Best Brew Pubs

Denizens Brewpub has moved to a shopping area across from the University of Maryland campus.
The large blonde bar dominates the room and seats about 15.
There are booths and tables and great tables that seat at least 100 more, as well as picnic tables out on the sidewalk.
Denizens has 30 taps, duplicates all, with 15 different beers; none guests.
All their wares are available in cans to go.

	Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House 5001 Washington Blvd Halethorpe, MD 21227 The Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House is a production brewery, brewpub, beer campus, and brew destination that opened in Relay, Maryland in the summer of 2018. Guinness has three brewhouses on site. A small 2-barrel pilot brewery, a 10 hectoliter brewhouse, and a custom-designed 100 hectoliter brewhouse. All three systems will be set up to brew and ferment various styles. Locals will remember this 62-acre site with its towering square brick buildings as being the long-time home of Seagrams Distillery until 2015. The brewery is owned by Diageo, the conglomerate that brings you, aside from Guinness, such spirits as Tanqueray Gin, Johnnie Walker Black, Bailey's, Ketel One Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum, and a host of other potent potables. The Brewery in Relay will be used to brew Guinness Blonde American Lager, and a variety of experimental brews. This $90 million dollar project will help to make this neck of the woods a beer destination for locals and visitors as well, seeing as how Heavy Seas Brewery and taproom are just about 5 minutes north. The whole venue is spacious and open. Guinness Open Gate features be a 270-seat restaurant (to open in September, 2018), a 250-person taproom, and expects to entertain hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There is also lots of space to roam around with a pint in your hand and read copious interesting facts about Guinness. Outside, the pilgrim will find spacious walking and seating areas. As a Questor I found the beer menu quite stimulating. Aside from pouring Guinness Blonde and the ubiquitous Guinness Stout, there were about a dozen taps dispensing experimental beer such as a barrel-aged coffee tripel, a plum dubbel, and a Northwest IPA. The smaller "test taproom" which opened in October, 2017, will be reserved for special events, private parties, and the like.

Denizens Brewing Company
1115 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 557-9818

Denizens Brewing is a stand alone brew pub a block from the newly developed area around the Silver Spring Metro.
Although it's brand new (as of 2014) with lots of windows, it is relatively small, almost like an European bar.
The bar itself sits six and the rest of the main room might seat 30 with lots of space around the variously sized tables.
There is a small room in the back and a downstairs area also, as well as a large patio by the front door.
Food is provided by a food truck which supplies Denizens kitchen.
Denizens has six of their own beers on tap as well as one guest beer.
All the beers seem to be full-time, as there is no reference to seasonals.
Although it wasn't overly crowded, Saturday afternoon had a brisk business with the yuppie crowd.

Tall Tales Brewing Company
6929 Heron Grove Ct
Parsonsburg , MD 21849
(410) 824-2739

Tall Tales Brewing Company sits about 100 yards north of route 50, several miles east of Salisbury.
Tall Tales is self-described as a "small premium brewery based in Parsonburg, MD."
Roni, our bartender, explained that they were "definitely not a microbrewery," but also did not describe them as a brew pub. Nevertheless, they do sell beer made on-premise, and they do offer a limited but tasty light fare menu featuring artisan pizza; I'm calling them a brew pub.
The basic pour at Tall Tales is 6 ounces...they are only licensed to sell full pints 3 out of every 30 days.
A 6-oz. beer will cost you $2 or $3, and customers can choose from about 8 different Tall Tales beers.
Most of their brews had an ABV of 6-10%, and the ones that I tried were tasty.
Another brewery on the Eastern Shore to which I would gladly return at the drop of a hat.

Antietam Brewery
140 Western Maryland Pkwy
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(240) 513-4490

The Antietam Brewing Company was Western Maryland's first craft brewery and brews fresh beer in small batches.
When Antietam began brewing in 2012, they were housed in Benny's, a local bar and restaurant, but later moved their operation to a larger brewery with a top room.
Antietam brews a variety of beers, which can be enjoyed in the taproom, or taken home in a growler.
They also can their beer, and Antietam brews can be found across Maryland from Oakland to Annapolis.
Among their offerings you will find a Pilsner, an Irish Red, IPA, Double IPA, Milk Stout, Weizenbock and many more.

