Krogh's Restaurant And Brewpub

slander

New York

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4 | $$

Cindy unexpectedly moved our Vermont trip to the Poconos, a little corner of Pennsylvania I'm not too familiar with. I found a listing for a brewpub en route in a town called Sparta, in way west of here Sussex County off I-80 a dozen miles or so. Located on picturesque Little Bavaria on the wasn't always a Lake Mohawk, it totally looks like the Vulgaria village square from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and this place a little stone gnome home, alpine style. "Here we are children, come and get your lollipops... ice cream, chocolate... all freee today!"

Very rustic in appearance, the interior is quite cozy. The bar on the far end sits, wood, unusually "P" shaped seating 20 with a center marble topped bar island inside holding tiered booze below, and the restaurant holds the rest of the room. Booze and glassware all the way around below the bar with strung glow rope tucked up there. At the back of the bar, another marble topped piece with cupboards below and a single tower of 10 taps atop holding mostly house handles and Bud & Coors Light. Next to the taps, a popcorn machine from wherest she fills (baskets) and feeds (me).

Décor is like dark brown tree walls in the bar & a loggish cabin scene on the restaurant side at the other end. I've got a center tree upright right next to where I'm sitting. Dark wood ceilings, paneled front windows, color slab tile floorings, drop mismatched stained glass lamps over the bar with more strung glow rope lining above the bar, and sunken spots throughout. Small flatscreen over the bar and in the corners. Small metal bands on posts, beams and the overhang everywhere tells tales of a beer club once ago. Old Lake Mohawk '29 black & white print on the wall there and a painting someone did of the exterior of the place. In the rear corner, a row of copper kettles behind glass.

3 raised bar tables and some bar counterage on the far wall behind me, below a carved Krogh's logo wood piece & individual signs around it each naming an individual beer making up the current tap list, and darts in the corner in a forward nook there. On the dining room side, panel front windows with lake views, twenty something tables and booths and a small fireplace in the corner. The room sparsely decorated with a handful more of old Lake Mohawk black & white prints.

Um, samplers please. The best of the lot was clearly the Pack a Punch Porter, full bodied and roasty, very flavorful; the Old Krogh's Stout had a nice oaty flavor but I like my stouts a little chewier; the Log Cabin Nut Brown Ale could've done with a bit more bite but wasn't too shabby; the Alpine Glow Red Ale was very nicely done; the Three Sisters Wheat Ale was pleasant as well.

And foodings, I had the chili and a sandwich, both very good, everyone seemed pleased with their meals. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. This was a nice diversion off the highway.

Updated 5 and a half years later...

Jed, you'll never guess where I am. Okay, I'll tell you, I'm at Krogh's, yes, Krogh's. Remember, you, me and Dave were here like 5 and a half years ago? Dude, everything is exactly the same, even that same nice lady behind the bar. Seriously.

Sampler revisited: The Krogh's Gold, slightly hoppy and a bit malty, actually quite pleasant; the Three Sisters Golden Wheat, filtered, okay; the Brogden Meadow Pale Ale, deep copper color with a good hoppiness; the Log Cabin Nut Brown, good nutty brownness; the Old Krogh Oatmeal Stout, oaty, chewy, roasty; the seasonal Windy Brow Cider Ale, seemingly funny at first, but nicely apple cidery as it warmed, and as the Alpine Glow Red Ale kicked, they subbed in a black & tan which was like a slightly thinner Oatmeal Stout, fine with me. After the sampler, I ordered the Oatmeal Stout and was asked if I wanted a cold glass or a room temperature glass. Thank you for asking. Tasty stout, I may have had more than one.

The soup tonight was lentil; that bean's not my scene so I opted for a cup of spicy beef & bean chili instead, and a grilled chicken sandwich with fries. The chili was good, not over the top spicy and came loaded with cheese & onions, and the sandwich was solid, came on a fresh roll with some toppings sided. Food has always been consistently good. Jed still goes on about the pierogies he had here nearly a half dozen years ago.

As I've been here 2 nights straight, I must say that there's good community here (someone there referred to it as a round bar). Pleasant, comfortable, friendly, Krogh's.

02-17-2003 09:41:10 | More by slander

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4 | $$

Krogh's is across from beautiful Mohawk Lake in an original, small, Bavarian-style building. The area is really cute, and it's a huge summer-home vacation destination in the spring, summer, and fall (even during off-periods parking is basically non-existent). The history is interesting, and you should check out their web page.

The bar is small with about 20 seats, and it's made of beautiful old wood with a checkerboard top. The ceiling is low, and it really has a comfortable, lodge-like feel to it. The slate floor really rounds it out, and the stained-glass lamps are just the finishing touch on its charm. It's very intimate, but the windows along the street keep it from feeling confined or tight.

