Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny

Union Jack's Inn on the ManatawnyUnion Jack's Inn on the Manatawny
Union Jack's Inn on the ManatawnyUnion Jack's Inn on the Manatawny
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

546 Manatawny Rd
Boyertown, Pennsylvania, 19512-8056
United States

(610) 689-0189 | map
unionjacksmanatawny.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.54
Reviews:
44
Ratings:
51
pDev:
7.05%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of zekeman17
Reviewed by zekeman17 from Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev -2.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This is a beer bar that I have no problem dragging my wife to because everything else is so good. Always a solid and varied tap list to go along with a menu featuring mostly pub grub. Service has always been good and have never been disappointed with the food. It's over an hour drive and I've been there 4-5 times in the last year, that should give you an idea of my opinion. The tap list is extensive and descriptive.
Oct 09, 2015
Photo of RLW001
Reviewed by RLW001 from Pennsylvania

4.34/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
One of my fav local places. In the summer reservations are recommended. I wish they would update the menu, we have tried everything on the menu and never disappointed.
Dec 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by micropale from Pennsylvania

Nov 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by yourefragile from District of Columbia

Jul 05, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by BroadStBrewing from Pennsylvania

Jun 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.39 by Barleycorn from Pennsylvania

Jun 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by DNICE555 from Connecticut

May 28, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by mulrich from Pennsylvania

Mar 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by dth4lf from Pennsylvania

Dec 07, 2013
Photo of candcholt
Reviewed by candcholt from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -10.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
I love this place.

It is located in an out-of-the-way setting along the banks of the Manatawny Creek. Inside, it's a nice dimly lit pub. Outside, you can sit on the expansive patio at umbrella tables.

The food is great traditional pub food, fairly priced.

The tap list is always interesting and changes often. The draught menu is descriptive, informational, and often includes staff reviews. And I love it that they have Yuengling for the unadventurous, but the description just says "Duh." The bottle list is big and outstanding. And the staff is knowledgeable.

One of my favorite things is the free music on Sundays in the summer out in the band shell on the lawn. Bring your family and some chairs or blankets, sip some great beer, and listen to music. It is absolutely one of my top places to hear a band.

I go here every chance I get, and regret every time I have to drive by the road which leads to it and don't have time to stop.
Jul 06, 2013
Photo of jmdrpi
Reviewed by jmdrpi from Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev -3.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Had dinner and beer here on a Saturday night with some friends.

We sat in the bar area, not the dining room which had a nice pub feel to it, although a pit cramped, they fit in as many booths as possible. L shaped bar. Unfortunately the weather wasn't great so we didn't get a chance to check out their patio.

Quality of beer on their tap and bottle list was excellent, with an array of American craft beer and Belgian imports. An array of styles, so easy to find something for every palate- including some craft hard cider for my wife.

Service was good, our waiter was friendly and checked on us often. Food was tasty, our group stuck with standard bar food of wings, sandwiches, burgers, etc. They had some dinner entrees on the menu too.

My rating of $$ was based on the draft prices that were reasonable. Menu clearly indicated size and cost. Some of the limited release bottles on their list were a bit pricey.
Sep 25, 2012
Photo of Knapp85
Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

4.64/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in here for their Hoppy Easter event. I was expecting to get some Pliny the Younger that day but apparently they couldn't get a keg which sucks. The place is a lot larger than I thought it would be. The pub area is tiny but the dining area is a little large with a nice banquet area in the back. There is plenty of decor on the walls to look at. The selection of beers is very impressive. The service was very good, incredibly friendly people there. I wasn't able to get any food there that day. The only gripe I had about this place was that when we pulled up it was a cash only event. I'm not sure if it's like that all the time or if it was just because of the event they were having. Overall, I would hit this place up again one day in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed it there and would love to experience more of it soon.
May 15, 2012
Photo of Doorman1810
Reviewed by Doorman1810 from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This is my go-to pub. It takes some driving to get to, but that is part of why I like it. Union Jack's is located in the heart of Berks County farmland and, as the name suggests, is settled alongside the Manatawny River. This is especially nice in the spring and summer when they have their patio open and you can enjoy some open-air dining/drinking. Other seating options are the dining room or the bar area which are decorated in dark wood and English pub signs.

The menu is typical English Pub style with the highlights being fish and chips and a nice selection of burgers. They also offer a nice selection of wings with 8 or so different flavor selections.

The beer selection is second-to-none for Berks County with 10-12 selections on tap and probably 100 more in bottles. This may seem overwhelming to those new to the craft-brew world, but the knowledgeable wait-staff are great at making recommendations that match your taste. They are also skilled at recommending brews that you may have overlooked otherwise.

Union Jack's is a haven for fans of IPA's and Belgians and the beers are very fairly priced.
Mar 19, 2012
Photo of magine
Reviewed by magine from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Went to this place for some brews only. Would love to go back for some grub next time.... along with their world class selections of brews.

In the middle of Gods country; farms and nothing else around it. For a guy who comes from the city and now resides in a city like suburb; this place is out there.

Nice big parking lot and outdoor seating. Dark pub like atmosphere with lots of wood and tables to go along with the booths. Good size bar. Lots of pictures of breweries and beer stuff along the walls.

