Lakewood, New Jersey has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The town’s brewing scene reflects the wider artisanal beer movement sweeping across the state. Local breweries like Icarus Brewing are at the forefront of Lakewood’s craft beer revolution, offering unique and flavorful brews that capture the essence of New Jersey’s beer culture.
Beer lovers visiting Lakewood can explore a variety of taprooms and breweries, each with its own distinct character. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, the local craft beer selection caters to diverse palates. Many of these establishments are nestled in industrial areas, adding an urban charm to the beer-tasting experience.
The Lakewood craft beer guide serves as a roadmap for both residents and visitors eager to discover the town’s brewing landscape. It highlights top-rated breweries, popular beer bars, and local favorites that have helped put Lakewood on the map for craft beer aficionados.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Lakewood
Lakewood, New Jersey has embraced the craft beer revolution with enthusiasm. The town’s brewing scene has grown significantly in recent years, mirroring the broader trend across the state.
Local brewers have tapped into a thirsty market, offering unique and flavorful alternatives to mass-produced beers. These artisans focus on quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to create distinctive brews.
Icarus Brewing stands out as a prominent player in Lakewood’s craft beer landscape. Known for its diverse and ever-changing beer menu, Icarus has quickly gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts.
New Jersey’s supportive legislation has played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Changes in state laws have made it easier for small breweries to operate and sell their products directly to consumers.
The rise of craft beer in Lakewood has also contributed to the local economy. Breweries attract visitors, create jobs, and often collaborate with other local businesses, strengthening community ties.
Craft beer events and festivals have become popular in the area, providing platforms for brewers to showcase their creations and connect with beer lovers. These gatherings celebrate the art of brewing and the rich flavors of locally crafted beers.
As the craft beer scene continues to evolve, Lakewood’s brewers remain committed to pushing boundaries and satisfying the growing demand for unique, high-quality brews.
Navigating Lakewood’s Craft Beer Scene
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of brews and venues for enthusiasts to explore. From local breweries to unique beer styles, the area provides ample opportunities for beer lovers to indulge their palates.
Map of Local Breweries
Icarus Brewing stands out as a prominent brewery in Lakewood. Located at 1790 Swarthmore Ave., Unit 3 Lot 2, it’s a must-visit destination for craft beer aficionados. The brewery’s tasting room and beer garden are open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends.
Nearby towns also contribute to the local beer landscape. Point Pleasant hosts Last Wave Brewing Company, while Seaside Heights is home to Heavy Reel Brewing Company. These establishments expand the options for beer enthusiasts willing to venture slightly beyond Lakewood’s borders.
For a comprehensive beer experience, visitors can explore Triton Craft Beer & Oyster Bar. This venue combines craft brews with seafood, offering a unique tasting opportunity.
Types of Craft Beers Available
Lakewood’s breweries produce a wide range of beer styles to suit various preferences. IPAs are particularly popular, with local brewers crafting both traditional and experimental versions of this hop-forward style.
Lagers, known for their crisp and clean taste, are also well-represented in the area. These beers provide a refreshing option for those seeking a more subtle flavor profile.
Stouts feature prominently in many local breweries’ lineups. These dark, rich beers often showcase complex flavors like coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt.
Some breweries in the region focus on authentic beer styles, aiming to provide a pleasurable drinking experience that honors brewing traditions. Others push boundaries with innovative recipes and unique ingredient combinations.
Top Breweries to Visit in Lakewood
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers a variety of exceptional breweries for beer enthusiasts to explore. Each brewery brings its own unique flavors, styles, and atmosphere to the local craft beer landscape.
Icarus Brewing
Icarus Brewing stands out as Lakewood’s premier craft brewery. Located at 1790 Swarthmore Ave, this innovative brewery has gained a reputation for its diverse and ever-changing beer menu. The taproom provides a welcoming space for visitors to sample their latest creations.
Icarus specializes in bold, flavorful beers across various styles. Their lineup often includes New England IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged stouts. Beer lovers can expect to find both experimental brews and refined classics on tap.
The brewery offers tours for those interested in learning about the brewing process. With ample indoor seating and a knowledgeable staff, Icarus provides an ideal spot for both casual drinkers and beer aficionados.
Climax Brewing
Climax Brewing, while not located directly in Lakewood, is a short drive away and worth the trip for craft beer enthusiasts. This Roselle Park brewery has been a staple of New Jersey’s beer scene since 1996.
