The 3 best breweries in Erie, according to our readers

When I lived in Erie sixteen years ago, the craft beer scene was just budding. At that time, Erie Brewing Co. had been around as a full-functioning brewery for just a handful of years, and I was just dipping my toes into the brew scene at The Brewerie at Union Station. By the time I moved out West, U Pick 6 had just opened, and other craft beer creators and distributors were making their debuts. 

All those years ago, I didn’t know enough about craft beer to really have an opinion. After living in Denver for eleven years, which, at the time was the nation’s biggest craft beer mecca, I returned to PA with a better understanding of the scene and a Certified Cicerone certificate under my belt.

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Over the last two decades, the craft beer scene in Erie has evolved beautifully. Tucked into historical settings and experimenting with innovative flavors, Erie’s craft beer scene has become a cornerstone of the culture. While each brewery has its own distinct personality, each is also distinctly Erie — or at least distinctly Pennsylvania. It’s a vibe that I love.

Our readers have chosen three breweries over the rest as their top picks, naming one as the best brewery in Erie. Needless to say, the local beer enthusiasts we surveyed love the beer culture vibe here as well.

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3. The Brewerie at Union Station

Is there a cooler place to sip a beer in town? We think not. History enthusiasts and beer enthusiasts can both join together at The Brewerie and enjoy the ambiance. Set in the beautifully restored Union Station, this place combines historical charm with modern comforts. The Brewerie has a mission to boost the local economy and contribute to the revitalization of downtown Erie, one pint at a time. Part of their vision to help support the community is by focusing on crafting quality products and caring for both staff and patrons.

This brewery offers a beer lineup that caters to all tastes, but a few crowd favorites stand out. The aptly named “Apparition Ale” celebrates Union Station’s most famous ghost, a little girl allegedly named Clara. If you’re after something lighter, “Uncle Jackson’s Blonde Ale,” named after the legendary Koehler poster boy, is golden in appearance, full in body, smooth, and easy.

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2. Lavery Brewing Co.

Lavery Brewing Co. has an ever-evolving lineup of brews from a creative team that prides itself on creating unique flavors. Opened in 2009, this brewery has become “the place” to spend a lazy afternoon with friends munching on unique pizzas, sandwiches, tacos, and local favorites (Staganelli’s pepperoni balls!), and washing it all down with an interesting selection of beers.

What impresses me the most about Lavery Brewing Co. is its menu. Chef Tyler Fails previously worked at Bar Ronin and is apparently a great lover of south-of-the-border flavors and spice. He’s been known to whip up the best Impossible burger you’ll ever have, not to mention concocting some creative seasonal flair like the Okinawa sweet potato puree with seared lobster mushroom, ground cherry-scorpion chutney, and cilantro to pair with Lavery’s selection of Oktoberfest beers earlier this year. The food is worth a visit, even if you’re not super into beer.

If you are super into beer, you should be aware that Lavery once snagged a Great American Beer Fest gold medal as well as awards from the Pa. Farm Show. The beer menu is constantly changing (the newest update as this goes to press is Dec. 14, 2024) but currently has an American “murder lager” (oh, no they didn’t), a raspberry cupcake sour, an imperial porter aged 24+ months in Willet + Blanton barrels and conditioned on cacao nibs and vanilla beans, and more.                     

By focusing on crafting an impressive menu with plenty of vegan fare and an imaginative, impressive craft beer selection, Lavery Brewing Co. offers a memorable experience for local foodies, beer enthusiasts, and tourists.

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1. VooDoo

VooDoo Brewery, based in Meadville, stands out for its eclectic style and refreshing, approachable beers. It’s also known for its brand identity and fast expansion. This employee-owned beer company can now be found not only all around PA (the North Shore Pittsburgh location is my personal go-to) but also around the US.

The Erie taproom opened in 2016, but some folks still love taking a quick trip down to Meadville to check out the original Arch St. location near the new Meadville Compound location. Unfortunately, the Arch St. location will be closing next month and moving all operations to the Compound. 

VooDoo’s inventive beers and chill atmosphere make it a standout in Erie’s beer scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the welcoming setting and diverse beer options make this a great place to explore and enjoy. The brewery’s dedication to creativity and quality makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of what Erie has to offer.

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