Chicago to New Jersey for Work (I-80 Breweries?)

Spend the entire time at FFF on your way. No lie.

Although, I am fairly certain that Selins Grove in Pennsylvania is close to I80. That's definitely worth a stop. Bullfrog is good but I'm not sure how close to 80 it is.

 

If at all possible, don't miss Kane Brewing in Ocean, NJ.

 

If I lived 10 minutes from Three Floyds I would never leave... PM me if you want to do some trading for FFF with me.

 

Barley Creek is further east, and practically on 80, but nowhere as good as Bullfrog or Selins Grove.

 

Kane and Carton are two must visit breweries in NJ, though they're not right off 80. A little south of there, and not the best hours, but if you can make it work, I would try to hit up both. Kane is Friday 5-8, Saturday 12-5, Carton is 5-7:30 Thurs Fri, 12-5 Sat Sun. Mostly growler only beer, Carton also has Boat in cans, and Kane has 750s sometimes. Both update their tap lists regularly on Facebook.

 

Everyone in Jersey is quick to recommend Carton and Kane because they're practically all we have (Carton is very good and Kane is top notch, however). But to clarify, they are NOWHERE near 80.

 

It's not much of a detour off of 80 to hit Voodoo.

 

30 minutes north of 80!

 

Depepnding on where in nj off of 80 you will be, there are two places in the Lake Mohawk area that will be ok stops.

Kroghs is a brew pub that the beer is mostly nothing special, except their oatmeal stout has always been good, as well as their chili. Then there is Mohawk house which i have heard good things about, but the only time i went to go they were closed for 4th of July. They often have Kane on their taplist, and it is by far the best nj has to offer. Both locations are about 20 minutes off of 80, where the Kane brewery is more like 90 minutes.

In any case, have a safe drive and enjoy your time in NJ.

 

Selin's Grove is solid choice. I'd also suggest Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks in Millheim, PA as a worthy alternative. The food is definitely better, although a bit pricier. Their beers are generally understated but very well balanced and moreish -- the Poe Paddy Porter is a personal favorite.

 

I do the DC to Chicago drive once a year so can help you out with the Chicago through Ohio portion.

Three Floyds and the nearby One Trick Pony as you're pulling out of town, but you probably already know that.

The Brew Kettle and Fatheads in the Cleveland area. The brewpub food is not so great, but it's probably better than other road food options. Both with great IPA's, Fatheads probably better for other styles, but Brew Kettle a much better guest draft list. Check their websites.

Or if you want to take a small detour and go through Akron, Thirsty Dog and Hoppin Frog are right there together. Hoppin Frog is supposed to have a small but very good if slightly pricey food menu, better than typical brewpubfare.

That's all I got.

 

I would pick Selin's Grove over Bullfrog if I had to only time for one stop. Both are around 25-30 mins. off 80. Bullfrog to the north, Selin's to the south. Keep in mind that Selin's Grove is closed Monday and Tuesday. Further east, at Bloomsburg, there is Turkey Hill Brewing. You are looking right at it at the end of the off ramp it's that close to 80. And right before you hit NJ, there is Shawnee Craft.

 

Weyerbacher is a 30 minute detour off 80 but depending on where in Jersey you are going Weyerbacher will put you on I-78 which runs somewhat parallel to 80. They are open Mon - Sat now too.

 

Where are you ending up in NJ?

 

This website is very useful: http://www.brewerymap.com/

 

shout out to the hometown brewery, Old Forge Brewing Company. right off of 80 at the Danville exit. one more exit (Buckhorn) and you'll come across Turkey Hill Brewing Company. 1 more exit (Berwick) and you'll get Berwick Brewing Company. Berwick is the best out of the bunch with great pizza and a chill industrial-type vibe. the beer garden by the river in the summer is great.