Known for their traditional German-style lagers and ales, Climax offers a range of well-crafted beers. Their flagship ESB (Extra Special Bitter) has won multiple awards and remains a fan favorite.
The taproom at Climax provides a cozy, no-frills atmosphere where visitors can enjoy fresh pours directly from the source. Regular brewery tours offer insights into their brewing philosophy and techniques.
Magnify Brewing
Magnify Brewing, situated in nearby Fairfield, has gained a strong following among New Jersey beer lovers. Their focus on hop-forward beers and creative flavor combinations has put them on the map.
The brewery’s taproom features a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and experimental brews. Magnify’s “Fresh to Death” series showcases their commitment to delivering the freshest possible IPAs to customers.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating during warmer months, making it an ideal spot for relaxed afternoon tastings. The friendly staff is always ready to guide patrons through their diverse beer menu.
Kane Brewing
Kane Brewing in Ocean Township has become a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the Lakewood area. Known for their high-quality, artisanal beers, Kane has built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s top breweries.
Their taproom offers a wide range of styles, from their popular Head High IPA to barrel-aged stouts and mixed fermentation sours. Kane’s attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every pour.
The spacious taproom provides ample seating, and during warmer months, visitors can enjoy their beers in the outdoor area. Kane also offers brewery tours, giving patrons a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process.
Brix City Brewing
Brix City Brewing in Little Ferry rounds out the list of top breweries near Lakewood. This young brewery has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative approach to brewing.
Brix City’s taproom features a constantly rotating selection of beers, with a focus on New England-style IPAs, fruited sours, and robust stouts. Their creative flavor combinations and eye-catching can designs have helped them stand out in a crowded market.
The brewery’s modern, industrial-style taproom provides a comfortable space for visitors to sample their latest offerings. Brix City’s friendly staff and community-focused events make it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular patrons.
The Brewery Experience
Visiting local craft breweries in Lakewood offers unique opportunities to taste fresh beers and learn about the brewing process. Tasting rooms and brewery tours provide immersive experiences for beer enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Tasting Room Etiquette
Tasting rooms are the heart of many craft breweries. When visiting, it’s polite to arrive during posted hours and follow any posted rules. Most taprooms offer flights, allowing guests to sample multiple beers in small portions.
Be prepared to wait if the brewery is busy, especially on weekends. It’s common to order at the bar and pay as you go. Tipping is appreciated for good service.
Ask questions about the beers – staff are usually happy to share their knowledge. However, be mindful of other patrons and avoid monopolizing bartenders’ time during rushes.
Touring a Brewery
Many Lakewood breweries offer guided tours of their facilities. Tours typically last 30-60 minutes and may require reservations. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety, as brewery floors can be wet.
During tours, you’ll likely see the brewing equipment up close. Guides explain the brewing process, from grain selection to fermentation. You may get to smell hops or taste malts used in the beers.
Tours often end with a tasting session. Take notes on flavors you enjoy to help guide future purchases. Don’t hesitate to ask about brewing techniques or ingredients that interest you.
Some breweries offer behind-the-scenes experiences or brew-your-own sessions for more hands-on learning.
Events and Community
Lakewood’s craft beer scene thrives on vibrant events and a tight-knit community. Local festivals and tasting events bring beer enthusiasts together to celebrate the area’s brewing culture.
Local Beer Festivals
Lakewood hosts several beer festivals throughout the year. The Beers on the Boards event in November offers craft beers from over 30 breweries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of local and regional brews while enjoying gourmet food.
The Str Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival in November combines culinary delights with beer tasting. This event showcases Lakewood’s food scene alongside its craft beer offerings.
Beer gardens pop up during warmer months, providing outdoor spaces for socializing and sampling local brews. These venues often feature live music and food trucks, creating a festive atmosphere.
Beer Tasting Events
Local breweries frequently host tasting events to introduce new beers and engage with customers. Icarus Brewing, a popular Lakewood brewery, organizes regular tastings of their latest creations.
Some establishments offer guided beer tastings led by knowledgeable staff or brewers. These events educate participants about brewing processes, ingredients, and flavor profiles.
Beer pairing dinners are gaining popularity in Lakewood. Restaurants collaborate with local brewers to create multi-course meals where each dish is paired with a complementary craft beer.
Bottle share events allow enthusiasts to bring rare or unique beers to share with others. These gatherings foster a sense of community and encourage exploration of diverse beer styles.
