Nearly halfway between Lancaster and Philadelphia, the quiet borough of Honey Brook in bucolic Chester County hasn’t changed a great deal throughout the last half century. Narrow tree-lined sidewalks, a few churches, a fire station, pizza joints and a historic hotel all anchor the main intersection of Rts. 322 and 10.
Long perceived as a sleepy slice of small-town Americana, Honey Brook has always been proud of its strong blue collar and farm work ethics. And, more recently, young families are moving in to take advantage of the area’s fresh air and beautiful landscape.
As the community continues to grow and prosper, recreational beer choices have remained fairly typical, mainstream and few. But, with the arrival of Suburban Brewing Co., that’s about to change.
“Having lived here for a few years, I wanted to introduce my neighbors and the community to a taste of the local craft beer revolution that’s taking place around the rest of the county,” says Eric Yost, owner and executive chef of the successful Suburban Restaurant and Beer Garden at the Eagleview Town Center in Exton.
Connecting with craft beer expert Corey Ross of Fancy Camper Home Brew Store in Malvern, Pa., the pair established the new kid on the block in early March.
Suburban Brewing Co. is part brewpub, part arcade, part rec-room and part hipster haven. This homegrown spot presents itself as a watering hole with all the right ingredients to unwind. Think: cool adult playground for those 21-and-over (no kids please) that comes replete with Pac Man, vintage and new pinball machines, a pool table, the unmistakable sound of shuffleboard bowling, and the laughter of friends.
Painted-white picnic tables fill the main bar area and are the canvas for drawing graffiti or sketching a personal tribute to your favorite football team (it’s totally permitted, and Sharpies are supplied). Yost’s trademark Suburban Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired logo is prevalent, with reclaimed wood and tin throughout the establishment. A fun, wall-size active marquee sign blinks over the bar, listing tapped brews available for the day.
“We’re a small batch, all grain, one-barrel brewery and, so far, we’ve been packing in the locals on weekends who enjoy the variety we’re producing,” says Yost. Brewmaster Ross adds, “We thrive on creating robust flavor profiles for the neighborhood crowd (kolsches, porters, IPAs and ales) and we’re planning a few fan favorites to remain on the menu once we get a few more hours under our belt.”
A recent list of brews on the 12-tap system included China Cat kolsch (5% ABV), Opie Oatmeal Porter (5.5% ABV), Willy Scottish ale (5.4% ABV) and Maybe So Maybe Not saison (6.3% ABV). Two taps are reserved for guest appearances, and one tap hosts a cider.
Though beer is the focus, craft cocktails are not an afterthought here. Local spirit makers Manatawny Still Works and The Revivalist Spirits serve as the base for many of the reasonably priced innovative libations including our favorite, “Friend of the Devil,” which blends Revivalist Dragon Dance gin, pineapple, orange and smoked paprika (and priced for evil at $6.66). There’s also the Honey Brook Sour, a classic ode to the hometown and a killer barrel-aged Manhattan on the libations list. Harmonious house-infused cordials and local wines from Kutztowns Pinnacle Ridge round out the inclusive beverage menu.
The “Make your own Mule” program is a great way to get the spring season off to a festive start, using Reading Soda Works ginger beer with your choice of spirit and mixer.
For food, the brewery hosts revolving food trucks, such as Happy Pita, and a catered menu from Yost’s flagship Suburban Beer Garden. “We’re planning on bringing in our own food truck when the weather breaks, and we’re looking forward to creating a fun and functional outdoor space with string lights and barrel tables, as well,” Yost adds. Local beef jerky, chips and Bavarian-style pretzels are available for whenever the snack cravings hit.
The music reverberates with the help of a wall-mounted jukebox selection of classic rock (from Zeppelin to The Grateful Dead), and Yost says that a few local musicians have held “some outstanding impromptu jams sessions” for that live vibe.
Suburban Brewing Co. is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m.–midnight, Saturday noon– midnight and Sunday from noon–10 p.m. Ages 21 and over only.
Suburban Brewing Co. is located at 2536 Conestoga Rd. in Honey Brook; phone: (610) 273-3106.
- Interior photo: Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations
- All other photos: Ed Williams
