THE VIBES

Lock City Brewing’s cozy taproom features décor to pay homage to its namesake, lock makers Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co. who employed a quarter of the Stamford’s population during the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Offering eight or so freshly made rotating beers and a full view of the tanks, Lock City is like a tiny neighborhood pub offering plenty of games for adults and children, plus a bowl of water for your four-legged friend. During nicer weather, a tent and picnic tables are set up just outside the loading dock door to expand seating. While lauded for juicy NEIPAs like O.J. on Parole, Lock City regularly offers a Berliner Weisse sour brewed with seasonal fruit, a stout, a seasonal and a lighter brew. Lock City doesn’t serve food but you’ll find plenty of delivery menus from nearby restaurants on hand. Growlers fills and can sales are welcomed whenever the doors are open.

THE STORY

Owner/brewer Mike Bushnell taught himself to brew in the laundry room of his Stamford townhome, perfecting the process to open Lock City Brewing in July 2017 with business partner Patrick Casciolo; the two meet through their wives. While Stamford was home to Yale & Towne, this brewery is miles away from that old site and actually located near what was once the main manufacturing headquarters for Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia.