As summer rapidly approaches here along the Susquehanna River in historic Harrisburg, PA, we cannot help but look ahead to sipping on local craft ales with the sun beaming down from high above. And there’s no better locale in Pennsylvania to welcome summer’s arrival than The Central Hotel & Conference Center of Harrisburg, a Premier Best Western Hotel. We take craft beer very seriously, primarily because many guests choose the on-site O’Reilly’s Tap Room & Kitchen for its expansive tap list, which typically includes local favorites from all across the state. But today, we want to shed some light on the three best breweries in Harrisburg, PA.
The Best Breweries in Harrisburg, PA
Very few simplistic things in life rival that initial sip of beer on the first day of that very first summer vacation. There’s just something about the way the flavorful hop profile melds with summer’s golden radiance. Luckily for you, there are nearly a dozen breweries in Harrisburg, PA. In fact, the region boasts a small legion of microbreweries. With so many options near The Central Hotel, it’s a wee bit dizzying to choose just three taprooms. Thankfully, we have years of experience taste-testing these local staples. There’s a proper eclectic mix of style found below, both visually and in methodology.
Millworks
Millworks was a no-brainer as it’s the most popular Harrisburg brewery among locals, primarily because of its modern, sleek taproom. But there’s a smidge of rustic countryside allure, with its exposed brick and repurposed wood. Millworks is equal parts brewery, restaurant, and art studio. So, you can sip on a refreshing, slightly spicy pint of 100 Acres Hefeweizen, a delicious German wheat beer, while perusing through hand-crafted local artworks. But, of course, the main draw of Millworks’ breathtaking facility is its dimly-lit rooftop Biergarten. Come for the beer, stay for the rooftop views, and don’t leave without sharing a skillet of poutine.
Boneshire Brew Works
Boneshire Brew Works is a classic example of a modern-day brewery: Concrete floors, wooden plank backsplash, hanging lights, and obscure local art. The kicker, however, is the giant porker painted on the wall that’s gaze is fixated on the 16 taps of award-winning beer. Unlike neighboring breweries in Harrisburg, PA, Boneshire offers alternative guest beers on tap, which typically includes a sour, cider, and imperial stout. You might not expect it, but Boneshire actually boasts the best overall rating in the city on Untappd, the premier craft beer app in North America. That’s not something we take lightly. Locals return time and time again for the hoppy Green Machine IPA and, when the weather isn’t behaving, the dry, roasty Grattan Irish Stout.
Appalachian Brewing Co.
Appalachian has been a staple in the local craft beer scene since 1997. Thus, there’s a lot of history behind these auburn brick walls. The exterior’s nostalgic, obviously mid-90s sign is a dead giveaway that your group is in for a trip down memory lane. Appalachian, which operates out of a once-abandoned, 100-year-old building, remains one of the largest brewpubs in the nation. The classic ales, such as the Czech-style Peregrine Pilsner and the unfiltered Water Gap Wheat, are only outdone by the delectable pub fare. Shrewd beer nerds know to pair a pint with a mess of fish tacos or the juicy, iron-branded burgers.
To learn more about several other breweries in Harrisburg, PA, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call today at 800-644-3144. As the premier Best Western in Pennsylvania, our sophisticated four-season haven fills up very quickly during peak tourist months. So, please act fast!