Andrea G.

Oh. My. Goodness! I've been following this place for a while on Facebook but just tried it this past weekend when they were offering a pizza version of their Great Googley Moogley where you could pick it up and heat at home. My husband loves specialty pizzas, I don't. But it was getting really good reviews and was only $10 for a 12in so I said, "what the heck." They were also offering beer to go so we figured we'd try some. 10 minutes after heating (we love pizza with a bit of crunch) our pizza was ready. We deVOURED all of it. The two of us, by ourselves lol. It was so delicious. I don't even like bleu cheese but I tore it up. It also had fig jam on it (like whaaaaat!!?) Wasn't overwhelming at all and left us wanting more... like a whole other pizza! lol... too bad they were sold out the next day. That's the only thing that stopped us. We also tried the blood orange ale since the peach was sold out. I wasn't a fan but my husband enjoyed it. They have a one-time $5 fee for the goblets so make sure to return them for more! We will be back! Can't wait to see what next week has to offer.

Mike F.

Sure, we've all hung out in a dark and dingy fire company before. But what about a beautifully restored, turn-of-the-19th-century fire station? This unique setting lies home to Oakbrook Brewing Company, which first opened its doors in March of 2016. And to think, at one time, the surrounding neighborhood didn't want Oakbrook Brewing Co. on the premises. When owner Kyle Neuheimer submitted his initial offer to buy the property, a nearby business filed a zoning appeal, claiming the pub would attract "undesirables." The case went all the way to the state Supreme Court, which, thankfully, denied it in 2014. These events paved the way for Oakbrook to become Reading's first brewery since Canal Street Pub and Restaurant closed its brewing operations circa 2010. If you're familiar with German beer halls, you'll feel right at home. The seating arrangements here are of the long, wooden variety - think extended picnic tables. So during your next visit, you may be sharing it with another group - and that might have been the intention. "We're kind of pushing that community feel," the owner stated in a local article published around the time it opened. "We want people to sit down and have conversations over great beer." The menu consists of appetizers of the finger food variety and entrees of the sandwich variety. Now that I think of it, the only thing you'll need an eating utensil for is the chili and the soup du jour. Literally everything else is eaten caveman style. Just pick it up, and shove it in your mouth. If you loved smoked meats, you're in luck. Some standouts include the pulled pork, kielbasa, Italian sausage, and sliced tavern ham. These are the primary components of Oakbrook's signature sandwiches, such as the Cubano, Polish Boy, and various pananis. There's a real sense of community here. When I first drove up during my first trip, I was surprised how situated it was in the surrounding suburban neighborhood. As you make your approach, it looks like just another house on Park Avenue. But as you get closer, you can tell this is no ordinary brew pub. The owners made a concerted effort to not dangle distracting TVs all around. In fact, there are no TVs on the premises. Only delicious locally brewed craft beers, comfort food, and good company.

Antonina E.

Okay so I love this place. And I hate myself for taking seven years (yes that's an exaggeration) to write this review. But after two visits, I feel pretty confident in my overall impressions. It's a brewery. So that should play a heavy hand in stars here, except this is the main reason I'm docking them. Their beers aren't terrible, but I have just never had anything outstanding. Their NE's are eh, pretty basic, but I am not a fan at all of their Blood Orange IPA (I don't like West Coast IPAs though so I can't judge too harshly). Their stouts are decent, and I actually enjoyed their smokier Red Ale, but overall, they're just eh considering all of the other options in the area. Cheese doe. They do cheese right. In between bread. With customized toppings. I'm not really sure how, but fig jam and kielbasa work. Don't believe me? Take me on a date, I'll design your meal ;) Howeverrrr, where did the other sandwiches go? Compared to the first time and this past time I visited there are much less sandwiches, I was pretty upset the cheesy, mushroom forest disappeared (No that wasn't the name). Anyways. Still yummy, but the first time was surely better. Ambiance is where I fall for this place. I love love love the open space and huge picnic tables. I'm all about making friends while drinking beer, and this place doesn't disappoint. Especially with the shelves of board games! They also have weekly women's bike rides. Someone stand up and clap, cause I look weird doing this on my own right now. Okay I'm done. Go get some queso and brewios. Or better yet, who wants to make plans to go back? It's always a good time for happy hour.

