The past prevails at one of Northeast Ohio’s oldest brewpubs. Strolling through the etched Victorian doors is like traveling back to the turn of the 20th century where there’s a hulking, mirrored dark-wood bar, patterned tin ceiling and wooden barrels. A gleaming seven-barrel century system, visible from inside the brewpub, allows head brewer Jim Lieb to craft traditional beers using the same recipes as when they were introduced in 1998 while still creating updated takes. “I’m trying to keep pace with the times,” says Lieb. “What was considered hoppy 10 years ago is ho-hum now.”
The nearly 24-year-old brewpub shows that it has learned from its past with time-tested seasonals such as the popular Punch in the Nuts ($5.50 for 16 ounces) amber ale made with six 40-ounce jars of peanut butter and the award-winning Oompa Loompa stout ($5.50 for 16 ounces) made with 6 pounds of chocolate and vanilla beans.
Our Pick: On tap through the end of November, Monster Mash ($5.50 for 16 ounces) is a pumpkin ale brewed with 60 pounds of pumpkin pulp and a strong cinnamon flavor. 21290 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, 440-895-2739, rockyriverbrewco.com
