How did Clarion River Brewing get started, and what makes it a cornerstone of the downtown Clarion experience? Clarion River Brewing Company was born out of a love for great […]
How did Clarion River Brewing get started, and what makes it a cornerstone of the downtown Clarion experience?
Clarion River Brewing Company was born out of a love for great beer, a deep appreciation for local history, and a desire to breathe new life into downtown Clarion. We wanted to create more than just a brewery, CRBC set out to build a gathering place—a spot where neighbors, friends, and visitors could come together.
The brewery is nestled right in the heart of Clarion’s downtown, and the building itself has its own stories to tell. Now, we blend old-school charm with modern comfort, keeping that small-town soul alive while offering a one-of-a-kind Main Street experience. We’re the only restaurant and bar on Main Street open 7 days a week.
What makes CRBC a true cornerstone of the downtown scene? It’s the way we bring people together. Whether you’re popping in for a quick weekend lunch, unwinding with friends after work, or spending your Friday night enjoying live local music, we’re here for it. Our beers are brewed and our menu is crafted with comfort and creativity in mind. We host community events, support local makers, and serve as a hub for the kind of connections that only happen in places with heart.
Simply put: Clarion River Brewing Company isn’t just a place to eat and drink—it’s part of what makes Clarion feel like home.
The Brewery
What can guests expect from the dining experience here—do you have any signature dishes that pair especially well with your beers?
There is truly something for everyone here! Guests can certainly expect to find something they’ll love. Our chef incorporates our flagship beers into some menu items to begin with, but wonderful pairings can be found across the menu. The BBQ Pork & Bacon Pretzel Melt pairs perfectly with our Leatherwood English Brown Ale and our Beer Brat pairs great with the Golden Eagle Pilsner or the Kölsch that is seasonally on tap.
How do you balance being both a full-service restaurant and a brewery—what’s the vibe like for someone visiting for the first time?
First-time guests are in for a treat—your experience at Clarion River Brewing Company really depends on which side you choose to enjoy!
On the restaurant side, you’ll find a bright, welcoming space that’s perfect for all ages. With cozy booths, low tables, and big front windows letting in loads of natural light, it’s a great spot for families, first dates, or big group dinners. You’ll catch glimpses of our hardworking crew as they hustle from the kitchen, serving up fresh, unique dishes with a smile.
Prefer a cozier, more rustic setting? Head to the pub side. With its wood-and-steel aesthetic and moodier lighting, it’s the go-to spot for a more laid-back experience. The centerpiece is our 12-seat bar, custom-made high-top tables and plenty of comfy seating options. This is where the beer magic happens—our 12 taps pour house-made craft brews, and our full-service bar serves up signature cocktails, Pennsylvania wines, and locally sourced cider from Punx Cider Works.
Bonus: You’ll get an up-close look at our wall of 300 locally crafted mugs and enjoy some banter with our talented bartenders.
Wherever you sit, the drinks flow and the hospitality shines.
The Mug Club
Can you tell us about the mug club—how does it work, and what makes it a local favorite?
The Mug Club is a yearly membership that offers a variety of perks to its members. They get to choose their own mug (all are handmade by local potters), get discounts on beer to go, invites to exclusive events, a free beer in the pub each Thursday, invites to open brew days where they get to hang out in the brewhouse during an active brew day, and access to our Facebook group. The mug club brings together 300 people who may not meet outside of the pub and really helps to cultivate a strong community and to elevate the beer culture.
Oktoberfest is a big deal in beer culture—what do you do to celebrate it here at Clarion River Brewing?
We love Oktoberfest! That time of year is also our yearly anniversary, so we tend to do a lot of special things. This year, 2025, is extra special because it will be our ten-year anniversary. Our brewer has quite a few traditional beers up her sleeve to be released around Oktoberfest.
What special beers, food, or entertainment can guests expect during your Oktoberfest celebration?
We’ve got a lineup of traditional German beers in the works to be released around Oktoberfest/ our anniversary. A staple that has been around for years is our Märzen, called the Autumn Leaf Fiest. It’s a malty lager with notes of bread crust and biscuit with traditional German noble hops. Chef Brian will undoubtedly have a wonderful lineup of German foods to pair with our beers! We will also be hosting a Stein holding contest in conjunction with the Autumn Leaf Festival here in Clarion.
Community & Local Pride
How does being located right in the heart of Clarion influence your brewery and restaurant’s role in the community?
It gives us the ability to help a thriving Main Street. Seeing people walking down the street is great. They are our neighbors, and with that, we know we have the responsibility to give back. First off, we want to deliver a top-notch product in our food and beer with excellent service. We also recognize the responsibility to give back to our community through our support of local organizations, including our dine-and-donate programs, our scholarship, and the support of various organizations, including Camo Cares.
What’s the vibe like here during the Autumn Leaf Festival?
Autumn Leaf Festival is a very busy time of year, and it’s a time where we get to see people that we don’t see every day. The community is buzzing, people are excited for homecoming, for Farmer’s and Crafter’s Day, and to see old friends. Our staff pours so much into making sure that everyone in town has a wonderful experience and enjoys their time here.
What’s something you hope every guest feels or remembers after spending time at Clarion River Brewing?
We want everyone to leave happy. They choose where to spend their money, and we want them to think that their experience was worth it, and worth telling a friend about.
Insider Tip
If someone’s never been here before, what’s one tip you’d give them to make the most of their visit?
Don’t be afraid to try something new! Our menu is full of both staples and innovative dishes, and our draft list includes a variety of classic styles and newer, “craft” styles. Everything is crafted with care to create a wonderful experience, so there really is no wrong choice. We all have our favorites, but you may end up falling in love with something new if you walk in with an open mind.
Check out our video feature on Clarion River Brewing Company here.