Came here for the paranormal night market and was not disappointed! There were paranormal, macabre and other oddities at every vendors table! I got some nice merch! The line was long for beer, but it moved fairly quickly! As always, I got the crimson briar, a nice fruited sour. The only sour they have, but can't complain. They have a nice section to choose from There are 2 floors so you can get your drinks in both locations. Seated areas all over and a nice outdoor patio for those summer days! read more

See all

First visit sit was this past weekend (Sunday). Our main bartender was Justin and he is professional, friendly, knowledgeable and had great suggestions. Jackie is also very friendly and helpful. We were there on a day they had a cartoon graphic artist show upstairs. Not our thing but fun to check out. On this visit we didn't eat as had just had lunch and were full. They do offer a variety of options incudine pizza, pretzel, hot dogs, burgers etc. They are dog friendly outside, have games (board as well as corn hole). They were having a sale on swag (select 75% off) so we picked up some cute shirts. Go check them out, highly recommend. read more

See all

Excellent brewery in Cheshire! Good beer list with sufficient variety, although would have liked to see more darker beers and stouts. Very nice patio that is dog friendly (!), as well as a second patio area with Adirondacks. Service is at the bar and there is a line but it moves very fast, they are very efficient. Overall, a very nice place! read more

Counter Weight - Sour and IPA - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

Really enjoyed the hot honey pizza at Counterweight Brewing! Upstairs had a lounge to eat your food, a bar, games & books. It was a great place to settle down after the hustle & bustle of the vendor market on the 1st floor that day. The vendor market leaned towards alternate / curiosity art, which I loved. There was a long line and wait for food, with friendly staff. If I had to go back, it would probably be for one of the metal shows they have throughout the year. read more

See all

We finally made it out to Counterweight's newer location. We used to frequent their original location, and regularly drink their beers which rarely disappoint. They are very accessible, with multiple accessible spaces, a (very visible) elevator to the upstairs bar, and large accessible bathrooms on both levels. They also have a large patio area. Service was friendly and quick. It was busy downstairs, but quieter upstairs with another bar. There is also a restaurant inside which we didn't try, but the food looked pretty good. The beer was good as always, but the tap list it's was a little boring which I didn't expect. There are also signs everywhere to mind your children, and yet there were still gaggles of kids doing irritating kid stuff like running around and dragging chairs around making a racket. The overall atmosphere felt a little soulless vs their old location. I could have been at any other brewery and felt the same, unfortunately. Overall, it's a nice brewery, but I don't think I will rush back to hang there except maybe during an event. I'd rather just enjoy their beer out at a bar or at home most of the time. read more

Counter Weight - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

Huge brewery! Awesome service and a great selection of beers to go. We got the New England Blueberry cider and it was so good read more

Counter Weight - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

See all

We were doing flaming photos and decided to pop in for a round or two. There was 8 of us in the group, the place is set up really nice. There is a large bar, several tables and what looks like a private party back room I would have taken more pics, there was a lot of people there and didn't feel like editing or asking people if they minded their photos being taken. The staff there is super friendly and worked with some of our party as they weren't sure what they wanted for beers. I had a nice interaction with the manager, he was touching tables and that was amazing to see. I'm in the industry and good to see staff making sure things are good and interacting. We ended up having 3 rounds then hit the food truck up outside, I don't know if the food truck changes but this was a ramen one and it was very tasty! We will be back, Sunday fundays will be happening in our future read more

Counter Weight - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

As someone who was new to the beer/craft brewery world, their knowledgeable staff was the first to take the time to recommend options and it was a really welcoming and refreshing experience. I also love coming back for Oktoberfest read more

I loved how spacious this brewery is! Allot of the time when brewerys are that busy it takes a while to get served and is crowded. However that is not the case here! It is so spacious especially with the second floor that also has a small bar! Great idea! I wasn't the biggest fan of their sour but my bf liked the IPA he got read more

Beautiful and comfortable brewery. Great indoor and outdoor seating. Dog and kid friendly! Excellent beers. I am partial to IPA's and loved the Talisman. They have gray food trucks that rotate through but you can bring your own food which is nice if you aren't feeling the food truck. The service is awesome. Super friendly staff. Special shout out to the meticulously clean bathrooms. I know it's a small detail but it is a big deal in my book. :) read more

Counter Weight - Talisman - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

I absolutely love this place and would give it a higher rating if I could. My main reasons: 1) The beer is awesome (no bad choices found; Space Coyote is my fav). 2) They make excellent pizza and don't charge extra for vegan and gluten free options (though it's not on the menu, I recommend the vegan Big Mac pizza--phenomenal). 3) Everyone who works here is kind, helpful, talkative, and genuinely seems to like working here. 4) The facility is wonderful--outdoor and indoor areas, 5) While I haven't personally had the chance to attend, they do events here like trivia and yoga. Super cool offerings. I love that this place exists! read more

Counter Weight - Vegan Big Mac pizza! So good!! - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

Great Hazy's evaluated by a San Diegan. Best craft beer city in America. Would love it if there was some music playing.