Huge bottle selection with lots of rare brews. Great draft selection with. Very reasonable prices. Good efficient service as well. You can really see they care about the customer and they are beer geeks as well. Was told by a member of the staff they get their beer descriptions from BA's website - nice.

Would love to venture back here again to sample some food to go along with the brews. Awesome beer selection and a good pub-like atmosphere to enjoy it in.
Aug 14, 2011
Photo of DaveHack
Reviewed by DaveHack from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This place was great. I've been wanting to go here for some time and finally made it. When we arrived, I noticed it was a very charming place in the middle of nowhere. We walked into the bar, but chose to sit outside on the phenomenal patio area.
The beer selection was great, about 15 taps, unfortunately there were only a few I personally was interested in, but in the upcoming area, I saw several I was into. The bottle list, however, was fantastic! They had 4 RRs, FW Abacus (which I split with my GF)and many great selections. Bar tenders were knowledgeable and very helpful.
We split a crab dip app, which was really good. We then split a turkey burger w/ sweet potato fries, again another awesome selection.
Overall, this place is a hit! I can't wait to go back.
Jul 10, 2011
Photo of BARFLYB
Reviewed by BARFLYB from Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Went to the Manatawny location for their 3rd Annual Hopfest with a sick-ass line up. I can't believe I went to school 15 minutes from here for fourish years and never went here. Kicks rocks...

"There's no way that a beer bar is out in this area."- me on the way up. I was wrong, Manatawny's Union Jack's is a beer bar destination and a regular/local joint, and I spotted a group of biker's as well. A great mix of people. The Inn reminded me of a 'Great Outdoors' type of place with old wood and a homey feel. There is a bar area with tables, a middle room dining area with tables, and a banquet type room with a small bar area serving Hopslam when I looked. There is a upstairs to and I don't want to imagine all the foolishness that goes on up there. With all of that, an outside dining/drinking area with seating and a great view. I would drink here all day if I could, outside at least.

The quality is up there. Clean lines from what I could tell and a clean place inside and outside. The bathrooms were clean and nice looking, very relaxing, but I digress. Clean glassware and different types for different styles. The bottles were refrigerated without light so that freshness and skunkness are kept in check. The outside area looked beautiful.

I had no problems with the service, not to pushy but informative when asked some simple questions. Water filled when needed, not to mention the beer. I was up at the bar so I can't comment on table service, but from the looks of it, im going to have to eat and drink outside next time, all to easy to have a good time.

Well, I drove about an hour or so to get here from philly, so the selection is top notch, no need to drive away from philly to get good beer. It was a hopfest and I got there late to avoid the crowd but I had two top notch IPA's plus a hopslam and something in between. I also saw a plethora of bottles of beer that I want to drink, a vast selection, Im not going to spill any beans here, but there are some gems up there.

The food was spot on to. Having already had the Union Jack's wings's at the other two locations, I opted for some duck quesadillas which were superb. I also got some asiago crab dip and something else which I forget. In short, the food menu is much more vast than the other locations. And it's good as well.

Well, this place is the shit, it's just, how do I say this, what I want in a bar. I just wish I knew about it sooner. I would of lived here in the early 2000's. This is a place that Im coming back to if they have a great line up going on, it is a bit out of the way. This place is great!!
Apr 09, 2010
Photo of mgbickel
Reviewed by mgbickel from Pennsylvania

4.39/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped by here before crashing at a hotel in Douglassville. A little bit out of the way...actually in the middle of nowhere!

The bar reminds me of something you would see in a ski resort. Lots of natural wood...kind of a rustic feel.

They have lots of high end brews here...both on tap and in bottles. You can read what they have available from beer menu place cards.

I was there pretty late on a Wednesday night, but from what I could tell, everyone there was a beer person...which may or may not always be the case.

Great little place that I will seek out again if I am in the area.

The only bad thing is that they do not take plastic...at least not when I was there...
Jan 26, 2010
Photo of kadelsjx
Reviewed by kadelsjx from New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This is by far my favorite pub in the area. Secluded location adds to a laid-back pub atmosphere. Interesting decor on walls/behind bar (tab handles, statues, signs, etc.) Relaxed outside seating along the Manatawny Creek with access to additional bar.

Great beer selection very impressive given the area. Lot's of locally available brews including Slyfox and Victory as well as an endless number of Belgians. Glassware selection is excellent. Draughts are always served in the appropriate vessels.

Friendly, knowledgeable service that offers recommendations and provides updates on availablity of new beers.

Food is top-notch. I recommend the wings or the fish & chips.

Be sure to bring extra cash in case the ATM is broken (credit/debit cards not accepted at bar).
Oct 05, 2009
Photo of bbeane
Reviewed by bbeane from Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev -4.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I live relatively close to Union Jack's so I am a somewhat frequent customer... I've never really had a bad experience. Yeah, definately some better beer bars out there, but not to many in the Reading area. Service has always been good. Staff is knowledgeable in the different brews and I've always been able to find something exciting to drink. Can't get to into detail on all the food, but I can definately say that their wings are phenomenal. As far as prices go, I'd say that they're in line with other bars with the same food and beers. If your in the 20-40 minute drive radius, check it out.
Jun 22, 2009
Photo of drtth
Reviewed by drtth from Pennsylvania

4.7/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
My wife and I were in the Berks county area for other reasons but decided to find and try out this place for lupper (late lunch/early supper) and are quite pleased we did. It was a beautiful afternoon and so we sat on the upper patio enjoying the gentle breezes and the view of the grounds.

