Billing themselves as “Hartford’s Living Room,” Hog River Brewing Company mixes a lively schedule of fun happenings (musical acts, pop-up markets, homebrew competitions, yoga classes) with a chill atmosphere. The taproom decor reflects its building’s 19th century beginnings as the Hartford Rubber Works factory with two massive vintage machine presses sitting among other memorabilia in the concrete, reclaimed wood and metal accented hall. A looooong family-style table and a large bar dominate the seating though you’ll also find leather couches and a more intimate alcove with several small tables. A “parking lot patio” set up for the pandemic summer proved perfect for its robust food truck schedule. Online ordering for curbside pick available.
The Story
Husband and wife Ben and Joy Braddock consider themselves true “mom and pop” operators, abandoning corporate careers to open Hog River Brewing Company in the historic Parkville neighborhood in 2016. Headbrewer Ben learned his craft by truly starting at the bottom of the barrel -- cleaning kegs. Hog River’s specialties include classic German brews from light kolsches to dark schwarzbiers, and a popular fruit sour series. Joy focuses on the taproom by emphasis a community feel from décor to event planning. The result of their work: Connecticut Magazine named Hog River its 2017 “Brewery to Visit.”
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