Jailbreak Brewing Company has always been one of those places on my local brewery list that, for some reason, we’d never gotten around to visiting. After an unplanned change from our initial decision to attend the sour festival at Crooked Crab because it was too crowded for our comfort, Vince and I found ourselves searching for “breweries near me.” Jailbreak was on that list, so we decided to make the trip, and what a delightful detour it turned out to be.
Location Convenience and Parking
Nestled in a business/industrial park on US-1 in Laurel, MD, Jailbreak welcomed us with a spacious parking area. No need to circle around looking for a spot – it was a breeze. We parked right near the door and headed inside.
First Impressions
Upon entering, we saw that the taproom was crowded, and most of the tables were full. We spotted an empty table in the adjacent room, but as we approached it, we saw the “Reserved” sign. Nuts! Just as we were figuring out our next move, luck favored us. The neighboring table was being vacated, and we quickly claimed it.
Despite the vastness and high ceilings, the place had a warm, inviting vibe. I’m not sure if there’s a name for the decor style, but it was lots of wood and metal. The taproom wasn’t overwhelmingly noisy, and you could hear the music playing in the background.
First Round
While Jailbreak is a brewery, they have a full bar available in the taproom. Their tap list includes four “core” beers they always have available and six seasonal beers. They also offer a couple of frozen cocktails, wine, and several signature cocktails.
Our drinks journey began with a minor mix-up. Vince headed to the counter to grab some beers and start a tab, only to be redirected to a different section since we learned we were on the food side of the taproom. A slight hiccup, but all part of the adventure. He returned triumphantly with a C.R.E.A.M. for me and a delightful sampler for himself.
The C.R.E.A.M., with its vanilla undertones, was a dance of smooth sweetness in my mouth. Vince’s sampler, which was served on a key-shaped tray, included the Citra Lady Friend, Special Lady Friend, Crabtown Classic, and The Infinite. Each had its unique charm, but The Infinite stood out as his favorite. He even joked about the “slammability” of each drink, with The Infinite scoring an impressive 8.
Elevated Bar Bites
The food menu at Jailbreak is best described as “elevated bar food,” and it was hard to choose because everything sounded good. We looked at the tables around us, and saw that the flatbreads were pretty popular, so we decided to order a Philly cheesesteak flatbread and some Buffalo wings. The flatbread had a “hot” vinaigrette, but I found it a bit overpowering, so next time I might skip it. The wings, on the other hand, were a crispy delight. Fried to perfection, they came covered in a spicy sauce that had just the right amount of kick, perfectly complemented by what tasted like a house-made ranch.
Kid & Dog Policies: Take Note
For those planning a family evening out, keep in mind that after 7 pm, kids are not allowed in Jailbreak. There are several signs around the taproom reminding parents that kids must stay at their tables while they are allowed inside. Our furry friends also might have to sit this one out since dogs aren’t allowed due to the food service.
The Second Round
As the evening progressed, Vince ordered a Jailbreak Mule. What made it “Jailbreak” special, we couldn’t tell, but it sure was refreshing. My next pick was the Feed the Monkey orange Hefeweizen. The previous spice adventure had my taste buds slightly overwhelmed, but a few sips in, the subtle orange notes shined through.
Before we wrapped up, we couldn’t help but chuckle at a beer named ‘Boats & Hose’. We didn’t taste it, but the name was memorable enough to earn a mention.
Parting Thoughts
Our unexpected evening at Jailbreak wrapped up with a total bill of $88 – a worthy spend for the delightful experience. The place offers an intricate blend of ambient charm, flavorful drinks, and elevated bar bites. Just remember to check where you’re seated, so you don’t mix up the food and drink sections like us! We also learned that you can reserve a table, so if you plan to go on a weekend like we did, you might want to do that on their website.
Jailbreak is located at 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723.
