22 Breweries Dot the Picturesque Landscape from the Eastern Poconos to the Endless Mountains.
Our next trip along the DiscoverNEPA Brewer’s Loop set us down in the southern Pocono Mountains. After a quick jump eastward, we find ourselves in hip downtown Stroudsburg.
The Endless-Pocono Run, the longest of the three legs, carries thirsty travelers over 165 scenic miles. It’s a relatively straight shot from the PA/Jersey line in the east to the far north PA/New York border. In between, it’s all NEPA. This route earned its name, not from length or travel time, rather from its coverage of NEPA’s two most scenic regions – the Endless Mountains and the Pocono Mountains. Along the way, you’ll find 22 unique craft breweries.
Something for everyone
The wide range of breweries along the Endless-Pocono Run covers everything from the neighborhood brewpub to the “it’s a bit out of the way” type place. There are stops where you can catch a local band, and others where a cold beer pairs perfectly with a slice. Some partner with local food trucks, others with local wineries. And there are even some where you can enjoy all of the above under one roof.
As a whole, the tap lists on this stretch keep it straightforward. Everybody enjoys dabbling in the IPA arena. Whether you like em’ hazy, classic and hoppy, or in that dank, West Coast style, there’s a beer for you here somewhere. And, while the IPAs bring the party, there’s also a greater appreciation, among these brewers, for tradition and process in their craft. This leads to both variety and quality when it comes to lagers and session beers. And, of course, NEPA’s very distinct seasons welcome a Wild West atmosphere when it comes to seasonal brews.
Breweries along the Endless-Pocono Run reflect a down-to-earth, blue-collar ingenuity. It’s practically written on the tap room walls. These are the kinds of places where the long day is left on the road and a pint rarely arrives without a story. From tap handle to flight board to clever beer names and the good people behind every pour, this is NEPA craft beer – doggedly independent, shamelessly self-reliant.
Get out there and enjoy local beer.
This intrepid craft brewery brings beer back from an eight-decade slumber in Downtown Stroudsburg. Dive into an impressive tap list featuring hefty imperial IPAs, deliciously comforting stouts and more.
Pizza and fresh-brewed craft beer are the name of the game at this popular East Stroudsburg hangout. Aside from a cool, spacious bar and dining room, great local music and an incredible menu, this joint’s got some amazingly tasty beers.
This popular brewery nestled along the mighty Delaware River features a spacious tap room and an incredible pizza and pretzel menu. They offer live local music every weekend and the occasional open mic night. Also, the beers are ridiculously good.
Quaint, historic Milford offers an alluring setting for this popular brewery and taproom. Steel, stone and wood combine to create a rustic ambiance that fits the character and deep, bold flavors of their beers. You can also find those same beers at their satellite taproom in Tafton.
Venture off the beaten path to this massive brewpub set inside a big, red barn. Along with classic Pocono Mountain scenery, enjoy an expertly-crafted tap list of lagers, ales, sours and ciders. They even offer their own brick-oven pizzas, snacks, kid’s eats and desserts.
It’s all about beer and great music at this little gem in the heart of the Poconos. Their often-whimsical beers and the funky tap room ambiance will leave you wishing the night would never end.
This modest brewery keeps it simple with a covered outdoor taproom in an idyllic, mountain setting. What’s not so simple, however, is the beer. Try their local favorite Maggie’s Tail English Ale or look for their easy-breezy summer wheat beer.
This contemporary Pocono brewpub offers the perfect spot for gathering with a few friends, or for a night out with the family. With 12 beers on tap and a fresh, locally-sourced menu, good times aren’t hard to find.
History blends well with beer at this plucky nano brewery and taproom located inside the famous Hawley Silk Mill. The beautifully renovated space features tons of natural light, wood tones, a lengthy bar and at least 8 delicious beers always on tap.
Offering a charming take on the neighborhood brewpub, this Main Street favorite delights with innovative beers, an ever-evolving menu and a reverence for classic rustic design. Sit down and pair a pint with a pizza, or grab a growler to go.
Honesdale, PA
Historic downtown Honesdale shines in the shadow of the iconic Irving Cliff at this craft brewpub on Chapel St. Enjoy a wide selection of brewery-fresh ales and lagers alongside a full menu of delicious sandwiches and entrees.
Relax in the scenic, Pocono Mountain countryside at this working hop farm, event space and tasting room in Milanville. The brew farm serves as an extension of Second District Brewing in Philadelphia and offers up a full tap list of brewery-fresh beers.
Handcrafted, brewery-fresh beer and succulent BBQ come together in a beautiful way at this spacious brewhouse in Dalton. The popular taproom offers a full BBQ menu, plenty of beers on draft and in cans and frequent live, local music.
Grab a pint from one of Pennsylvania’s “OG” craft breweries in Scranton’s South Side. This eclectic brewpub offers a rotating selection of the Meadville brewery’s famous stable of regular, seasonal and special beer releases.
Add a splash of colorful digital art to your beer run at this unique NFT-inspired brewery taphouse in Scranton. The slate features 12 funky offerings ranging from traditional and hazy IPAs to popular Stuntman Sour series.
This traditional nanobrewery is located within the legendary Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton. The brewery offers up a tap list of just about everything from German-style lagers to Belgian Wits to American IPAs. Cooper’s delicious beers are available exclusively at the famous Electric City restaurant.
This neighborhood microbrewery in Scranton offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of the Electric City. Enjoy brewery-fresh beers in their cozy taproom, or spread out in the dog-friendly back yard. The brewery features a wide selection of expertly crafted beers, and all are also available to go.
This rural brewhouse in Scott enjoys a quiet, scenic northern Lackawanna County address. The winding country roads and wide-open swaths of golden field treat the eye nearly as much as their delicious beers treat the palate.
Head out to NEPA’s northern reaches in Susquehanna for a stable of tasty craft beers alongside a uniquely-creative dining menu at this spacious, Main Street brewpub. Plan your trip to match up with their weekly trivia night or live, local music.
With a cozy, little tap room, and eight reliably tasty beers on draft, this Montrose brewery is a favorite among locals. Sample a few of their experimental beers and take home your favorite in a growler.
This microbrewery in Great Bend has partnered with Giddy Up and Go Snack Shack to deliver a combination of heavenly delights. You can’t go wrong with fresh, cold beer, a tantalizing menu and a little live, local music.
Head out to Montrose for scenic Endless Mountains roads and fresh, cold beer at this cozy barn-turned brewpub. Alongside their incredible 12-beer tap list, they’re also serving up Peckville’s famous Andy’s Pizza.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 11/20/2020.
