A New Era in Merchantville: Our Visit to the Transformed Eclipse Brewing
Merchantville’s only craft brewery has officially entered a new chapter, blending its original local charm with a fresh, modern energy. After a five-month closure for extensive renovations, Eclipse Brewing celebrated its grand reopening in February 2026, marking a complete "reboot" of the space under the leadership of new owner Megan Hilbert.
New Leadership and a Fresh Vision
The transition took place in August 2025, when original founders Chris and Beth Mattern handed over the keys to retire. At just 29 years old, Hilbert is one of the youngest brewery owners in South Jersey and the state. Her background as a hospitality professional and the owner of Red’s Rolling Restaurant food trucks brings a unique, event-focused perspective to the brewery. Notably, her ownership makes Eclipse one of only nine entirely woman-owned breweries in New Jersey.
The Transformation: Updated Spaces and Aesthetic Vibes
Walking into the refreshed Eclipse, the "Type A" attention to detail is immediately apparent. Hilbert has completely remodeled the interior, replacing mismatched ceiling tiles and outdated floors with a cohesive, blue-themed aesthetic that plays on the "moon and sky" concept of the brewery’s name.
Key updates to the physical space include:
The Second-Floor Lounge: Previously closed to the public, the upstairs has been transformed into a casual lounge and game room featuring foosball and space for community groups like Dungeons and Dragons players.
Refreshed Taproom: The first-floor tasting room has been modernized to provide a better "aesthetic vibe" for a new generation of craft beer lovers.
Enhanced Beer Garden: The open-air space now features a performance stage for live music.
Event Hub: The brewery is now fully equipped to host private events, including baby showers, micro-weddings, and corporate happy hours.
What’s on Tap: Continuity and Innovation
While the look is new, Hilbert has retained the original brewing staff and recipes that locals have loved since 2016, ensuring the beer quality remains consistent. The brewery continues to focus on small-batch styles that utilize fresh ingredients, such as their Coconut Cream Ale, which is finished with fresh coconut flakes.
However, fans can also look forward to new offerings:
House-Made Seltzers: To reach a broader crowd, Eclipse has introduced fermented alcoholic seltzers that are gluten-free.
Artisanal Syrups: The team is developing house-made syrups to be used in seltzers and mocktails for non-drinkers.
Classic Favorites: Staples like the Citra Promise and the 11% ABV Imperial Stout remain popular fixtures on the 17-beer draft list.
A Community-First Approach
Because of New Jersey’s complex licensing laws, Hilbert cannot operate her own food trucks directly at the brewery. Instead, she has turned this into a "small business supporting small business" opportunity by collaborating with local food vendors and providing QR codes for guests to order delivery from nearby Merchantville restaurants.
From hosting a food pantry during her licensing wait to planning "Monsterville" Halloween events along the adjacent bike path, Hilbert’s goal is for Eclipse to be more than just a taproom—it’s an experience-driven community hub.
Visit Eclipse Brewing:
Location: 25 E. Park Ave, Merchantville, NJ
Hours: Tuesday–Friday (4–10 PM), Saturday (12–10 PM), Sunday (12–8 PM)
Whether you are a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, the new era of Eclipse Brewing offers a warm, "familiar yet transformed" atmosphere that is well worth the trip.