Counter weight is one of my favorite breweries in CT. The location is huge with two levels and a large outside seating area. They have rotation of food trucks offerings daily. Large selections of beer on tap and service prompt and friendly. Plenty of parking. They offer special events like trivia on second level. read more

Now located in a brand new building in Cheshire! If you love beer visiting here is a must. They have a great variety of beers and a couple guest wines and cider. I got the Strataclysm which is a double IPA. I love a good IPA & this didn't disappoint! I then tried the Crimson Briar which is a sour. This beer is loaded with raspberry flavor. As much as love IPAs this was my favorite from this trip. The staff was attentive and well prepared for the steady stream of visitors. There are different types of seating options as well as areas to stand with counters to place your beer on. If you're hungry they have food trucks outside to order from. Only complaint is how loud it is in there. It was hard to hear my friend over all the noise. It's a bit overwhelming. Hopefully the weather will be nicer next visit & we can sit outside. read more

Counter Weight - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

Counter Weight has a brand new facility in Cheshire, CT and it's absolutely stunning! It's brand spanking new (opened mid-March 2022), tons of parking, a huge outdoor patio (still being worked on), large taplist and tons of cans to go. If you've been to their original location, this one is 10x that! They're not dog friendly any more indoors but dog friendly on the patio - and they're working to make it bigger and better for the warm weather! We visited on a Saturday afternoon and they were pretty busy. We had to wait outside for a few minutes as they were at capacity. I'm unsure if that's a COVID protocol or building in general but it was only a few minutes. They also checked IDs at the door and gave wristbands. It definitely remind me of Treehouse Brewing in Charlton, MA. It's nice to have a huge taphouse like this nearby! read more

See all

Beautiful space and exceptional beer. What more do you want? I have visited several times and each time encountered a friendly vibe and helpful bartenders. I will say, if you are hard of hearing, this is not the place for you. My favorite part of coming to the new facility is how clean it is. It really makes for a pleasant outing. My favorite pours from the tab are the Workhorse Pilsner and the Crimson Briar Raspberry Sour. read more

See all

Had never been to this brewery which is close to home. Nice location, good choice of beers and cider for those who dont drink beer and our favorite BBQ place from Waterbury had their food truck onsite which made it taste even better! read more

"Is this the best brewery in the state?" is a phrase that crosses my mind everytime I visit CW. They make the best lager in the state, that is without question. They also make some of the best IPAs in the state. And their mixed fermentation offerings are again... among the best CT offers. One thing I have always appreciated about CW is how evident their respect is for beers heritage. Nothing is brewed casually. They do the research and execute the quality control to ensure what they offer you is of the highest quality. Now that they've moved to their new location in Cheshire, everything I loved about them has only gotten better. Great location, amazing tap lists, solid food truck offerings and a vibe that is exciting without being overwhelming or claustrophobic. Even when super busy, there is room to breathe and relax. Is this the best brewery in the state? It just might be. read more

Counter Weight - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

First time coming to counterweight and the place was definitely worth the drive. Ended up trying 3 different beers, of which all were delicious. The upstairs room is a nice spot, overlooking the brew area. Will be coming back to try it on a warmer day this summer, and try some of the food trucks that were outside. read more

Counter Weight - Beer - Breweries Near Me - Cheshire, Connecticut

They don't do flights, but will give samples. They have a great space- inside/outside, food truck. The servers aren't overly friendly, but attentive and knowledgeable . The mural work is creative...and we met the artist who working behind the bar - he was humble and was able to talk to my husband (also an artist). Music was eclectic, but not obtrusive. read more

