Craft Ale House

Craft Ale HouseCraft Ale House
Craft Ale HouseCraft Ale House
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

708 W Ridge Pike
Limerick, Pennsylvania, 19468-1422
United States

(484) 932-8180 | map
craftalehouse.com

Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.31
Reviews:
43
Ratings:
64
pDev:
11.6%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Joemark:
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Reviewed by Joemark from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Atmosphere - Nice set up. Clean appearance. Wooden floors, tables, bar etc... gives it a European-esque feel. Although a fairly large building as a whole, the bar area is smaller, maybe seating 18 - 20, while majority of the square footage is dedicated to the restaurant. It is a family friendly place, but certainly doesn't give off a playground feel. People can come and enjoy a nice time out with their friends, spouse, significant other, without being hampered by children running around. Overall, very nice and unique. It reminds me of a newer type of Monk's Café bar with a takeout section that resembles Total Wine, in that you can mix and match six packs.

Beer - Great selection of beer, both bottled (250+) and on tap (16). Ranges from Belgian styles to micro brews, etc... Prices seem fair and the establishment offers a 20% discount on any six pack of 12 oz, or 4 pack of 25 oz. beers. I did notice some bottles appeared to be marked up, such as the Westmalle Dubble (12oz) which was selling for $8.50. I believe I purchased the same bottle at Total Wine for about $5. That is only a small gripe, as I expect to pay top dollar when purchasing Belgian beers. Plus, I love the luxury of being able to sample various different beers, instead of having to buy a whole case. Another small issue was that they did not have a list of bottled beer at each table. With such a huge selection, it is almost a necessity for someone like myself who went their specifically for the wide selection of beer. I enjoy going through the list and lining up my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th beers for the night. Again, that is a very minor issue. For those interested, I started off with a 25oz Ommegang Rare Vos, and then finished with a Unibroue Maudite. Both were quite enjoyable.

Food - The menu is pretty comparable to the average pub, offering the usual sandwiches, appetizers, mussels, etc... Not too extensive, and you may have a hard time finding something healthy on the menu if that is your wish. Although the selection is comparable, the taste and quality are much better. Burger and chicken sandwiches, fries, are all great.

Overall - We both enjoy our time there and go back about once a week. With the ability to bring your own wine (for my wife) and the various beers offered (for me), it definitely offers a unique experience compared to other establishments in the area. I look forward to my next visit sometime next week.
Aug 03, 2009
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by LeanardR

4.41/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
Always a good experience every time we go and they do a good job with entertainment. Music when they have it is always at a good volume and good quality. Beer is fantastic
Jul 24, 2023
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Reviewed by THFCBeerBQ from Pennsylvania

1.78/5  rDev -58.7%
vibe: 1 | quality: 2 | service: 1 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2
Visited the Craft Ale House last night on a whim and would never return due to their SEXIST ideals and policies.

Arrived shortly before 10 with a friend of mine, the place was empty except for two other women who were at a table and a man playing acoustic guitar in the corner. We sat down at the bar and before we could even say hello we were asked to leave. The bartender preceded to tell us they didn't serve men who wore tank-tops and showed us a sign specifically calling out MEN about their sleeves. I was shocked such a SEXIST rule existed! I looked over at the two women, the one was wearing a strapless dress, the other a spaghetti-strap top.

Now I'm all for following rules but this is just an unnecessary, body-shaming rule that left me feeling marginalized and singled out. My tank was a nice, fitted, store-bought top that was free of dirt and holes. I was dressed in a fashionable way and always take pride in my appearance. I'm not sure why men's shoulders are so offensive, how are my shoulders any different than the shoulders of the two women at the other table!?! I can imagine the backlash in 2017 if it was reversed, and women were told they had to cover up while men could wear whatever they like.

As I said, I left feeling upset and singled-out because of my sex. The owner must have a real inferiority complex if he/she is concerned about this type of stuff so much they have to enforce archaic, awful rules.

