It was a tough year for the food and beverage industry, but in New Jersey, the beer kept on flowing. The Garden State is now home to over 125 breweries; which includes a large list of taprooms, a variety of brewpubs, and a small selection of production-only facilities. Here’s a taste of The Best New Breweries in New Jersey from 2020.
Of course, they’re just waiting for beer geeks and casual fans alike to come sample their wares! (But as always, please drink responsibly.)
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a new Brewery near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
More From Best of NJ
North Jersey
Seven Tribesmen Brewery
Where: 1151 NJ-23, Wayne
First Open: May 2020
Best Brews: Packanack Pils, Hudson Hurdle, and All MASHed Up.
Details: Thanks to the pandemic, Seven Tribesmen was only able to open for takeout orders in May; but can now also allow guests in its indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden from Wednesdays through Sundays. The brewery gets its name from the cultural heritage of its founders, two Hungarian-American childhood friends; and is also an homage to building a local craft beer tribe.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Central Jersey
Ashton Brewing
Where: 600 Lincoln Blvd, Middlesex
First Open: March 2020
Best Brews: Take 5, Gingah, Find An Island, and Midnight Moonlight.
Details: An opening date of March 27 (when the pandemic shut everything down) had the owners of Ashton Brewing scrambling. But with no indoor options for customers, they instead put together a popular carry-out option. As restrictions soften, Ashton Brewing can welcome patrons for both indoor and outdoor seating.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Bull N Bear Brewery
Where: 425 Springfield Ave, Summit
First Open: December 2020
Best Brews: Pipes of Christmas Scotch Ale, Blue Chip English Brown, and Initial Public Offering (IPO) IPA.
Details: Bull N Bear offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating, as well as private brewery tours for your small group. The newest addition to the downtown Summit beer scene currently offers just four beers on tap; but founder Will Dodge and head brewer Mike Formisano promise more are definitely in the works.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Old Hights Brewing Company
Where: 123 West Ward St, Hightstown
First Open: June 2020
Best Brews: In A Dream, Lamp Lighter Winter Warmer, and Porch Tour Cream Ale.
Details: Hand-crafted beers using local ingredients are now available in historic Hightstown. Old Hights has a two-level tasting area that is both inside and outside in the beer garden. The idea for Old Hights has been brewing for a few years, but could only recently open to the public. Co-brewers Alex Constantino and Brian Woodward are IPA lovers, but promise a variety of beers in their 16 taps.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
South 40 Brewing Co.
Where: 110 Newfield Ave, Suite 2, Edison
First Open: October 2020
Best Brews: California Fairy, Kolspa, and Babushka’s A.M. Jet Fuel.
Details: South 40 Brewing Co’s moniker has a story behind it. In particular, it pays tribute to the original name of the road leading on and off Long Beach Island; founder Kevin Pacansky’s family’s favorite vacation spot growing up. Pacansky envisions his brewery as a place where there’s always something new on tap. Stop in daily to see the latest concoctions, or pick up a crowler to go.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Jersey Shore
Alternate Ending Beer Co.
Where: 1057 NJ 34, Aberdeen
First Open: October 2020
Best Brews: Who’s Next?, Walking Carpets, and Silver Tuna
Details: When he saw the local movie theater of his childhood closing down, Scott Novick saw an opportunity. Now, Alternate Ending Beer Co combines his love of movies and beer. The spot offers a screening room for private parties, plus a family-friendly vibe in the brewpub. For instance, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, and apps are all on the menu.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
South Jersey
Dr. Brewlittle’s Beer Co.
Where: 108 East Main Street, Maple Shade
First Open: September 2020
Best Brews: Grog’s Paradise, Multiple Persimmonalities, and Can You Smell What The Bock Is Cookin
Details: Officially open since September (after a March delay), this microbrewery welcomes patrons to its indoor and outdoor tasting areas. Principal owner Chris Torre is also owner of both Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and Pennsauken Animal Hospital; as a result, he plans to host fundraisers for animal-friendly causes at Dr. Brewlittle’s.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Mechanical Brewery
Where: 5 Perina Blvd, Suite 800, Cherry Hill
First Open: November 2020
Best Brews: Raspberry Witbier, Baltic Porter, and Gose
Details: Founder James Griffin has a unique space with Mechanical Brewery. That’s because everything on the premises is made using repurposed materials to give it a creative, artsy vibe. Brewmaster Rick Vickers is the head brewer here, after 20 years of guest brewing throughout South Jersey and Philly. (Putting his own experimental twists on classic beer types.) Stop by for a visit and you’ll find both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
More Info: Click here to visit the website.
Click here for our 2019 list of The Best New Breweries in NJ.
Top (Hero) Photo: © South 40 Brewing Co / Instagram
Other Photos (in Order):
Seven Tribesmen Brewery / Facebook
Ashton Brewing / Instagram
Alternate Ending Beer Co / Facebook
Mechanical Brewery / Website