The dining room has wooden floors and log cabin walls. It has the same comfortable, very relaxed atmosphere, and a kind of "diner" feel to it.

The food is very good, and includes soups, fried appetizers, hot & cold sandwiches (BLT, club, roast beef), burgers, pizza, chicken, pasta and some Mexican items - really just about anything you could ask of a family restaurant. Prices are reasonable.

The seven beers are very good. They're clean and well brewed. I've never been able to try one of their seasonals though because they've always been out.

And Krogh's has music! How they fit the bands in there, I don't know. Wednesdays are 80's night, and Thursday is open mic night. And they have some larger, touring acts as well.

So, if you're in the area it's definitely worth stopping by, and if you're headed to the area (for the Pocono's or the Delaware Water Gap) don't forget that it's really not that far.

10-08-2006 01:00:53 | More by NeroFiddled

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +7.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$

I used to take the trip up here from my Dad’s place in Butler every couple of months, just for the great feel it offered. I always remembered driving through here as a kid and it just looked like a fairytale kind of place. Once I got older I really got to appreciate what was inside. This was really a cool little place, with their own brand of unique ales. A great cozy, old English vibe inside with great food and a staff that is very eager to please. It has been a while since I have sampled the brew, but I used to love the pale ale, and their seasonals are always great. I never saw a band there, and really cannot picture one as the place is quite small. Overall though it is a must stop if you pass through, you will not find a friendlier place in the area and it is really something that should not be missed.

10-23-2007 23:33:49 | More by mikesgroove

jjboesen

Maryland

3.55/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4.5 | $$

Situated along the shore of Lake Mohawk – actually, a dam, Krogh’s is a small batch brewpub packed with history and house beers. The building, which began as a tea shop in 1927, is a picturesque relic of the past and somewhat reminiscent of a rustic lodge somewhere Bavaria – or maybe even along a dam in New Jersey.

The interior is intimate and homey, with dark wood paneling, heavy rafters and walls made of chinked logs; strewn about is an arbitrary array of tables with sturdy booths clinging along the windows. Once inside, head towards the rear, where you find a P-shaped bar, a well worn one that has supported several generations of tourist elbows.

At the bar, there is a selection of four year-round house beers along with the usual seasonal suspects. The beers were decent, though nothing to crow about. (Sorry) The menu is loaded with hearty fare that includes huge slobbering burgers and features one massive plate of nachos, the “Nacho El Grande,” which is Spanish for the “Big Nacho.” Ay carumba!

All in all, Krogh's is an interesting venue that is worth checking out - if in the area.

08-06-2012 21:33:15 | More by jjboesen

86sportster883

New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -10.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5 | $$

I stopped by Krogh's Restaurant & Pub for dinner and beers on a Monday night. It's a relatively small place with a decent sized bar, which is where I chose to sit and eat dinner. The Yankee game was easily viewed from one of a few flat screens around the bar. The dark wood interior was dimly lit by an assortment of hanging stained glass shade lights.

On tap they offered a filtered wheat (Three Sister's Golden Wheat), a pale ale (Brogden Meadow Pale Ale), a nut brown (Log Cabin Nut Brown), Kroghs Gold and Old Krogh Oatmeal Stout. Unfortunately for me, the seasonal (an IPA) wasn't scheduled to be tapped until the following day and there was no other seasonal offered. One other year round beer that wasn't available when I visited was the Alpine Glow Red.

I tried both the Pale Ale and the Nut Brown, and thought they were both very good and interestingly distinct. The Meadow Pale had a big hop finish that paired well with my Cajun steak, while the Brown had a very pleasant malt profile. On the beer menu, the Pale is compared to Sierra Nevada, while the Brown was likened to Sam Smith's. Meanwhile, the wheat was recommended "if you like Bud, Coors Light, Miller Light or Corona" and Krogh's Gold if you liked Molson or Labatt's. The Red was likened to Yuengling, Bass Ale or Killians Red, and the oatmeal stout was recommended if your tastes tended toward Guinness, Murphy's, or a porter. Hmmm...

Overall, I thought this was a good place with ok food and better than expected beer.

09-01-2009 02:09:02 | More by 86sportster883

jrancan

New Jersey

3.05/5  rDev -21.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3

I'll start off by saying I've only been here once so my rating might be low due to them having an off night.
Beautiful, cozy looking inside with the whole log cabin thing going on, and a fireplace warming up the room. Small place with dining in front of you as you walk in and the oval bar to your right. Come to think of it, where do they keep the brewing equipment? I didn't see any.
Anyway, the older couple behind the bar were slow and cranky (are ALL old people like that?) and the guy, in particular, couldn't answer any of my questions.
They had a whopping five beers on tap,not counting the Coors Light and Bud. No seasonals or wheat, so that left a pale ale, stout, red, brown, and golden ale. Talk about a prolific brewer...
English style pale was good, but the brown and stout were both watery. I think these beers were meant for those people who are willing to try something different but don't want to be scared off with intense flavors. Oh well, it is what it is...it's just not for me.
By the way, $15 for a growler of this crap?! Get real, I can buy a six pack of some of the best beer in the world for a lot cheaper than that. I don't know if I'll ever make it back here.