Moyal25 ..

Awesome little place with a great atmosphere, awesome food and amazing beer and seltzer's.

Rebecca L.

This is an awesome brewery! If you are looking for your cookie cutter, big "name" brewery and expect that type of atmosphere you will be disappointed as Oakbrook has that small town feel that is just comfortable. No bells and whistles, no frills, no fancy stuff just good beer and decent eats. The brewery is located in an old Firehouse..i mean really how cool is that!!! Its a pretty residential area so I was a little worried we were in the wrong spot its on a quiet back street. It had that awesome old time feel when little firehouses were in every community. While its small inside (only allowed less that 50 people) that's what gives this place its charm. Music is played through the speakers, you sit at long tables with other beer lovers and get to know them, bond over beers and food and maybe even play some games that are provided. There are no tv's and as I looked around most people were not on their phones. They were deep in conversations and talking to each other (which seems like a lost art these days)! I know my fiance and I had a great time playing trivial persuit while drinking some brews. We stopped here on a beer day trip and it was by far my favorite of the day. We entered and went straight to the bar. The tap list is impressive and has a good range of beer variety. While we were disappointed they didnt do flights they did inform us that we could try anything we wanted. Staff was patient, friendly and courteous. The beers that we tried and ended up drinking were delicious. I like that they offer 10 oz pours as well since they dont do flights this is a great option. They are also able to fill growlers (although I didnt see any of their own there so bring one from home!) We ordered some food, a pepperoni pizza panini and a polish girl I believe it was called that had jalapenos, kielbalsa, mustard and cheese. I loved the sandwiches! They were grilled to perfection and buttery. They came with a side of chips and slaw too! I actually want to go back for them! :) I saw other patrons order nachos which were huge and can easily be shared between a few people. STaff asked us if we liked our food which was nice. Overall come for the ambiance, the cool experience, great brews and a fun time with friends and family. We will be back!

Leanne S.

Places with spirits in Berks County *never* have anything good for vegans, but this new brewery in a refurbished firehouse does -- and will be getting more! What a delight. We stopped in to taste their beer and to try the vegan kielbasa sandwich (with cole slaw and Dieffenbach's potato chips). My spouse was very excited about his sandwich, with liberal sauteed peppers and onions, and I stole the cole slaw, which I could eat a quart of. The Bell Alley pretzels seem vegan too, and you can pick your mustard. Meat dishes come from the local Muddy's BBQ. Good use of local stuff. However, the influence of the Pacific Northwest is very clear in the brewing profile (thank God). Beer comes in 2 portion sizes, 10 oz for $3.50 and 20 oz for $5.50 The smaller size is good for tasting IPAs since they are stronger, and you can try more than one when it is not a huge pint commitment. I saw plenty of people with flights of four 5 oz glasses, another excellent option. Reading Draft bottles of soda are also available, The Venerable Parrot IPA (named for the former mascot of the station) is fermented over grapefruit puree and served with a sprig of rosemary. This was so wonderful on a warm summer evening. I also sampled the more delicate Gearmasher, described as drier with spicy floral notes of Amarillo hops. There were 2 more IPAs and also a pale ale, smoky malted ale, a citrus wheat, and a brown ale. They list abv, IBU, and even SRM: Standard Reference Measure which describes color. Don't ask for a Yuengling or Miller Lite here, even though the ambiance is in no way snobby. Every time I go by, the main garage door is open, and you can see people relaxing on the large picnic tables which are community seating, though it is not hard to find a spot to enjoy with your group or sweetie. There are a few tables outside, and I hope there will be more. You would not expect to find a brewery in this area, and it is wonderful to see a building re-used as something where community members can gather. I thought it would be all Alvernia students, but the crowd was mixed in age. Check out the neat firehouse memorabilia on the walls. Amazingly, they are open every day except Groundhog Day, until 11pm except Sunday. I knew some of the staff but all were sweet, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. And I love their olive logo shirts. All my vegan and/or beer-loving friends will be ushered in and soon.