Beer in Bucks & Beyond

A guide to the area’s best breweries and beer.
By Neil Harner

“Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” – Benjamin Franklin

March 6, 2009 marks the beginning of the second annual Philly Beer Week. In the last several years, appreciation of fine beers, both imports and American craft, has developed into a passion of many with beers growing to have diverse flavors, textures, and aromas that rival wines. And for that matter, today many beer and wine connoisseurs debate over which is the finer of beverages. (It’s beer by the way.) It is only fitting that “America’s Best Beer-Drinking City” would celebrate the love of beer for an entire week with events all over the city at beer-bars, restaurants, and breweries alike. Travelers from all over the country arrive in the “City of Brotherly Love” to participate in tastings, beer-dinners, and seminars presented by some of the most notable figures in craft brewing today.

But, what if you aren’t much for the city or don’t have the time for an evening outing? Or maybe you are new to the beer scene and would rather try some new things without having to jump into the middle of the most elaborate of events? Good news! Some of the best beer destinations can be visited without traveling into the city and most likely, they’re right around the corner from your home. Because beer-geeks are traveling from all over, many of these places are hosting their own events so locals and travelers alike can enjoy the pleasures of their many ales and lagers.

Here is a list of some of the best beer destinations in Bucks and surrounding areas.

Capone’s
224 W Germantown Pike | Norristown, PA 19401 | (610) 279-4748
This unintimidating neighborhood bar features a fine selection of beers both on tap and by the bottle, with a great selection of common pub fare. What really makes this bar special is the relationship Matt, the owner, develops with all of his guests. He is normally always around and happy to speak to guests about the various brews he carries. On your way out, be sure to check out his take-out store for some hard-to-find beers you can bring home to enjoy another day.

Earth Bread & Brewery
7136 Germantown Ave. | Philadelphia, PA 19119
www.earthbreadbrewery.com | (215) 242-6666
Perhaps the greenest destination for beer lovers is the newly opened Earth Bread & Brewery. This brewpub was opened by long-time brewer Tom Baker, who once was the owner and brewer at the legendary Heavyweight Brewing Co., and his wife, Peggy. As the name suggests, everything about this restaurant revolves around the Earth. Upon walking in you will clearly notice the design of the space is based on recycled materials. Their delicious flatbreads are the perfect pair for their beers which are easygoing, yet flavorful brews that don’t intimidate the common beer drinker. Once more, everything produced, beer and cuisine alike, are made with locally grown and organic foods.

Hulmeville Inn
4 Trenton Road | Hulmeville, PA 19047
www.hulmevilleinn.com | www.aleiens.com | (215) 750-6893
The small borough of Hulmeville is home to one of the oldest standing beer-destinations, The Hulmeville Inn, which has been serving people for over 200 years. This quaint neighborhood bar features 18 beers on draught and several dozen bottles including some hard to find brews from the east coast and west coast alike. If you’re feeling adventurous or dabble in the art of home brewing, stop on by at one of the ALEiens Homebrew Club’s monthly Tuesday night meetings.

Isaac Newton’s
18 South State Street | Newtown, PA 18940
www.isaacnewtons.com | (215) 860-5100
Right in the heart of Newtown Borough is a bar that features not only a sizeable selection of craft beers, but also an incredible selection of world-renowned Belgian beers. If you’re traditionally a cocktail drinker or wine lover, give one of their many Lambics a try. Or for a more traditional Belgian experience, order the St. Bernardus Abbey Tripel. With your beer enjoy one of their signature dishes such as their Isaac’s Four Cheese Macaroni Pie, The Martin Challenge Double Burger or their World Famous Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. On your way out, grab a growler to-go of one of their 20 beers on tap.

Manny Brown’s Bar & Grill
Neshaminy Mall by the AMC Movie Theater | 3900 Rockhill Drive | Bensalem, PA 19020
25 Doublewoods Road | Langhorne, PA 19047
www.manny-browns.com | (215) 357-9242 | (215) 860-9288
Manny Brown’s is a personal favorite. This casual bar and restaurant features an all-new menu including their newest Philly Lover’s creation, “The Fat Boy,” which is a Frankenstein-like creation crossing a Philly cheesesteak and pork roll sandwich. With the Neshaminy Mall location featuring 24 beers on draught, and over 70 additional varieties by bottle, there is something for everyone. Not to mention, this bar features some of the best prices on both their food and beers.

The Newportville Inn
4120 Lower Road | Newportville, PA 19056
www.newportvilleinn.net | (215) 785-6090
This charming little country style inn features a delicious selection of tavern fare as well as a fine selection of German specialties. On tap, you’ll find a mixed selection of common domestic beers, German imports such as Warsteiner and Hacker Pschorr, and craft selections from Stoudt’s, Victory and Yards. Be sure to try their signature Snapper Soup and if you’re extra hungry, the German style Farmer’s Feast.

Trenton Road Take Out
1024 Trenton Road | Fallsington, PA 19054
www.trentonroadtakeout.com | (215) 736-1389
If it’s too cold to go out, perhaps it’s time to stop by the Trenton Road Take Out so that you can grab a few good brews to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Although it may seem slightly out of the way for most, this take-out is well worth the trip with its surprisingly large selection of craft beers from around the country, which you can purchase by the single bottle. Some notable finds include beers by Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, Flying Fish, River Horse, Rogue, Russian River, Stone, Stoudt’s, Victory and Weyerbacher.

Triumph Brewing Company
400 Union Square | New Hope, PA 18938
www.triumphbrewing.com | (215) 862-8300
If you’re looking for a good location to take a date, have some fun with friends, enjoy a happy hour, or just want a memorable fine-dining experience, Triumph is the place to be. Upon walking in, you will first notice their extremely large bar, overshadowed by Triumph’s large copper colored fermenting tanks on the second floor. Their beers are flavorful experiences that pair extraordinarily with their diverse selection of culinary delights. Be sure to stop by on a Friday or Saturday night where it’s not uncommon to find a live band entertaining the patrons of Triumph.

Other notable destinations:
Flanigan’s Boathouse – Conshohocken, PA
The General Lafayette Inn – Lafayette Hill, PA
The Grey Lodge – Philadelphia, PA
Riverhorse Brewing – Lambertville, NJ
Union Jack’s – Glenside, PA