Mountain State Brewing Co.

As summer nears, I have been spending much more time in McHenry, MD than I usually do. There so many gorgeous state parks with great hiking trails, like Swallow Falls State Park, Herrington Manor State Park, and Deep Creek Lake State Park. In addition to the state parks, there are many other areas surrounding the lake with numerous trails.

With minimal shopping and other entertainment, the Deep Creek Lake area is ideal for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors.

After spending the day hiking or boating, Mountain State Brewing Co. is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The menu is extensive. It is filled with salads, appetizers, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts.

I know it is a bit of a drive from Frostburg, so it may not be feasible for many students to go to Mountain State. However, I commute to FSU and live practically in-between Frostburg and McHenry, so I don’t mind the relatively short drive.

Mountain State has the best, and possibly the only, artisan pizzas in the area. My friends and I always get “The Yard Sale.” It has an olive oil and garlic base and is topped with prosciutto, artichokes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and cracked black pepper.

One of the more interesting creations on the menu is called “North Camp.” This pizza, I’m assuming, is named after a section of ski trails at Wisp Resort. It has an alfredo sauce base and is topped with dried cranberries, fresh spinach, roasted chicken, mozzarella, and nutmeg. Yes, I’ve tried it. Despite my initial hesitance of cranberries on a pizza, it wasn’t bad.

In addition to the artisan pizzas, they also have cheese and pepperoni pizza for those who don’t like to experiment from the more traditional toppings.

I’ve never actually tried any of the sandwiches on the menu. Every single time I’ve been there, I’ve ordered pizza. Can you blame me?

The McHenry location is not the only Mountain State Brewing Co. In 2005, the first location was opened in Thomas, WV. The Thomas location is where the house beers are brewed. Even though 2005 wasn’t long ago, Mountain State is one of the oldest brewing companies in West Virginia. The third location is in Morgantown, WV.

Mountain State brews several beers; however, only four are offered all year round: Cold Trail Blonde Ale, Miner’s Daughter Stout, Almost Heaven Amber Ale, and Seneca IPA.

If you aren’t interested in any of the breweries beers, they also have a wide and frequently changing variety of craft beers. If you aren’t interested in beer at all, Mountain State makes their own root beer.

When you’re ready for dessert, I highly recommend the peanut butter pie. The s’mores pizza is also a great option.

If you’re looking for a casual bar/restaurant with good food and atmosphere, check out Mountain State Brewing Co. To learn more, go to mountainstatebrewing.com.