Enjoy craft brews and delicious food in Ephrata borough's breweries!
There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than sipping on a cold pint at a local Ephrata craft brewery! So whether you prefer enjoying a brew with your bros or are looking to munch on delicious festive fare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best local breweries in Ephrata to satisfy your St. Paddy’s Day fix.
Opening in 2011, St. Boniface Brewery was Lancaster’s first nano-brewery producing only one beer, The Hegemony Stout. Through its first brew, St. Boniface aimed to carry on the spirit of its namesake by “laying the axe at the root of the tree of bland beer.” It has since grown into two full-service locations in Ephrata and Lititz. The Ephrata taproom offers a full menu of food options and over 18 unique beers on tap. Those visiting St. Boniface on St. Patrick’s Day can enjoy sipping on an exclusive, festive brew, the Ace in the Hole Irish-style Dry Nitro Stout. Alternatively, for those looking for a relaxed night in, St. Boniface beers are available for carry-out on-site and at Ephrata Beverage.
Located right behind the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast, Black Forest Brewery started as a passion project for inn co-owner Bob Harter and his sons. Inspired by the seeds planted during a walk on the Pennsylvania Black Forest Trail, the name Black Forest Brewery is inspired by the hike and the Black Forest in Germany. At Black Forest Brewery, the brewing process abides by the German Purity Laws of Brewing or the Reinheitsgebot. These laws state that the ingredients used to brew beer are limited to water, grain, and hops. Despite its straightforward brewing process, Black Forest Brewery’s inventory is far from limited. The Black Forest offers ten beers on tap along with a complete menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and more! For St. Patrick’s Day, they offer their Shreck Tavern Stout that perfectly combines roasted barley and mocha undertones.
Ephrata’s newest brewery, Pour Man’s Brewing Company, opened in 2018, taking over a former butcher shop on Reading Road. Pour Man’s is a microbrewery and brewpub that focuses on modern lager brewing while also producing IPA’s, stouts, and more! While beer is their specialty, the brewery is family-friendly, offering various nonalcoholic beverages, fresh food, and entertainment for younger visitors. Pour Man’s brewery has 17 of their own creations on tap along with wine from Weathered Vineyards and cider from Big Hill Ciderworks. For those looking to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at home, you can purchase all beers on tap for carryout in canes, bottles, or growlers. If you’re overdue for a night out, we recommend stopping by for dinner and trying a Ja’ Crispy Kölsch paired with a delicious burger!
Do you consider yourself a brew connoisseur? Mark your calendar for the 2022 Ephrata Brewfest on June 25, 2022, where you can enjoy 20 Breweries with the opportunity to sample to your heart’s content. Tickets are $40 and include a complimentary tasting cup for unlimited sips. In addition, food vendors will be selling snacks and more for an additional cost, and there will be a roster of live music and entertainment. Ephrata Brewfest Tickets go on sale on April 1, so be sure to grab them before they sell out!