If you enjoy locally crafted, taste-filled brews, ciders, and deliciously distilled spirits, a trip to Carlisle should be next up on your #PABucketList. This charming and vibrant downtown is home to six craft beverage establishments less than a mile of historic, treelined streets – making it the perfect weekend walking tour.
1. Molly Pitcher Brewing Co.
139 W. High St.
Paying homage to the local revolutionary war heroine, your first stop, the eponymous Molly Pitcher Brewing Co.provides a taste of history paired with signature craft brews. Enjoy a cold one and some great food in their beer garden and be sure to check out their rotating roster of live musical performances from local artists. Before your trip, check out the tap list for weekly updates on their current and seasonal brews.
2. The Vegetable Hunter
46 W. High St.
The Vegetable Hunter a unique twist to the world of craft brews with 100% vegan food and beverage options at this boutique brewery and café. Using fresh, high-quality, and unexpected ingredients, their small-batch brews are crafted to complement their menu of award-winning vegan fare. Visit to find out just how delicious vegan can be!
3. Grand Illusion Hard Cider
26 W. High St.
For a truly mysterious, whimsical and magical experience, be sure to visit the taproom of Grand Illusion Hard Cider. With hidden bathrooms and infinity mirrors at the top of the landing, you are in for a fun and flavorful experience! Along with a full roster of their own great-tasting ciders – each with its own magical name, they stock the largest selection of Pennsylvania draft ciders you will find anywhere and feature a rotating selection of Pennsylvania wines and beers on tap.
4. Burd’s Nest Brewing Co.
19 N. Hanover St.
Cross the intersection from High St. to Hanover St to find your next great brew at Burd’s Nest Brewing Co.get "beyond the craft" by brewing uniquely delicious beers, each artfully crafted with fresh, local ingredients and specializing in unique craft brews with delightfully hoppy flavors. All is served in warm and welcoming atmosphere where you’re invited to indulge until the last drop.
5. Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St.
Stroll into family-owned Market Cross Pub & Brewery and you just might think you’ve landed in merry, old England. Named after a monument in Carlisle, England and serving “Pub Love and Happiness," they offer English-American meals paired with more than 250 varieties of beer. While the majority of their brews are imported ales, they also produce their own beer onsite with two or three options on draft and also have a selection of fine wines and liquors for you to enjoy.
6. Hook & Flask Still Works
137 N. Hanover St.
The final stop on your walking tour of Carlisle’s unique beverage establishments features the Hook & Flask Still Works. Founded by two local volunteer firemen, the distillery pays tribute to all emergency personal and is named after the traditional multi-purpose firefighting tool, the hook, and the common container for spirits, the flask. They serve a selection of fine whiskey, vodka, and moonshine that can be turned into delicious cocktails as well as a full menu of delicious food, all made from scratch and with an updated and upscale flair.
Bonus: Looking for more brewery fun? Take a stroll back up to 16 N. Pitt St. to Café Bruges, a Belgium gastropub.
To find even more craft brews in Pennsylvania, check out the visitpa brewery finder. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don't forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter