Vortex Brewing Company — Restaurant in New Freedom

I firmly believe in writing reviews in hopes that the constructive criticism helps everyone improve in the long run. That being said I’m giving 5 stars because in my own industry reviews are highly important and my paycheck and livelihood is affected by them. I very much enjoyed my visit to this new brewery.

That being said it wasn’t a perfect visit. About 15 minutes sat at the bar another couple walked in with their young child and seated themselves. I thought it was very strange and uncomfortable as a bar is not meant for children to be sat at. Having a minor taking up a bar seat is also a seat lost to a tipping customer. It wasn’t addressed by the staff as being a problem but for other bar patrons it likely was, as it did for us. I also thought it was a legality but after further research it seems as though it isn’t, but still very frowned upon because of reasons stated above.

I enjoyed my food. The pizza I thought was good and the sauce was different but I liked it. My SO however ordered a French dip sandwich and did not like it. She stated that it tasted as tho it was smoked too long and after trying a bite myself the taste of charcoal was overpowering. When the bartender came over she picked up on this immediately and very first suggestion was to either replace with another item or comp the sandwich, and we opted for the comp and split my pizza. I thought this was fantastic service and very happy with how it was handled.

The drinks were great, service was great, and I’d love to return in the near future to try out some of their other options...

Flies in both of my drinks, small drinks, and slow service.

We were ignored for at least 5-10 minutes after walking in on a slow Thursday at 6:45. The girl walked by and looked at us a few times but didn’t stop and she wasn’t carrying food or drinks, just walking back and forth.

We she finally took our order she wanted a card on file even though we were at a table. I’d expect that to open a tab at a bar but that’s a first at a table.

When we finally got our $12 drinks they were tiny and the Manhattan was warm (old fashioned and Manhattan).

I went to take a drink and realized there was a small fly floating in my drink. The waitress was no where to be found so I took it to the bar. The bartender gave me one she has supposedly just made for another table. I went back to my seat, took a sip and a fly floated to the top.

We paid for my wife’s drink and left. Went across the street to a bar we’ve never had a problem at, got faster service even though they’re just about packed, and there’s no flies in my drink now.

Should have guessed something was up when one bar is packed and the new one across the street (Vortex) is slow.

Also, randomly while waiting for our drinks another server(?) walked by with 2 foil wrapped burgers in his hands and asked if we wanted burgers. Never been offered random food in a restaurant or bar like that so...

5/5 because 6 stars isn't an option...

As you walk through the doors it is immediately clear, you’re not in a typical restaurant, nor sports bar or pub, you’re in a craft brewery taproom. The massive tanks behind the bar - combined with the windowed views of the towering production equipment, hoses, and piping - invites you to feel a part of the brewing process.

All of the staff (Jessie, Amanda, Jess, Brook, Ivy, Ian, + ) is incredibly knowledgeable and so friendly!! They’re ready to provide even the most inexperienced connoisseur with a beverage recommendation and a perfect pour…..though the outstanding variety of beers surely makes that easy. The food menu includes classic appetizers, fantastic pizzas, and some rotating options. Wes and Ryan are sure to have something delicious for everyone. And on top of it all, they’ve barely been open a month!!

The Vortex is brewing something special in New Freedom, PA - you’ll be missing out if you do...