Brewing in the PA Wilds: John Ryan Brewery
- by Britt Madera
- September 5, 2023
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Part of the Brewing in the PA Wilds series
John Ryan Brewery, an artisan restaurant with an onsite brewery in a restored French Second Empire mansion in Old City Williamsport along the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds, is a must-visit for travelers who want a historic location with an upscale but friendly atmosphere.
How did John Ryan Brewery get its name? The brewery/restaurant is owned and operated by John and Andrea Roskowski, but it’s not named after that John. Instead, it dates back to John R.T. Ryan, the original owner of the mansion who was born in the 1840s. Ryan married the daughter of a wealthy lumber baron and learned the lumber trade himself. He and his wife, Emeline, built the mansion in 1870, which is now part of what is known as Millionaire’s Row in Williamsport.
The mansion is now 153 years old, and it has functioned over the years as a home for numerous families and a place of business. This beautiful mansion on East 3rd Street in Williamsport has been updated, yet it keeps its original charm. It houses the John Ryan Brewery, where travelers are able to enjoy a good meal and tasty drinks while taking in the historic atmosphere.
John and Andrea Roskowski work together to deliver craft beers and artisan small plates, entrees and desserts.
For the rest of summer 2023, dinner is from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A Saturday brunch is also available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a limited bar menu is offered from 2 until 4 p.m.
John Ryan Brewery also strives to be a place where you can bring your entire family. A kids menu is available, with familiar foods like buttered noodles, pasta with red sauce, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The rest of the menu at John Ryan Brewery is anything but typical! Although there are certainly some common food foods and bar staples, the menu also includes items inspired by various cultures and cuisines, such as pierogi gyoza, takoyaki (deep fried balls of battered octopus), lobster bao buns, duck bento, and their popular collard greens.
Beers on tap currently include a Belgian IPA, apple seltzer, brown ale, Kolsch, French porter, pilsner, Wit, and the Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA (which was a collaboration between local breweries with New Trail Brewing, giving back to the mission of the PA Wilds Center).
The bar also offers a wide selection of signature cocktails (including the popular Geisha drink using house-made yuzu), seasonal cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.
The menu and beers are frequently updated and changed, so regulars will never get bored. The menu truly is one-of-a-kind with Japanese, Italian, and French culinary influence. John Ryan Brewery operates several dining rooms including a main dining room, full bar, and late night tavern, as well as a shaded patio with a fire pit that is open during warm weather.
Reservations are recommended but not required. To make a reservation, please call the restaurant directly at 570-505-3986.
Come tempt your taste buds and experience the history of Old City Williamsport!
John Ryan Brewery is a Host Site member in the Experience Makers category of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about John Ryan Brewery and leave them a review or recommendation on their WCO profile.
About the Brewing in the PA Wilds series:
Each Tuesday, the PA Wilds blog will spotlight a brewery that is owned and operated within the 13-county PA Wilds region. As a wise hiker once told us, “Every trail should end with a beer.” We tend to agree! With all of the outdoor rec opportunities and brew pubs in our region, it’s easy to end an adventure with a side trip to a brewery to treat yourself, unwind, stretch your aching muscles and laugh with newfound friends. Use these brewery spotlights to learn more about the brewing businesses in the PA Wilds, their passion behind what they do, and the ales you can get when you stop there.
