Stop fooling around and just go to Tired Hands. They will only fill their own growlers (which will be a rant for another day) with the areas best beer. People are clawing over each other for their bottle releases, they make awesome IPAs and Saisons, and they are very easy to get into and out of with a growler before you make your trek Shore-bound. They always have SaisonHands and HopHands (my go-to,) which for a fill runs about 15 bucks. There is always something different on, and this week you could have had Go Ride a Bike. From the site - Crushable IPA. 5.5% Brewed with oats. Hopped intensely with one of our favorite New Zealand hops, Moteueka! Refreshing and Crushable! They are only open for lunch on weekends, 4 pm during the week.
tiredhands.com 16 Ardmore Ave Ardmore 610.896.7621
You live somewhere near Conshohocken...
Have you not been to Earth Bread + Brewery yet? Seriously? C'mon man. This place always has 4 very awesome, and always interesting beers on tap. You could have picked up Cafe Ole, a coffee amber ale that Craig Laban from the Inquirer was pushing himself. Or a 5.2% Provision Saison that would have gone great with 75 degree weather and the beach. Also, they are now doing take out Pizza so you snack on your drive over the bridge. Prices vary, last I checked they will fill any growler. Check their hours, they are not open during lunch during the week.
earthbreadbrewery.com 7136 Germantown Ave Philadelphia (Mount Airy) 215.242.MOON
Iron Hill Chestnut Hill. I've never heard of this place, nor have I been here 6-7 times a month over the past two years. You can ring up a growler of the always solid Ironbound Pale ale. Or get the Raspberry Wheat for a high temp weekend. Want to get a little frisky? The seasonals here are always top notch (someone told me.) Currently, there is a Session IPA (IPA Jr.) Phightin Phils Pils is still on, and if you really want to step up your beach game and impress some friends down the shore, the Double IPA Lex Luthor just went on tap, along with a Fat Heads collaboration Hop Smoothie. They will both probably be expensive to fill a growler, but split it with friends, there are not going to be better hoppy beers where you're going. Notable, the brewery recently won a Gold at the World Beer Championships for Golden Child, a sour beer that will be back on tap in June. I think Iron Hill will only fill their own growlers. But if you don't own an Iron Hill growler, we're not friends as of right now. I'm just kidding, we're still friends, but you have moved down the list. The house beers are very reasonable for fills.
ironhillbrewery.com/chestnuthill 8400 Germantown Ave Philadelphia (Chestnut Hill) 215.948.5600
Barren Hill Tavern is in the extremely haunted building that the General Lafayette once was. If you check their facebook page, you'll get the early heads-up on discount growler fills. I have not gone here enough since it opened. The house beers are awesome, and who can argue with special $9 fills. This past weekend would have been Grisette, Drunk Monk, and Kolsch. And any, or a couple, or a few, would have been welcome additions to your beach trip. The brewer here is no joke, and recently won a Bronze at the World Beer Cup for the Biere de Extra. I don't know what the current growler policy is, but I did do enough research to include the phone number below.
barrenhilltavern.com 646 Germantown Ave Lafayette Hill 484.344.5438
Conshohocken Brewing Company recently opened along Elm Street in Conshohocken. If you can find Coyote Crossing, walk down the hill and you'll run right into the front door. Not open weekdays during lunch, it still wouldn't take more than 10 minutes one evening to run in and fill a growler with their Single Hop Series for your weekend getaway. I'm assuming they only fill their own growlers, and prices are listed on their site. If you're feeling really fancy, they have a double walled stainless steel one that will survive the sun, the sand, possibly armageddon, definitely a shark attack.
conshohockenbrewing.com 739 East Elm St Suite B Conshohocken 610.897.8962
You live north of somewhere near Conshohocken...
