FAQ


Do you have food?

No…and yes. Elk River Brewing Company doesn’t have a kitchen, so we don’t serve food perse. But we’ve teamed up with some stellar local restaurants and eateries in Elkton. We’ve got a stack of their menus on hand, and you’re welcome to order in or bring your own bites. Grab something on the way and make yourself at home in the taproom!

(Just a heads-up: outside beverages are a no-go. We’ve got that covered—trust us.)

Bonus: On Friday and Saturday nights, our friends from SmoQ-N-Meat BBQ set up right inside the taproom, dishing out smoky meats and their legendary SmaQ-N-Cheese bowls.

Check out some of our favorite local food spots:
C3ntral Tavern
Sonny’s Italian Market & Deli
It’s Masala Time
Main Street Pizza and Steak Shop
Enzo’s NY Square Pizza
Asian Boy
Pat’s Select Pizza Grill
Asian & Sushi Bistro

Can I bring my kids?

We love kids, but unfortunately, due to Cecil County Liquor Board regulations (and our lack of a kitchen), our taproom is 21+ only—no exceptions. This applies to the bar, taproom, and all outdoor seating areas.

But stay tuned... A second ERBC taproom with food (and under-21 access) is in the works!

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Elk River is proudly dog-friendly—inside and out. In fact, we’ve brewed a whole series of beers inspired by and named after our canine regulars. Ever tried Kona’s Coconut IPA, Sweet Potato Pie Porter, or Bailey’s Black IPA? You can thank the pups for those.

Just keep your four-legged friend leashed and away from high-traffic areas, like doorways and restrooms. And if your dog needs a drink, our bartenders are happy to provide a water bowl—tail wags and head pats are a perfectly acceptable tip.

Where do I park?

Our front entrance is on Main Street, where you’ll find free street parking. There’s also a back parking lot off Howard Street behind the building. From there, just follow the sidewalk and head up the wooden stairs to our back entrance.

Where do you brew?

Unlike most breweries, you can’t see our brewhouse from the taproom. Why? Because we’re brewing underground! Our taproom sits street-level on the second floor, and the brewery itself is right below.

Want a sneak peek? Head out back to the biergarten and check out the tanks through the garage door. You might even catch our brewers in action if you visit earlier in the day.

Pro Tip: Got questions about hops, malts, or the mysteries of fermentation? You’ll find our head brewer slinging pints behind the bar most Tuesday nights. Ask nicely, and you might just get a behind-the-scenes nugget or two.

How many beers do you have on tap?

We run 16 tap lines, and all beer is brewed right here on site. From IPAs to porters and everything in between, our lineup rotates regularly so there’s always something new to sip.

Oh—and we keep one tap reserved for Downeast Cider because sometimes you just need a little crisp apple (or seasonal flavor) in your life.

Do you have anything non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Whether you’re DD, sober curious, taking a break, or dry as a bone, we still want you to come hang out with us.

We stock a variety of non-alcoholic options, including:

  • Guinness 0
  • A rotating selection of Athletic Brewing Co. NA beers
  • Non-alcoholic cocktails like mojitos and palomas—grab one from the NA fridge and enjoy all the flavor with none of the buzz
  • Plus, we’ve got Pepsi products and other soft drinks on hand

Whatever your reason for skipping the booze, you’re welcome here—glass in hand.

Are you wheelchair/handicap accessible?

Yes! Our taproom is ADA-compliant. Please use the Main Street entrance for the smoothest  access.

What’s the story with the bar top?

We get asked this all the time—and we love to tell the story.

Our beautiful natural-edge bar (and tabletops!) are made from a single American elm tree that once stood on The Green at the University of Delaware. After falling victim to Dutch Elm Disease, this tree was saved, milled, and reborn here at Elk River Brewing. So when you belly up to the bar, you’re sipping next to a slice of local history.

How does service work?

We’re pub-style here. Just head to the bar to order, then grab any seat you like and settle in.

What kind of seating do you have?

Plenty! Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep with friends, we’ve got options for whatever vibe you’re after:
• Bar seating (belly up and chat with the bartender)
• Tables with chairs
• Comfy leather armchairs for maximum chill
• Outdoor tables out front on Main Street, including sun umbrellas for shade on sunny days and gas firepits for chilly evenings
• A mix of picnic tables, double Adirondack chairs, and firepit seating out back in the Biergarten

Can I get beer to go?

You bet! We sell our Elk River growlers in the taproom, and we’re happy to fill yours too—just make sure it’s clean and empty when you bring it in. No one likes a funky fill.

We can growler almost any beer on tap, but we do skip the ones on our nitro line. Why? Nitro beers are carbonated with nitrogen gas, giving them that smooth, creamy mouthfeel and thick, cascading head you love. Unfortunately, once you stick ’em in a growler, all that magic goes flat fast—and we’re not about disappointing pours.

Note: Growlers are for takeout only and can’t be opened or consumed in the taproom.

Want something easier to take home? Grab a crowler! We’ve got prefilled 16oz cans ready to go. Mix and match your own 4-pack and save 20% while you’re at it.

Can I buy a whole keg?

Heck yeah, you can! Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or just really, really love Elk River beer (we get it), we’ve got you covered.

Just shoot us an email at info@elkriverbrewing.com to check availability and pricing. Once you’ve picked your brew, we’ll set up a time for pickup. Bring your thirst—and maybe a friend to help lift.

Can I reserve space for my party or event?

For sure! We love a good party, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your group—big or small.

Some folks want to reserve a few tables; others want to rent out the whole taproom. Whether you’re eyeing the back room, the biergarten, or dreaming of a full-blown takeover, we’re happy to talk it through.

Just shoot us an email at info@elkriverbrewing.com with the details. We’ll make sure we’re properly staffed and prepped for your crew. Heads up—we may require a deposit depending on the size and setup.

Bonus: We might even be able to whip up a custom cocktail for your event. Let’s make it
special.

How do I know when you have events?

Easy! Just click HERE to check out our event calendar—that’s the best place to find our most up-to-date schedule of taproom fun, off-site appearances, and special happenings.

Want the inside scoop delivered straight to you?
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter for highlights, releases, and upcoming events

• Follow us on social media for real-time updates, sneak peeks, and a few behind-the-
scenes shenanigans

Whether it’s live music, trivia, beer releases, or pop-ups, there’s always something brewing.