GF and I will be traveling through in Mid-December want to know the best options in a short period of time. Jackie O's? Great Lakes? Thirsty Dog? Hoppin Frog? We both are definitely into stouts and sours and have enjoyed a few of Hoppin's offerings but not much from the other three. What are the can't miss breweries and what can I slide past and be okay with?
If you go to hoppin frog, get ahold of me. I work 30 seconds from the brewery. Also fat heads in north olmsted is a must see
I'm coming from MI and headed from that area to Voodoo... I'm actually road tripping from Houston to TG NG 3F Founders Bells all before OH
I just stopped into Brew Kettle on my way passing through a week ago. It was a great experience. They smoke their own meats, which led to delicious chicken wings and pulled pork. White Rajah on draft was worth it alone. They've got a bunch of other good beers on tap like Black Rajah and Ruddy Rye as well as a ton of guest taps.
Nano Brew is just down the block from Great Lakes, and between them is the Market Garden Brewery. All three good choices for a mini beer stroll.
I love Great Lakes, but their taproom isn't super exciting - most of what they have on tap you can buy off the shelf. Blackout Stout should hopefully still be around, though. Jampics2 hit on all the must stop destinations in the Cleveland area!
I'd do Fat Head's. Haven't been there or had any of their beer yet, but I've heard nothing but phenomenal things. I plan on going next year or something after watching the Tigers play the Indians.
Jackie O's is having a release on 12/14. Check out this thread for more detials http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/jackie-os-brewery-update.124938/
+1 to Hoppin Frog, Fat Heads, The Brew Kettle, Thirsty Dog and Great Lakes. And if you have an odd sense of humor like my wife and I do you can stop at the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous while you're in Akron: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/21516