We are listing this microbrewery as a brewpub, because they do have an assortment of foods including sandwiches, pizza, BBQ, and more.

Fin City Brewing Company
12913 Ocean Gateway
Ocean City , Maryland , 21842-9505
phone: (410) 213-1771

Fin City Brewing is located at Hooper's Crab House in easygoing West Ocean City, Maryland.
Hooper's is a popular, well-established restaurant and hangout which you can learn more about by viewing their website.
Fin City Brewing debuted in 2012, making several different styles of beer, and may have as many as 6 on tap at any one time.
About 6 other drafts are also offered, mostly macros including several Leinenkugels.
The beer is crafted in a loft above Hooper's main bar, and during the time of our visit, on their penultimate day of the season, offered four of the Fin City creations on tap.
Fin City offers beers for most tastes, and you can put away as much as you want without breaking the bank. The pints were going for $4, but a patron could get a 22-ounce pour in a souvenir stadium cup for only $5, with refills for a scant $2.50!
Hooper's is an enormous venue with many booths, tables, levels, lofts, and much outdoor dining.
The layout and decor cannot be described...it must be experienced.
Our barkeep, Danielle, was helpful and informative about the Fin City beers, and Hoopers in general.
Hooper's and Fin City Brewing is an enjoyable place to visit away from the beach bustle of Ocean City proper.

Frisco Tap & Brew House
6695 Dobbin Rd
Columbia , MD 21045
(410) 312-4907

Frisco Tap & Brew House, a stable fixture among area beer drinkers for their 50 rotating taps of American microbrews and imports, is now brewing their own beer.
This puts Frisco on the map as not only one of the best beer bars in the state, but also as Columbia's lone brew pub.

The Columbia watering hole will also have the distinction of being the first pub on this website to be listed as both a Best Beer Bar and Best Brew Pub.

Patrons of Frisco have long awaited the debut of the home brews, following the progress of the brew works through the large windows in front of the establishment.
Frisco's brewing operation has been named Reckless Brewing.
For openers, Push Craft served a pale ale and an IPA.
Some high-octane styles will follow.
The beer is pumped from the serving tank in the brew house up and over into the bar, where it is dispensed to the customer from two dedicated tap towers.

Why did Frisco start brewing their own beers when they are able to so successfully purvey 50 other craft beers in their taphouse?
As owner Adam Carton so succinctly put it, "Who doesn't want to have a microbrewery?"

Evolution Craft Brewing
US 13
Salisbury MD

In 2012, Evolution Craft Brewing moved from its home in Delmar, Delaware just a few miles south to Salisbury, Maryland.
Evolution is one of Maryland's priemier craft brewers and their beers such as Primal Pale Ale, Lot No. 3 IPA, and Lot No. 6 Double IPA can be found on tap and and in carryout stores throughout the region.
The brewery needed more space and now they've got it.
In addition they have opened a restaurant and tasting room both attached to the brewery.
Their Public House was voted "Best New Restaurant in 2012" by Metropolitan Magazine Readers.
And to think that this venue used to be an ice house!
The tasting room features 6 taps to choose from, some of which are their staples, while others are seasonal. You can take tours of the facility or visit the restaurant for a bite to eat.

	Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill Corner of MD-4 and Dowell Road Solomons, MD The Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill, located in scenic maritime Solomons, offers six brews of their own and six guest taps. Proprietor Carlos Yanez and brewer Jonathan Reeves have conspired to privide an ambitious spectrum of beers, including a golden ale, a porter, and a Belgian wit, dubbel and tripel. I found the three that I consumed to be well-crafted, delicious, and true-to-style. And they are served in appropriate glasses! There are also at least 10 bottled beers, mostly imports in large bottles. The bar seats 12, with maybe 10 tables in the bar area. There are two other dining areas, and an outside patio. You won't accidently be passing through Solomons. Located at the tip of one of Maryland's peninsulas in rural Calvert County, it would have to be your destination. And a trip to the Ruddy Duck is a great reason to make it one.

