*Actually written by: Matthew Reed
Whether you are just passing through a new city or it’s in your own backyard, a brewery is a great way to learn about an area and to get a feel for the community it serves. Megan and I find that a brewery is a great pit stop whenever we’re on the road. It is also one of the first places we visit when we arrive to a new destination. Breweries can be the perfect place to meet up with friends or to just grab a beer straight from the source. I’m no expert on beer and I don’t try to pretend I am, so when I decided to write this post I had to figure out how to narrow down the list of the many breweries in the bustling Maryland brew scene. I came up with 5 aspects that I deem important to call it a good brewery. If I left out your favorite Maryland brewery – don’t be upset, just point me in the right direction! Our taste buds are always looking out for the next best thing.
Criteria for a top-ranked brewery
These are the important aspects a brewery must possess in order for me to call it a good one.
Good beer!
I know this should be self-explanatory but there’s a lot of crap out there and sometimes a brewery can have so much hype that it will make you forget about the quality of the product.
A welcoming staff
The people serving up the beer are the face of the brewery and the too-cool-for-school hipster attitude is a turn off when visiting a new place. A friendly disposition goes a long way in the world of service. A pleasant staff will always sway me to return to that brewery.
A sense of community
When I visit a brewery, I like to feel as though I am some place local. The big guys make great beers and they certainly have their place, but I prefer the smaller venues with a more personal feel.
An engaging atmosphere
The opportunity to play bar games is an added bonus. While it is not indicative of a good beer, who doesn’t like to throw some darts or knock down a giant Jenga with their friends?
Some kind of food option
Beer and snacks always go hand in hand. Here in Maryland that usually means teaming up with a food truck or two. Some good brews, a bite to eat and a game of corn hole sounds like a pretty damn good afternoon to me.
While I have been to over half of the Maryland breweries, I have not yet visited them all. Based on where I have been, here are my favorite Maryland breweries, in no particular order:
Crooked Crab Brewing Co.
This place ticked all the boxes for me. On the day that we visited we had my sister and brother-in-law join us. Up until this time they were brewery virgins and this was the perfect opportunity to “pop their cherry”.
When it comes to breweries, I could not have asked for much more than what Crooked Crab delivered. There were 10 beers on tap – each one tasty and unique. The staff was friendly and happy to answer any questions. We opted for two flights to start so that we could sample each of the beers. We wanted to see which styles my sister and brother-in-law would enjoy, other than the macro brews they’ve grown accustomed to. If you get a little hungry while you’re here, just follow the path through the brew house to the food truck out back. On this day, Megan and I didn’t need any games because we had new students of beer to entertain us, but there is a shuffleboard which is always good for some friendly competition. If you find yourself in Odenton or are just looking for a good neighborhood brewery, this one should be at the top of your list.
8251 Telegraph Rd, Odenton, MD 21113
Evolution Craft Brewing Co.
This is a great stop to break up the drive to and from Maryland’s eastern shore. Megan and I stopped here on the way back from a weekend at the beach and I am pleased we did because it had been on my list to visit for quite some time. One half of the building houses a restaurant while the other side is a dedicated taproom. We, of course, plopped ourselves down on a stool in the taproom. The food here is noticeably elevated and worth ordering. More often than not, I opt for wings if they are on the menu and this place delivered a plate packing a powerful punch. One of the things that I enjoy about this place is their wide selection of limited release bombers and beers that are great for aging. This summer, as you’re stuck in beach traffic driving down Rt 50, do yourself a favor and make the small detour to this brewery. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a flight, or a couple of beers to bring home to your cellar, this spot is worth the mileage.
201 E Vine St, Salisbury, MD 21801
B.C. Brewery
While 23 beers might seem like a lot to taste your way through, this place makes it easy. Located in Baltimore County, they are the only brewery that I know of in Maryland with a self-serve tap wall. Every tap handle has a screen with the beer’s name, description, and ABV. Everything you need to build your own flight or pour a full pint of your favorite style. In this large space, there is no shortage of games to be played. If you’re looking for a place to get together with a bigger group, this would be the perfect option. Feel like snacking? No problem, you’ll find a food truck parked right outside for when the hunger pangs call.
