Review: Forest and Main Brewery

Ambler, Pa., boasts small-town charm and a rich history, from the Ambler Theater and the 1908 Wissahickon Creek Paper Mill to several homes that played key roles in the American Revolution. One of my favorite spots, though, is Forest and Main Brewery.

Forest & Main Brewery is located in a once-dilapidated, 19th-century home on Main Street in Ambler. The three-story residence required extensive reconstruction and renovation before it reopened as the cozy brewpub it is now.

The house posed a challenge for the brewmasters behind Forest and Main, as they had only a few small first-floor rooms to work with to brew and serve their beer and, eventually, food. The owners did the renovations themselves, transforming the home into a comfortable and warm brewery, bar and restaurant. It features rustic tables and chairs, historic thrift store finds and local art, all in keeping with the 19th-century home’s original architecture and character.

In all honesty, I’m not the biggest beer lover, but from what I’ve heard, the brewery’s in-house creations are comparable to those from some of the best breweries in the area. They also serve wine from local wineries and great cocktails. The food is fantastic. There’s a small menu of affordable snack foods, from popcorn and dips to bruschetta and Brussels sprout hash. The mac and cheese is to die for, as are the sandwiches.

There’s a quirky, eclectic vibe at Forest and Main that’s difficult to describe until you visit yourself. From witty beer names and descriptions to unique in-house-designed bottle labels and artwork, Forest and Main is a one-of-a-kind gem.

Forest and Main Brewery

61 N Main St.

Ambler, Pa. 19002