I was very impressed with the list of both draft beer and with the very very extensive list of bottled beer. The pricing seemed very reasonable. I also have the impression that the draft list I saw there matches quite well the list currently on their web site, suggesting that someone keeps the web site pretty current if you want to check that before you go.

In the end I wound up going with one of the evening's specials, which included a burger with lots of timmings and a happy hour pricing on a 16oz serving of a local DIPA on draft. My wife had the chicken fingers (almost always a safe choice for her when trying out the food in a new place).

The service was outstanding (which I'm sure was aided by the fact there were so few customers at the time we were there, but...) and friendly. We were able to chat for a while with the waitress and learn more about Union Jack's layout.

When the food was served it was hot and well prepared. We were both quite happy with the quality of the food and thought the fries that accompanied what we had were excellent.

I'm expecting we'll be going back
Jun 20, 2009
Photo of ClockworkOrange
Reviewed by ClockworkOrange from Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -14.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
My wife and I stopped in for the Easter Hopfest. Met up with a bunch of BA's around lunchtime. Started off with a glass of Russian River Pliny the Elder and placed my order for the burger special of the day - a Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger : bourbon glazed bacon, smoked gouda, and Boulder Mojo beer battered onion rings on a half pound burger. Everything about the burger was great except that I ordered it medium rare and when I got it, there was no pink to be found. It was still quite juicy, and not too killed, so I did not complain much. The Mojo Onion rings were killer, I should have tried to order an entire side of them. My wife had the Port Wrap - grilled chicken and portabella shrooms with spinach, feta on a pesto wrap. She was a fan of that. Due to the hopfest and all the people groveling over a sixtel of Pliny the Younger, the place was packed. Because of this, service suffered terribly. Too much attention to the time consuming sample flights. We waited around half an hour for each draft. That's unacceptable. Wish I would have been able to try a few more beers, but my patience wore thin. Didn't feel like wasting 2-3 hours there trying to get 2-3 more drafts. Prices for draft and bottles were a bit high for the location as well.

Edit - I've bumped the service from 1.5 to 3.0 after being contacted by management stating they will make things right on my next visit. That alone, after this review was posted just a few hours earlier, shows class on their part as well as a true concern for their customers satisfaction. I'll revisit this review on my next trip down to UJ's and update it accordingly.
Apr 13, 2009
Photo of BeerBishop
Reviewed by BeerBishop from Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -16.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
This place it out in the sticks. I drive over an hour to get there. And I've done it several times. Why? Because it's been awesome. Awesomely awesome.

So, last time I made the trek, and found the tap selection to be completely off-season and medicore (at best!), I was more than a little disappointed. Onto the beer bible I went for U.Jack's bottle selection. Struck out here a few times.

This was a Monday. Barkeep said they were super busy over the weekend so things weren't what they should be. Wasn't buying it. Somebody dropped the ball.

It's still on my list. I still like the place. But when I'm closer to a whole barrel of brewpubs and awesome bars with selections that are always good, I'll think twice before spending almost 2.5 total hours in the car to sit at this bar and be disappointed by its lack of "world class" selections.

Food is good. I like it. But let's be honest. That's not why you're there. Not in a place like this.

There once was a place called Kclingers out in Hanover, PA. (Well, it still exists, but it's a shell of its former self.) Journeyed there one weekend last year. The owner's let it slip so badly - a place that used to boast THE best beer selection on the East Coast - that we got one bottle for every 10 we ordered. One. And the worst part? The barkeep mocked us for ordering from such a long outdated list.

I mention this only because this place used to be a beer mecca. I'm sure it started slipping, in much the same way U.Jack's did that recent and fateful December Monday afternoon I was just there. Hope it doesn't go that route and it was just a one-time blunder, a temporary glitch in the fantastic beerdom that is U.Jack's.

My next review after my next visit will tell as much. Fingers crossed, friends. Fingers crossed. World class establishments shouldn't slip up, not if they intend to remain world class.
Feb 03, 2009
Photo of smedley
Reviewed by smedley from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +2.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
A - Ok, this place in absolutely in the middle of nowhere, but very nice. Nice looking bar with some booths in the bar area. Didn't go into the dining area, but there is one. They frequently have live music on the weekends.

Q - Excellent, excellent beer. Great wings - best in the area, IMHO.

S - Was good I guess. Don't remember anything good or bad, which I guess makes it good.

S - Best beer selection you'll find in this area. Lot's of local favorites, stuff you won't find anywhere else.

F - Loved the wings, loved the fresh cut fries, and the crab dip was to die for.

V - A little pricy, especially the food. But I drive 20 minutes to get these wings for take out. Worth the price. They only take cash, which is a bit of a pain. Who only takes cash these days??? But they do have an ATM on site.
Dec 31, 2008
Photo of Kadonny
Reviewed by Kadonny from Florida

4.1/5  rDev -9.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped by UJs on the Manatawny on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The bar was crowded obviously. It's really amazing anyone can find this place.