It's a private business so they have the right to make up whatever stupid rules they want but I know my friend and I will never be returning, and I would suggest others think twice before patronizing this establishment.
Aug 01, 2017
Photo of Bruce5
Reviewed by Bruce5 from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -6%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
The location and outside don't do justice to what one finds inside. The bar only has one small TV, this is definitely not the place to catch the game, but this is the place for serious beer drinkers.

Only 15 taps but all are quality selections along with an extensive bottle selection. Food menu is also limited but definitely a cut above bar food. Great food and great beer ignore the vibe.
Sep 19, 2015
 
Rated: 4.4 by hipHOPSanonymous from Pennsylvania

Jun 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4.91 by JimPottNY from Pennsylvania

Mar 19, 2015
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Rated by Wenhodav

4.53/5  rDev +5.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Great draft and bottle selection. A must for any beer / food geek.
Mar 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.15 by dfhhead25 from Pennsylvania

Feb 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.95 by R_Brown77 from Pennsylvania

Jan 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by kwm5067 from Pennsylvania

Dec 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by thgreatrandini from Pennsylvania

Nov 29, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by micropale from Pennsylvania

Nov 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Psupunk from Pennsylvania

Nov 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.68 by jgbeer107 from Pennsylvania

Nov 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4.28 by briandavis6 from Pennsylvania

Sep 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by GreenMind from Pennsylvania

Sep 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by wilmerkatie from Pennsylvania

Aug 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Troegsfan from Pennsylvania

Aug 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Magikbrew from Pennsylvania

Jun 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by KObeers

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by GiantMidget from Pennsylvania

Jun 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Oakenator from Pennsylvania

May 22, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Chrismann from Pennsylvania

Apr 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bikeboy1 from Pennsylvania

Dec 24, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by GeoffreyM from Pennsylvania

Oct 21, 2013
Photo of McAttitude
Reviewed by McAttitude from Pennsylvania

4.71/5  rDev +9.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.75
Craft Ale House is a great place to sample some great beers or have an excellent dinner! Only real drawback is the limited seating! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Always an excellent selection on draft and a huge bottle list! Offers discounts on 6 packs to go!
Sep 18, 2013
Photo of Knapp85
Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

4.36/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
Stopped in here with some fellow BA's earlier last week. This was our second choice of the night but we ended up being pleasantly surprised with how it was. The whole place is rather spacious which was nice when you needed to walk around to the bathrooms or over to the beer coolers along the left side wall. The quality was very nice, clean looking just well kept and cozy. The selection was pretty solid with the minor exception that most of the beer we were asking for off the bottle list were sold out. Pretty bummed when you see Parabola on there and it's not actually available at the moment. The food looked good from what I could see others eating but I hadn't ordered any myself. Overall the value of the place is worth checking out, they also give discounts on 6 packs when you buy them for take-out. Very good service also, Justin was a great bartender to us and I wanna make sure he gets a proper thank you on here to him. If I ever end up in Limerick again someday I'll be sure to stop back into this pub for a good round or two.
Jul 30, 2013
Photo of thain709
Reviewed by thain709 from Pennsylvania

4.14/5  rDev -3.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I was able to stop in here a few months back with a few college friends. It was later on a Friday night and the place was pretty busy. There was a twenty minute wait for a table, but we found a place at the "outer bar/breakfast nook."

Both the hostess and the two bartenders were very friendly. The hostess suggested we snatch the open seats by the bar. We were all able to order right away as the bartenders noticed we were standing with empty hands.

The tap list was pretty good with 16 taps ranging from locals (Sly Fox Pils, Yards Love Stout (nitro), Prism Love is Evol), other craft brewers (21st Amendment Bitter American, Great Divide Belgica), to imports (Duvel, Saison DuPont). The bottle list was even more extensive with Russian River, AleSmith, Dogfish Head, and many, many more craft breweries. Imports were also featured in the bottle coolers.

