Let’s face it – when it’s time to unwind after a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing in the world that can substitute for the company of good friends, accompanied by a cold brew. And if you’re in the market for something with a little more character than your standard issue, macrobrewed pilsner, you needn’t look far to find a number of high-quality brew pubs in Frederick to find some more colorful combos of hops and barley with which to wet your whistle.
Brewer’s Alley
No discussion of microbrewed beverages in Frederick is complete without mention of Brewer’s – Frederick’s original and best-known brew pub. The history of the building’s location is as rich as some of the ales and lagers that pour from its stainless steel taps. Beginning as a town hall in the mid-1700s, it saw time as an office space, farmer’s market and opera house before becoming the Brewer’s we now know and love.
With over a dozen beers available year-round, as well as a rotating seasonal menu, Brewer’s Alley is second-to-none when it comes to diversity of selection. The restaurant serves up some of the finest pub grub in the city, and also hosts a wood-fired oven in the back to turn out delicious pizzas.
Barley & Hops
With an award-winning food menu, fantastic beers brewed on site, and a great location at the interchange of I-70 and I-270, what’s not to like about Barley & Hops? The Catoctin Clear Blonde Lager is their best-seller: an All-American light, refreshing beer that’s served year-round. For something with a little more color to it, the Tuscarora Red Ale’s rich, amber hue and malty sweetness are beautifully offset by a touch of English hops. The food menu has a ton of great options, but you can’t go wrong with the 100% Angus beef burgers, served with bottomless fries.
The building itself has a classic and welcoming old-school pub environment, and is the perfect spot to stop and relax, enjoy some quality locally-crafted beer and delicious pub grub.
Roasthouse Pub
We’ll be honest – the Roasthouse Pub doesn’t look like much from the outside. A little shack tucked in amongst the car dealerships, motels and mattress stores of Urbana Pike, Roasthouse is proof-positive that you absolutely cannot judge a brew-pub by its cover! Step inside and you’ll find yourself in what feels like a pretty traditional tavern – but look a little closer at the amazing selection of craft beers on tap, and incredibly diverse and creative menu, and you’ll realize you’ve walked into somewhere special.
There are hosts of different microbreweries that are represented at different times of year, and the staff are consistently knowledgeable and able to provide suggestions and recommendations based on your preferences or menu item selections. The Crab Dip is one of the most decadently rich apps you’ll find in the county, and if you only ever listen to one piece of advice we give you, let it be this: try the Prime Rib French Dip. Thank us later.