I'm heading to Ohio in a few days to head around the Hocking Hills. I'm gonna try to hit as many breweries as I can and I'm currently researching that, but I'm wondering what the best beer bars and beer shops around that area are. Any suggestions?
You will be about 30-45 mins away from Jackie O's. It's in Athens and you should definitely visit them. They have two locations uptown (Public House & Brewpub) that are right next door to each other. They will have plenty of good stuff on tap there. Then, their taproom/production facility is a couple miles away. They have a smaller tap list there, but very good as well. You will be able to buy to go beers (barrel aged offerings and others) there.
Not a hotbed of beer activity, but as mentioned, Jackie O's is a must stop. Maybe you could work in Weasel Boy and Buckeye Lake on the way or on the ride out.
I just visited this area over the Memorial Day weekend. I've been to Rockmill and Jackie O's before, and both are highly recommended. Rockmill is very Belgian and a little bit pricey, but well worth it if you like Belgians. My only brewpub visit on the recent trip was Buckeye Lake. It's about 20 miles north of Lancaster. Here's a link to my review. http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/28290/?view=ratings&ba=Mothergoose03 There really is not much in Logan or out in the Hocking Hills State Parks area, although you can find a couple craft beers at a few places. The restaurant at the Old Man's Cave lodge did have a some craft beers when I was there a couple years ago, including one or two Rockmill beers. I'm going to guess that is your best option out there in the woods. The food there is outstanding.
If you are taking I70 into Ohio from the Northeast, stop in Zanesville for Weasel Boy, they have some solid brews. There is a shop in Zanesville, called the Winerak, but some of the stuff there is a little old, so keep an eye on dates. If you are flying in to C'bus, there are plenty of good stores on the way south from the airport. Jackie O's, as you have probably gathered from the rest of this thread, is a def. go-to from Hocking Hills. In fact, that whole part of the state is a wasteland, so it is probably your only go to!
I forgot to mention in my post above, the beer offerings at the Giant Eagle supermarket in Lancaster may be the best around that area, but I'll guess that some stores in Athens may be better if you make it to Jackie O's.
Jackie O's for sure. Also, do not miss the Falls and Old Man's Cave while there at HH. You'll thank me later
This store has a great selection in Lancaster, if you are passing through the area. Only place in Lancaster, according to Rhinegeist, to get their beers. And they are worth it IMO. Ameristop 1826 W. Fair Ave Lancaster, OH 43130, USA