Counter Weight Brewing Company is a craft brewery that opened in Hamden, Connecticut in March 2017. It was founded by brewer Matt Westfall. Westfall started out as a home brewer and eventually began working at the popular New England Brewing Company in Woodbridge. He became the head brewer and partner there after just two years. After nine years at NEBCO, Westfall announced that he was leaving to start his own brewery. In 2017, Counter Weight opened their doors to the public at 23 Raccio Park Rd in Hamden at a converted gym. Westfall hired his good friend Sean Piel as the head brewer. Offerings such as "Headway IPA" and "Workhorse Pilsner" soon became popular not just in Connecticut but around the Northeast. Two major changes occurred in late 2020: head brewer Sean Piel left Counter Weight to become head brewer at Twelve Percent Beer Project in North Haven, and Westfall announced that Counter Weight would be moving to a brand new 20,000-square-foot brewing facility and taproom in the neighboring town of Cheshire. The new facility opened in March 2022. I stopped by Counter Weight just over a week ago while I was cycling on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. The brewery is one of seven Connecticut craft breweries to be located within close proximity to the trail. Although I have visited Counter Weight several times at their old location (which was also within close proximity to the trail), this was my first visit to the new facility. The building was very impressive. Lots of tables on the first floor and even more on the second floor (which features an awesome view of the production floor as well as some classic arcade cabinets and a shuffleboard table for patrons to play on). I grabbed some food from a Puerto Rican food truck on the premises and then headed to the bar. Counter Weight doesn't currently offer taster flights, but they do offer short pours. I had some short pours of Framewerk" (Zwickelbier), "Sticky Threads" (IPA), and "Double Talisman" (Double IPA). The latter was my favorite; the Nelson Sauvin hops gave it some nice notes of white grape and peach. I really enjoyed my visit to Counter Weight and look forward to returning. read more

See all

Amazing beer, but thats about it. This place is a daycare. Yesterday there were 50 kids running around with no parents watching them. I came here to get a break from kids. Kids took over all the games upstairs so theres not much to do. First floor needs entertainment or activities. Dear parents take your kids to a trampoline park. dear counterweight, please cut off kids at 3pm on weekends. Also its time to put a pool table and darts in that side room near the bar on level 1. This place could be so much better. Bartenders are always rude, always yelling about rules of the bar line, meanwhile kids running everywhere read more

Great micro brews, great service. Will go again soon. Some of the best brews in CT. Encourage all to try.

Good place the pizza was excellent. They make really good beer, but unfortunately, as with most of the breweries nowadays , there was so many kids running around that I felt like I was drinking at Chuck E. Cheese. They have a couple of signs up, but didn't really help. I don't understand the mentality. Customers that are spending money leave sooner because people come in and all the good seats are taken up by them and their children who aren't spending a dime. read more

So glad this place moved to Cheshire. They usually have above average food trucks and off course their beers are a staple and above average to boot. The staff are super friendly, can make good recommendations based on what you like and let you do taste testers. The atmosphere especially in the summer is chilled and yet buzzing, catching eye contact with would be friends, making introductions with approving nods sharing our appreciation for good beers. The space inside is bright, open plan, roomy and is great for hosting your next private event too. Lots of parking too. Drink responsibly folks read more

A sparkling clean brew pub, friendly staff, neat architecture with a touch of repurposed, and most importantly a good selection of yummy brews are all here. Check off all the boxes! Counter Weight earns bonus points the Saturday we visited having swag and a good food truck. This pub(lic house) felt a little more house-like with potted plants along the entry. Chili-cheese fries, beer, and time to gather--or not, they have small tables too--make a grey day slightly sunnier. Being just around the corner from 691 and a short jaunt from 84, there's a good chance you're just dropping by. CounterWeight makes it easy with the cold case of 4 packs by the front door. I don't k ow if CW has everything on the tap list in the case, but it still appeared to be a large selection. Alas, photos of old show that CW once had beer flights, bur our kind host said they currently do not. You can at least get a short pour or a taste sample if you're on the fence. Work Horse, Appalachian Sequoia, and Otava were most refreshing! A selection of wines and Foxon Park sodas add to the selection. The Farmington Canal Trail isn't too far, and there's plenty of car parking, so this is a great destination if you're thirsty. read more

Counterweight Brewing Co did not disappoint! I was there for a private tour arranged by a good friend of mine. Our host for the tour was Adam, and he did a great job. I tried a few different beers and they were all so tasty. What a great place to have a gathering. They had games, music, and booze. What's better than that? read more

The brews are always a hit. A great place to try something new. Atmosphere is awesome -- plenty of space outside while noshing on grub from whatever amazing food truck of the day. Even on busy nights there's a space to sit. Plenty of events so there's always an excuse to stop in again. I'm so glad they moved to Cheshire! read more

poor communication from management when trying to book a room for a small party. Went out of my way to check out the spot, and the date was given away without even notifying me that there was another inquiry. read more

