food grown within the same area code. Bring Back Main Street America, be “crafty” and support your locals.
133 Main Street, Bloomingdale
973.750.1820
RYLAND INN
Renowned executive chef Craig Polignano uses farm-to-table, local and sustainable ingredients making menus of fresh food and flavors that change with the seasons. Complementing the creative cuisine and spectacular dining experience are the Ryland Inn’s signature cocktails, diverse wine selections and New Jersey craft brews.
115 Old Hwy 28, White House Station
908.534.4011
STONE HOUSE AT STIRLING RIDGE
With gorgeous views of the Watchung Mountains and surrounded by 10 acres of lush grounds, Stone House is a place to enjoy nature and nature’s bounty, with farm-to-table dining. Their indoor and outdoor bars are stocked with scotches and other spirits, wines and, yes, New Jersey beer!
50 Stirling Road, Warren
908.754.1222
TABOR ROAD TAVERN
This seasonal American bistro boasts dramatic multi-gabled architecture, spectacular vaulted ceilings and a double-sided fi replace. With its cozy dining areas, fresh seasonal menu and dizzying array of wines and brews including NJ craft beers, the Tabor Road Tavern will satisfy your senses and culinary desires.
510 Tabor Road, Morris Plains
973.267.7004
TAPASTRE
Our 22 rotating taps feature some of the best NJ and local craft beers around. We focus mainly on small and local breweries, along with some rarities, aged beers, and exclusives. Our menu is designed to promote a social dining experience, where sharing and tasting with friends leads to good conversation and great times.
One West High Street, Somerville
908.526.0505
WHAT'S YOUR BEEF?
Serving local craft brews at a New Jersey hallmark, What’s Your Beef offers patrons a neighborhood vibe with excellent American fare and cold NJ pints.
21 West River Road, Rumson
732.842.6205
Open daily for dinner beginning at 5pm.
WINBERIE’S RESTAURANT & BAR
A full service, casual restaurant and bar delivering high quality, simple meals. With attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere, Winberie’s reflects the friendly, easy-going mood of a stylish, neighborhood bistro. Specializing in true American flavors, they offer small batch liquors, craft beer including NJ’s own and carefully selected wine.
2 Kent Place Blvd, Summit
908.277.4224
YANKEE DOODLE TAP ROOM
Founded in 1756, the Yankee Doodle Tap Room welcomes guests with a gastropub featuring craft beer and an excellent wine list. Stop in for a pint of NJ beer near the cozy fireplace or on the bustling patio overlooking Palmer Square. Check out their special craft beer tastings, live music, and other special events.
Located in The Nassau Inn at Ten Palmer Square, Princeton
609.688.2600
