Cranford Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries | NJDrinks

Skip to main content

Cranford, in Union County, is a suburban borough on the Rahway River, roughly 20 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. The town has a walkable downtown centered on its train station along the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line, with commuter rail connections to Newark and New York. Union County sits in the most densely populated corridor of northern New Jersey, between Essex County to the north and Middlesex County to the south.

The craft brewery scene in Union County and the surrounding northern New Jersey suburbs has expanded steadily over the past decade. Cranford’s location gives residents access to taprooms within the county as well as in neighboring Essex and Middlesex counties. For those looking to make a day of it, the Raritan Valley rail line connects westward toward the Hunterdon County wine country. The town’s commuter-friendly character supports local craft beverage venues that cater to both residents and those passing through on weekend day trips from New York.

I was just in here two weekends ago. It's a newer brewery so I've hesitated for bit, because new brewery beers generally haven't ever won me over. …
Joe Allen Snouts and Stouts Brewing
Bolero is a crazy drive from South Jersey, but I've been here a lot. The beers have been really creative for years. In fact, this was the first plac…
Joe Allen Bolero Snort Brewery and Tasting Room
It's been a while since I've been here, but the last time it wasn't great. The location is great, but that's the only draw for me. It's an old build…
Joe Allen Glasstown Brewing Company
Wow, the beers have change so much at Axe and Arrow since they first opened. I'll be honest, on my first visit I thought they'd never last. I got a …
Joe Allen Axe and Arrow Brewing
Hammonton is a great spot for beer, wine and spirits and Three 3s stands out as one of the top places to hit. From the start they were making really …
Joe Allen Three 3’s Brewing Company
Death of the Fox is a great date night spot. If you are waiting for a table at Cinder Bar next door you can stop in here for a quick beer. If you br…
Joe Allen Death of the Fox Brewing Company
Bonesaw from day 1 has been one of the nicest breweries in all of New Jersey. Since then all they've done is expand and improve. If I want to take a…
Joe Allen Bonesaw Brewing Co. – Glassboro
This place is pretty far from our home in South Jersey and I wish it wasn't. Parking was a little tricky as you have to park at the public lot around…
Joe Dismal Harmony Distilling