A: The bar area is rather small with some bar height tables and some booths. The bar is an L shaped but maybe only has 12 seats or so. Dark inside with minimal windows. The decoration is cool with lots of bar signs and old tap handles. The bar is very rustic.

Q: Here is where UJs shines. What a great lineup of quality beer. It amazes me that the bar has this quality located in basically the middle of nowhere.

S: I was a bit disappointed here as they only had one bartender serving the entire bar area. It was crowded and I had to get up from our table to get our beers.

S: Excellent, I don't know how many taps they had, but damn the selection was great. Local brews like Victory, hard to find beers like Oak Aged Yeti from Great Divide and other very good hard to find beers. Nice, nice selection.

F: Did not eat, sorry.

V: Reasonably priced. 6 beers cost us $ 34.00.

Overall a great beer bar in the Berks County area. I'll definitely get there again.
Nov 28, 2008
Photo of weeare138
Reviewed by weeare138 from Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I'm not really sure of what to say after this place has been heralded by so many other reviewers. I'll do my best...
Atmosphere - well, if you don't mind drives(speaking to the people that aren't from the Boyertown/Pheasantville area), this is the place to actually drive to as a destination.
Across the street from this establishment, that's set back in the woods, is a roller rink...I thought most of these went the way of the dinosaur by the early 90's but I guess I'm wrong. It's a nice, 2 storied building resembling a back-woods lodge complete with a beautiful outdoor seating venue that even boasts a stage. To me, this is a wonderful place to sit outdoors while the weather is good. Inside the bar area, it's dimly lit with beer memorabilia, and retired tap handles. To the right, is a medium sized dining room with some older booths that are still holding their own.
The quality of the beers, and the food is top notch. Having dined here on several occasions now, it's safe to say that I really enjoy the food. It's not going to blow you away as some fine dining experience would but for tavern food, it's certainly on the top notch.
The service is usually pretty good and they are well informed about the beers. We had one snafu where our server was done and we got a replacement waiter, who remembered us before eventually forgetting about us(though - he did buy me a parting gift to make up for it!) but it wasn't that big of a deal.
The selection...what can be said? Several hundred bottles...mostly winners. Several taps...mostly winners. In fact, I was able to catch all the Port Brewing / Lost Abbey beers the day after the event, which were offered in 2 different flights. Great deal.
I love this place, and my wife loves this place. Heck, even my daughter enjoyed it here.
If for nothing else, try the wings. They are great. My favorite is the Bourbon Molasses.
BTW - cash only establishment. This does help keep the cost of some of the bottles down though. See for yourself.
Oct 21, 2008
Photo of jmalex
Reviewed by jmalex from Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
I've made a few visits out to UJ's and each time my experience gets better and better.

ATMOSPHERE: Inside is a dimly-lit seating area with a few booths surrounded by a big L-shaped bar with no less than 5 tap towers with several beers on each. It's very comfortable inside, but the real atmosphere comes as soon as you step out the door. The back deck has to be my favorite drinking atmosphere I've ever come across. There's something to be said about sitting out with nothing but the creek and a beer to occupy you.

QUALITY: Tom, the owner/manager, keeps this place running at tip-top shape. Beers are all taken care of impeccably and all served at correct temperature in correct glassware. In addition, there are periodically style-themed events that are fantastic for the side-by-side tasting experiences they give. First-class all the way.

SERVICE: The staff is all fairly knowledgeable about the beers they serve and are quick to offer their favorites. But even better is that Tom is usually on-hand to talk beer and offer personal attention. Thanks for the bottle of Pumking, Tom!

SELECTION: If Pliny finds it's way to PA, UJ's will probably be one of the places to get a keg. Anything else PA gets is guaranteed to show up on tap here. Plus the bottle selection is as extensive as most other bars I've come across. I could go on and on listing what I've had here, but this paragraph would never end.

FOOD: A variety of things from some standard bar food to full-on entrees. All are above-average to excellent. But my all-time favorite here are the wings. Over 10 sauces and all are really unique and delicious. You've gotta try the Bourbon Molasses and Southern Country. I'd come here for these even if they didn't have beer.

It'd be hard for anywhere to top what Union Jack's has going on. It's a bit out of the way but undoubtedly worth the drive every time. You MUST visit!
Aug 03, 2008
Photo of sholland119
Reviewed by sholland119 from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -8.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
A very nice pub in a beautiful country setting. We have only sat inside as the weather has not been right to sit outside when we have been there. But there is a beautiful deck in a wooded setting by a riverbank.

The bar area inside has a nice neighborhood pub vibe to it, with about 15 seats at an L-shaped bar.

The beer selection is excellent with about 15 taps with lots of good choices (recently Cane & Ebel, Southern Tier Hoppe and Cherry Saison) to go with a couple of taps from Sly Fox. The bottle list is outstanding, with about 150 selections (give or take 50; too many to count).

Service is always very pleasant and the food is tasty pub grub. Despite the wealth of great beer bars and brewpubs nearby, we always enjoy our one hour excursion to see what's going on.

Make sure to bring cashm or your ATM card, as they do not accept credit cards here.

HV
Jul 03, 2008
Photo of Intheshadows
Reviewed by Intheshadows from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -17.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
A nice place to stop by when you are out that way, but a place that does perplex me a bit.

