Kids and Adults Both Love Wandering Monsters Brewery

Wandering Monsters Brewery on Cincinnati’s east side isn’t just a destination for craft beer geeks. It’s a place for families, where adults and kids alike can enjoy themselves. 

“There’s a lot of stuff in our area for adults to do, and a lot of stuff for kids to do, but there’s not a lot for adults and kids to do together,” says co-founder Jason Brewer.

Along with co-founders Mark Farris, Zac Boehnke and Mike Georgiton, Brewer has created a spacious taproom with German beer hall-style table seating, but there are also lounge areas for small groups to gather, a covered outdoor patio and a private event room. There are also six lanes for duckpin bowling — a style of bowling that uses short lanes and a smaller ball — making it ideal for kids. (Plus, no special shoes required.)

“We wanted to create a few different experiences,” Brewer says, “sort of like choose your own adventure.” 

The kitchen focuses on authentic smoked barbecue, although the bestseller is its smash burger. The menu also has kid-friendly classics like pretzel bites and mac and cheese. 

Beyond the games and casual vibe, everyone in the family is likely to fall in love with the Wandering Monsters mascot, a small, horned creature with a knapsack that adorns an array of inventive merchandise.

“The name Wandering Monsters comes from life’s journey and the monsters we meet along the way,” Brewer says. “It also refers to our kids and the curious little monsters they are. I never thought I would want it said about my brand that it’s cute, but it really is fun and approachable.”

While beer isn’t the only reason to check out Wandering Monsters, it is nonetheless a beer-lover’s delight. Head brewer Zac Boehnke crafts a variety of styles, from lagers to hazy IPAs to the brewery’s award-winning, barrel-aged imperial stouts. Every February, the brewery hosts a festival, Confluence of Darkness, where six beer-makers from across the nation are invited to brew collaboration stouts released at the fest.

While most breweries are busiest in the summer, Wandering Monsters sees its biggest crowds during the colder months, when cabin fever has parents looking for a place for the whole family to relax for a few hours.

 “Fall and winter is when we ramp up,” Brewer says. “When it’s rainy and cold, we have a big space to welcome everyone.”

8251 Beechmont Ave. Unit A, Cincinnati 45255, wanderingmonstersbeer.com

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