Fall Beer Guide

I definitely am your typical girly girl who loves wine and cheese but if a good craft beer comes along…you will definitely find me with a cold one in my hand! Fall beers are most likely my favorite beers- flavors are unique, nutty, cinnamon enriched and great to drink while sitting by a campfire. Here are some of my likes and loves this season!

I am across this article from Today, breaking down some of the go to seasonal beers for this season! I have tried them all and are definitely  great but I provided a few that are worth trying! I agree Dogfish is hands down the best pumpkin beer you will find but it is on the pricey side (and they only make a limited supply, once sold out most beer distributors will not restock)

My favorite Oktoberfest Beers:

1. Sam Adams OctoberFest- A true american classic beer company giving you a rich amber beer that pairs awesome with a hot soft pretzel!

2. Paulaner Octoberfest – First time I ever had Paulaner Beer was at a german beer hall. Ever since then I am hooked. When I saw this in the stores I had to get it. This beer provides the perfect amount of sweetness and is higher in alcohol than a traditional lager. Lighter in taste than most seasonal beers.

My Favorite Pumpkin Beers:

1. Shocktop Pumpkin- Your typical wheat beer with a splash of pumpkin sweetness.  Definitely refreshing and not too many spices added, just the perfect amount

2.  Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale- Little bit of pumpkin, little bit of hops, little bit of spices… All around great beer.

TIP: Most pumpkin beers are rich and heavy in flavor. Don’t think you cant have food to go along with this one of a kind beer. Cheeses, duck and roasted turkey or stuffings are perfect for these beers!

Restaurant Review: The Whip Tavern

Best kept secret in Chester County! Came across this place after googling Irish/gastropub food for a place to go on st patricks day.  Nestled in the horse farms of Chester county, this little cottage is hands down a perfect place to go if looking for authentic English food. No reservations are accepted, they are closed on Tuesday but on a positive note the are BYOB! If you dont bring  your own, have no fear. They have a wide selection of draft and bottled beers. My favorite is a snakebite- Half Yager Half Cider. They have limited parking so I would get there early around 5 or later around 9ish.  Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, affordable fresh dishes. Lots of tv’s to watch soccer, horse racing or any local sports on. I have been to the Whip Tavern about 5 times- each time I am very pleased with the service and my meal.

Sneak peak of the menu!

My favorite appetizer- Welsh Rarebit…Melted irish cheeses with fresh toasted bread for dipping! Who doesn’t love melted cheese!!

Scotch Egg- Yes I know it does look very odd but the flavor is so distinct and delicious! Fried sausage wrapped in a hard boiled egg!

My dinner- flakey, buttery, melt in your mouth fish and chips! The fish is fresh, not too overly fried or soggy.  And Yes they make there own steak fries! 🙂

Restaurant Review: Victory Brewing Company

 Conveniently located about 10 min outside of where I live, Victory Brewing has a Brewpub serving up quality sandwiches and entrees that pair well with all the beers they have on tap. Not sure what kind of beer to get- ask the server! They are very knowledgeable in the flavors and styles of each beer. Heads up dont expect any beer besides Victory, they do serve wine though.  Love the beer and want to take it home, you can in one of their Growlers!

The food was inexpensive, delicious and the portions were massive! Most of their menu items have a twist to them. They serve up your typical home style favorites but put their own spin on it. They use local ingredients in their entrees and pizza. I started out with the fries as an appetizer. It included three types of fries with a chiptole mayo dipping sauce.  Two thumbs up from me!

Next up I got ” The Diane” which had hickory smoked turkey, avocado aioli, white cheddar, roasted tomato spread, brioche! The smokey flavor from the meat tasted so well with the toasted bread. I added bacon to it for an extra 2 bucks!

If you are ever in the Philadelphia region, check out these other breweries in the area!

Restaurant Review: Frankford Hall

Nestled in the heart of Fishtown in Philadelphia, Frankford Hall is your go to place for simple, fast, quality German Cuisines. Choose to hang out inside with a group of friends playing Jenga at the table or relax outside in the beer garden!

Frankford Hall is  first come first serve with no reservations. Grab a seat while you see an open one! This Steven Starr establishment is set up like a fast food joint- you walk up to the counter to order your food. Its cheap, fast and no tipping is required. Don’t be fooled! Frankford Hall hands down and two thumbs up is the best German Food I have tasted ( along with my grandfathers of course).

The menu is short and simple with your typical German Favorites: Warm Bavarian Pretzels, Sausages, Red Cabbage, German Potato Salad and Sauerkraut. Frankford Hall really stresses the importance of flavor behind their homemade sausages. Its simply just a sausage link on a roll, with a side of Mustard. I had the Keisekrainer ( beef,pork,cheese). Trust me when I say no need to add a bunch of toppings. The cheese melted out of the sausage which paired so well with the toasted buttery roll.

I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for something that is cheap and has a unique atmosphere! Bravo Steven Starr for allowing me to explore my German roots close to home at this one of a kind restaurant!