A Fresh Pour in Fishtown: Forest & Main Expands Beyond Ambler
A Fresh Pour in Fishtown: Forest & Main Expands Beyond Ambler
Over the weekend, we had the chance to stop into the brand-new Forest & Main Brewing Co. taproom in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood—and it’s safe to say this expansion is a perfect fit for one of the city’s most vibrant beer destinations.
This marks Forest & Main’s third location and the brewery’s first outside of Ambler, where it all began. Known for their refined English-style ales and expressive farmhouse saisons, Forest & Main has built a loyal following over the past decade for their balance of tradition, creativity, and craftsmanship.
The new space, once home to Cheu Noodle Bar (and, long before that, a police horse stable), is steeped in local history. Its transformation captures the same spirit that defines Forest & Main—warm, thoughtful, and full of character. The building’s unique architecture gives it a distinct presence on the block, and between the indoor and outdoor seating, there’s a relaxed, neighborhood feel that immediately invites you in.
A Collaborative Kitchen Worth the Hype
The Fishtown taproom isn’t just about the beer. Forest & Main has partnered with James Beard–nominated chef Dane DeMarco, of Gass & Main fame in Haddonfield, to curate a menu that perfectly complements their beers. DeMarco brings a “snack-shack” style menu that’s big on flavor—think inventive bites, elevated comfort food, and one of their famously loaded burgers that more than lives up to its reputation.
The kitchen sits directly behind the bar, adding an energetic, communal vibe as plates and pints flow seamlessly together. It’s a setup that feels casual yet intentional—a natural pairing for Forest & Main’s brewing philosophy.
Tradition Meets Taproom Innovation
What really stood out during our visit was the brewery’s attention to detail, both in the beer and the experience. Forest & Main has long been admired for their ability to nail English-style beers, and this visit reinforced that reputation. The pub ale was a standout—balanced, malt-forward, and poured from a hand pump that gave it a soft, authentic texture.
Even better, the taproom offers three distinct pouring methods:
Cask beer on hand pump for traditional English service
Lukr side-pour faucets for perfectly creamy Czech-style pours
Standard draft lines for their broader range of styles
During this visit, we also tried their Czech Pilsner, which showcased Forest & Main’s versatility—clean, crisp, and beautifully balanced.
A Decade in the Making
Founded in 2012 by friends Daniel Endicott and Gerard Olson, Forest & Main began in a cozy Victorian house at the corner of Forest and Main Streets in Ambler. What started as a neighborhood brewery with an old-world soul has steadily grown while keeping its artistic heart intact. In 2021, they relocated brewing operations to a larger space on North Main Street in Ambler, expanding their barrel-aging and lager programs and deepening their connection to traditional brewing methods.
Now, with the Fishtown location, they’ve brought that same ethos to Philadelphia—a move that feels less like expansion and more like evolution.
The Verdict
Between the thoughtfully restored space, the stellar beer lineup, and a food program that punches well above its “snack shack” name, Forest & Main’s Fishtown taproom delivers on all fronts. It’s a true extension of what the brewery has always done best—bringing people together over exceptional beer, timeless craft, and a touch of magic that’s uniquely their own.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this new spot is absolutely worth the trip.