The beer is decent, if a bit samesy. If you've tried one New England style IPA With Citra hops you've tried them all, at least here. The staff was rude, and seemed more focused on enforcing the arbitrary rules than building rapport or whatever. God forbid you try a sip of your friend's beer, or beer masseuse--don't call him a bartender--Chadford Brandlesnatch from Cheshire will descend from his high perch to growl disapprovingly at you through his handlebar mustache. The BBQ truck was good though. read more

Biggest waste of our time.. Don't hire a band, let them advertise your business and tag you. Then, after your hired talent and their following drive an hour and show up in lousy weather, tell them unapologetically that you 'don't do live music at your establishment anymore'. Who does that? If you are canceling your entertainment, have the decency to actually call them to let them know. Additionally, don't advertise food trucks when there are none. Or did you cancel them with no notice, too?? Nothing professional about this business. read more

Our party arrived to find the brewery closed. We had tried to call the brewery, no response, no message about it being closed. Their website says they were supposed to be open. It was 6:00 on a Sunday. Very disappointed. Business tip: If you're closing your shop early I. The age of computers and internet, please post it on your website and change your voicemail to reflect that. read more

It is in my opinion top 3 in the state. The beer is perfectly brewed to the style, how can't it be? The owner literally goes to Germany to study with the famous German Brewers. The beertenders are super down to earth and knowledgeable about each beer they serve. Oh, and the food trucks are always top-notch! read more

Beautiful building and plenty of parking. The outdoor space which is dog friendly is well shaded and comfortable. The beer selection is balanced with traditional largers, IPAs, and ales. Service is prompt and friendly. The inside beer halls are well appointed, comfortable and quiet. Nice rotating food trucks read more

FINALLY made my way up to Cheshire/ Southington line from New Haven. Nice set up but too far away from me. Liked the place in Hamden. Probably the best brewery in the region BUT difficult to travel to from New Haven. Had a nice afternoon with a brew or two and a great food truck. Please move back down my way! Go early, as there are a lot of dogs and screaming babies in the later afternoon! read more

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE BREWERY EXPERIENCE ON A WEEKEND. Beer is great and will continue buying it , but NEVER going to the brewery for it. On a weekend it's basically a daycare. Im a parent of 2 and on a weekend where we go to places like a bar or brewery we want to escape these under 21 year olds and relax. If you find it enjoyable to go to a brewery with kids flooding it, zig zagging between tables, screaming, taking over all the adult games, as you're trying to kick back then you're probably one of those parents, so yes I recommend you go. They even had some kids soccer team come celebrate whilst the parents leisurely drank (think an elevated Chuck e Cheese). Otherwise, for the population who wants to go and relax and enjoy a beer, music and play adult games that are not taken over by 5 years olds then I'd say AVOID. Parents use this place as a babysitter and it sucks. We left and heard other adults complaining as well. 21 over places should have the crowds remain 21 and over. Romper room with beer is not our idea of fun. The acoustics are awful so you hear nothing but voices and occasional ear piercing scream from a child who needs their diaper changed. You're just sitting in this overly noisy room, drinking great beer thinking wow this is a nightmare. I actually spent weekends entertaining my kids with kid friendly activities not going to breweries drinking and driving h my kids around?? We scurried out of there to Kinsmen Brewing and WOW what a difference. The atmosphere is not comparable....you can hear music, your conversations, but beer is not as good. I rather have a great day with average beer than sit in a place I can't enjoy good beer. We saw lots of people here from counterweight that just have escaped romper room too. Sucks bc we drove an hour to enjoy that beer. Major downer. read more

No matter which beer your choose they are all amazing. I have been to hundreds of breweries all over the country and world, and I always find myself craving their beer. Everything is well brewed exactly to style. The beertenders are fantastic, friendly, efficient, and accommodating. Great people to talk to as well. It's a comfortable atmosphere with music, great food trucks, and activities. LOVE IT! read more

Great ambience. Bocce and outdoor seating. Good selection of beer. Workhorse and Daybloom are my favs. Place had a nice vibe with a great staff read more

Rude, unfriendly, and unprofessional staff. I've been to many breweries in the area and never encountered this before. Will not be returning. read more

Terrible experience- overcharged & bad pours. After getting a few beers we were overcharged and the pours were half pours. Would not recommend. Go to Kinsmen- better beer and better people. read more