Central Pennsylvania has quietly become one of the best craft beer destinations on the East Coast. With more than 25 Pennsylvania breweries within easy driving distance of our Hershey bed and breakfast, there’s a pint (or a flight) waiting for just about every taste.
From the nationally recognized Tröegs Independent Brewing right here in Hershey to smaller neighborhood taprooms scattered across Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and beyond, there’s a lot to explore. Here’s a guide to some of our favorites, along with a few tips for making the most of your brewery visits.
Breweries Right Here in Hershey PA
Tröegs Independent Brewing
200 East Hershey Park Drive, Hershey
If you’re looking for breweries in Hershey, PA, Tröegs is the obvious starting point. Founded in 1997 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs has grown into one of the largest and most respected craft breweries in the region, but it still feels welcoming and down to earth.
The 90,000 square foot facility offers one of the best brewery tours in America, taking you behind the scenes to see how their beers are made. After the tour, settle into the beer hall-style tasting room or grab a seat in the outdoor courtyard. The Snack Bar serves scratch-made food designed to pair with their beers, including housemade breads, on-site butchery, and locally sourced ingredients.
You’ve probably seen Tröegs beer on shelves across the Mid-Atlantic. Perpetual IPA is the best-selling IPA in Pennsylvania. Tröegenator Double Bock is dark, malty, and surprisingly smooth. And if you visit in the fall or winter, keep an eye out for Mad Elf and Nugget Nectar, two seasonal favorites that people stock up on every year.
YAH Brew
251 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey
YAH Brew is a female-owned brewery right on Chocolate Avenue, and it’s one of the most fun spots in town. The name stands for “Young At Heart,” and the vibe matches with loud colors, 90s pop culture references, pinball machines, video games, and a playful attitude that makes everyone feel welcome.
Their beer list balances new-school flavors with traditional styles, so there’s something for everyone. They also serve Pennsylvania wines and spirits along with a menu of bites that pairs well with whatever you’re drinking.
Rotunda Brew Pub
814 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey
Rotunda Brew Pub is a great stop if you’re looking for excellent food alongside a solid craft beer list. While it’s not a brewery itself, the cozy, welcoming space pours beers from nearby Rotunda Brewing Company, including favorites like Annville IPA and other rotating seasonal selections.
The food menu is a big part of the draw here. From elevated pub fare to hearty entrees, it’s an easy place to settle in for dinner after an afternoon of brewery hopping.
The Brewery at Hershey
598 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown
If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back and scenic, The Brewery at Hershey is worth the short drive to Middletown. Located on the same property as The Vineyard at Hershey, this spot combines craft beer, wine, cider, and live music in a countryside setting. The outdoor deck overlooking the vineyard and spring-fed pond is the biggest draw here, especially on warm afternoons when live music is playing. Their beer lineup includes approachable crowd-pleasers like Hip Hops Hooray IPA along with rotating seasonal brews, seltzers, and ciders, so it works well for groups with different tastes.
Unlike some brewery stops that feel more focused on beer enthusiasts, this one is more about slowing down and spending a few easy hours outdoors with friends, good drinks, and scenic views.
Palmyra and Lebanon Breweries
Snitz Creek Brewery
Multiple locations: Lebanon, Palmyra, and Ft. Indiantown Gap
Snitz Creek Brewery opened in 2014 as the first modern craft brewery in Lebanon County, and it’s been winning fans ever since. The name comes from a local stream popular with fly fishermen, and the outdoor theme runs through everything, from the fishing reel beer taps to the menu items with clever fly-tying puns.
They’re known for their creative cream ales and pie-inspired brews. Flavors like Blueberry Cream Ale, Lemon Meringue, and Vanilla Cream Ale have developed a loyal following. But they also make solid IPAs, lagers, and stouts for those who prefer something more traditional.
The Palmyra location, just a few minutes from Hershey, opened in 2023 and serves its full beer lineup along with homemade pizza, tacos, and salads.
Camp Hill and Mechanicsburg
Ever Grain Brewing Co.
4444 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill
Ever Grain Brewing Co. draws a big crowd for its hazy IPAs, but the atmosphere is just as much of the appeal. The space feels lively without being overwhelming, especially on nice days when people spill out into the courtyard with flights and burgers.
