Brewery Review: Mad Chef Craft Brewing (East Petersburg, PA)

Change is coming to the American dining experience, and it is in part because of locations like Mad Chef Brewing, located just outside of Lancaster. The days of the big box chain restaurants are numbered and the local eatery is taking its place.

When you think of a brewery the usual thought that comes to mind is a local watering hole with a handful of beers on tap and a few bar snacks to hold you over. And while we love those kind of locations, that is not what you are going to get when you walk into Mad Chef.

We sat down co-owner Greg Kendig as he gave us a full tour and the lay of the land. One conversation with Greg and it was obvious why Mad Chef has the reputation it does. When he wasn’t explaining what makes this brewery run, he was shaking hands and conversating with everyone who came through the doors. No seriously, EVERYONE! It’s obvious that Mad Chef is a fabric of the local community and that was made very clear by how many people came up to Greg and talked to him like they had been friends for decades.

Immediately walking through the doors of this location you know you are in for a treat. A large, restaurant quality kitchen initially catches your eye and it becomes apparently clear that you aren’t going to be just dining on soft pretzels and nachos. Then to the right is the heart of the brewing operations. However to get there you need to walk through a dining room that is buzzing with excitement.

*A kitchen so busy you’d think you’re anywhere but a craft brewery*

*Just a small part of where all the magic happens*

You get yourself to the bar and the fun has just begun. Along with a few TV’s set to different channels there is also one that shows their tap list. And with 16 beers on tap (16!) there is not only something for everyone, but they are close to needing to invest in another TV to contain the full list!

Tap Board — *The heart of beer pouring operations*

It is obvious why this location is thriving as well as it is. Because the beer here is nothing short of amazing. With 16 on tap it was tough to try them all in one sitting, but believe us, we tried! Here were just a few of the amazing beers we sampled:

• F-18: Their flagship IPA. A bitter, moderately strong American pale ale that uses its clean, supporting malt to showcase its hop character.
• Bergamot: Their twist on the Milkshake IPA hopped with Denali and Citra and finished with 100% Bergamot purée. Read our review!
• OH-Face: Their double IPA brewed with pearl malt, white wheat and light crystal malts, it is heavily hopped with Mosaic, Simcoe and Citra!
• There Goes Maria: Their Gose which is a refreshing tart and fruity wheat ale with a salt character.
• Belsi Vienna Lager: A moderate amber lager with soft malt characteristics at the forefront that finishes well balanced.
• Mad Chef Hibernia Red: An easy-drinking Irish Red that balances toffee and caramel sweetness with a roasted dry finish.

The one unique quality that we experienced with each beer was how subtle the flavor was in each one. Specifically with the more tart beers. When you drink a sour or Gose you expect a lip puckering experience. However with their beer the flavor was there but it was never so overbearing that you couldn’t drink more than one. Beers at Mad Chef are dangerously delicious. See the full list for yourself. With 16 beers on tap you are sure to find something here that you would love.

Then it was time for the food. Oh, the food. We spoke with the Mad Chef himself, Francisco Ramirez (also a co-owner). Fransisco has over 10 years’ experience in the food service industry and is a 2006 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Yes you read that correctly, a graduate from the CIA is behind the delicious creations at Mad Chef. Not only does he bring his expertise to deliver a food menu that is second to none, but he also applies that same knowledge and skill level to the brewing operations. How many locations can boast a beer and food menu crafted by a CIA graduate?

As we stated earlier, it is locations like Mad Chef that are beginning to change the way Americans dine out. With over 30 items on the menu, including a kids and dessert section, this is the perfect location for a night out with family or friends. Gone are the two for Tuesdays and they have been replaced with a locally sourced, locally owned dining experience.

We paired our flight with the Crab Tumblers (crispy potato fritters with lump and claw crab meat) and their Pommes Frites, a deliciously crispy french fry with a soft potato inside. With over 15 sauces to choose from it was hard to decide which ones to pair it with. We chose the ghost pepper ketchup (a must try!) and the Mad Chef Cheese Sauce. Like we said, the food options here are endless.

With over 30 menu items and another 16 delicious beers on tap it is no wonder this place was as busy as they were on a Friday night.

Just check it out for yourself.

The term “shop local” used to be for the small arts and crafts shop run down the street. Or the local hardware store that your neighbor owns. However that is all changing now. There is no reason to go to the big box restaurants when locations like Mad Chef exist. Whether it is the family of four who are looking for a night out to eat, or the most passionate craft beer enthusiast, Mad Chef Brewing has something for you. We were overwhelmed by their offerings and we think you will be too.

Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their Website to see all the fun for yourself. And better yet, go try the food and beer and let us know what you think!

Make sure you take some “to go”.