Pairing and Cuisine
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers exciting opportunities for food and beverage pairings. Local brews complement a variety of cuisines, enhancing the dining experience for residents and visitors alike.
Food Pairings with Local Beers
Icarus Brewing’s diverse beer menu provides excellent pairing options. Their pale ales match well with light salads and grilled chicken dishes. For heartier meals, their stouts complement rich chocolate desserts or savory beef stews.
IPAs from Icarus pair nicely with spicy foods, cutting through the heat with their bitter notes. Try them with Thai or Indian curries for a flavor explosion.
Farmhouse ales work well with cheese plates, their earthy tones balancing the creaminess of soft cheeses. These beers also complement seafood dishes, particularly shellfish.
Lakewood’s Culinary Highlights
Lakewood’s culinary scene embraces its craft beer culture. Local restaurants often feature beer-infused dishes, using brews from nearby breweries in their recipes.
Many eateries offer beer flights alongside their appetizer menus, allowing diners to sample different local brews with small bites. This trend has sparked interest in beer and food pairing events throughout the town.
Some restaurants collaborate with Icarus Brewing to create exclusive beer pairings for their signature dishes. These partnerships showcase the versatility of craft beer in enhancing various cuisines.
Beyond Beer
Lakewood’s craft beverage scene extends beyond beer to offer a diverse range of artisanal drinks. Local establishments have embraced the craft movement across multiple categories.
Several distilleries in the area produce small-batch spirits. These include vodkas, gins, and whiskeys made with locally-sourced ingredients. Some distilleries offer tasting rooms where visitors can sample their products.
Wine enthusiasts can explore nearby vineyards and wineries. These establishments produce varietals suited to New Jersey’s climate and soil conditions. Many wineries host tasting events and tours of their facilities.
Craft beverages like hard ciders and meads have also gained popularity. Local producers use traditional methods to create these fermented drinks. Some incorporate unique flavor combinations using fruits and herbs grown in the region.
Non-alcoholic options are available as well. Artisanal sodas, kombucha, and cold brew coffees showcase the creativity of local beverage makers. These drinks often feature organic ingredients and innovative flavor profiles.
Visitors can find these diverse craft beverages at specialized shops, farmers markets, and restaurants throughout Lakewood and surrounding areas. Many establishments offer flights or tastings to introduce customers to new and exciting drink options.
Supporting Local Businesses
Patronizing Lakewood’s craft breweries directly supports local entrepreneurs and the community. Many breweries source ingredients from nearby farms and businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.
Joining brewery mailing lists or following their social media keeps customers informed about new releases and events. This fosters a connection between brewers and beer enthusiasts.
Purchasing gift cards, merchandise, or to-go options provides additional revenue streams for breweries. These sales help sustain operations during slower periods or unforeseen challenges.
Attending brewery-hosted events strengthens community bonds. Trivia nights, live music, and food truck partnerships create vibrant social spaces centered around craft beer.
Word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews boost visibility for local brewers. Positive feedback encourages more visitors to explore Lakewood’s craft beer scene.
Some breweries collaborate with local charities or participate in fundraising events. This demonstrates their commitment to giving back and improving the community.
By choosing local craft beer, consumers help preserve Lakewood’s unique brewing culture. This support ensures the continued growth and innovation of the town’s beer industry.
Staying Informed on Lakewood Beer News
Lakewood’s craft beer scene is constantly evolving, with new releases and events happening regularly. Beer enthusiasts can stay up-to-date through various channels.
Many local breweries offer newsletters to subscribers. These often include information on upcoming releases, special events, and brewery news.
Social media platforms are valuable resources for real-time updates. Following Lakewood breweries on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter provides instant access to announcements and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Local beer-focused websites and blogs frequently cover Lakewood’s brewing scene. These sites often feature reviews of new releases and previews of upcoming events.
Beer apps like Untappd allow users to check in and rate beers, making it easy to discover new offerings from Lakewood breweries.
Joining local beer clubs or groups can provide insider knowledge and opportunities to participate in exclusive tastings or events.
Attending beer festivals in and around Lakewood offers chances to sample new brews and meet brewers directly. These events are often advertised through local media and brewery channels.
Brewery taprooms frequently display information about upcoming releases and events on-site. Regular visits can keep patrons informed about the latest developments in Lakewood’s beer scene.
