wet ticket brewery
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New Jersey Breweries Guide – Quest to Find a Good Beer

ByKasia Kalemba Hours
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As travel paused for a little, one of my favorite activities is discovering cool places in my own backyard. As an avid beer drinker, this includes finding good spots with good beers. And let me tell you, there are a TON of breweries in New Jersey. I was actually shocked by how many and how quickly they’re gaining traction. A simple google search will show you that there is one (or more) probably less than 30 minutes from where you live. While the same places appear over and over in the “top New Jersey breweries” lists, I’m on a mission to explore some of the less known ones too.

My criteria for finding a good spot are simple:

  • The most obvious one: you need to serve good beer in a cold glass
  • Variety should cover a decent range of different types of beer, not just IPAs or Lagers
  • The spot should have a chill vibe and good music
  • Ability to bring some snacks or serve some restaurant-style bites

This list is an ever-growing one because as I mentioned above, breweries in New Jersey are so abundant, that it will take me some time to find the coolest ones for ya.

If you’re like me and you love some good beers, take on this local journey with me. Additionally, make sure to check out the full New Jersey drinking guide which lists all my favorite drinking spots in the Garden State!

Table of Contents show

Ashton Brewery – Middlesex

As of right now, this is my favorite spot in the area. Ashton Brewing is a hidden gem in Middlesex, which I didn’t even know was a town before I visited this brewery. Their beers are amazing, there is a wide selection and their staff is super friendly and helpful in choosing one. I also tried one of their homemade seltzers but I would skip those and stick to drinking what they do well, which is obviously beer. They have outside seating but it’s just a standard tent set up in the parking lot.

The inside has two areas for you to enjoy. The first one is a smaller one with a bar right where you walk in and the second is a nice big back room. I always bring some food and head to the back where I can sit among the brew kettles. They’re open in the afternoons on weekdays and have a little longer hours on the weekends. Prices are fair but not the cheapest in the area. The selection is amazing though, check out their most recent lineup here. I vote them as one of Kasia’s best among New Jersey breweries.

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Cypress Brewing – Edison

Hidden in the industrial park of Edison, Cypress Brewing legitimately has one of the best beers I have tried locally. They’re super tasty and the quality is just unbeatable. Since I first discovered it, I have been back twice already. They have the main tasting room with and back room as well. In the back, you’ll be sitting at a barrow table among large beer tanks truly feeling the vibe of a brewery.

Don’t forget to bring snacks and friends. Oh, and the best part is that their flights are only $8! It’s a huge steal for the quality you’ll be enjoying. They have strange hours on weekdays and they’re not open Mondays and Tuesdays so double-check before you visit. Weekends, on the other hand, are much better so you shouldn’t have a problem. Check out their social media for the newest updates.

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cypress brewing in edison new jersey

Two Tons Brewing – Kenilworth

Just like many local breweries, Two Tons is located in a questionable place. When I pulled up to the building located near a car junkyard, I questioned whether this was a good idea to begin with. However, after setting foot inside, I was pleasantly surprised by its cozy interior. The place has nice wooden tables inside, plenty of space, and really nice attentive staff. We visited on a random Saturday afternoon, and the place was half full. The beers were tasty but I wouldn’t say that I fell in love with every single flight selection. I ended up settling on a traditional blond and just sipping that throughout my visit. Flights were $9 for four beers, other prices are on the menu below!

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ManaFirkin – Manahawkin

A great place for a great brew! I found it rather randomly on my Central Jersey Anthony Bourdain trail exploration. Located right by LBI, it could be a little tough to find but once you do, you won’t be disappointed. ManaFirkin beers are super tasty and the selection is really rich. I love the ambiance there too. Bring snacks and get ready to relax and enjoy some sips. Flights are reasonably priced at $10 for 4 tastings.

In the winter, they were offering igloos outside which is super awesome for a brewery. On some weekends you can find a live band or even mimosas.

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manafirkin beer flight

Jersey Cyclone – Somerset

Hidden near route 287 in Somerset, Jersey Cyclone is a nice addition to the area. I frequently grab pizza and head there with my friends for a nice cozy evening vibe. They offer great beers, a chill atmosphere, and plenty of board games for your entertainment. Find a historical fire hydrant serving as a water fountain there too. Prices are decent, you can get a growler for about $14.

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friends at jersey cyclone brewery
Friends are the best part of any brewery tours!

Wet Ticket Brewing – Rahway

I talk about Rahway in my New Jersey Drinking Guide as I think this is an upcoming town in the area. There are many new places popping up there and one of them is Wet Ticket Brewing. Since it’s located on Main Street, it gets pretty busy on the weekends. It certainly does not have an intimate brewery vibe but they do have a ton of events that they’re growing as the weather gets warmer. The beer is great and prices aren’t too steep yet. As I mentioned above, weekends do get busy so grabbing a table is not a guarantee.

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Flounder Brewing

I found Flounder not too long ago and already visited it twice! They’re located in a hidden area of Hillborough, in a boujee barn with really nice outdoor farm-like surroundings. For entertainment, the inside often has live music and a ton of board games to choose from. Recently I saw a sweet pizza truck parked outside too. Beers are great with a wide selection for every taste bud! I personally love the Blonde Golden Ales but with such a unique selection, you really can’t go wrong.

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South 40 – Edison

Ugh, I wanted to love this place so much. The owners were so sweet, the space is hidden in the industrial nooks of Edison and they even let me choose my own playlist since it wasn’t busy! BUT I cannot say that their beers were good compared to the area. The selection was super limited, the beer was served in small plastic cups that warmed it within 10 minutes and it just wasn’t anything I’d purchase to take home. However, the staff did tell me that they just opened so I’d like to believe they will step up and upgrade in time. I plan to give them another chance in the summer so stayed tuned for an update!

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Harvest Moon Brewery – New Brunswick

I have a love/hate relationship with New Brunswick. As a Rutgers alumna, this was my stomping ground. However, when I started working at my alma mater after graduation, I didn’t expect to say here for the next 6+ years (side note, check out this awesome New Brunswick guide here). One of the more “grown-up” places in the area is Harvest Moon Brewery which is also a restaurant. You won’t find a small shared table vibe here but they do have good beer, a lively weekend/happy hour atmosphere, and a full menu. When in town and you’re craving some good beer, head there and you won’t be disappointed.

Village Brewing Company – Somerville

Just like its New Brunswick cousin above, Village Brewing Company is a brewery/restaurant located in Somerville. If you haven’t visited this cute little town yet, it’s a nice spot for some small exploring. This brewery popped up in town recently and it gained popularity as it’s open late in this rather quiet town. It’s huge but that doesn’t mean that it won’t get full on the weekends. Their newest addition is a huge outdoor tent where you’ll find local (and some bigger) bands there with separate ticket purchase. I can’t say that I love the outdoor vibe there especially when you compare it to a modern/industrial-like space inside.

They have late-night hours since they have a liquor license, good prices, and actually good food.

More Jersey Guides from Perfect Day Somewhere

Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She's traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

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