Kutztown Tavern

Kutztown TavernKutztown Tavern
Kutztown TavernKutztown Tavern
Brewery, Bar, Eatery

270-278 West Main Street
Kutztown, Pennsylvania, 19530
United States

(610) 683-9600 | map
kutztowntavern.com

AKA - Golden Avalanche Brewing Company
BEER STATS
Average:
3.55
Beers:
40
Ratings:
250
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.95
Reviews:
31
Ratings:
55
pDev:
10.38%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by orangesol:
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Rated by orangesol from Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25

Mar 23, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.24 by BuddyZ from Pennsylvania

Sep 09, 2019
 
Rated: 3.25 by ejimhof from Pennsylvania

Jul 17, 2019
 
Rated: 4.25 by Stofko1992 from Pennsylvania

Dec 31, 2018
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Reviewed by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4.25
A staple in the heart of downtown Kutztown.

What I like best about this place, more than ample room, lacks the annoying TV screens and actually encourages people to converse (whatta concept). Awesome couch area in the front of the brewery to relax while waiting on a table, AMPLE parking in the back (always a plus) with a rear entrance to the establishment from the back parking lot. Service was great. Food was great. Beer was average.
Oct 26, 2018
 
Rated: 3.83 by TheIPAHunter from California

Feb 27, 2018
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Reviewed by dueserdo from Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.25
Near a college town, so it is quiet during the day when I was there. The Avalanche brewery is located there. I had the Hop Hat IPA. The reason for going there this time was for the food. Many good things to choose from. We a hooked on the fish and chips and even the Tuna salad is exceptional.
Feb 22, 2018
 
Rated: 4.21 by MKrauss from Pennsylvania

Jun 20, 2016
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Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Decent pub with some good food, stopped in here with my cousin while he was at college in Kutztown. The staff was friendly, the selection wasn't too bad either. If I was back in the area I would consider stopping back in.
Jan 19, 2016
 
Rated: 3.58 by chicagoish from Pennsylvania

Jan 17, 2016
 
Rated: 3.56 by mk66 from Pennsylvania

Oct 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by TTripp725 from Pennsylvania

Sep 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4.41 by brewmaster2 from Pennsylvania

Sep 05, 2015
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Reviewed by SouthCrescent from Pennsylvania

3.38/5  rDev -14.4%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.25
Stopped by while visiting Kutztown in late August 2015. I had the veggie wrap for dinner, (along with some good mozzarella sticks) and it was the first time I've ever seen broccoli in a veg wrap. If I'm ever back in K-town (but probably never will be), I'd definitely swing by again. Beers were also good, as was our bar service. Typical brewpub vibe, two large tv's with some preseason NFL games on, brewing equipment visible to all. Thumbs up!
Aug 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.83 by Afroman from Arizona

Apr 21, 2015
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Reviewed by MidasMulligan from Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev +17.2%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
Really love this tavern.My wife and I sit at the bar and the service is outstanding.I choose the Burner burger with boardwalk onion rings and have never been disappointed.There are plenty of choices of basic tavern fare.The beers are from the in house brewery,Golden Avalanche Brewing Co.,and they are terrific.I love the Hop Hat IPA the best.I think they may have a few domestic choices as well.I always have an enjoyable time here.
Feb 16, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by IPAchris from Pennsylvania

Oct 20, 2014
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Rated by BrianBoruma from Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +20.3%
Pretty solid pub food and very good beer. They've got a new head brewer who is trying new stuff and seriously stepped up the quality.
Oct 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by acurtis from New Jersey

Oct 12, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Bonysplicer from Pennsylvania

Aug 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

Aug 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.24 by BigRizz62 from Maryland

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by tuowl74a from Pennsylvania

Jul 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Leiermann from Pennsylvania

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by BroadStBrewing from Pennsylvania

Jun 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Barleycorn from Pennsylvania

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.53 by tvghost from Pennsylvania

May 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by canawler from Pennsylvania

Oct 30, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by rydev24 from Pennsylvania

Oct 09, 2013
Photo of Bierman9
Reviewed by Bierman9 from New Hampshire

4.18/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped in here twice on Thursday, 02JUN11, while heading to the Reading WWII Weekend. First, for lunch, before getting to Reading and then later, for supper, after checking-in at the show.

