Key Brewing

I spent my day putting my sailboat on the hard for the season, but ending the day with a cold beer made everything better. My first time at Key Brewing, and apparently my last, as the bartender said the building owner wouldn't renew their lease, so they were closing up and moving out in a few days. Wow! Good timing for me to try this place out in their original site before it is no longer. Luckily, they are moving to another brewery location (Monument) so we can all still get their tasty brews nearby. The atmosphere here was cool - lots of old Baltimore nostalgia around. The Bail Money IPA was tasty and I got some Dundalk Calling to take home, hon. I also got my Maryland Craft Beer app passport stamped before this place moves on down the road. Yay!

So I really like several of Key's beers and have been drinking Dundalk Calling and a few others for a few years. I've wanted to visit the place out of curiosity and to try the scene there. Also, of course the "uncanned" special beers you only get there.What I love about breweries is that they sometimes occupy long lost spaces in industrial gritty determined parts of towns. Like my Nitro WV. This brewery does not miss that beat at all. You follow a road past industry and warehouses with a downbeat country club on one side. You cross tracks a few times and then see the bright patriotic sign. I was immediately excited that I came. It was cold and during Covid so safety was definitely in play. Outside was cold but social distanced and upbeat with the Ravens game on the big screen. Inside a really warm bar that was fantastic. I do wanted to stay inside but Covid moved me out. Still in doors was social distanced and masks when people not drinking. Good show!!!So the beer. I love an imperial stout and this one proved delish. Seasonal and not in cans, but took home a crowler. Also a seasonal called Diamonds and Domes that my wife loves. A very dry ipa brut style.Last, nice people, met a small group of Liverpool supporters who weren't mad when I asked if they were Man U. Ha!!! Great place.

In our quest to try new places, we came here. Felt like a bit of a quest winding thru the industrial park. You do eventually get there. Once it's warm, they have a really nice outdoor area. Large communal tables inside the main room where the bar is. We didn't get a chance to look in the back area but there seemed to be even more seating. The food truck was crab cakes but we brought Indian. Lots of folks were brining in pizza. They did have a popcorn machine. Definitely got a locals vibe. Nice two piece band covering all the classics from high school. The only sour, my fav, was in a can but cold and refreshing. Lots of other styles available. Aside from having to schlep over the key bridge, it's a definite go to. Kid and dog friendly.

Got to give a big shout out to Key Brewing for supporting the fundraiser Bourbon and Bowties and QG community charities for the last 5 years. Love speed wobble and the all day lager that they donated this year. Earl, Ray and their master brewer do an amazing job serving the patrons of the event! There Dundalk location has great parking and live music. You can find their beer at most liquor stores locally. Give the local boys a try next time

Love supporting local breweries and Key is one of my favorites! Miss the metal bands...always a good time!

The food here was way better than any brewery has a right to have!I had the chicken cheese steak and it was amazing but my issue comes from calling it a cheese steak. It simply has too many not traditional toppings. Amazing guacamole sauce, roasted red peppers, red onions, and chicken makes it not a traditional cheese steak but still a very very good sandwich.Vegetarian options included tacos and flatbreads but the veggie tacos were phenomenal! Who would've thought there'd be a better vegetarian option at a brewery than some traditional restaurants? The flat breads were good. Using a variety of cheeses instead of a generic mozzarella and no red sauce.Their brews were what we came for but loved everything else. We had the mango beer and udder milk stout. The mango came through hitting the spot without being too sour while the stout chocolate flavor was right on. It's really rare to get that chocolate right without it being disgusting.

I went to the Charm City Night Market and Dooby's was selling a beer from Key Brewing created for the event. The Charm City Night Market Gose was amazing. So good in fact, I went to the brewery itself the next day just to check it out and to see if they had any more in stock. They did & I got a whole 24 can case... because why not? The brewery itself is a cute little place that is tucked away behind many industrial facilities and past some train tracks. You will, undoubtedly, question if you are in the right place and whether the gps has led you the wrong way, yet again. BUT HAVE NO FEAR, Key Brewing is there-- right before a dead end, you'll see the large logo on the side and a parking lot in the back. There is a standard bar setup-- lots of indoor and outdoor seating, tvs to watch a game/show, and in the back is a gameroom with pool and other arcade fun. Maryland paraphernalia and pride is upfront and unapologetically so. & if you're lucky, one of the rotating food trucks will be ready to serve you something delicious.

Had another great time at the taproom! Tried some new beers on a flight. And some old ones in pints. Can't go wrong here with Dundalk calling, speed wobbles, or bail money. Followed COVID guidelines. Added an outdoor stage, would love to come back and see live music. Will continue to frequent.

Yes the beer is delicious. Yes the setting is similar to a beer hall .Key brewery is happy, friendly and clean.So what makes me sad? My beer was placed into a squishy plastic cup. Why does this brewery choose to put their art in an undignified vessel? Cost? Covid? Cleanliness? Can only imagine what those cups are doing to the landfills.A glass please.

Great people, great business. Love the support and effort for dockworkers after the bridge collapse.