BDB Rating 84
Cricket Hill began brewing in 2002, so this place has been around much longer than most of the craft brewers in NJ. We had their beer many times over the years - even remember when Hopnotic came out and was excited to see a focus on IPAs being made on the east coast. However, this was our first visit to the brewery. We assume this is the original location. Small warehouse, minimal signage and once inside it looks like this place has been around for decades, not quite kitchy or cluttered but rather full of character....but certainly not as pristine as the breweries which are popping up weekly. Our guess is, 20 years ago the focus was on creating the right space to make beer...and later came the need to create an area for people to enjoy the beer on prem.
We visited on a Friday night, the parking lot was filled so we parked next door. A band was playing and they were asking for a nominal donation of $2/person (no problem). This was a very chill place. An older crowd perhaps due to the band's setlist but everyone was having a good time enjoying some tunes and a few brews. One thing to note was this is a Steelers' Brewery...we've heard of sport fans bars but not a brewery. Some members of our party are big Pittsburgh fans so Cricket Hill scored extra points in their minds.
As for the beer, we got several flights so we could share and sample ever beer they had available. They offer a lot of beers on draught (12) and a flight of 4 is $9. Overall we found the beer to be average. However with 12 beers on tap, you'll find something to be fond of. Our favorites were the Bourbon Barrel Aged Doppelbock (very well balance, the subtle bourbon flavor completed the beer rather than overpowering it), Fractal Haze Mosaic IPA (nice hazy IPA, not up to typical NEIPA styles but very enjoyable) and the Paymaster Imperial Porter (another well balance beer, very enjoyable at 7.5%)
No food options here but they seem to be fine with bringing your own. The staff was great, we told them it was our first time there and they practically gave us a 60 second talking tour with all the vital info to know about the brewery. Although they probably gave this spiel thousands of times it sounded fresh and enthusiastic.
Overall this is a nice laid back place to chill with a group, everyone will find a beer they like.
Best deal - maybe just a holiday deal but they offered a t-shirt, 6-pack & pint glass for $25.
