9 Ohio Breweries That Offers Pints and Recreation

There’s nothing like strolling into a brewery, settling on a barstool and relaxing with a beer. But why stop there when a trip to the brewpub could become a spirited round of competition? Whether you favor bar games played with a glass in hand or prefer getting physical with outdoor sports, visit these breweries to take on your companions for bragging rights.

At Wandering Monsters in Anderson Township near Cincinnati, duckpin bowling — a miniaturized version of the sport with a grapefruit-sized ball and pins suspended on strings — was always part of the vision. To owner Jason Brewer, it’s been vital to his brewery’s success. 

“Where we live,” Brewer explains, “there’s a lot of stuff to do for adults, and a lot of stuff to do for kids, but not a lot of stuff to do together.”

Among established brewpubs like Barley’s Brewing Company in Columbus, adding fresh options and offering space for gatherings keeps guests coming back. Brewcadia, its upstairs “barcade” featuring 40 taps and classic video games, excites both bar-goers and event organizers. 

Breweries seeking more advanced electronic entertainment are turning to golf simulators: augmented reality machines that let guests swing through legendary links just a chip shot away from the bar. Newark’s Trek Brewing Company dedicates a separate barroom to three virtual golf bays, while Sixth Sense Brewing Company in Jackson features a bay in its game room. 

Rather get out on the green? 4KD Crick Brewing is part of The Compound Defiance, a complex nestled amid Eagle Rock Golf Club’s 18 holes. Duffers can sip a house-brewed beer on the fairways or after their rounds in the taproom or the clubhouse’s restaurant. 

Situated on 8 acres, DankHouse Brewing Company in Newark has embraced another kind of golf with Hazy Greens, its nine-hole disc golf course. But, as owner Josh Lange explains, the course wasn’t part of the original business plan: it was a way to activate a neglected part of their property. 

“It was an overgrown, wooded area with downed trees everywhere,” Lange says. “It always looked like an overwhelming project.” Artist Kris Yaceczko, who contributed graphics to the taproom, suggested disc golf and a star attraction was born. 

“We’ve got people who play in all kinds of weather,” Lange says. “People know that even if we’re not open, if the gate’s open, they’re free to come play from 8 in the morning until gates close in the evening.” 

Likewise, when Michael and Jennifer Farmer opened Mt. Vernon’s Happy Street Brü Werks, they didn’t expect to run an axe-throwing arena. But when Summit Axe Throwing — a tenant in their 12,000-square-foot building — announced plans to close, Jennifer jumped at the chance. 

“I approached them and said, ‘It goes so well with the brewery, I’d like it to stay intact,’” Farmer explains. She extended the brewery’s liquor license to cover the entire property and plans to expand into an event and entertainment venue, offering her community new avenues for enjoyment. 

MAD Brewing in Medina already occupies an entertainment compound. It’s one of several attractions within Foundry Social, where food, drink and games pair with High Voltage Indoor Karting. Channel your inner Speed Racer and work up a thirst zipping around the indoor go-kart track. Just be responsible: drive, then drink.

Not active enough for you? Book sand volleyball or pickleball courts at Fifty West Brewing in Cincinnati for group fun or to compete in league play. If you’d rather be a spectator than a sportsman, rent a cabana to lounge and observe the action. 

Whatever level of exertion you choose, find the right Ohio brewery and it’s game on.