The Good: Right next to a picture perfect creek setting. Service is generally good at the bar, less so at the tables. Very diverse selection of bottled beers, the drafts are nice for out there, but seem a little week in comparison to the "top tier bars". Decent food (not bad, not great but we do always eat when we are there.)But, then again our agenda is not the food here.

The Bad: "Next to a picture perfect creek setting", but they do not let you get close to it on a Sunday; they drop you next to they parking lot. Inside is okay, nothing special. Food is consistent, not great, not bad, but you do know what you are getting. Quality of taps beers is good, but the bottled beers are a bit touch and go. Service, a few months ago a table near me a had bad bottle (they ended up sharing with us) and the waitress still dinged them for it.

Synopsis: If you are looking for a day with a nice drive, a good place to stop. Overall, not a place I would go out of the way for unless we lived a lot closer.
Feb 18, 2008
Photo of coalcracker
Reviewed by coalcracker from Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Nestled deep in the Oley Valley, this place is a little diamond in the rough. Driving along country roads, this place just appears like an oasis- reminds me of a ski lodge/chateau. Inside is a cozy L-shaped bar reminiscent of English style pubs. A seating area is also located in this area as well as a separate dining area in another section of the building. There is also an outdoor seating deck, though I have not yet had an opportunity to check it out. The beer selection is impressive, and for this area- enigmatic. Pliny the Younger is a typical find! Otherwise, great selections on tap and bottled. The food is respectable (only once have I eaten here). The service is good and friendly, though service speed can slow down a tad when busy. The bar area can get smoky- which knocks down 'amosphere' a little. Value: Prices are just a bit above average for beers, but well worth the price when you come across worthy beers that are not easy to find (especially on tap).

This is a great place to visit. Enjoy the selection and the comfortable confines!
Feb 09, 2008
Photo of davide169
Reviewed by davide169 from Pennsylvania

4.95/5  rDev +9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
This review is a long time coming. I've been a regular here for at least 2 years now. I'm unbelievably lucky to have such a great place less than 10 mins away from my house.

When I first found this place I wondered if I was lost. You pass house after house and never see a business and then as if dropped from the heavens there it is sitting right along the quiet rolling waters of the Manatawny.

I remember first sitting down and being handed a draft list, a current bottle list and their permanent bottle list. I quickly realized I must be in beer heaven. How did I not know about this place in the 2 years I had already lived in the area.

When you first enter, you are dropped into the bar area with a largish L shaped bar. To your left you will find "smoking" seating with booths and 2 rather large booths. There are also a few high tops. To the right of the bar is a good sized dining room. The real jewel is during the warmer months when they open the outdoor seating area. Its not often you find outdoor seating area and in PA and this one has the atmosphere to go along with it. You can listen to quietly meandering Manatawny or look over the newly transplanted log cabin. Plus on weekends the outdoor bar has seating for about 8 people.

The draft list always consists of at least 10 craft beers. Many of it some of the highest rated beer from this site. The bottle list is extensive and well picked out. There are great beers from the US, Belgian, Germany and many other European countrys. I could go own and on about the beer, but if you love beer, you will simply fall in love with UJ's.

The food is always good. The wings are some of the best I have ever had. Plus you will find everything from a sandwich to a nice steak to seafood. There is something for everyone.

The service is always great. The people who work here know their beer and if they are unsure they will find someone to ask. Most of the wait staff has even tried much of the beer being served. The manager Tom is top notch and goes out his way to make you feel welcome.

I could go on and on about how great this place is, but all you have to do is visit and quickly realize this is a gem in the woods and very much worth the drive.
Feb 07, 2008
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Reviewed by CaptainObvious from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
I went to this little restaurant this past Sunday with a few friends. Our first impression was that it was an extremely cozy feeling little place. Very dimly lit, with a number of people relaxing at the bar, and even a family sitting down to a meal. It was rather quiet, which was good because we just wanted to chat instead of getting loud and wild. The beer menu was rather overwhelming at first, but we were able to round it down to a couple of beers each that we wanted to try out. Prices on the beers were pretty reasonable, about a dollar less than what I'm used to paying in Philly.

Next was the food. As soon as we all opened our menus, we were pretty surprised as to how cheap the food was. Burgers for 5 and 6 dollars, pork BBQ for 8, most appetizers were 4 or 5. It was really reasonable, but it got us worried that the food was going to suck. I got a burger and everyone else got the wings, and we all really enjoyed our meals. We also had a couple of orders of their homemade french fries which were delicious.

The service was pretty decent at Union Jack's. Our waitress made an excellent recommendation of Two Hearted Ale to my friend who loves IPA's. She was very helpful and when we ordered our beers, she was back with them in only a couple of minutes. The only mishap was that we got charged for a beer that we had ordered but then were told that they were out of, but the waitress was very apologetic and took care of it right away.

