A Craft Beer Tour of Lancaster

Lancaster has quietly become one of Pennsylvania's premier destinations for craft beer lovers. From innovative brewpubs and nationally recognized beer bars to unique bottle shops and outdoor gathering spaces, the region offers something for every palate.

While there are dozens of worthy stops throughout the county, three destinations consistently rise to the top of our list: Mad Chef Craft Brewing, The Fridge, and Bulls Head Public House.

Mad Chef Craft Brewing: Where the Food Is as Good as the Beer

If someone asks me where to take a visitor for great beer and great food, my answer is Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg.  It’s about a 10 minute drive from campus (depending upon traffic) and totally worth the drive.

Mad Chef was the first micro-brewery in Lancaster to combine exceptional beer with exceptional food. Mad Chef prides itself on chef-driven dishes using our excellent, locally sourced ingredients on the rotating menu when possible, and a continually changing lineup of house-brewed craft beers along with multiple guest taps from partner breweries.

While all of the beers are excellent, the star of the tap list is Juice Caboose, Mad Chef's flagship hazy IPA. Packed with juicy citrus character and an approachable New England-style profile, it is my favorite beer at Mad Chef (and I will argue the best in Lancaster County).  Exceedingly drinkable and refreshing. 

The food, however, is what truly sets Mad Chef apart.

While the menu evolves regularly, no visit feels complete without an order of their famous Pommes Frites. These fries are crispy, perfectly cooked, and are paired with an impressive assortment of house-made dipping sauces – our favorites are the ghost pepper ketchup, beer cheese and the garlic rosemary aioli. 

Do yourself and your family a favor, get the large – you won’t regret it.  And a side of the Thai Chili Brussels Sprouts (add the bacon of course).   And the Cheesesteak Empanadas.  You get the idea…

Mad Chef succeeds because it refuses to choose between being a great brewery and a great restaurant. It delivers both.

The Fridge: Lancaster's Original Beer Lover's Playground

For years, The Fridge has been one of Lancaster City's hidden gems.  They were the original craft beer and wood-fired oven pizza place before it was popular.

Part bottle shop, part craft beer destination, and part artisan pizza café, The Fridge created a niche all its own. They have one of the largest selections of craft beer in Lancaster, with hundreds of unique bottles and cans available alongside a rotating draft list from great breweries both near and far.

Go for the beer, stay for the pizza.

The Fridge's thin-crust artisan pizzas have developed a loyal following. Whether you're ordering a classic Margherita, pepperoni, white pie, or one of the rotating specialty pizzas, the focus on fresh ingredients and crisp crusts consistently delivers.

Walkable from campus and The Arts Hotel, the atmosphere is equally appealing as the beer and pizza. Casual, comfortable, and completely unpretentious,

Bulls Head Public House: A Beer Destination in the Heart of Lititz

A trip to Bulls Head Public House is about more than great beer.

Located on Main Street in downtown Lititz (Spoiler alert!  There will be a future post about this great little town), Bulls Head has earned national recognition for its beer program and has been recognized as one of the country's best beer bars. The tap list features local favorites, imported specialties, cask ales, and difficult-to-find offerings. The knowledgeable staff and Cicerone-certified bartenders help guests navigate the list to find their next favorite pint.

The food is equally impressive. Traditional British fare such as fish and chips and Scotch eggs are mainstays. 

If you are adventurous, try the “Full Monty”, a Full English Breakfast on Saturday mornings (and yes, get the black pudding).  I recommend pairing that with an Organic Chocolate Stout from Samuel Smith for a true English experience.

Yet part of the appeal lies outside the pub itself.  Lititz has become one of Pennsylvania's most beloved small towns. A day spent browsing independent shops, walking through Lititz Springs Park, and exploring downtown naturally pairs with a stop at Bulls Head for a pint and a meal.

It’s Not Just About the Beer!  You Should Try a Jimmy Juice.

One drink that has become increasingly popular at local bars and events is Jimmy Juice, a ready-to-drink cocktail produced in Lancaster County by Horse Hollow Distillery. The brand has developed a strong local following and has partnered with Tellus360 (another great place downtown – and featured on a future post) on special events and promotions, making it a natural fit within Lancaster's growing craft beverage community.

The story is only getting bigger.

Horse Hollow Distillery has announced plans to open a downtown Lancaster tasting room and retail store, bringing its spirits and Jimmy Juice lineup directly into the heart of the city. The addition will further strengthen Lancaster's reputation as a destination not just for beer, but for locally crafted beverages of all kinds.

Other Lancaster County Favorites Worth Exploring

No Lancaster beer tour would be complete without mentioning a few additional standouts:

Lancaster Brewing Company

One of the pioneers of Lancaster's craft brewing movement, Lancaster Brewing Company has a solid stable of beers and 2 brewpub locations with serious food and drinks.

South County Brewing Company

Originating in York, and now with a brewpub in the heart of downtown Lancaster, South County produces creative, exceptional beers.  I prefer their dark beer offerings, which normally come out in the winter, and the Stellar Phase IPA when it is available.

The Final Pour

What makes Lancaster special isn't simply the beer. It's the variety of experiences.

You can spend an afternoon enjoying a Juice Caboose and the county's best fries at Mad Chef. You can grab a perfect artisan pizza and explore hundreds of craft beers at The Fridge. You can wander through picturesque Lititz before settling into Bulls Head Public House for world-class beer and traditional pub fare. Or one of the other 20+ breweries and brewpubs in and around Lancaster

That's Lancaster at its best: great drinks, great food, great people, and plenty of reasons to come back for another round. 🍻