8 Breweries to Wet Your Whistle in Lancaster County
Lancaster County is known for its rich history, beautiful countryside and Amish culture. But did you know that it also has a thriving craft beer scene? The county is home to numerous craft breweries that offer a wide range of beers, from traditional German-style lagers to experimental IPAs. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a place to wet your whistle, these eight great breweries will not disappoint! Plus, they're all within a 20-minute drive of After Eight Bed & Breakfast.
Lancaster Brewing Company │ 302 N. Plum St., Lancaster
Located in downtown Lancaster, the Lancaster Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including their award-winning Milk Stout and Hop Hog IPA, alongside seasonal specialties. This brewery has been around since 1995, so they definitely know what they’re doing. They offer pub-style food along with their delicious brews, so it’s the perfect spot for lunch and a pint.
Spring House Brewing Company │ 209 Hazel St., Lancaster
Spring House Brewing Company is located in a historic warehouse building in downtown Lancaster and is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their offerings include the popular Daily Planet Hazy IPA and Couch Fire American Ale, among others. At this main brewery location, you can pair your brews with wood-fired pizzas and delicious pub grub.
Wacker Brewing Company │ 312 Beaver Valley Pike, Willow Street
Reborn from an old brewery in 2014, Wacker Brewing Company crafts more than a dozen beers, focusing on traditional German-style beers, such as their amazing pilsner and dunkelweizen. There's always something going on at their roadhouse taproom, where you'll find brews, burgers and bikes in a lively atmosphere, especially on the patio.
Big Dog Craft Brewing │ 1559 Manheim Pike, Lancaster
A relative newcomer, Big Dog Craft Brewing opened in 2020. All of their beer – from the Fuzzy Slipper Belgian Tripel to the Prohibition Amber Lager – is crafted on-site in their seven-barrel brewhouse. On the menu, you'll find in-house smoked brisket and pulled pork, plus other mouthwatering choices. Good food and beer plus live music on the weekends make Big Dog Craft Brewing a fun neighborhood hangout.
Mad Chef Craft Brewing │ 2023 Miller Road, East Petersburg
What started as a passion for home brewing led the owners of Mad Chef Craft Brewing to open this East Petersburg brewery in 2015, where you'll find good food and even better beer in a relaxed and friendly environment. Their taproom features about 20 rotating taps with something for everyone — from light lagers to dark porters. Additionally, their nut-free kitchen cranks out elevated pub grub that pairs perfectly with their brews.
Bespoke Brewing │ 242 Gap Road, Ronks
The term “bespoke” is used to describe custom-made goods and products, chosen in this case by the brewery's owners to represent their focus on being a small-batch, handcrafted brewery. At Bespoke Brewing, you can savor delicious beer, barbecue meals and appetizers while spending time with loved ones and meeting new friends. Select from about a dozen beers on tap, from the Thirsty Pilgrim Pilsner to the Maple Bourbon Stout.
Our Town Brewery │ 252 N. Prince St., Lancaster
Our Town Brewery prides itself on being “your neighborhood brewery” by offering beer brewed onsite in downtown Lancaster using local hops. Their taproom features 18 rotating taps featuring IPAs, pale ales, porters and stouts. Their refined pub menu was tailored to complement their craft beers and features locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Cartel Brewing & Blending │ 928 N. Prince St., Lancaster
This nano-brewery came on the scene in downtown Lancaster in 2019, and has quickly become a popular spot in town thanks to its unique selection of small-batch craft beers, including their specialty barrel-aged brews. In addition to a tasty menu of snacks and sandwiches, Cartel Brewing & Blending hosts food trucks and pop-up kitchens to tempt your taste buds even more.
Keep in mind, that these are just a few of the many breweries that call Lancaster County home. You can find a full list here. Whether you're a beer aficionado or just looking for a fun and unique experience during your stay at After Eight Bed & Breakfast, a visit to one (or more) of these breweries is a must—you won’t regret it! Cheers!