Easily found on the first floor of a plain, three-story building on W. Main St. in Kutztown, with large, colorful signs advertising Kutztown Tavern and Golden Avalanche Brewing. The front is all glass, allowing in plenty of light. Through a small foyer and into the brewpub, which runs long from front to back. There's lots of old brickwork, polished wood floors, and exposed ductwork on the ceilings. To the front right are some comfy-looking couches, with foot-stools and reading material; a nice place to crash! To the left are some copper kettles and loads of bags of malt. Further along on the left are about 5 large fermenters. On the right, opposite the fermenters, runs the bar. Large HD TVs hang behind the bar, along with plenty of glassware and various liquors. Further to the rear are a large number of tables and booths. This place seems to have a large capacity, and the brick and wood give it a warm feel.

On both visits I parked at the bar, and the woman and gent who tended to me were spot on, friendly and helpful. I counted 9 of their offerings on tap, from Alt to Hefeweizen, Maibock to Bourbon-aged Stout. The Alt, Hefe- and Maibock I had were all well-made and satisfying. My meals were Bufflao Chicken Sandwich and the BBQ Short Rib Sandwich. Both were fantastic. My only beef is that they come with chips, and substituting fries adds a whopping $2.79 to your meal. A bit excessive, in this case. Regardless, my meals, and biers, really hit the spot. I wouldn't think twice about another visit here. Easy to find, comfy, and satisfying. Zum Wohl!!

4.18 rDev +6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5 | $$

213
Jun 12, 2011
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Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -11.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Lunch after traipsing around Cabela's. Nothing like stuffed deer and bears to placate the pups.

Atmosphere: We entered from the alley behind the tavern. Up a few steps into the dining area and we were seated. The brewing equipment is in the center of the restaurant as well as the front window. The wooden bar is long, featuring two different tap towers. Brick walls back up the bar. The dining area is large and industrial, plenty of corrugated steel. There is an upstairs however the restaurant was not full enough to require it.

Quality: Overall the brewpub is good. The bathroom was a little tight with a space heat near the sink, making hand-washing a little peligroso. Service was not a highlight.

Service: Service was lacking. Our waiter passed us by routinely, even with empty glasses on the table. He was also now where to be seen when we were finished.

Selection: 5 beers in the regular line-up and three seasonals (blueberry ale, bourbon stout and festivus). I went with the Festivus and Bourbon Stout and shared ksak's altbier. The altbier was the best by far. The other two were laiden with ginger and vanilla respectively.

Food: The menu was varied, offering sandwiches, entrees, vegetarian and kids selections. I went with a burger; it was decent. The pretzels were a good starter as well.
Feb 01, 2011
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Reviewed by stakem from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Stopped at the Kutztown Tavern on friday night looking to sample some of the beers and have a bite to eat. The place is spacious, well lit and quite clean. There are plenty of tables, booths and bar area with the brewery's fermenters in clear view. I sat at the bar with the fermenters to my back and enjoyed a sampler of beer that was available. The regular beers being: Onyx Cream Stout, Blonde Lager, Young Allen's Lager, Donner Weiss and Olde Brick Alt. The seasonals I got to try were a barleywine and a bourbon stout. There were also 3 more seasonals which I did not get a chance to try: spring bock, ipa and a blueberry ale. Pretty decent selection along with some usual BMC for the patrons not interested in the house made beer. The beers I did have were not bad. When ordering a sampler, they were served in a piece of glassware I can only best describe as a double-shot glass that was in the shape of a tall skinny mug. Sitting at the bar I got to take note that no matter what style of beer you ordered, it was served in a pint glass. Everything from the wheat beers to the barleywine (bartender claimed it clocked in at 11+%) you got a pint of it even though they had stemmed tulip-like glasses, snifters and goblets on the glassware shelving. The food came out in a timely manner and was pretty good. I had a chance to try the seasfood bisque and a buffalo chicken sandwhich. The rest of the menu has your typical brewpub offerings including individual pizzas, burgers, wings, etc.

