Cheers to Eleventhree Brewery Being Named Best of the East Best Brewery

Best Brewry: Eleventhree Brewery

At Eleventhree Brewery, Chelsea and Dave Wickman have built a business that reflects who they are — a brewer and hospitality professional whose family-inspired vision comes to life through carefully crafted beer, scratch-made Neapolitan pizza, and a welcoming taproom in the heart of Chardon.

 After years of Dave homebrewing and the couple visiting hundreds of breweries with their three children, the idea began to take shape. “We always talked about going into business together; we just didn’t know what it would be,” Chelsea says. “Then we realized, we want to do this. We want to open a brewery.”

 Today, Dave leads the brewing operation, drawing on years of experience and experimentation, while Chelsea, a former salon owner, focuses on creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the taproom experience. “He’s all the science back there,” she says. “I love being out front with people. That’s where I thrive.” 

Personal touches are woven throughout the business, starting with its name. The number 11 had long been a meaningful thread in the couple’s relationship, appearing on sports jerseys, table numbers and in unexpected moments throughout their lives. The 3 represents their three children, making Eleventhree a reflection of both their family and their journey together.

With no permanent flagships, the tap list is always rotating across sours, IPAs, stouts, lagers and seasonal releases. Paired with Neapolitan-style pizzas, wings, lobster rolls, shareables and salads, “everything is made from scratch,” Chelsea says. 

Three drinks to try

Cherry Avenue Fruited Sour. Cherry Avenue Fruited Sour One of the original beer, this sour features real fruit and local maple syrup from Geauga County. “We’re in maple syrup country, so people really took to that,” Chelsea says. Also worth trying is the playful Sandwich PB and J Sour, made with roasted peanuts and real grape juice. “It sounds wild, but it’s become a fan favorite.”

Hazy IPAs. A standout category at Eleventhree, these hop saturated beers are bold and full of flavor. “We use more hops per barrel than a lot of places,” Chelsea says. “They’re really juicy and packed with character.”

Mojito Hard Seltzer. Made in-house with real fruit and finished with a hot honey and tajin rim, this refreshing option has become a top seller. “It’s like summer in a glass,” she says.

211 Cherry Ave., Chardon, 440-220-4225, eleventhreebrewing.com