Prices were very reasonable for a bottle shop. The draft prices were spot on. All of our drafts were fresh and served in the proper glassware.

We had a nice visit to the Craft Ale House. I will want to stop in again the next time I visit my old college friends.
Feb 13, 2012
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Reviewed by BHopp12 from Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This place by far is one of my favorite to visit and easily accessible for me as its right in my own "backyard". They have an extensive collection of hard to find and popular craft beers. For example, AleSmith IPA, Speedway Stout, an extensive collection of Dogfish Head, the list goes on. A favorite of mine is to stop and pick up a few bottles for the night. Also great food and great service. Food is pub style and fantastic. If in the area I highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a bite to eat and a few good beers.
Jan 17, 2012
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Reviewed by shangwang from Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Decided to check this place out on a Friday night when my mother-in-law wanted to meet up somewhere near Phoenixville. I had read some of the reviews on BA, as well as Google and Urbanspoon, and I'll admit I was a little nervous about the service based on what I had read. It was obvious this place had a great selection, but my wife often likes to ask for alterations to whatever she orders when we go out, and I wasn't sure how that would be received. We arrived around 5pm and had no trouble getting a table, although it did start to fill up quickly and by 6-6:30pm there was a wait. We had a high-top table near the bar and our waitress was very attentive and seemed to have a pretty good knowledge of the beer. I had a Monk's Flemish Sour Ale and a Ballast Point Barrel-aged Black Marlin, and both were priced around $5, which I was happy with. As far as the food went, all 3 of our meals were delicious, and the waitress didn't bristle at all when my wife asked for some slight changes to her meal. We weren't rushed at all, and before we left I grabbed 4 bombers (Cantillon Gueuze, BP Victory at Sea, Avery 18th Anniversary, and Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi) which were discounted 20% because I purchased 4. The prices weren't bad to begin with, but with the discount I was thrilled. The bottle selection was ridiculous!

Overall, I was very pleased with our experience - great beers, great food, and I left with some great bottles and a great price. Definitely will go back.
Jan 16, 2012
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Reviewed by BARFLYB from Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Stopped in here with some friends from work after a long day.

Craft Ale House is fairly small looking from the outside and inside, well, it's pretty small and fairly tight corners. What a nice place though. Outside looks spiffy with new renovations. Inside, pretty much 90% dark wood interior. Few beer signs and more cozy surroundings is a plus as I hate for a bars interior to be another form of advertisement. One of those almish fireplaces with a two person couch if I recall correct. Bar area is incredibly small and hard to get a seat at. Tables surrounding that with a mix a six to go selection and another cooler of beer behinf the bar. Bathrooms were spiffy.

Grabbing a table(which was mad close to another table) I was greeted promptly by my server and she was pretty hot. That's always a plus! I ordered up some daisy cutters and that new Victory DIPA. Clean glassware and proper pours.

I ordered up a marhgaretta(Sp?) Pizza and some other grub. It was decent, nothing spectacular, but above most bars food offerings. It took a bit to get the food as well and it was not all that busy. Everybody enjoyed the food though so it's a win.

Pretty nice draft list with about 16 or so representing most styles. I wish I came here a week sooner when they had Cantillon 100% Kriek on tap(Kicks Rocks). A killer bottle list as well that is up to date. I mean this list rivals most out there nad reminds me of Eulogy's list in terms of sheer volume and beer styles/breweries/Etc.

A nice small spot that im sure has a loyal local following, because let's face it, what else is there to do in Limerick. Im going to come back and try to get a bar seat and see if the tenders really know their beer.
Jan 07, 2012
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Reviewed by chefmonty from Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +9.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
CAH is a great craft beer only place in what use to be the Limerick Deli. The complete renovations they did to the place were nothing short of incredible. Nice dark woodwork, a Hightop seating area as you walking in to your left. To your right, a couch line waiting/casual seating area with fireplace. Staight ahead, an L-shaped bar that seats around 15, and the rest of the place is table seating.

