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

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic' started by s4tk, Jan 24, 2014.

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  1. s4tk

    s4tk Initiate (0) Jan 24, 2014 Indiana

    Hi there,

    This is my first post. We recently moved back to the States from overseas, and I'm really enjoying the microbreweries in my neck of the woods (NW Indiana and Chicagoland). I need to take a road trip to New Jersey for work, and wanted to know what might be worth checking out along I-80?

    I did a quick search and saw Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport. Anyone been there?

    I would prefer something further east since I will probably stay the night around there.

    Grateful!
     
  2. raveskdr

    raveskdr Initiate (0) Oct 10, 2009 Virginia

    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.
     
  3. s4tk

    s4tk Initiate (0) Jan 24, 2014 Indiana

    I live 10 minutes from Three Floyds so I am fluent with their offerings :slight_smile:
     
  4. ArkyVaughan

    ArkyVaughan Pooh-Bah (1,932) Nov 1, 2013 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    If at all possible, don't miss Kane Brewing in Ocean, NJ.
     
  5. s4tk

    s4tk Initiate (0) Jan 24, 2014 Indiana

    They are both just off I80. Do you have a recommendation for one over the other?
     
  6. garylite

    garylite Initiate (0) Oct 28, 2010 Connecticut

    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.
     
  7. RonfromJersey

    RonfromJersey Initiate (0) Jan 25, 2002 New Jersey
    In Memoriam

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

    MadCat Initiate (0) Jan 6, 2011 New Jersey

    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.
     
  9. mikeburd1128

    mikeburd1128 Maven (1,409) Oct 28, 2011 New Jersey

    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.
     
  10. zekeman17

    zekeman17 Pooh-Bah (2,082) Feb 14, 2010 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

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

    tommyguz Pooh-Bah (2,534) May 14, 2008 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    30 minutes north of 80!
     
  12. benetoh

    benetoh Zealot (536) Feb 2, 2008 New Jersey

    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.
     
  13. trbergman

    trbergman Initiate (0) Nov 17, 2006 England

    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.
     
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  14. RKP1967

    RKP1967 Savant (1,150) Sep 26, 2010 Virginia

    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.
     
  15. ClockworkOrange

    ClockworkOrange Pooh-Bah (2,190) Feb 19, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
  16. belotj

    belotj Initiate (0) Apr 3, 2011 New Jersey

    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.
     
  17. dennis3951

    dennis3951 Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2008 New Jersey

    Where are you ending up in NJ?
     
  18. Belittle

    Belittle Initiate (0) Oct 17, 2013 New Jersey

  19. de1m0nte

    de1m0nte Initiate (0) May 23, 2012 Pennsylvania

    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.
     
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