Lancaster County’s Germanic roots date back some 300 years when a small group of immigrants from southwest Germany seeking religious freedom settled in the area. A century and a half later, in the 1870s, when a wave of young German brewers came to the U.S., some settled in Lancaster County. Their motivation for immigrating was quite different from that of their predecessors, however. They wanted to introduce lager-style beer to the United States, which they did quite successfully. The names of several of these brewers are known today for the lager they produced—notably Adolphus Busch, Friedrich Miller, and Adolf Coors.
Among this group was a Bavarian brewer named Alois Bube. While the Bube name may not be associated with a global brand of beer, Bube’s Brewery, located in nearby Mt. Joy, is renowned as the only intact “lager era” brewery left in its original condition in the United States. Under a brewing license renewed after an 84-year gap, Bube’s produces lagers and ales—offering a beer sampler tasting to visitors 21 and over. Plan your visit for a Saturday afternoon when the brewers are most likely available to talk to you about Bube’s beers and to get a closer look at the brewery. Short tours of the historic brewery are offered for free every evening.
Bube’s Brewery offers much more than just beer. Its complex of buildings includes several restaurants, making it an ideal destination for adults looking for a fun and lively dining experience in a unique atmosphere. Guests can dine in the Catacombs Restaurant, located in the original lagering cellars of the brewery, which features themed dinners (called feasts) on most Sundays and select Fridays. More casual dining is available in the Bottling Works Restaurant, located in the original bottling plant and machine room of the brewery, where you can enjoy live music on Thursday thru Saturday nights. The Alois Restaurant (part of the original Bube family home) features murder mystery dinners. Weather-permitting, outdoor dining is available in the Biergarten, located in the old working yard of the brewery.
Weeknight activities include pub and music trivia contests, karaoke, live music, and more. Visit Bube’s Brewery Facebook page for a current schedule. We recommend booking ahead for special dinners and events, including the ghost tours offered in October. Bube’s Brewery is a short ride (about 6 miles) up the road from the B.F. Hiestand House.
Bube’s Brewery
102 N. Market St.
Mount Joy, Pa. 17552
717-653-2056