Great tap selection with most styles represented. almost aways a sour selection,a stout asaision etc, you get the point.

Staff is very knowlegible and attentive. The food is a definite improvement to the usual Pub-grub.

Overall one of my favorite suburban Philly stops.
Nov 04, 2011
Photo of rfgetz
Reviewed by rfgetz from New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
The beer is definitely the star as this smallish bar has a clean, bright and uninspiring atmosphere. Lots of unadorned cream colored walls with dark wood appointments. Bar seats maybe 15 with twice as many standing. Dining room has ample room but is somewhat cramped.

A few open fronted refrigerators behind the bar house many of the high ABV, limited and seasonal bombers, while a half a dozen other open fronted refrigerators continue long the same wall to the right of the bar, able to be browsed at your leisure. The 20 or so taps featured a wide mix of beer, but stuck to the expansive 200+ bottles, all reasonably priced.

Service was spotty as it was hard to approach the crowded bar and the 2 servers lost track of who was due up next. Did not sample the food.

Overall, not the best vibe in atmosphere and crowd composition, but a great bottle selection and decent prices make this place.
Aug 28, 2011
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Reviewed by NJpadreFan from New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl 4 of us came here for lunch. Upon walking in I was impressed with the darker woody atmosphere, fireplace with couches in front of it, and the laid back feeling. Waitress was quick to serve us, was knowledgeable, and friendly. We ordered the Tipsy Monk Mussels, Hamburger, Fish & Chips, and Chicken Sandwich. My Fish & Chips weren't bad but weren't spectacular either, my wife's Chicken was the same. We drank some Breckenridge Amber, Green Flash Grand Cru, Stoudt's Lager, and Petrus, all tasty. They, unfortunately ran out of peanut Butter pie! 4 people for lunch and drinks came out to $100. A bit pricey but we had several drinks.
Overall, I enjoyed my visit and would recommend. I wouldn't make another 1hour trip out just for this place but if you're in the area or have friends close by its worthy of a visit.
Feb 06, 2011
Photo of mattgreger
Reviewed by mattgreger from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
First visit to this place was this past week. It was a great first impression.

As we walked in, you found a few scattered patrons at the bar enjoying a wide variety of brews. My buddy and I pulled up a seat at the bar, to see one of the employees finishing up the draft board that alone was a nice touch. As we sat down, we were greated by the bartender who explained the new brews on the list, as well as handed us a list of the bottles that were also available to purchase.

My buddy asked the bartender about her recommendations from the list. She was extremely knowledgable about all the brews and how well they sell, as well as what she felt about them. I went with a Allagash tripel, while he went with another brew. What made this place great, is what happened with my second brew. My second selection was a Troegs Flying Mouflan, but the keg kicked half through, so she gave it to me on the house. So while deciding a on another brew, she happened to mention that they had a bottle of Victory Dark Intrigue, which neither my buddy nor myself had been able to get our hands on. She said they weren't for take out, but we could have it in the bar. So of course we did and enjoyed the awesomeness that it was. What made it even better was, that she hadn't had it yet either so she asked for a small sip from a shot glass..which we of course gave.

Forgive my rambling, this place is great. Other patrons know there stuff and its a great place for any beer geek to enjoy there stuff and chat about it as well. With staff or other patrons.
Jan 09, 2011
Photo of ShanePB
Reviewed by ShanePB from Pennsylvania

4.88/5  rDev +13.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
I've been going to Craft Ale House since late 2009 and consider myself to be a "regular" there. All things considered, I'm trying to be very unbiased...

CAH is a small beer bar, no wine, no liquor, though BYOW is encouraged and there is no corking fee. The atmosphere is dimly lit throughout, three high-top tables on your immediate left as you walk in, with the chalk beer board behind. The bar is small, directly next to the high-tops though there are stools behind the bar with a thin ledge to rest your drinks on. The rest is dining tables, two or three in the far back, and perhaps 8 or so on the side. Not too big at all.