2 people: 2 samplers of beer, couple pints of beer, an appetizer, bowl of soup and 2 sandwiches came in at about 50 bucks. Overall not bad. When in the area I would probably stop in again.
Jun 06, 2010
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Reviewed by mgbickel from Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -6.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Stopped in here for dinner while traveling through PA. This place is located almost on top of a local college, but the kids were on spring break during my visit. This would explain why the place was pretty empty on a Monday at 6pm.

The food is pretty typical brewpub offerings...wings, sandwiches, pizzas. The beer selection was so/so...I think they had 7 of their offerings on tap.

The place itself is pretty neat. It is attached to a bottleshop. If you want to sit at a table, you have to walk past the brewing equipment and bar area.

I sat at the bar. Lots of natural wood, flat screen TVs, pretty sports bar-ish. The bartender was freindly enough...made some small talk while my pizza was cooking.

Nice place...worth stopping by if you are in the area.
Mar 12, 2010
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

3.94/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Located on West Main Street, the windows overlook the take-out shop on the east side and the copper-jacketed brew house on the west side of the building. Passing through the short vestibule, a living room-like area with couches and chairs was to the right with bags of grain stacked in front of the brewhouse to the left. The m.d.s. was also on the right, in front of a door leading to a private meeting room. The long, elongated "U"-shaped hammered copper-topped bar ran down the right wall with a bank of 6 FVs along the left wall. Further aft was the restaurant seating area with standard tables and chairs and booths along the walls. A stairwell in the center of the restaurant area led to the second floor banquet hall.

Beers: Blonde Lager; Young Allen's Lager; Tavern Lager; Winter Bock; Donner Weiss Bier; Olde Brick Alt; Onyx Cream Stout; and Tavern Ale. Bourbon Stout*.
Dec 01, 2009
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Reviewed by Nutleybeer from New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Stopped by on the way home from Gettysburg. Not that far off Rt 78. Right in downtown Kutztown. It was a Sunday, the town was dead! Walked in and there were a few people in the place. About a block from the university.

Bartender was very pleasant. I ordered a sampler. Included a lager, wheat, alt, cream stout (nice surprise, not your typical brewpub option) and a few others. Their seasonals included a bouron stout, blueberry ale and brown ale.

The bourdon stout packed a punch. You taste the bourbon. Too much of this and it will hit you hard. The blueberry was pretty nice. Smooth and subtle, not too sweet. I ordered the sampler for $7.95 and was pleased.

Coors Lite, Rolling Rock and Molson were also on tap. Not sure why...for the college crowd????

Typical brewpub menu, nothing too out of the ordinary. Had a panini club which was good.

All in all, a good find. Fresh beers. Not far off the highway.

They sell hats, t-shirts and pint glasses as well.
Jul 19, 2009
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Reviewed by thain709 from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I had a nice experience at the Tavern. I go to school at Kutztown, but I don't like the party scene. I'd rather go to a place like the Tavern and not be bothered by drunken peers.

I like that they have their own brewery. The beer is good. I like when they bring in the seasonals because the regulars get a little boring after a while.

I think they have a pretty good menu. They have great appetizers, which went perfect with a few beers while watching the baseball playoffs. The other half of the menu was filled with your basic sandwiches and some decent looking entrees.

The service here is good. The bar is pretty big and they only had one bartender working. She did a good job talking to everyone and making sure everyone was topped off and doing well.

