We’re starting to hear it more and more: The craft beer scene is thriving. It’s hard not to agree, as the flavor options are close to limitless when you’re browsing a bar’s beer menu. But that’s where I’m here to help. I’ll give you some insights into the atmospheres of local places and their craft beer options.
I took a trip to five different spots in Gettysburg to check out how each bar or restaurant fared in their craft beer menu. I have to say, I was more than impressed with their selections. Since you probably will be too, make sure to have a designated driver, drink water and pace yourself when you travel on your own Gettysburg craft beer adventure.
Stop 1: The Pike Restaurant & Tap House
My first stop was The Pike Restaurant & Tap House, right off Baltimore Pike in Gettysburg. I passed through the double doors to enter into the spacious bar area, where I was immediately greeted as I took a seat at the wraparound bar.
I asked for a craft beer menu, and couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at the large sheet filled with more than 100 choices. After taking some time to browse over my options, I went with the Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager.
As soon as I brought the bottle to my mouth to take my first sip, I could immediately smell the freshness of strawberries. Tasting it was even better, as the crisp, sweet taste lasted from start to finish. With each gulp, a hint of strawberry flavor lingered on my tongue. It was as if I had just eaten the actual fruit. But if you’re worried about it being too overpowering, it wasn’t. It was a refreshing beer at 4.2% ABV that left me wanting more.
And if you’re not into strawberries but still want something fruity, I recommend the Blue Point Blueberry Ale at 5% ABV. This is a lighter beer with a smoother finish than the strawberry lager, but with the same fruity freshness and a smell of blueberries that hits your nose each time you bring the glass up to take a swig.
Stop 2: Appalachian Brewing Company
For my next beer-perusing adventure, I decided to check out the newest Appalachian Brewing Company on Steinwehr Avenue.
The location recently opened in early May, and has a brand new feel upon entering. High ceilings, a smooth stainless steel and wooden look and beer mugs that hung behind the bar all grabbed my attention.
But what I found really unique was their beer board. Behind the bar, there hangs a flat screen TV that lists the brewing company’s craft beers.
They had filtered and unfiltered lagers to cater to one’s like or dislike of hops. Their food menu even had suggested beer pairings next to the entrées. I didn’t know that prior to ordering, so I ordered a Trail Blaze Maple Brown, an American Brown Ale. It didn’t matter because it still went well with the delicious fish and chips I ordered. The 6.4% ABV ale was dark in color and strong in smell. It could’ve passed for a dessert beer with the rush of nuttiness and chocolate I tasted after one sip. The mix of flavors lingered in my mouth after each gulp, leaving me with a toasty, sweet and almost almond variation. If sweetness is your preference, I also recommend trying their Chocolate Avenue Stout, which proves itself a little dry with a big chocolate malt flavor.
Stop 3: Blue & Gray Bar & Grill
Blue & Gray, located right in the center of Gettysburg, is your stop for everything sports. TVs line the ceiling of the bar in a circular fashion and friends gather in groups to watch the latest games.
Their craft beer selections vary by day, with lists situated on the wall behind a section of the wraparound bar. I decided to go for the New Belgium Fat Tire—an amber ale. I wanted something light and simple and this was perfect. Also, with a name like that, who wouldn’t order it?
At 5.2% ABV, its citrus, toasted flavor was smooth enough to be paired with any bar food. Light in color, the hoppy freshness was satisfying to my pallet—and the bar’s atmosphere and people truly enhance the vibe.
If you’re not into simple, try their varieties of wheat beers, stouts and summer ales. It’d be hard to find something that didn’t satisfy your beer preferences. I have no doubt you can find a craft beer that pairs well with that basket of wings you ordered to watch your favorite team win at Blue & Gray Bar & Grill.
Stop 4: Battlefield Brew Works
Get ready to walk into what was once an old barn and enjoy the freshest beer on tap you can find. The brewery and distillery, located on Hunterstown Road, has a bunch of different beers, especially because brewmaster Dan Kulick hand-crafts his beers right on scene.
If you’re feeling brave, I recommend trying the Imperial Oatmeal Stout. It’s a new addition to Battlefield Brew Works and comes in at 15.5% ABV. Yes, I said 15. It’s served in a 6-oz. taster glass and leaves you with a malty taste. But if you’re into something a bit simpler, I suggest delving into some of the Brew Works ales.
If you want a subtle taste, try the Mandarina Pale Ale, which has a balance of hops and malt at 4.8% ABV and a smooth mandarin orange finish. If you want something a bit more exotic, go for the Irish Brigade Brown Ale, which embodies a roasted malt flavor and shocks your taste buds with hints of caramel and chocolate. But no worries, the brown ale’s hops help even out the flavors and don’t let it become an overpowering chocolate beer.
Whatever your tastes, the brewery is sure not to disappoint. And if you’re not positive what you like, try the Brew Works tasting room at 45 Steinwehr Avenue. Once you decide your preference, make your way over to the brewery and restaurant for a full pint!
Stop 5: Sharpshooters Grille
My last stop was a restaurant that boasts more than 80 different craft beers, with its menu changing monthly.
From stouts and IPAs to ciders and wheat beers, it would be hard not to be satisfied at Sharpshooters.
The grille offers a few different local craft beers, such as Solid Sender—a 5% ABV pale ale from Troegs Brewery in Hershey. It’s light in color and smell and has a touch of bitterness for that extra bite. Another local beer I recommend (because you know I like my fruit) is their Strawberry Wheat beer at 4.7% ABV from Lancaster Brewing Company. And if you’re not into strawberry, Sharpshooters offers a Blueberry Stout, Blood Orange Ale and Redds Apple Ale.
Enjoy your beer outside on the deck, in the smokehouse lounge, the bar or in the dining room to enjoy live music, trivia and open-mic nights. The atmosphere of Sharpshooters and its daily food specials are sure to enhance any craft beer you choose.
Now that you have knowledge of some of the craft beers Gettysburg has to offer, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start trying!
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