All in all, I can guarantee I'll be going back to this place, regardless of how out of the way it was for me. The beer selection is great. I can find some things here that I have never seen in Philly, and the place is small and quiet unlike the Philly bars. Great place for families, too. I can't wait to go back again.
Oct 23, 2007
Photo of slander
Reviewed by slander from New York

4.58/5  rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
It was mid to late morning. Handsome Ed had cut out to work at an ungodly hour earlier; otherwise everyone was still asleep. I was standing in the kitchen looking out the back windows over the deck that'll be built someday, listening to the birds chirping, and contemplating the day, when Not Terribly Unattractive Heather came downstairs. Coffee, Ed having to leave for work in the wee hours, our day ahead, eventually the conversation turned to the crazy chirping of the birds.
So Heather says, "You know that's Phil, right?"
And I'm like, "What?"
"Yeah, that's Phil making that chirping noise".
"Shut up".
Now she's laughing, and with a "this way" motioning gesture, we tip toe into the living room and sure enough, the noise that I thought was being made by birds chirping outside was actually Phil's head whistling as he inhaled and exhaled, sleeping there on the lazyboy. I approached a sleeping (Evil) Davo on the couch in the corner to quietly wake him so he could hear this too, and he just sprung up as if alerted to danger somehow. I gave him the "Shhh" and then the 3 of us sat listening to the song of the endangered "Phil bird", until it suddenly opened its eyes and flew for the bathroom...

Took some time to get out here and I don't even know where here is. It's not near nothin' close or otherwise. A long stand alone building in a lot on a rural road, we entered off to the far left into the bar area. The 12 seat "L" shaped wood paneled top bar with a dark wood lip runs 2 walls here, the bar back on one side being shelves of booze over small windows looking in on the adjacent dining room and a corner cooler full of beer, the other holding a much larger cooler with 3 rows of bottled beer and more displayed below on the counter on half the wall, and a pair of arched shelving units housing booze (Tequila, hooray!!) to both sides of a center mirror and booze, specialty giant bottles, figurines and growlers below on the other half. 3 bar tables and a half dozen booths about the room. Brewery mirrors mounted on the bar overhang, lined with chili pepper strung lighting, and hanging glassware racks at both ends of the bar. Green wall uppers over slat wood lowers, brewery mirrors between blinded windows, and tap handles displayed above. Low lamps and candles on the bar. TV's in opposite corners, a CD juke, electronic darts, and a corner bar video game. A corner door near the entrance leads you into the dining room holding upwards of 2 dozen tables and booths, and through to a large banquet room beyond that. Off the bar, a doorway to an exterior 3 tiered brick seating deck and another elevated deck below separated where they set up for live music, all this with good views over the Manatawny River out back just yards away.

Perused the food menu some and came up with a cup of chili (topped with cheddar and served with garlic bread), and the sirloin tips sandwich (good, yeah!!, in fact, the food was good all around and a shot of the Cuervo Reserva De La Familia helped nicely. You don't see it out everywhere and it's well worth whatever they're charging for it).

And beer... 17 taps across different points along the bar on towers of 2's and 3's. Nearly half of them micros from Pennsylvania (Stoudts Double Blonde & Mai Bock, Sly Fox Galena IPA, Legacy Hoptimus Prime Double IPA), and beyond (Avery Collaborator, Rogue Imperial Stout, Smuttynose Hanami, Boulder Mojo IPA), the other half a mix of imports (Warsteiner Pils, Franziskaner Hefe, Spaten Optimator, Lindemans Peche & Framboise, Murphys), a cider (Strongbow), and then Yuengling and Coors Light. Apparently, I just missed the Verhaeghe Echte Kriekenbier on tap (what a world, what a world). No cask beer, but infrequent firkins.

And, uh, yeah, 300 or so bottles. At least 1/3 of them American micros, with goodies from Bells, Jolly Pumpkin, Russian River, Lost Abbey, and then 5 dozen plus Belgians, 2 dozen UK, a dozen and a half German, etc. Some hard to find vintage stuff, too (I bought a '93 Courage Russian Impy just because).

Sick selection here, not near anywhere, but well worth the jaunt in the country.
Jul 09, 2007
Photo of Deuane
Reviewed by Deuane from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
What a great location. I wish I could get to this place more often. The following notes Carolyn took from our visit on 9/23/06 for the King of Hops contest.

On Friday, September 23, D and I were joined by our friend Mark to make a trip into the countryside where we would help crown the King of Hop Beers at Union Jack’s Inn. What a beautiful building - an old brick house with a patio - the perfect country setting and two of my favorite people accompanying me. The beer didn’t even need to be good, but thank goodness it was!


The tap list at Union Jack’s was pretty amazing, and the bottle list was equally impressive. Picking our pre-contest beer was a chore (and, unfortunately, after I ordered a Sly Fox Simcoe, there was no more to be had!) D started with a Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Mark had the Rodenbach. Inspired by the despised podcast title, I decided on a Lindeman’s Peche, which was really quite refreshing on that early fall evening.


Shortly after our dinner, the taps were switched over, and the King of Hops contest began! We each ordered one of every contestant, and they were served in perfect glassware for tasting - 6 oz glasses with a wide rim. The hops were pretty overwhelming - I’m not suggesting that is a bad thing - and I was finished after those five samples.


D went on to order the additional Russian River selections (Deification and Damnation - obviously not part of the contest) so we could enjoy those together. It seems a limited number of these Russian River kegs were released in PA, and we had already missed out on two opportunities to enjoy them, so we were going to take in one of each while we had the chance!


The King of Hop Beers contest ballot asked us to rate each beer from 1 to 5; 1 being not so hoppy; 5 being hoppiest (now THAT answer would have been obvious.) Upon further questioning, we learned that we were really to rate them according to our preferences; 5 being our favorite.


Now for the contestants:

Russian River Pliney the Elder - 8% (which they would serve in 6oz or 18oz)
This one made us all say WOW! What an easy drinking beer! It was full of flavor, yet light (in comparison to the others.) Very tasty! On the final table rating scale, this averaged a 4 (I rated it 3, D rated it a 4 and Mark rated it a 5.)


Russian River Pliney the Younger - 11% (also available in 6oz or 18oz)

On first tasting, this one just made us all exclaim WHOA! It blew us all away with the high alcohol and the strong citrusy hops flavor. As it warmed up to room temperature, I became more and more impressed, and in the end, I rated this one a fabulous 5. The final table rating was a 3.33 (D waffled on his #3, so we allowed him to rate two beers in that level; Mark rated it a 2.)


Union Jack’s Hoptimus Prime - 9.4% (6oz or 18oz)

This particular beer was brewed for Union Jack’s by Legacy Brewing Co. in Reading, and the brewer was just around the corner at the bar. What a moment that could have been - an opportunity to meet the brewer and congratulate him on a job well done - except it just wasn’t. The flavor was so very harsh, and no one enjoyed it (Mark and I didn’t even finish our 6oz glass!) This got a final table rating of 1, with ones all around.


Weyerbacher Eleven - 11% (6oz or 10oz)

Brewed for the 11th anniversary of Weyerbacher, this was a superb glass of beer. D commented that it was the “Cognac of IPA”, and he was pretty good in that assessment. It was SO smooth, and it was hard to tell this was such a high-alcohol beer. I rated it a 2 only because something had to be a 2…in my mind, however, a this 2 was so much closer to 5 (and the 1 was much closer to -5.) The final table rating was a 3.33 as D rated it a 5 and Mark rated it a 3.


Southern Tier Unearthly Imperial IPA - 11% (6oz or 10oz)

It had only been two weeks since D and I enjoyed Unearthly onsite and by the growler, so it was fun to taste it side-by-side with other big IPAs. This is such an excellent example of this style. We gave it a collective table rating of 3.66 (Mark and I agreed on a placement of 4, and this was D’s other 3.)

As I said before, for a Friday night with a drive ahead, that was plenty of beer for the moment, but D did order the other two Russian River beers for us to try. Deification had a very nice candy sugar sort of flavor to it, and Damnation was very unique, reminiscent of a cider. We liked them both very much!
May 28, 2007
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Reviewed by John_M from Washington

4.28/5  rDev -5.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
This place is pretty amazing, but what it's doing out in the middle of nowhere, I'll never understand. I drove up from Baltimore to visit this place for the first time, and was beginning to think I was lost when I finally spotted UJ's Inn on the Manatawny. From the outside the place kind of looks like an old farmhouse or barn, something that's been transformed into some kind of knick-knack goods and antique store. However, that impression quickly ends as soon as you walk in the door.

I really liked how low key the bar area seemed, with it's kind of cool, dark and informal vibe. The place just seems like an ideal place to hang out and while away a quiet afternoon drinking good beer. The day I was there I think they had between 12 and 16 beers on tap, most of which were very well thought out and interesting. From previous posts I was a bit afraid they would not pour/sell samples size glasses (which given the number of great beers they had available, would have been a huge problem for me), but fortunately this was not the case. I didn't look closely at my bill, but it appeared that sample size glasses were around $1.50 to $2 for a 4 to 5 ounce pour. In my opinion, this was more then fair for what they were letting me sample (Founder's Dirty Bastard scotch ale, among other things)

The service here was pretty good for the most part, especially as it appeared they were preparing for a large party in the dining room next door. Chatted a bit with the bar tender about the selection, as well as DIPA's in general.

As for food, I ordered the wings, which while pretty good, I would not describe them as outstanding (though they were good size). No complaints, again they were fine for what they were.

This is an excellent place, though given where it's located, you have to really want to visit the place. I'm guessing no one just happens to drop in to UJ's Manatawny by accident. Amazing.
May 13, 2007
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Reviewed by SkinnyElvis from Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
I met April & her husband for a few pints on this random Saturday. It is a bit of a hike to get there: over an hour for me from the burbs of Philly. Google maps 422 route was faster (an hour with no traffic) but boring while I took 73 home (slower by ten minutes but a nicer drive).

Neat place. Old rustic hotel with a great deck overlooking a creek (thus it takes a while to get there). The service was good and the manager Tom is a good guy who chatted me up while I waited for April to arrive. Great bottle list (Founders, Belgians, Lost Abbey, RR, etc) plus great beers on tap (Bell's, Arcardia, locals, RR on deck). I had a tasty pulled pork sandwich. Prices were reasonable for the quality of the brew. I will be heading back there for sure.

Cheers.
May 13, 2007
Photo of Phatz
Reviewed by Phatz from Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
What an absolutely magnificent destination!!! I was at Union Jack's Inn On The Manatawny a week ago but the delay in the review is because I wanted to take the proper time to tell you why you *must* visit this place.