01-04-2004 05:15:17 | More by jrancan

harpus

Alabama

4.13/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5 | $$

The outside of this place looks pretty neat. The downtown area of Sparta looks like a good place to visit and walk around. The Brew Pub is located across the street from the lake. The building was built in 1927 and has log cabin feel to the place. They have 6 year round beers and 1 seasonal, the seasonal was sold out when I went. The quality of the beer was good, not beers stood out as great or bad. I tried the Mexican Pizza, which was good and I think pairs goos with the Pale Ale. If in the area, this is a place worth a trip to go try.

03-12-2008 02:43:25 | More by harpus

NJpadreFan

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5 | $$

Krogh's- Sparta, New Jersey.

Having a lake house here all my life I've only been in Krogh's to eat, never for their beer!

After a Long 2 hour drive from Titusville I made my way up rte.15 and into Lake Mohawk. Lotsa rural roads, woods, and lakes up in this beautiful section of NJ.

Krogh's looks like a family pizza restaurant when you first walk in. The bar is off to your right. A semi circle bar with a vertical log cabin look. Lotsa engraved placards all over the bar and wooden beams. The interier was dimmly lit which gave a nice ambiance.
The restaurant was packed for a Sat. afternoon (2pm) and the bar had about 8 of us around it. Service was quick and non intrusive. The Garden burger was average but the beers ranged from good to excellent. Not a bad beer in the bunch.

Overall- A very good pub, albeit small 1, to hang out at. Beers are very good and the dark woodsy ambiance is comfortable. If you're in the area or are looking for a nice weekend drive. Lake Mohawk is the spot!!

11-18-2006 22:31:35 | More by NJpadreFan

vladtheimpaler

New Jersey

3.55/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5

My second closest brewpub. Small place with a square bar and an adjoining seating area. The bar is cozy with name plaques all around for those who have consumed at least 70 beers (like me). Beers are decent, with the Oatmeal Stout being the standout. Seasonals are hit or miss. Food is on the higher end, with limited pub grub available. And the brewer and chef are one and the same. Food has always been good here and the portions are large. Friday and Saturday eves there are bands and cover charges. Fun place to hang out and have a few with friends.

03-15-2004 20:45:46 | More by vladtheimpaler

IrishRedRock

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4 | $$

How is it that in all this time I never wrote a review of Krogh's? I grew up in Sparta so I've certainly been there more times than I can count. Anytime I make my way back there from Philadelphia and head out with the family or friends, Krogh's is usually the place to go. Pretty much anything you order off the menu is good and there are not many places in town where you can sit down in a wonderful atmosphere (both the restaurant and it's exterior surroundings of the plaza, boardwalk and Lake Mohawk are beautiful) and enjoy pints of fresh beer that is not brewed in St. Louis.

As has been stated, Krogh's is not by any means a large place and certainly can feel pretty tight at times, especially on weekend nights (and even moreso in the summer when the college kids are back in town). Still, most hours of the day a seat at the small, wooden bar can be had pretty easily, as can a table for lunch or dinner.

The beer, on the whole, is pretty good. Someone said the seasonals (like the service) are hit or miss, which I would have to agree with. The brewer here does not really experiment in wild fashion with styles or flavors - I think for many people, just drinking something brewed on the premises, rather than a shitty mainstream lager, is "different" enough. Hence, it seems to me that many BA's come to Krogh's and leave a tad disappointed in the beer. The BA crowd is not the clientele they are really trying to sell to, as evidenced by their keeping of Bud on tap next to their own creations.

Most of the beers certainly are good enough. I've had them all, so every time I go in I pretty much only drink the Oatmeal Stout, which I really like. Unless of course there is a seasonal on tap, which is always worth a shot. I would love to see Krogh's offer more/diverse beers...but I'd probably like to see that from most brewers (though DFH does a FINE job, haha).

In short, Krogh's is a great place to hang out, and both the food and beer are certainly up to snuff. As a Sparta native, I think I can safely say that the majority of people there are not into craft beer, so Krogh's certainly fills a role of educating the masses. Plus, it has a fiercely loyal clientele of both beer enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. Great place, great location, and I'm glad to say I am from one of the few towns in NJ that has a brewpub. And a pretty good one at that.

05-23-2005 03:33:26 | More by IrishRedRock