The New Brews
Author: Lindsay Jo Crenshaw
Since the unfortunate business closures of 2020, the DMV has seen a welcome rise in local breweries with exciting flavors, unique venues, and the community spaces that we have all been craving. With long, hot summer days ahead, let’s dive into some of the best local breweries that offer everything that craft beer drinkers have come to cherish.
Nestled at the corner end of an unassuming business park is a brewery unlike any other… one that is ready to transport you to good island vibes in every season. Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewery is a tropical-themed venue in Williamsport, MD, and it is guaranteed to excite the whole family.
Walking into Interchange Tiki Bar, you’re greeted with smiling staff, tiki decor, and lei garlands for all. Regulars and new visitors alike can enjoy a warm and welcoming ambiance. A thatch-roof seating area is offset by several large nautical artworks by Virginia Waller, a tattoo artist and muralist known for her vintage style. Neon plastic flamingos dance along the faux-fauna barscape where friendly staff pour on-tap brews, boozy slushes, drafts, and cocktails. Gold-framed tv screens rotate slides of specials against painted brick and illustrative mermaid wallpaper. A permanent Christmas tree and string lights add a special touch of Florida-style kitsch. On the weekends, live music from local bands bring it all together.
Opened on July 17, 2022, every facet of Interchange Tiki Bar + Brewery is whimsical and no detail has been overlooked. Co-owner Amanda McCoy + staff curate an upbeat island music playlist to make sure every visit feels like an oasis. Even the hallway to their outdoor patio is submarine yellow and lined with gold porthole windows.
Co-owners Amanda along with her husband Dylan Krzywonski, Gary House, and head brewer Lucas Pinyan aren’t new to the venue game. They co-own several other local venues including a wedding venue called Ninety Thirty at Rockland Estate. The husband-and-wife team say that their vision for Interchange Tiki started when their family began to reminisce about trips to the Florida Keys. Their hope for the space was to bring the magic of island time to Appalachia while bringing other small businesses together. They work hard to keep their specials and community events updated on Facebook and host a wide range of community events like weekly karaoke, holiday events, cupcake truck visits, “Char-cookie-rie” classes, animal adoption events, art parties and more!
In the spring, summer, and fall, their covered patio is perfect for families, including little feet & paws. Originally just an afterthought, the picnic benches and extra space are ideal for a little extra dancing space, so bring the kids (regular and furry) – they’re dog-friendly! As of May 2023, the outdoor space will feature an additional full-service tiki bar, and the loading dock will transform into a sound stage for local live bands including reggae and ukulele performers. Their muralist Virginia Waller is also being flown back in to create another large art piece to help transform the space. Interchange Tiki Bar + Brewery’s ultimate goal for their new patio is to create an extension of the venue that allows visitors to unwind from daily stresses, take Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy a tropical space in their own neighborhood. At the time of writing, it was still under construction.
Known for their citrusy flavors, they have 8 permanent house beers brewed on site, with 2-3 additional custom brews per month. Remember the flamingos at the bar? They’re not just for decoration! Interchange is well known for their “Fla-Bongos”, featuring their specialty Flock Around & Find Out beer and shared “bong style” with friends. They’re a fan favorite, and Interchange sells dozens of them every weekend.
Their monthly special batches, however, are one and done – owner Amanda stressed that once they’ve worked through a new brew, it’s gone forever. It adds to the excitement and novelty for the craft beer patrons that frequent. Beer flights are a perfect way to enjoy everything that Interchange has on tap. “We have the brew chasers who travel here from all around the states, camping guests from Yogi Bear Park, and of course, our locals”, says owner Amanda McCoy.
Need non-alcoholic? Not a problem! As many of their drinks are crafted with fresh fruit juices and purees, it’s easy for them to craft a beverage that delights you – without the booze. Non-alcoholic pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris are big hits with the younger crowd. Every drink crafted is paired with an appropriate themed tiki glass + accessories to bring major summer vibes. Their signature slushes are perfect for cooling down in the summer heat and their candy-filled fish bowl drinks are colorful and sweet.
Owner Amanda says that one of her favorite things about Interchange Tiki is how big groups of people with diverse drinking styles can enjoy their time together.
They’ve also paired with the delicious High Thai’d Food Truck to offer a complete beverage + dining experience. Parked just outside the brewery, the chefs of High Thai’d whip up fusion dishes that are created to complement the island-themed beverage flavors. “Our food truck, meant to be temporary, has become a staple unique of our ‘out of the box’ brewery experience” says Ms. McCoy. “We are the ultimate tag team!” No need to wait in line like a typical food truck, either! Interchange Tiki Bar offers a full dining experience, as both food and drinks can be both ordered and delivered tableside. High Thai’d cooks up lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch experiences with drink pairings that will have you floating in an ocean of flavor.
Local breweries are truly a community hub for many who love to support local businesses, and the DMV has many. Interchange Tiki + Cushwa Brewing Co. (est. 2017) often host events together as they share a parking lot. Here is your guide to the other new brews that have opened recently!
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Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewery
10212 Governor Lane Boulevard Suite #1012
Williamsport, MD 21795
Phone: 833.466.2433
Website:
Tuesday and Wednesday: 3-8pm
Thursday: 3-10pm
Friday and Saturday: 12-11pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm with a Tiki Brunch in the morning
Liquid Art Brewing Company(Liquid Art Beer Stube)
140 N. 3rd St.
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: 717.496.8753
Website: http://liquidartbeerstube.com
Hours:
Sun:11:30a-8p
Mon: Closed
Tues: 3-9p
Wed: 3-9p
Thur: 3-9p
Fri: 11:30a-10p
Sat: 11:30a-10p
Amani Brewing
654 Ropp Dr.
Martinsburg, WV 25403
Phone: 301.842.4406
Website: amanibrewing.com
Hours:
Sun: 12-6p
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thur: 4-8p
Fri: 2-8p
Sat: 12-8p
633 brewing, LLC.
118 Walnut St.
Suite 106
Waynsboro, PA 17268
Phone: 717.387.5818
Website: https://633brewing.com
Hours:
Sun: Closed
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 4-9p
Thur: Closed
Fri: 4-9p
Sat: 2-10p
Rough Edges
91 W. Main St.
Waynsboro, PA 17268u
Phone: 717.655.7042
Hours:
Sun: Closed
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 4-9p
Thur: 4-10p
Fri: 3-10p
Happy Hour: 3-5p
Website: www.roughedgesbrewing.com
Gearhouse Brewing Co.
253 Grant St.
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: 717.552.2427
Website: https://gearhousebrewingco.com
Hours:
Sun: 10a-3p
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 11a-10p
Thur: 11a-10p
Fri: 11a-10:30p
Coming Soon:
Hub City Brewery
Church Street Distilling Co.
Slate Hill Winery