10950 Gilroy Rd F, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Waverly Brewing Company
This is one of the first breweries that Megan and I went to together. It’s in the new, trendy neighborhood of Waverly sitting on the Jones Falls River under the 83 interstate. On the night that we visited, Clementine Catering was there serving up a tasty selection of tacos. We didn’t order a flight here and went straight for a full pour. They had just tapped a new keg of oyster stout and I couldn’t wait to try this dark elixir made with local Chesapeake oysters. It was a wonderful evening of tasty tacos, rich stouts, and a competitive game of cornhole. If you’re not into whatever food is being served on location, you’re just a few steps from Blue Pit BBQ. So consider grabbing a few pints at Waverly, then finishing your evening with a plate of BBQ and a round of bourbon. They’ve got plenty to choose from.
1625 Union Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211
The Brewer’s Art
The brewers of Resurrection and my very first craft beer. Located in the historical Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, in a building dating back to 1905. The charming elegance of this historic building is like no other brewery I have ever visited. They have two very different and distinct areas for drinking beer and dining. On the main floor you will find a white tablecloth restaurant for a romantic evening with your partner or just an elevated gathering for friends. When I go here, I usually opt for the cellar. It’s located down the marble stairs below street level. This dark, high-energy environment is perfect for drinking an Abbey Dubbel (Resurrection) and eating hand cut rosemary garlic fries – all while in dark, intimate alcoves.
1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Independent Brewing Co.
Located in Harford County, this is a great addition to Bel Air’s growing downtown restaurant scene. This place has a large selection of beers in all different styles that I have found to never disappoint. If you can choose a favorite, there is a crowler system so you can take a 32-ounce can to-go. A large outdoor seating area makes this a good choice for a nice day when you feel like drinking al fresco. Better yet, bring your pup – they can’t seem to get enough of the beer here either. Independent features a revolving food truck lineup so that you never have to go hungry. Depending on the day, you will have a choice of empanadas, burgers, or locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine. While you do have to place your order at the truck, they’ll deliver your food when it’s ready. That’s what I call service.
418 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Manor Hill Brewing
No trip to Ellicott City is complete without throwing back a pint or two here, but be sure to make a reservation. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed per day due to their location at the end of a quiet neighborhood road. The quality of beer here is top-notch and you can taste the care that was put into each and every beer. If you want to see where the beer is produced, you are able to go through the sliding barn doors into their brew house and take a self-guided tour. On my previous visits there weren’t any food options, so plan ahead and bring your favorite food to pair with beer.
4411 Manor Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Diamondback Brewing
A cool industrial space in downtown Baltimore offering 8 beers on tap. It is not obvious from the outside, but when you enter it’s like walking into an inviting neighborhood pub. Nothing off the wall here, just well-crafted classic beer styles. Sometimes you don’t need or want a ton of choices, you just want a friendly staff and a well made beer. This place is that place for me. If you are visiting during warm weather, there is a large outdoor seating area to enjoy with friends.
1215 E Fort Ave #008, Baltimore, MD 21230
On Our Radar
The following breweries are ones we have not yet visited but are high on our must-visit list. We’ve already enjoyed the popular Sorry Chicky, Nanticoke Nectar IPA, and several others – but not straight from the source. We’re looking forward to checking out the birth places of these fine brews.
- RAR Brewing – Cambridge, MD
- Burley Oak Brewing Company – Berlin, MD 21811
- Idiom Brewing Co. – Frederick, MD
- Inverness Brewing – Monkton, MD
- Sapwood Cellars – Columbia, MD
Which breweries would you have added to this list? Let us know in the comments. Chances are, we’ve already been there and loved it too – but there’s only room for so many at the top!
Fellow beer lovers! Now that you’ve read about our favorite Maryland breweries you must check out Asheville, North Carolina. It’s our favorite beer destination and for good reason.
Comments
A lot more brewerys than I never heard about. A bit late for me.
Author
It’s never too late! We’ve got to get you to Guinness 🙂