Brewing in the PA Wilds: Dented Keg Brewing Company

Dented Keg Brewing Company is a family-and-friend-owned brewpub in Clearfield, along the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds. Specializing in craft beer and cider, elevated bar food, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and groups of friends, Dented Keg aims to be an integral part of the community.

Owners Matt and Corey, along with two friends, Austin and Brian, began brewing in Matt’s basement in 2015. After trial and error, many long weekends, and lots of (consumed) kegs later, they decided to take their hobby to the next level. They opened their first brewery and restaurant in Mars, PA.

A few years later and after navigating the pandemic, Dented Keg was stronger than ever. They decided to expand into the Pennsylvania Wilds, opening the Clearfield location in October 2022 in the River’s Landing building.

River’s Landing was the winner of the 2023 PA Wilds Champion Award for Great Design… and for good reason. This stunning building truly encompasses the values of the Great Design Award, which honors the preservation or enhancement of an area’s rural community character.

River’s Landing incorporates several themes of the PA Wilds Design Guide, such as inclusion of water, glass, stone, metal, signage, lighting, and locally sourced materials. Attention to placement of windows and outdoor seating was considered to take advantage of optimal shade and sun times. Lighting was directed downward, so as not to impact our dark skies.

The Dented Keg fits nicely in the River’s Landing building, overlooking the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna and the beautiful Clearfield River Walk. The inside of the Dented Keg features industrial-chic lighting fixtures, welcoming seats at both the bar and tables, and plenty of views out the windows.

Outdoor seating is available as well, and live music can be enjoyed on the patio during weekends in the summertime. Check the Dented Keg Brewing social media for updates for who will be playing.

All beers are brewed in-house at Dented Keg. Tap offerings include many delicious (and interestingly named) options like 504 Pale Ale, Drop ‘Em Out Blonde Ale, Adams Family Stout, Swamp Creek Lager, Boysenberry Wheat, Clearly Not Clear Hazy IPA, Strawberry Rhubarb Cider, Orange Agave Lager, and Yippee Ki-Yay West Coast IPA. Can’t choose just one brew? Four 5-ounce flight samples are available upon request.

The menu includes plenty of burgers, tacos, soups and sides, fried appetizers and other shareables. Although there are familiar flavors, the menu also features plenty of inspiration from cultures around the world and surprising yet delicious flavor combinations. There is also a healthy section of the menu for folks who are watching their calories but still want something tasty. Rotating specials incorporate seasonal foods that keep the menu fresh and interesting.

Dented Keg is a place for patrons to enjoy good beer, cocktails, and food, and to provide job opportunities within the hospitality industry in the Clearfield community.

Dented Keg Brewing Company is a Host Site member in the Experience Makers category of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Dented Keg and leave them a review or recommendation on their WCO profile.