There is apparently and Iron Hill up there too. Who would've guessed. Same as above, the current seasonal that I can confirm is awesome is the Hoparazzi, brewed with "Beeradelphia" filmmaker Michael Lawrence. (I am pretty sure Beeradelphia can currently be found on HULU.) Prices vary, I'm pretty sure they only fill Iron Hill growlers. If you need one, I know a guy who has a couple (a few) (several) (argh).
ironhillbrewery.com/northwales The Shoppes at English Village 1460 Bethlehem Pike North Wales 267.708.2000
Forest and Main is in Ambler. They always have a very eclectic selection of British and Belgian inspired beers on tap. They are always delicious. I have no idea what their growler policy is, but I do know that if you are not going "down the shore," you might as well enjoy the nice weather on their porch. Kinch, their India Pale Ale and Solaire, a Hoppy Saison are always on. And they would both be exceptional paired with warm weather and New Jersey.
forestandmain.com 61 N Main St Ambler 215.542.1776
On your way to Northern Shore Points...
Although Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. has what is possibly the worst website ever created, their beers are quite good. They make one of the best Pilsners, Trauger Pils, which Joe Sixpack named his beer of the year in 2012. Other lighter selections that would be good for a beach trip are the Churchville Lager or Croydon Cream Ale. If you're heading North to Seaside Heights or Point Pleasant, you're not adding that much time to your trip. The fills are reasonably priced, and they will fill any growler. Also, their brewer is handsome (this writer's opinion) and just won the Philly Beer Scene Brewer of the Year Award.
neshaminycreekbrewing.com 909 Ray Ave Croydon 215.458.7081
neshaminycreekbrewing.com 909 Ray Ave Croydon 215.458.7081
I'm adding Vault Brewing because I admittedly don't know very much about them, and this is a completely non-biased blog, holding to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Much like Croydon, Yardley isn't going to take you too far out of your way if you're headed to a slightly Northern Shore Point. I've heard the food is very good, and I just checked out the menu and there are about a dozen things I would like to try. Wood-Fired S'Mores and Nitro Rye Stout, anyone? They note they have stainless steel growlers, which are probably very nice, but also probably expensive. Stop here for dinner, let the traffic cool off, and if something strikes you, like a Chinook IPA, get it to go.
vaultbrewing.com 10 Main St Yardley 267.573.4291
vaultbrewing.com 10 Main St Yardley 267.573.4291
Rinn Duin Brewing is a fairly new microbrewery in Toms River. They're filling growlers and serving pints Friday through Sunday. It looks like you can find their beers in better bars along the shore and throughout New Jersey. It's only 20 minutes outside of Seaside Heights, they have 3 year round offerings, and a seasonal. Try it out, and let me know how it is. I couldn't find any good press about the brewery, but I did find this article from the Jersey Shore Summer Guide, where the daughter of the Father/Daughter ownership duo lists her Top Shore Spots. If she's recommending them, I'm sure you can find good beer there.
rinnduinbrewing.com 1540 Rt37 W Toms River 732.569.3261
Artisan's Brewery & Italian Grill is only 15 minutes out of Seaside Heights. Not only do they have 5 house brews, from a Double Chocolate Oatmeal Stout to a West Coast IPA, but they have a pretty solid beer list. According to their Facebook page, every Friday night is Growler Night, and you can get a new growler filled for $11.95. That's a steal, and CBE approved even if they will only fill their own growlers, which I did not confirm, it's still a deal. From what I saw on the menu, it looks like a solid place for a great meal on a Friday night after you've sat in traffic for two plus hours.
artisanstomsriver.com 1171 Hooper Ave Toms River NJ 08753
Southern Shore Points...
What does Philadelphia drink? Well, during Flyers season the answer is probably Brawler. During Phillies season, the answer is heavily. Either way, if you want to take a couple minutes on your way out of the city, I have a stop that can get you the goods. Yards opens every day at noon, so if your trip is the end of the week, or the middle, there's not a good excuse to miss this opportunity for rations if you have to head through the city. I don't know why, I think it's because of some dumb regulation or law, but I don't think they fill growlers. The Triumph in Old City doesn't either. It doesn't matter though, because you can get a couple six packs of Saison now, or Pynk later in the summer, and all will be right. There's nothing wrong with picking up a sixer of Philly Pale Ale either. Just in case.
