Bethany Brewing Company opened its doors for business just over two years ago. Larry Davies, engineer and homebrewer turned Partner and Brewmaster, saw something special in the building that was once home to Camillo’s Italian Restaurant… an epic existing walk-in refrigerator and, more importantly, a location that couldn’t be beat. At the time, the closest breweries to Bethany Beach would have been Dewey Beer Company or Burley Oak in Berlin, MD, so this spot was definitely filling a void.
Tucked back slightly off the beaten path down Cedar Neck Road, this is the perfect place to escape the hecticness of the boardwalk and the beach. There’s plenty of free parking, frequent live music, and an outdoor patio. Kids and dogs are also welcome to tag along for the adventure.
Bethany Brewing Company may be a microbrewery, but its draft list is as diverse as any beer establishment in Delaware. Their 3.5bbl brewhouse and four fermenters crank out enough of the good stuff to fill 22 taps! You’ll obviously see a handful of IPAs and lagers as well as some more unique offerings like saisons, porters, Belgians, and brown ales. I had to sample a few (for research purposes) and was particularly fond of their Birds Nest Lager, Hibiscus Saison, and Rick’s Brown Ale. They also brew their own hard seltzers and offer guest taps from Dewey Beer Co. and Liquid Alchemy Beverages. Their Mug Club has a plethora of perks and allows for members to get a 20 oz mug pour for the price of a standard pint. All 150 Mug Club memberships for the year sold out almost instantly. Not a beer drinker? They have a variety of wines from Salted Vines Vineyard if that’s more your speed.
While food isn’t offered on-site per se, you’ll find Munchies Grill right next door, which slings strombolis, pizzas, cheesesteaks, and other delicacies you’ll want to pair with your next pint. Customers are welcome to bring their orders over to enjoy in-house.
It may be a ways away, but it’s worth mentioning that Bethany Brewing will be hosting its annual Horseshoe Crab Hustle on November 10th. The 5 mile race loop (or 1 mile fun run) will be followed by fresh shucked oysters, live music, and of course beer. And all of it benefits the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. More info and registration can be found at their website: www.bethanybrewing.net.
Zeke has been working in and around beer for the last decade. As a Certified Cicerone® (think Sommelier but for beer), he has covered all things craft from coast to coast, from sunny San Diego to the laid back Lower Slower. Zeke is the owner of Otter Craft Consulting, where he specializes in supporting craft breweries in their branding and marketing efforts.
