Whether you’re exploring Altoona for its railroad history, its interesting pizza style, or its many great outdoor attractions, there are a lot of great spots to check out in this corner of the Alleghenies. And, for those who love craft beer, there are also some great breweries in Altoona and Blair County that are worth visiting.
While most of the breweries here can be found in Altoona, there are several others spread throughout the county, meaning that no matter where you are exploring in Blair County, you aren’t far from some locally-made craft beer.
So, before your next exploration of the region, read up on my picks for the best breweries in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and then make a plan to visit one or two of these great PA breweries.
Railroad City Brewing
Railroad City Brewing Company is located in the heart of downtown Altoona and was the first brewery to open in the city since Altoona Brewing Company closed in 1974.
Railroad City Brewing can be found in the heart of the city on 11th Avenue, just around the corner from the train station. While their taproom isn’t overly large, it’s quite an inviting space along a nice street.
During my visit, Railroad City had eight beers and one cider on tap, as well as several flavors of hard seltzer. I opted to get a four-beer flight, and all of the brews I tried were quite good, with their Tiki Delusion Hazy IPA being my favorite from my visit.
Railroad City Brewing Company can be found at 1415 11th Avenue in Altoona.
Levity Brewing
Levity Brewing is located just two doors down from Railroad City Brewing, making it quite easy to do a bit of a beer crawl along 11th Avenue while exploring the best breweries in Altoona.
Levity Brewing’s Altoona location is actually their second (Their main brewery is located in Indiana, PA) and was initially opened in 2021. It was then closed for a while for renovations before reopening in late 2022.
Levity Brewing’s Altoona location has a very cool industrial feel and a nice amount of seating. This was my second visit to a Levity Brewing, and I enjoyed a nice flight of four beers from their roughly 20 on tap. Standouts were the Belgyinz Tripel and the High End Flannel Wild Ale.
Levity Brewing’s Altoona taproom can be found at 1411 11th Avenue in Altoona.
Sugar Run Brewing
Sugar Run Brewing is located in Duncansville, right next to Slinky Zone, which is home to Juniata Brewing Company (which you can find further down this list.
This brewery has a cool industrial feel with large garage doors that can be opened on nice days and a lot of indoor and outdoor seating.
During my visit, they had 14 beers on draft of which I was able to try four. The standouts for me were the Belgian Ale, which was a nice tripel with bananas and cloves, and the Baltic Coffee Porter.
There is also a full food menu, though I didn’t have a chance to try any during my visit.
Sugar Run Brewing can be found at 511 Municipal Drive in Duncansville, PA.
Spring Dam Brewing
Spring Dam Brewing is located in a converted general store in Roaring Spring, PA.
Opened in early 2021, Spring Dam Brewing features a nice selection of craft beers and a warm and inviting taproom that is filled with many great historical touches.
When I visited, Spring Dam had seven different beers on draft, as well as homemade root beer and cream soda, which is perfect for those that don’t drink or who are visiting with kids.
During my visit, I had a chance to try several delicious beers, with my favorites being the Dam it Jim Milk Stout and DrumR78 Cold IPA, both of which had excellent flavor.
Spring Dam Brewing can be found at 269 E Main Street in Roaring Spring.
Juniata Brewing Company
Juniata Brewing Company is the newest addition to the Blair County brewery list, having expanded from its primary location in Huntingdon and into Slinky Action Zone in Duncansville.
Juniata Brewing first opened in early 2020 and opened its location in Duncansville in early 2022. They offer a nice mix of beers that are sure to delight but aren’t likely to blow you away.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for what is surely the most fun setting for a brewery in the Altoona area, this is a great spot to check out.
Juniata Brewing Company in Slinky Action Zone can be found at 491 Municipal Drive in Duncansville.
Marzoni’s Brewing Company
Marzoni’s Brewing Company is a brewery chain that operates four breweries in Pennsylvania, including two in Blair County: Duncansville and Altoona (as well as in Selinsgrove and Mechanicsburg).
Officially known as Marzoni’s Brick Oven Pizza and Brewing Company, they opened their first location in Duncansville in 2003 before expanding to Altoona in 2012. While they are known primarily for their pizza and food, they also offer the chance to try some of their own locally-produced beers.
Typically, Marzoni’s has seven flagship beers on draft, along with a selection of seasonal beers that vary based on when you visit.
During my visit to the Duncansville location, I had a chance to try several of their beers, with their Avalanche IPA being my favorite of the group.
And while Marzoni’s doesn’t produce the best craft beer in Blair County, it’s a nice place to stop if you are looking for craft beer and a nice meal.
Marzoni’s can be found at 164 Patchway Road in Duncansville and at 1830 East Pleasant Vally Boulevard in Altoona.
What is your favorite Altoona brewery? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more great things to do in the area? Check out the best breweries in State College, the Horseshoe Curve, and Chimney Rocks Park.
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Another fascinating edition. Especially love the Breweries, such wonderful names for some of the beers/drinks.
Cheers 🍻
I recognize your masthead picture as being from the former Iron Pint. Too bad, it’s not there, anymore. Levity in Altoona has become my favorite, with Railroad City being close–pun intended.
You are correct. It was a nice spot for sure.