Guilford Hall Brewing
I'd been hearing good things about Guilford Hall Brewing in downtown Baltimore. I found myself in Baltimore with a little time to spare and in need of a pint. While there I had a chance to meet owner Rich Craft and head brewer Greg Jacoby.
Guilford Hall Brewery is just one of many brewing establishments that have opened within the heart of Baltimore. The city has a rich history as a beer town, and these modern takes on insuring that tradition continues and even grows.
Guilford Hall Brewing large wooden gate.
Guilford Hall Brewery taproom.
At the time, Rich told me that Guildford Hall would celebrate their one-year anniversary in September 2022 after a prolonged 4-year build out.
Vienna lager at Guilford Hall brewery and taproom.
Greg showed me around their 23-barrel German brewhouse system. They specialize in European beer styles but create something to accommodate every beer drinker. Greg poured a me a tasty sample of their Oktoberfest beer that would be showcased that weekend.
Greg Jacoby, head brewer, in the Guilford Hall brew house.
Beer History: New and Old
The brewery is located in the original 1898 Crown Cork & Seal building in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District neighborhood, which has its own beer history — creator of the modern beer bottle cap. The brewery and restaurant focus on lagers and ales from a European brewing tradition. Their secret bier garden in the back and Crown Room bier hall upstairs are the perfect spots to relax while having a pint and a bite surrounded in a bit of Baltimore history.
Crown Room beer hall
Industrial remnants from the Crown Cork and Seal days are on display throughout the Guilford Hall brewery.
The Crown Room displays a loft ceiling with rustic wood floors, large beam rafters, arched windows, with scales, bank safe and phone booth from the original business. If you look closely you will may notice the wooden ceiling downstairs, that was repurposed from the original flooring. And the large light fixture as you walk in was once an industrial fan discovered in the building.
Guilford Hall secret bier garden
Final Thoughts
When going to a brewery taproom in any major city, parking can be an issue. While I was there in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week, free parking on the street was not an issue. Of course, other times may prove to be more of a challenge.
The Guilford Hall taproom is a beautiful mix of new and old, part inner-city renovation with touches with the past incorporated create an interesting and provocative experience for anyone stopping in for a pint or a bite. The beer on tap offers some classic styles while mixing in very contemporary drafts. Since my visit I learned that Zach Lucas has come to Guilford Hall, bringing his brewing experience from Idiom (Frederick MD) and Four Quarters (Winooski VT) where he was head brewer.
I love the beer and the vibes of Guilford Hall Brewery and plan many trips to go back.
Guilford Hall Brewery
1611 Guilford Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21202
web : guilfordhall.com
Hours:
Mon : Closed
Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri : 4–11 PM
Sat : 11 AM–12 AM
Sun : 11 AM–9 PM