yardsbrewing.com 901 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia 215.634.2600
You've crossed a bridge. Now what are you going to do. Flying Fish just moved into a new place, let's check it out. It's not going to add 10 minutes of driving time if you're heading to a Southern Shore Point, so you're probably stopping there. This is the answer to the most important question; Sure, we sell growlers and will refill Flying Fish growlers. We will refill outside growlers as long as they have the Government Warning label on them. And of course, they need to be clean. Use the extra three bucks to tip your bartender. They are open 3pm weekdays, and noon weekends. Due to laws and such, you can only taste beer there if you commit to a tour. Want to run in and run out, let me save you the trouble. Growler of Farm House or Hopfish, and of course see if they have bottles of NJ350 or FU Sandy. There is tons of information on their website, Exit 16 has been a favorite of the CBE, and there's not a beer they will have there that you can go wrong with. Enjoy.
flyingfish.com 900 Kennedy Blvd Somerdale NJ 856.504.3442
Pinelands Brewing Co is outside of LBI in Little Egg Harbor. They are open from 2-6 on Saturdays, and mention on their website that the beer lineup will change weekly, so you should check their Facebook page prior to heading there. They also make a Cream Soda and Birch Beer, and suggest to BYO Ice Cream for floats. Sounds like a decent trip. I have no idea what their growler policy is, but it says they will fill them when available. It's a 20 minute trip outside of LBI. Pinelands Beers on Untappd are all a solid 3.5+ bottle caps, and a make your own float sounds good with soda, but I'd definitely throw some in the Evan John Vanilla Bean Porter if give the opportunity.
pinelandsbrewing.com 140 South 7th Ave Suite 15 Little Egg Harbor NJ 609.296.6169
So you feel like playing some blackjack while you're at the beach, and decide to head to AC. It sounds like there's a stop at Tun Tavern in your future. Tun Tavern has 8 different styles to choose from, as well as seasonals. Their growler fills seem reasonable at $12, and per the website With your Growler Card fill up six times and the seventh is on us! Everyone likes a deal, and you can spend your winnings or wash away your poor decisions on some good beer.
tuntavern.com 2 Convention Blvd Atlantic City NJ 609.347.7800
10 minutes from Sea Isle, 15 from Avalon. Do I have your attention yet? Per the website, Tuckahoe Brewing is open Friday from 5-8 and Saturday 12-5 for growler fills. Personally, I would like to sit down and slug Marshallville Wit for a long shore session. They always post the tour hours and tap list on their Facebook page. Side Note: do you remember when there was just the internet and not the internet and Facebook? For a 30 minute round trip, I don't think you can afford to not check this place out. Every else is going to do it.
tuckahoebrewing.com 9 Stoney Court Oceanview NJ 609.827.5375
15 beers on tap. Some with names like Bring Sexy Bock, Joe Roggenbock, Apple Bomb, Escape the Cape, and one coming soon called Sophisticated Lady. Cape May Brewing pretty much wrote this summary all themselves with awesome beer names. The fact that they have so many on tap, and their website is not only usable, but awesome, makes me think next time I'm in Lewes a ferry ride is order. It does look like they will fill only their growlers, but at least they have the prices on the site so that you can see what your getting yourself into. I respect that.
capemaybrewing.com 1288 Hornet Rd Rio Grande NJ 609.849.9933
yardsbrewing.com 901 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia 215.634.2600
You've crossed a bridge. Now what are you going to do. Flying Fish just moved into a new place, let's check it out. It's not going to add 10 minutes of driving time if you're heading to a Southern Shore Point, so you're probably stopping there. This is the answer to the most important question; Sure, we sell growlers and will refill Flying Fish growlers. We will refill outside growlers as long as they have the Government Warning label on them. And of course, they need to be clean. Use the extra three bucks to tip your bartender. They are open 3pm weekdays, and noon weekends. Due to laws and such, you can only taste beer there if you commit to a tour. Want to run in and run out, let me save you the trouble. Growler of Farm House or Hopfish, and of course see if they have bottles of NJ350 or FU Sandy. There is tons of information on their website, Exit 16 has been a favorite of the CBE, and there's not a beer they will have there that you can go wrong with. Enjoy.