Joose Juicy is one of their most popular beers for good reason, and the rotating tap list usually includes a mix of lagers, stouts, and seasonal releases if IPAs aren’t your thing. The food is better than typical brewery fare, too, with sandwiches, salads, pizza, and comfort-food favorites that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
Wolf Brewing Co.
100 Legacy Park Drive, Suite 400, Mechanicsburg
Wolf Brewing Co. takes their craft seriously, and it shows. Founded by Derek and Elaine Wolf (along with their brew dog, Archer), the brewery has earned over 130 awards from competitions across all 50 states with 58 different beers.
Their vision is to produce artfully crafted, small-batch creations with distinctive elements, and they deliver. With their Flight for a Cause Program, $1 from every flight you order goes to a nonprofit organization. It’s a great excuse to try a few different styles and find your favorite.
Hemauer Brewing Co.
1010 Wesley Drive #109, Mechanicsburg
Hemauer Brewing Co. is a veteran-owned business that officially opened in May 2020, after gaining notoriety at beer festivals like the Fort Hunter Brew Fest and Gettysburg Brew Fest.
What sets Hemauer apart is the range. They brew everything from traditional styles to off-the-wall creations, so whether you want something familiar or something you’ve never tried before, you’ll find it here. The taproom has a loyal local following, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
Harrisburg Brewery Scene
The Harrisburg brewery scene has grown considerably in recent years. If you’re planning a day trip to the city, here are a few spots worth adding to your list.
Zeroday Brewing Co.
Broad Street Market and Midtown Cinema locations
The name comes from through-hiker slang for a day of rest, and that’s exactly the vibe here. Zeroday has two locations in Harrisburg: an outpost at Broad Street Market (perfect if you’re already picking up picnic supplies) and another at the Midtown Cinema where you can catch a movie and enjoy a beer at the same time. Six rotating taps, interesting craft selections, and a laid-back atmosphere make both locations worth a visit.
Boneshire Brew Works
7462 Derry Street, Harrisburg
Boneshire Brew Works sits halfway between Hershey and Harrisburg, making it an easy stop on your way into the city. The cozy taproom features a rotating selection of high-quality beers, both seasonal and flagship.
Try their Tried and True witbier for something smooth and easy-drinking, or Green Machine if you want your hops to hit hard. Boneshire has a second taproom, Taps@SoMa, in downtown Harrisburg if you want to stay closer to the city center.
The Goat Brewing Co.
8001 Union Station Blvd, Harrisburg
The Beerded Goat Brewing Co. opened in 2023, anchoring the surrounding Union Station village with a spot where everyone feels welcome. The large, open space is surrounded by arcade games and also hosts weekly bingo, trivia, and live music.
The Goat pride’s themselves on offering a wide range of beer styles that appeal to casual light-beer fans and double IPA devotees alike.
Pizza Boy Brewing Co.
2240 Millennium Way, Enola
Pizza Boy Brewing has been crafting creative beers since 2009. Known for their IPAs and sours, they’ve built a reputation for experimentation and quality. And yes, as the name suggests, the pizza from Als of Hampden is worth ordering too.
Make It an Adventure: The Brew Barons Beer Trail
If you want to turn your brewery visits into a game, download the free Brew Barons Beer Trail app. It’s an interactive craft beer adventure that covers 25+ Pennsylvania breweries in the Hershey and Harrisburg region. Visit locations at your own pace, use your phone’s GPS to check in, and earn prizes as you go. Must be 21 to play, no purchase necessary.
Plan Your Pennsylvania Breweries Adventure
A few things to keep in mind: if you’re planning to visit multiple spots, consider designating a driver or using a rideshare, and pace yourself with food along the way. Most of these breweries have outdoor seating if the weather is nice, and many serve full menus.
Whether you spend the afternoon brewery hopping or simply stop by one or two local favorites, exploring Central Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene is an easy way to enjoy the area a little differently. Pick up a few cans or bottles of your favorite finds along the way, then bring them back to the inn to enjoy on the porch as the evening winds down. Sometimes the best part of the day is coming back, putting your feet up, and savoring one last drink in good company.
Ready to explore the local craft beer scene? Book your stay and make Hershey your home base for a weekend of great beer, good food, and easy mornings.
