Pennsylvania is now one of the most alive craft beer states in America. From the Allegheny Mountains to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh city taprooms, there are hundreds of independent craft breweries scattered across the state.
PA’s craft beer culture is local, aggressive, and varied. But what might surprise mere fans and beer lovers at large is that among the state’s finest beers are being served at establishments where the stakes are high and the lights never dim: casinos.
Whether playing poker, watching a show, or dining at an elite steakhouse within a Pennsylvania gaming resort, it’s likely there’s a craft beer on tap that can hold its own compared to what you’d find in the state’s most hallowed breweries.
Indeed, some of the best PA online casinos, as found here, tend to do their land-based counterparts one better in embracing local flavor, culture, and experience.
Why Casinos Are Embracing Local Beer
Pennsylvania’s casino industry has evolved from cards and slots. Today’s gamers expect dining, entertainment, and beverages representative of the local spirit, and nobody embodies the spirit of “Pennsylvania” better than craft beer.
By teaming up with in-state breweries, casinos upgrade the player experience as well as support small businesses. For craft brewers, it’s a golden opportunity to introduce their creations to new markets in high-traffic, experience-based environments.
1. Troegs Independent Brewing – Hershey, PA
Troegs is a Pennsylvania craft beer household name, and its full-bodied yet balanced lineup is a fixture in casino bars and upscale dining restaurants. It’s Perpetual IPA, with its citrusy hoppiness and dry finish, is a gamer favorite to wind down between hands. Conversely, the holiday-seasonal Mad Elf Ale, which uses cherries and honey, is a cult favorite.
Best Match: Perpetual IPA with buffalo wings for live sports viewing at the bar.
2. Victory Brewing Company – Downingtown, PA
Live! The casino in the heart of South Philly is one of the state’s more vibrant entertainment hubs. Victory’s Golden Monkey (a Belgian tripel with an imposing 9.5% ABV) is a go-to for casino patrons who like something robust and creamy. Its complex flavors of banana, clove, and spice make it accessible even to infrequent drinkers and beer aficionados.
Best Match: Golden Monkey and pan-seared seafood at The Prime Rib in the casino.
3. Yards Brewing Co. – Philadelphia, PA
Rivers Casino offers not just a prized location on the Delaware River, but even local craft to tap. Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale is a beer everybody likes that reflects the city’s character: humble, delicious, and satisfyingly well-balanced.
The brewery’s English-style Brawler mild ale also makes regular appearances on draft menus at casino restaurants and lounges.
Best Pairing: Rusty Rail Pale Ale and a steak and cheese spring roll at Blue Hen Corner.
4. Rusty Rail Brewing Company – Mifflinburg, PA
Hiding in plain sight in Central PA, Rusty Rail has made contact with several gaming spots. Known for creative spins on classic brews, their Fog Monster Hazy IPA is a top beer in casino taverns, thanks to its tropical aroma and luscious character. Their peanut butter Weizenbier, Waffle Sauce, is also a show-stopper for those wanting to stand out.
Best Match: Fog Monster with a spicy tuna roll at Mohegan’s Pearl Sushi Lounge.
5. Weyerbacher Brewing – Easton, PA
Mount Airy stands out from the rest with magnificent Pocono Mountain landscapes and a small but charming casino. Blithering Idiot, Blithering Idiot is a higher-gravity product with a barleywine, ideal to take your time drinking it after a game at the poker table or in front of the fire at the resort. This courageous coffee has an intense malt, dark fruit, and caramel that satisfies the waiting taste buds.
Best Pairing: Blithering Idiot and a dark chocolate dessert from Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen.
6. Voodoo Brewery – Meadville, PA
Voodoo Brewery adds its edge and creativity to every pour, and that vibe is an ideal match for Erie’s casino scene. Love Child, a Belgian tripel on tap that rotates seasonally with small-batch sours and experiments aged in barrels, is the type of beer that sparks debate: exactly what you want in a bustling casino lounge.
Best Match: Love Child and a charcuterie plate during live music hours at the casino bar.
Elevating the Casino Experience, One Pint at a Time
Pennsylvania casinos are now not just somewhere to gamble: they’re entertainment hubs with the works, showcasing the region’s best food and drink. For craft beer lover, that would be the excitement of having a taste of the local beers, all the time putting in their coins in the slots or at the tables.
And to the breweries, it has been a priceless platform, bringing thousands of new customers to a place where knowledge and quality are well taken.
Tips for Enjoying Craft Beer in PA Casinos
- Ask for Rotating Taps: Some casinos change beers seasonally or limit-release craft beers, particularly local and regional craft beers.
- Try Pairings: the Casino cuisine has recently reengineered; do not miss an opportunity to combine regional beers with gourmet snacks.
- Search for Events: From tap takeovers to beer festivals, PA casinos frequently host unique craft-themed events.
- Drink Responsibly: High ABV beers and casino games both require concentration, pace yourself, and live in the moment.
Final Pour
In Pennsylvania, larger and luck go hand in hand. Whether rolling the dice, listening to a concert, or enjoying an award-winning meal, the state’s casinos serve up some of Pennsylvania’s finest beers, each a tribute to regional talent and the state of creativity. Even further afield.