flyingfish.com 900 Kennedy Blvd Somerdale NJ 856.504.3442
Pinelands Brewing Co is outside of LBI in Little Egg Harbor. They are open from 2-6 on Saturdays, and mention on their website that the beer lineup will change weekly, so you should check their Facebook page prior to heading there. They also make a Cream Soda and Birch Beer, and suggest to BYO Ice Cream for floats. Sounds like a decent trip. I have no idea what their growler policy is, but it says they will fill them when available. It's a 20 minute trip outside of LBI. Pinelands Beers on Untappd are all a solid 3.5+ bottle caps, and a make your own float sounds good with soda, but I'd definitely throw some in the Evan John Vanilla Bean Porter if give the opportunity.
pinelandsbrewing.com 140 South 7th Ave Suite 15 Little Egg Harbor NJ 609.296.6169
So you feel like playing some blackjack while you're at the beach, and decide to head to AC. It sounds like there's a stop at Tun Tavern in your future. Tun Tavern has 8 different styles to choose from, as well as seasonals. Their growler fills seem reasonable at $12, and per the website With your Growler Card fill up six times and the seventh is on us! Everyone likes a deal, and you can spend your winnings or wash away your poor decisions on some good beer.
tuntavern.com 2 Convention Blvd Atlantic City NJ 609.347.7800
10 minutes from Sea Isle, 15 from Avalon. Do I have your attention yet? Per the website, Tuckahoe Brewing is open Friday from 5-8 and Saturday 12-5 for growler fills. Personally, I would like to sit down and slug Marshallville Wit for a long shore session. They always post the tour hours and tap list on their Facebook page. Side Note: do you remember when there was just the internet and not the internet and Facebook? For a 30 minute round trip, I don't think you can afford to not check this place out. Every else is going to do it.
tuckahoebrewing.com 9 Stoney Court Oceanview NJ 609.827.5375
15 beers on tap. Some with names like Bring Sexy Bock, Joe Roggenbock, Apple Bomb, Escape the Cape, and one coming soon called Sophisticated Lady. Cape May Brewing pretty much wrote this summary all themselves with awesome beer names. The fact that they have so many on tap, and their website is not only usable, but awesome, makes me think next time I'm in Lewes a ferry ride is order. It does look like they will fill only their growlers, but at least they have the prices on the site so that you can see what your getting yourself into. I respect that.
capemaybrewing.com 1288 Hornet Rd Rio Grande NJ 609.849.9933
Honorable Mention...
Iron Hill Maple Shade - I'm not going to do it again. Alright, alright. The Brewer there is pretty consistent about updating their blog. He also won a Bronze Medal at the World Beer Championships for Honey Tripper in the Specialty Honey Beer Category. It's slightly out of the way, but I know a guy who will stand by the food and the beers at all the locations. Surprise, it's me!
ironhillbrewery.com/mapleshade 124 East Kings Highway RT 41 Maple Shade NJ 856.273.0300
Spellbound Brewing - Will be in production soon, hopefully. You can check in on their Facebook as well for construction updates. This is going to be a "stop on your way down" brewery.
spellboundbrewing.com 10 Lippincott Lane Suite 12 Mt Holly NJ 609.744.0665
Forgotten Boardwalk - Another "stop on your way down" brewery. There are a lot of interesting press notes about this place. Their marketing is definitely getting their name out there, as they are hosting pop-up events to members of their Refuge Society. Check out the website, and the Facebook
page *ARghhhh* for updates as they roll out.
forgottenboardwalk.com 1940 Olney Ave Cherry Hill NJ 856.437.0709
Carton Brewing Co - Look, this isn't going to make a whole lot of sense. It's way far North, I don't even know if they have tours there. It could be a garage for all I know. If you see pounders of Carton Boat Beer, buy as many as you can, smuggle them across state lines, and then talk to me.
page *ARghhhh* for updates as they roll out.
forgottenboardwalk.com 1940 Olney Ave Cherry Hill NJ 856.437.0709
Carton Brewing Co - Look, this isn't going to make a whole lot of sense. It's way far North, I don't even know if they have tours there. It could be a garage for all I know. If you see pounders of Carton Boat Beer, buy as many as you can, smuggle them across state lines, and then talk to me.
cartonbrewing.com 6 E Washinton Ave Atlantic Highlands NJ 732.654.BEER
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