And, we’re off! Every summer we try to take the RV somewhere for a couple of weeks, and this summer we decided on a roadtrip to New England, with a quick stop in Pennsylvania so Vince can bowl in a tournament. After set up the RV at Hershey Road Campground, we did a quick search for some local breweries, and found Funk Brewing Company’s taproom in Elizabethtown, PA.
Getting There and Parking
Funk is only about a 10-minute drive from the campground, and we had our built-in designated driver (Parker) with us for the trip, so we were excited to check it out. The taproom is located on one of the main roads through Elizabethtown. Parking in downtown spots always has its quirks, and Funk was no exception. Street parking was the order of the day, but the promise of a cold brew made it all worth it.
First Impressions
Inside, the ambiance was alive with chatter and laughter. The taproom was crowded around the bar, but there was plenty of space in the other half of the room where we found tables and booths. Later during our visit, we discovered a much larger bar area in the back.
First Round
The bartender was very friendly and helpful. He answered all of our questions about the many beers they had available. Between cans and drafts, I counted 25 options, so it took a few minutes to figure out what we wanted.
I was first to make my choice, drawn to the Funk Carrot Rope, which was listed as “Carrot Cake Ale” on the wall. I love carrot cake, so I was pretty excited. This carrot cake golden ale, served on draft, was a playful dance of flavors. They pitched it as a dessert beer, and with its carrot cake flavor I would have to agree. Vince, chose the Funk Atomic Cherry Pie in a can. His delight was palpable with every sip, the rich cherry flavor reminiscent of a freshly baked pie. He declared it “not slammable” because it needed to be savored with every sip. We both enjoyed it so much we purchased a four-pack to take back to the campground with us for another night.
Time for Food
What’s a good drink without some delectable bites? We weren’t holding back. The medium-spiced wings arrived, glistening and perfectly fried. Their meatiness, combined with the generous sauce, had me reach out for the fries just to lap up the leftover tang. The only mild disappointment was the store-bought taste of the ranch dip.
Our mains were a testament to our differing moods. I dove into the Beer Reuben, a hearty ensemble of corned beef, sauerkraut, and fried onions all layered within a pretzel roll. The Mex Burger was Vince’s choice – a flavorful medley of guacamole, salsa, and quesos. As for Parker, he seemed quite content with his chili dog, devouring it with gusto.
Round Two (and Three)
Time for round two of drinks! While Vince opted for Funk Raspberry Bikes, a drink bursting with raspberry goodness, We both enjoyed it so much that we ended up getting a four-pack to go. My second round brew of choice was Peach Bikes. The subtle peach flavor grew on me, making every sip a delight. And for the finale, I had a Cookie Monster stout and Vince opted for a blackberry mule. Both were very tasty.
Kids and Dogs?
The brewery buzzed with families, signaling its kid-friendliness. With a specialized kids’ menu, young ones weren’t left out of the fun. But pet owners, take note; the establishment’s food service means it’s best to leave your fur buddies at home.
Final Thoughts
Our evening slowly wound down amidst the comfortable crowd, the high ceilings ensuring conversations flowed seamlessly. Funk Brewery’s spell had been cast, ensuring our road trip commenced on a high note. The only question now was, where next?
If you’re in central Pennsylvania, you can find Funk Brewery at 28 S Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. They also have a location in Emmaus (near Allentown, north of Philadelphia) which appears to be the location of their brewery.
