Great Breweries to Visit in Lehigh Valley
Nothing says “summer” quite like a good meal and a quality craft beer. But don’t think you need to grab a six pack and order in to celebrate the season. Luckily for you, there are some good brewpubs to choose from in the Lehigh Valley area, each that has its own reason for popping by.
Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works
When it comes to history, Bethleham Brew Works has quite the story. The brewery opened on the same day in 1998 that the historic Hotel Bethleham closed its doors to bankruptcy, and for the past 20 years, it’s been doing a good job of keeping the good beer flowing. Brew Works has a beer of just about every type, their main standouts being their Steelgaarden Wit and Space Monkey raspberry saison. Apparently the Bethlehem Brew Works has been doing well – so much so that President Barack Obama had to make a stop on the 2008 campaign trail.
Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works
Apparently Fegley’s has been doing well, as they opened a new location in Allentown in 2007. But just because it’s another Fegley’s brewery doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same experience as the Bethlehem Brew Works. While you can expect the same good eats you’d find in Bethlehem, this location also has its own events, and more importantly, it’s own drink menu. That’s right, beer completists – if you want to try everything Fegley’s offers on tap, you’re going to have to pay visits to both locations. Plus, with a seasonal beer menu in rotation, you’ll have to act quickly!
Two Rivers Brewing Company
Perhaps the thing that gets Two Rivers Brewing Company the most acclaim is their innovative guilty pleasure foods. Duck fat fries, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, and braised short rib poutine – how could you say no? Along with their brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night menus, Two Rivers is, of course, also in the business of making beer. Many styles of brew all available here, from the Stirner’s Iron Stout, brewed from chocolate brownie and black coffee, to the Pine St. Blonde Belgian blonde ale.
Funk Brewing Company
Unlike other brewpubs, at Funk Brewing Company, the brewery isn’t tucked away somewhere in the back, never to be seen by the patrons. Instead, when you visit the bar, you’re drinking in the brewery! While you’re marveling at the miraculous machinery that surrounds you, you won’t mind drinking in Funk’s top brews, which include the South Mountain Stout and their Citrus IPA. While Funk Brewing doesn’t serve up food inside their establishment, food trucks outside the brewpub offer up delectable treats that change depending on the day.
Weyerbacher Brewing Company
The main focus at Weyerbacher Brewing Company, which has been going strong since 1995, is on its beer. Sure, you’ll find a limited menu of snacks to tide you over, including beef jerky and garlic lime tortilla chips, but the real reason you visit Weyerbacher is its expansive menu of brews. Among the selection: Merry Monks, a Belgian; Blithering Idiot, a British ale; Last Chance IPA, a citrusy brew; and Tarte Nouveau, a lactobacillus-infused sour. And that’s not counting all the seasonals that come and go at Weyerbacher. Don’t worry – they offer samples!