The taps are always rotating and you can always expect a variety of styles. There is always one Nitro tap on, always one beer in the Sour-realm, and then a variety of dominantly US craft beer from all over, as well as the occasional imports (mostly Belgian or German). His (Gary) bottle selection tops over 400 different beers, last time I did an evaluation with him...I believe Summer 2010.

The service is great and has been from the beginning. Obviously, once you're a regular, your service is top-notch. Though, I've noticed their staff is much more educated, patient and friendly than from two years ago. The bartenders are quite good, especially Brian and Wendy, and will go out of their way to explain the different beers and give you samples to try.

The food is absolutely outstanding. Although their menu is quite small, they have everything from up-scale pub food (chicken tenders ROCK), to fine-dining type of meals. There's something for everyone on here, despite how small of a selection there may be.

If you haven't visited yet, please do, Gary and Melissa are two of the best owners I've seen run a restaurant. They're always on the floor seating, cleaning, tapping, whatever they can do to help out. Perfect.

TIP: Stay past 11pm for the complimentary popcorn - it's outstanding - crackcorn, we call it.
Jan 04, 2011
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Reviewed by pvequalsnrt from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
i don't live too far away, but have not visited yet because there are a few more places closer to me. but i was not disappointed. i went for a troegs event, so the place was crowded. that may be my only complaint; the dining area isn't too large. but it keeps the place quaint, i suppose. the beer selection was great (they had scratch 39 before the brewery did!) and the food was excellent. the BEST burger i've had for quite some time.

i will be going back to this place. most likely next week.
Dec 25, 2010
Photo of George2744
Reviewed by George2744 from Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
I've been to this establishment no less than 7 times in the past 12 weeks...yes, the beer brings me in, but the food keeps me returning.

If you're looking to get in and out quickly, this is not your place. Service has always been friendly and knowledgable. You're never rushed here. The quality of the food for the price is exceptional. In my opinion, "one of the best burgers" within 50 miles. The owners, one in the front of the house, the other in the back always keep a watchful eye out for patrons and their needs.

This is Limericks best kept secret!!
Nov 02, 2010
Photo of yobeerman
Reviewed by yobeerman from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
One of my favorite Ale Houses. This place has an excellent craft beer selection, along with one of the widest selections of bottled craft beers for purchase. They serve upscale pub food, as well as some dishes that you'd only see in fine restaurants. I'm told that all ingrediants are fresh, and that there's no freezer on the site.

Dining is casual w/an cozy dining area of only 10 or 12 tables. Seating is also available at the bar and adjacent to the bar on some high tables and chairs.

Appetizers, Soups, and Salads are all very creative and delicious. As others have mentioned, the kitchen can be slow but it's worth the waite.

The beers on tap are all craft brews. Usually a great selection that comes from areas throughout the US. The staff knows their stuff and is always happy to help w/a sample or advice.

Enjoy!
Oct 29, 2010
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Reviewed by mildlybitter75 from Pennsylvania

2.88/5  rDev -33.2%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 1.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
The pros of this place is the selection is very good, but they have no hand-pumps and their draft selection is always very High abv beers. When I went here a few times in the Summer it was all High abv belgians and IPA's which I don't want to drink on a hot day.
This place really draws the Yuppie Middle-class crowd which is why they charge a fortune for their beers and food, and as far as food goes its nothing special; but it is very good--I will give them that.
As far as staff goes it's hit or miss. Sometimes you will get a nice friendly bartender but 9 times out of 10 they usually are very snobby and give you dirty looks if you drink your beer to fast. Obviously they don't understand the concept of working for tips.
Oct 02, 2010
Craft Ale House in Limerick, PA
Place rating: 4.31 out of 5 with 64 ratings