Armada Brewing

190 River St, New Haven, CT 06513

Signature Beer:  Savage Queen Double IPA

Five-second Description: Another recovered space that has been really modernized.  There is a small tasting/drinking room downstairs, then there is a club like vibe upstairs.   The beer is very good, especially the unique IPAs.  Plenty of parking but no outdoor space that I could find.  If your hungry they have Zuppardi’s pizza from West Haven and it is great.  The owner and staff have a great service minded approach as well.

Why you should go: They have e always made good beer, now they finally have their own place to do it.

My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: B

First visited April 24, 2022

Website: Armada Brewing

Third Place by Half Full

575 Pacific St, Stamford , CT 06902
(203) 580-2030

Signature Beer:  Bright Blonde Ale

Five-second Description: A fantastic recovered space that has been really modernized.  There are large young crowds here and it seems that it is always busy.  The beer is good, but not great in my opinion, but that is because their IPAs are not true New England style.  Plenty of parking and no outdoor space that I could find.  this is an extension of the Half Full brewery and they call it the Third Place since everyone needs a third place to socialize outside of their house and workplace.

Why you should go: To see the private booths designed as work spaces, they also have coffee.

My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B+

First visited April 2, 2022

Website:  Third Place by Half Full


Spacecat Brewing Company

57 Chestnut St, Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 857-1074

Signature Beer:  Felix Double IPA

Five-second Description: A great recovered space that has maintained enough of its history to capture the old look, especially the windows.  There is a small outdoor area as well.  The parking is limited, but the street is open for parking.

Why you should go: The recapture is astounding and the beer is good too.

My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: A

First visited April 2, 2022

Website: Spacecat Brewing Company


Epicure Brewing

40 Franklin St, Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 213-5706

Signature Beer: Probably the Stay Pretty Blonde Ale

Five-second Description: Nice setting in the old Norwich Bulletin building.  Lots of character in the facility, just a bit dark inside due to the small windows.  Great shuffleboard table.

Why you should go: It is one of two breweries in Norwich and it is almost right next door to the other one.

My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B

Website: Epicure Brewing (Facebook)

Last visited Feb 2022

Surfridge Brewing Company

6 Main Street, Building 3, Centerbrook, CT 06409
(860) 578-8934

Signature Beer: We Used to be Friends Pale Ale

Five-second Description:  Very different kind of brewery with a parent brewery in California.  Very fancy food offering including oysters and other very expensive small dishes.  Cool space in the back of the old Witch Hazel building.

Why you should go: The beer is very good and the food is great if you like quality on a small plate.

My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: B+

Website:  WeHa Brewing and Roasting Company

Bank and Bridge Brewing

54 West Main Street, Mystic, CT

Signature Beer: Mystic IPA or Vengeful Albatross

Five-second Description:  Nice way to repurpose an elegant bank and the food is very good.  All in downtown Mystic!

Why you should go: Good beer, good food, and check out the original bank safe.

My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: A-

Website: Bank and Bridge Brewing


Newsylum Brewing Co

36 Keating Farms Avenue, Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 491-2038

Signature Beer: Therapy Session Hoppy Pale Ale

Five-second Description: Can’t say enough about the uniqueness of this place.  It is on the campus of an abandoned mental hospital.  Plenty of room to park and the building converted to a brewery is incredibly ornate with pizza and pretzels.  This is the most unique brewery I have ever been to.

Why you should go: The site alone is worth the trip, and they have good pizza!

My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: A+
Food B+

First visited November 2021
Last visited July 2024

Website: Newsylum Brewing Co

Apponaug Brewing Company

334 Knight St, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 681-4321

Signature Beer: Far Be It  (Series)

Five-second Description:  A great brewpub with good food and very good beer.  Very busy for a reason.

Why you should go: It is an adaptive reuse of an old factory and has great service.

My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: B+

Website: Apponaug Brewing Company


Spicket River Brewery

56 Island St, Lawrence, MA 01840
(978) 655-5784

Signature Beer: Bodega Juice

Five second Description: A very lively place with very good beer and a pizza kitchen.  Great decore, although the inside area is a bit confined and a large outdoor space.

Why you should go: A great Adaptive reuse of a corner of an old factory.  Music and pizza to boot.

My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: A-

Website: Spicket River Brewery


Bergen House

Bergen House

725 Main St UNIT 27, Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 358-9326

Signature Mead: Bochet

Five second Description:  A meadery that does not have beer.  Great job with the recovered space.

Why you should go: Where else can you try different kinds of Mead?

My Rating
Mead: A-
Setting: B+

Website: Bergen House