I will be making plenty of trips back to Kutztown after I graduate and I plan on stopping in. I really enjoyed the Tavern and for Kutztown to have their own brewery is pretty amazing.
Oct 04, 2008
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Reviewed by Ezekiel81923 from Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
I go to school in Kutztown and the Tavern is one of only a few places in town to drink (if you're 21 that is) and one of only a handful of restaurants.

It's pretty big inside with two floors of seating if they get really busy and need it. The bar is pretty big with tables along the wall behind it. There are at least two tv's with sports on almost all the time from what i remember. They have a take-out store connected to the restaurant right on the other side of the brewery part of the building but it only carries big beer brand names and cheap beer for the college kids.

The food is ok, everytime i go though i wish they served a bigger variety of food. They do a couple of things really well though. They usually have 8-10 of their own brews on tap (I think at the bar, 8 of the 12 taps are their own brews) some of which are decent, but decent at best, and the rest aren't very good.

Overall not a terrible place to go. I go to school there and the town isn't very hoppin, so it's the best we can do. Still prefer being home a lot closer to much better beer bars and distributors.
Jul 15, 2008
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Reviewed by davide169 from Pennsylvania

3.2/5  rDev -19%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
Stopped by here on a lazy Sunday afternoon. One of the last places within 25 miles I have not tired. Located right on Main Street in Kutztown. Not sure if there is on street parking or not. No one seemed to be parked on Main St so I went around to the back of the building. From the back you can enter Shorty's to the right or Kutztown Tavern/Golden Avalanche to the left.

Once inside there is dining seating across the back 2/3. The bar is along the left side and seats about 20 people. In the middle of everything splitting the bar and the take out area is the brewering operation. Don't bother even looking in the take out area its 99% Macros.

As for the beer brewed onsite. They had about 8 beers on when I was here. I had a sampler so I can try each one. Almost each one was described as it would relate to a macro which did not impress me at all. Most of them were decent, there were a few duds.

If you are in town, sure stop by, but I wouldn't got out of my way to go back.
Jul 09, 2008
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Reviewed by HopDerek from Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Kutztown Tavern is an odd place, in a building consisting of 4 areas; Shorty's Bar (a club type place), a take out shop, Golden Avalanche brewing, and Kutztown Tavern itself, the restaurant/bar. With a decent parking lot out back and a nice location right on the main drag in Kutztown, it gets very popular, but there is plenty of seating. The bar is quite long with plenty of stools and is one of my favorite local bars.

With a range of 6-8 taps of things brewed on premises, and 3 or 4 taps of some domestic stuff, there's a good selection of stuff. 5-6 staple beers with 1-3 seasonal offerings rotate through. Among the seasonals out now include a Blueberry Lager, a Black and Tan, and a Honey Spiced Tavern Ale, in addition to an Alt, Cream Stout, blonde lager, weiss, and a stronger lager. Only disappointment is that I've never seen an IPA offered, and they don't really update the website anymore with the seasonal offerings.

There is a nice wide selection of food options, pizzas, pretzels, seafood, chicken, pastas, steak, salads, burgers, etc, and all very good and reasonably priced. The sweet corn fritters are an excellent appetizer.

While I don't get to the Kutztown Tavern as often as I would like, I've always enjoyed myself there and look forward to a return trip.
Feb 05, 2008
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Reviewed by grees20 from Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I check this place out for the first time. I got a sampler, which for $6 is worth it. Really enjoyed the Bourbon Stout, which is a seasonal. Nice chocolate aroma, smooth taste and nice cream soda aftertaste. And of course you taste hints of bourbon. Also liked the Blonde Lager and the Olde Brick Alt. As a Hophead, disappointed they didn't have an IPA.
Food was excellent. The chicken wing egg rolls were excellent and the crab cake sandwich I had was tasty.
I didn't purchase a growler, but they were reasonably priced.
Definitely a place I'd check out again.
Jan 22, 2008
Kutztown Tavern in Kutztown, PA
Brewery rating: 3.55 out of 5 with 250 ratings