First and foremost, Tom. Tom is the owner / manager of UJ's and he truly is a Beer Advocate in all respects. This is a man who loves great beer, cares about great beer talks beer and serves great beer. The service from Tom and from his staff was *far* beyond my expectations!

Second; UJ's On The Manatawny is gorgeous! It is a site to behold. You will get lost trying to find this remote location in the middle of nowhere, (I did) but that is part of the beauty. When you find it, it'll be worth the effort. The building is located right on the bank of the Manatawny river. I was there while snow covered the patio, the outdoor seating, the banks of the river, the trees and everything else. Still, it was amazing. I love the sound of the water running over the rocks and the ambience it creates. I will be back, with my wife in the spring (despite the hour and a half drive). The building has a lodge appearance with woodwork and Breweriana to tease the eye.

Third; The most important of all. THE BEER! I started to jot down the breweries represented in the cooler (from which he does sell takeout) and I stopped and changed my notes to “most brewery’s available in PA”. And he has some of the best beers from them as well. Trust me on this; you will not be disappointed in the beer quality or selection. Period.
-- oh and by the way the food is good too but the beer is my focus and decent food... just a plus!

No matter where you live you are going to need to travel to find your way to the Union Jack's Inn On The Manatawny. There is no two ways about that. Still, it is a *must* see beer destination in my very humble opinion.

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!
Feb 28, 2007
Photo of donotknowme
Reviewed by donotknowme from Pennsylvania

4.85/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
The selection and service are the best of any bar I have ever been to. In this state with its miserable liquor laws this place is an escape to another state or country.

I avoid going on weekends and Friday nights as much as possible as the cigarette smoke changes the taste of food and more importantly the smell/taste of beer. In the warmer months the deck is open and that is the time to go.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about their massive selection. Tell them what you like and they can usually recommend something new that is good.

I never go there to eat but usually eat when I am there. Their wings are the best but I have never had anything bad from them.
Feb 24, 2007
Photo of Matteox3
Reviewed by Matteox3 from Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This spot is great for the beer connissuer. I attended a beer tasting at this locale and tried several beers (on tap and in bottles) that I probably would not have found anywhere else in the general vicinity. The location is a bit off the beaten path, but that adds to the ambience. Beers I tried here for the first time:

Russian River - Pliny the Younger, Damnation
Collaboration
Allagash - Interlude, Musette
Legacy - Fantasy, Hoptimus Prime
Nugget Nectar in a cask.

The servers behind the bar were very pleasant and very very knowledgable about their selection. The crowd on this specific night were pleasant and very knowledgable as well about beer.
Feb 24, 2007
Photo of Brewery88
Reviewed by Brewery88 from Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
In starting I must say that I am not only a close neighbor of this fine establishment for the past year, but also an experienced beer home brewer, judge, traveler and all-around geek for the past 15 years. And this place keeps me busy. So let me simply quantify some of my ratings.
The Quality (and Selection) ratings applies to every one of the 325+ micros and imports in the coolers and taps. There are everyday beers enough to please those not so inclined. (Somebody has to drive!) Bear in mind, too that the selection morphs by the WEEK. We are not worthy. By the way, they often feature import beers that are exclusive within the state, and sometimes the nation.
The Food is entirely high quality and mostly innovative. The soups are entirely to die for. Do not miss the patio grill in the summer, with live music. You'll thank me.
The Value rating is well earned. This beer is a tad pricey, but for two important reasons: it is the best the world's most creative brewers have to offer, and also brewing and transportation costs have been skyrocketing. Expensive, but, all things considered, a bargain.
These opinions were all given in regard to how this establishment rates as a beer bar and great place to hang.Even if only once, treat yourself.
Brewery88
Dec 19, 2006
Photo of nekobun
Reviewed by nekobun from Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +5.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I have to admit some bias, as by the time this review is being written, I've been a regular at this establishment for nearly a year. But it's just that good.

As has been said in previous reviews, it is out in the middle of nowhere. A couple of friends who came up for my birthday from Cherry Hill, NJ one time told me they were convinced they would get lost and die on the way there. But it's not -that- hard to find once you know the key landmark (the roller rink sign), and it's worth the trip every time.

When my friends, with whom I went to high school in the area, first introduced me to the place, my mind was blown. So many bottles. So many taps. So much I never knew existed. So I came back. And again. And again and again. And now, it's become a weekly pilgrimmage despite the half hour between there and home.

The lights tend to be turned down low, but it's not to hide anything in the shadows. The place is immaculate, both the dining room and the main bar areas. The decor may seem a bit peculiar to first-time visitors; a patchwork of beer and liquor promotional items and pop-culture icons, with a world's worth of old taps lining shelves towards the ceiling. But it's kept to a point where it keeps your eyes interested rather than being garish.

Service is always timely and friendly, even when it gets busier towards the weekend. The staff tend to know their beers, even if you do end up picking one off the menu that's huddled back in the corner of the cooler, forcing them to look around for a bit. The food tends to be excellent, with a menu covering all the bases from finger food to sandwiches, salads to entrees, and new items find their way onto the menu from time to time without supplanting any of the existing favorites.

While it may be a bit of a trip for anyone besides the locals, that trip is always worth it. Definitely check this place out at least once, and more than once if you can.
Sep 12, 2006
Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny in Boyertown, PA
Place rating: 4.54 out of 5 with 51 ratings