Johansson's Dining House

4 W. Main Street
Westminster, Maryland, 21157-4816
(410) 876-0101

Located in quaint downtown Westminster, Johansson's was one of Maryland's first brew pubs.
Johansson's is noted for both their casual and fine dining, and for their beer.
They are always serving their Hoodle Head IPA, Whistle Stop Amber, and Honest Ale, as well as one seasonal.
They provide 11 guest taps and about 20 bottles, mostly commonplace.
The bar is long, dark, and comfortable, and darts are offered for those so inclined.

Phoenix Upper Main
8308 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410.313.8141

Phoenix Upper Main is located in the same granite fortress that used to be the home of Ellicott Mills Brewing Company.

Denizens of, and visitors to Ellicott City will remember The Phoenix Emporium, the well-known bar and restaurant that sits, at least for now, in Lower Ellicott City, a stone's throw from the Patapsco River.
When the building became slated for demolition due to flood mitigation, Phoenix began looking for new digs, and purchased Ellicott Mills...Ellicott City's long-time brew pub.

Phoenix Upper Main has a barroom on the first floor, with a long bar that seats about 12 patrons. Behind those seated at the bar is the dining area.
There is also an upstairs dining room, and a Bier Keller underground.
At the time of my visit, Phoenix had eight beers on tap, featuring 6 guest taps, and 2 beers brewed right here; an Amber, and an India Pale Lager. They plan to add more homebrews in the near future.

At the old location, Phoenix was known for their extensive bottled beer selection, and at the new venue on Upper Main, the same holds true...about 130 bottled beers to choose from.

Whether you were a lover of either Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, The Phoenix Emporium, or a tourist in town for the day, you need to check out Phoenix Upper Main.

Brewer's Alley

125 North Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701

Brewer's Alley is located in an historic building, and was Frederick's first brewpub.
They have 7 brews on tap, and rotate about 10 seasonals in with their 5 regulars. They also offer three bottled beers.
On this Saturday night, the bar was jumping, and the fact that many patrons were consuming Miller Lites is testament to the fact that this must be a swinging night spot as well as a source of excellent craft-brewed beers.
The Pils was hearty, yet delicate, and well-hopped. The hefeweizen was excellent, so much so, that when I set mine down, it disappeared.
On the left you can see a "giraffe", a device that dispenses 2.5 liters of beer right at your table. It's guaranteed to infuse your group with instant Gemutlichkeit.

Rock Bottom Brewery
7900 Norfolk Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-1311

The Rock Bottom Brewery is a successful chain, with the Bethesda location being the only one in Maryland.
Brewmaster Geoff Lively knows his craft and his clientele. The former is evidenced by the impressive array of awards and medals he has garnered, and the latter by the sampler of six very smooth and drinkable beers that he graciously proffered.
"We try to have something for everyone." is Geoff's philosophy, and this is no idle boast. Their five regulars are brewed to satisfy the normal spectrum of beer drinkers. In addition, Geoff offers one or two seasonals, and one or two cask-conditioned ales dispensed through a hand engine, for his more beer-cultured or curious customers.
Ask your bartender, and other special brews are liable to be available in 1-liter bottles.

Rock Bottom offers fine foods and special events as well, and should be a definite stop for residents, tourists, and those citizens in search of good beer.

Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery, & General Store

5123 Baltimore Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-927-2938

Franklin's is one of Maryland's best kept brewing secrets.
Located right on Rt. 1 between DC and College Park, Franklin's has a restaurant downstairs and spacious bar up the steps.
They offer 15 or so taps of their own brews, and several macro bottles for the unenlightened. Head brewer Mike Roy crafts Twisted Turtle Pale Ale, Rubber Chicken Red, Private IPA, Hop Zen, and Franklinator to name just a few.
The lunchtime crowd was quite diverse, the General Store fun to browse in, and most importantly...the beer was excellent.

Red Brick Station

8149 HoneyGo Blvd
White Marsh, MD 21236 • 410.931.PUBS

Red Brick Station houses the White Marsh Brewing Co., a local brewer of fine beers.
There are around 7 on tap, one hand engine, and one guest beer.
The regulars ranged, at the time of our visit, from Honeygo Lite at 3.6% to the Daily Crisis IPA weighing in at 6.1%.
RBS offers a casual atmosphere with good food and "Baltimore's Best Happy Hour."
Mug clubbers drink more for less.