Access/Parking: Just off of the Penn Turnpike in Adamstown, PA. Easily accessed, and plenty of parking.
Space: 3 main dinning rooms, small bar area. Very unique styles per room, all antique focused.
Beer: Beer Advocate rating as of 6/18/13 = 93I pulled into Stoudt's Brewing Co./Black Angus Restaurant/Antiques Mall at the end of the day as the winter sun was setting. Stoudt's is easy enough to find as it's about 5 minutes off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Adamstown, PA; roughly halfway in between the Harrisburg and Philly airports (45 min/1hr 10 min respectively). There are a decent amount of parking spots in the front of the long building, and a slew on the side nearest their own antiques store. You can plainly see the company's expansion over the years in the building styles and additions, from the original restaurant, to the antiques mall, to the eventual brewery. The Stoudt's family can be credited as trailblazers in the craft beer revolution having started in 1987, and have been running strong ever since.
Once off the turnpike, you're seemingly surrounded by antiques stores and the concept dominates the region, which once inside is not in the least lost on Stoudt's. Every corner of the restaurant/bar has something different to take in. The walls are covered with different types of memorabilia from posters and photos, to old beer trays, coasters, and collectables. All of the tables and chairs are antique, as are the drapes, lights, and ceiling tiles. There is a slight musty smell, but not because of any mold, but merely the history present in each room. It's almost like visiting your grandparents, or even great grandparents if one is/was so lucky to do so. It's fascinating just walking around the place and taking it all in.
There are three separate rooms and a small bar. Each room has it's own theme: Presidential, which is full of some really interesting presidential collectables; Movies, which primarily span the early years of Hollywood posters; and of course a room for all things Beer. A low ceiling hangs over the 12 seat bar, and the lighting is extremely low. There is a connected bar room that I couldn't figure out. It appeared to be a brew crew lounge (thought as because one came from the room, went behind the bar and poured his own, and returned to the room), with it's own tv and a few tables, but I took this as a quarantined smoking room. The bar is connected to the "Presidential" room, which has a few windows in the front, otherwise it's lightly lit even during the day. The good sized "Movie" room, to the right of the main entrance, is DARK to say the least. It's almost hard to see the movie posters on the wall, but they're there. Booths surround the room with dark red velvet curtains providing some privacy, and there are 4 tops in the middle of the room. The "Beer" room is in the back left corner past the bar, and is the most spacious of all the rooms. High vaulted ceilings allow the breweriana to expand upward and cover every inch possible. A huge chandelier is the focal point of the room, along with a large fireplace, but otherwise the walls are covered with old beer items. The "beer" room is likely the only room I'd personally like to have dinner in based on lighting and space alone (not just the beer stuff folks - but that certainly helps!).
Stoudt's has plenty of options for food, and serve all types of alcohol. The place also serves as a bakery, so breads and desserts are available for take out as well. Stoudt's Brewing Co. merchandise is available, as are bottled beers and growlers.
Overall, I would certainly make the stop if you're travelling by on the turnpike - and haven't been before. That being said, I think it's likely to be a one and done for me. Their Fat Dog Oatmeal Stout is an old favorite of mine, and their Double IPA is solid, but the rest of their beer line up isn't earth shattering. It's a very interesting place, but clearly the décor won't be changing any time soon, and the lighting honestly starts to get to you eventually (and that's coming from someone who really likes low lit bars). Great place, for the first visit, but just not one I wish to frequent often.
(Pictures to be added shortly)
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