Friends and I are up near Lake Wallenpaupack and I'm wondering if anything up here is worth making a trip for. We have been to Wallenpaupack Brewery many times (and it is pretty good) but I'd like to try something new, if it would be worth it. Obviously would prefer places near the I-84 corridor but might go as far as I-80.
Here & Now Brewing in Honesdale was the only PA brewery on this years March Mildness passport that I didn't make it to. I've never been there, but I would assume if Forest & Main was willing to include them, they must have a good reputation. I was camping a few months ago at Lakawanna State Park and checked out the local brewery in that area, called Last Minute Brewing. Tiny setup basically in a garage, but the beer was good. I started talking to a local guy who was wearing a Human Robot Logjammin' shirt. He said beer wise, that he recommended Last Minute and then also Blind Cat Brewing in Pittston (and to get pizza at Pizza Althea down the block). We didn't make it there though, so that's a second hand recommendation. Bright Path Brewing in Jim Thorpe impressed me recently (they focus on flavorful low ABV beers), but that's probably too far for you
If you are looking for strictly breweries, somewhat close, you have Breaker Brewing in Archibald and Wilkes Barre, Blind Cat in Pittston, Mutant, Coopers and Groove in Scranton. Of those Blind Cat and Groove are probably the best beer wise (in my opinion). If you are looking for bars with great selections check out Ale Marys in Scranton or Sabatini's in West Pittston (also a great bottle shop).
