12 Incredible, NEPA Craft Breweries Spread Out Along Scenic Path of the Susquehanna River
This section of the Brewer’s loop carries over roughly 100 miles of road and rolls alongside nearly 70 miles of river. The route courses through Wyoming, Luzerne and Columbia Counties. You’ll find 12 brewery stops in 9 unique towns.
All along the way, the road crisscrosses and piggybacks the Susquehanna River. It plunges into dense cities teeming with architectural and historical significance, like Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and Berwick. It stops in storied coal country outposts like Conyngham and Shickshinny. And it weaves and dips through pastoral scenes in rural centers like Tunkhannock and Bloomsburg.
An eclectic beer list
The beer on the Susquehanna Stretch speaks for itself, and in many tongues. If you’re into hops, you’ll find an assortment of strong IPA contenders. And no one is letting that NEIPA craze pass them by. Just about every brewery on the list features one or two versions of the tropically tilted, hazy creation. There are very subtle distinctions between different Stouts and Porters – should you favor the dark side. And, from Hefes and sours to classically simple Pilsners to truly unique twists on tried-and-true favorites, you’ll see it all.
This stretch of the Brewer’s Loop sparks the craft beer drinker’s imagination. It connects the journey, the beer, those who drink it and those who make it in a manner unmoved by pretension. It’s more than just a beer run or a brewery hop.
Get out there and enjoy local beer.
NEPA’s expansive northern countryside provides the tranquil setting for this winery, brewery and tasting room. They feature a regular line up of 7 year-round beers and the occasional seasonal offering.
NEPA’s blue-collar roots are on full display in this veteran-owned nano brewery in Dallas. The iconic location’s modern industrial vibe blends with a laid-back atmosphere and expertly crafted brews to deliver the quintessential craft tap room experience.
Noted for their incredibly laid back and informative brewery tours, this pioneer in NEPA craft brewing also features a tasting room with 8 of their fresh brewed beers on tap. And if you’re a true fan, you’d know that they also regularly tap casks of rare and experimental beers.
Housed in a former monastery in Wilkes-Barre Township, this popular brewery and brewpub offers an ambitious dining menu to pair with their wide selection of unique rotating drafts. You can also find all of their amazing beers at the Breaker Brewing Outpost in Archbald.
Pop in to this Wilkes-Barre brewery, which shares its space with Blaze Pizza, for a few cold ones and a pie. Sample your way through six rotating drafts fresh from the brewhouse. Keep an eye on their weekly schedule of awesome brewery events.
You can see all the magic happen from the comfort of your table at Benny Brewing Co. in Hanover Township. The pristine, wide open brewery and kitchen are on display as you sample any of the eleven beers on tap. FYI – they have a BBQ pit out back.
This scrappy microbrewery in Plymouth brings a fresh spin on the IPA game. Make your way to Bearded Barrel Brewing Co. for their insanely popular can releases and growler fills. You can also find them at many local bars and restaurants.
Surrounded by lush, green mountains, this Main Street Shickshinny favorite has become a go-to spot for fresh brewed, cold beer and a full dining menu. The cozy taproom also spills out onto a spacious patio area and welcomes weekly live entertainment, trivia and occasional karaoke.
Belly up to their classic, horseshoe bar, grab a table overlooking the yard or find a seat on the porch. This small-town brewery runs 12 rotating taps featuring their freshest beers made with only local, homegrown ingredients.
Head to Berwick and check out this unique, little brewery on Front St. Anomaly Craft Brewing combines the brewhouse experience with both a coffee shop and café. Take on flights of their brewery-fresh ales and lagers and save room for soup and a sandwich (and maybe a latte).
The Berwick Brewing Co. is a true, old -school, classic hometown brewery – the only exception is the stunning variety of beer. With over 20 taps, it’s tough to settle on just one style. Stop by in the summer and enjoy their German-style biergarten overlooking the Susquehanna River.
Bloomsburg is becoming a beer town, and the Turkey Hill Brewing Co. is leading the charge. This charming brewery and pub welcomes visitors with exposed beams and stonework. The beers are the true standout here, but the comforting and delicious food gives them a good run for the money.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 3/3/2020.
