Ever wonder what the best gameday brewery crawl is? We aren't talking about the tailgate. All teams have a great tailgate. For us craft beer drinkers we need something a little stronger and flavorful than your typical watered down lager. Another deciding factor is distance. Walking is key especially when dealing with gameday traffic. For THEbreweryauthority, our choice stands alone. Baltimore. Even though Baltimore may not come to mind as THE BEST pre game brewery crawl, you may be surprised.
Pickett Brewing
Baltimore pushed itself across the finish line for us only recently with the opening of two new breweries within walking distance. The first is Pickett Brewing only a couple blocks from the gates of the Baltimore Ravens stadium. Pickett swings open the garage door and lets the flock inside with a few extra taps as you walk in for those that need their beer even faster. This small, gritty garage brewery puts off a serious party atmosphere. You may even catch a live gameday podcast being filmed!
Wico Street Beer Company
About a block away from Pickett Brewing is the even newer Wico Street Beer Company. Just like Pickett Brewing you are met with beers to go by the front door, but you are in for a treat if you have time to step inside the taproom. Wico Street Beer Co is a retro video game themed brewery complete with Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 ready to play! This ain't no gimmick brewery either. The beer matches the quality of the atmosphere and definitely adds to the experience.
Suspended Brewing
You may be tempted to stay at Wico Street, but you have to keep moving! Head further into the Pigtown neighborhood of Baltimore and you will find Suspended Brewing. This trendy little brewery has some solid IPAs, farmhouses, and more that add to the amazing pre or post game brewery experience.
Checkerspot Brewing
Head back towards the stadium, past all those boring tailgates, and stop in at Checkerspot Brewing in the southeast end of the Ravens stadium. Checkerspot features a two level experience with a real party atmosphere on gameday. Hell, you are practically still in the tailgate area and may even catch a live concert across the street for those really big games. If you only have time for one brewery or simply prefer a one stop experience, then Checkerspot Brewing may be for you.
Dempsey's Brewpub
For those continuing on the brewery tour head up north a couple blocks and visit Dempsey's Brewpub that resides inside the Orioles ballpark. Although Dempsey's is open even when the teams aren't playing, I'd definitely suggest going when the Orioles are playing. You are in the same warehouse Ken Griffey Jr smacked a homerun off of during the Home Run Derby! Hungry? Dempsey's has a full menu for those looking to fuel up.
Oliver Brewing
Last but not least of the walkable gameday breweries is Oliver Brewing at the Pratt Street Ale House. As another brewery with a full food menu you may want to begin with Pratt Street Ale House since you are in for a long day. This is the original brewery gameday stop for us for a few reasons. The decades old bar and age of the building brings you back to simpler times and the Oliver beers are some of the tops in the area.
Now, just because you are done with all the walkable breweries doesn't mean you have to be done with Baltimore breweries. A short ride away are some more amazing breweries like Diamondback Brewing, The Ministry of Brewing, Guilford Hall Brewery, Mobtown Brewing, and more that all have a unique experience available! So next time you are in Baltimore, check out this easy as pie walking tour of gameday breweries!
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