Forest & Main to Open New Taproom in Fishtown Featuring a Menu by James Beard–Nominated Chef Dane DeMarco
Forest & Main Brewing Co., the Ambler-based brewery known for its English ales and farmhouse saisons, is expanding into Philly with the grand opening of its new Fishtown taproom this Friday, October 17, at 1416 Frankford Avenue. The highly anticipated outpost will debut at 4 p.m., featuring an inventive “snack shack” menu by James Beard–nominated chef Dane DeMarco of Gass & Main.
This marks Forest & Main’s first Philadelphia location and its first expansion beyond Ambler. The new space, located in the former Cheu Noodle Bar, features 35 indoor seats (including 10 at the bar) and 20 outdoor seats, offering an intimate neighborhood feel. The taproom will be open Wednesday through Monday from 4 p.m. to midnight, serving as a new destination for craft beer lovers and late-night diners alike.
DeMarco, known for their inventive takes on comfort food and inclusive approach to dining, has created a playful yet refined menu that complements Forest & Main’s hand-crafted brews. Highlights include the Main Street Burger with bacon, jalapeño, Shropshire Blue cheese, and blackberry jam; Pizza Bread on semolina loaf with cheese, pepperoni, vegan, or “pizzaz” options; and the Walking Cheesesteak, a creative twist on the walking taco made with Fritos, sliced ribeye, beer cheese wiz, caramelized onions, and hoagie relish, with an option to “make it hoagie style.” Guests can also expect a massive Table Pretzel dusted in house-made everything spice and served with Forest & Main’s beer mustard, as well as whimsical additions like specialty hot dogs and beer-battered fried Oreos. Nearly every dish can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.
“The star of the show is the brewery, but I am there to support them and offer a fun menu,” said DeMarco. “It’s nice to have a project in Philly, especially when my team and I are just cooking there and Forest & Main’s team is handling everything else. We’re excited to bring our food to the city.”
The opening beer lineup showcases Forest & Main’s signature balance of old-world craftsmanship and experimentation. On the Lukr faucets, guests can enjoy House Lager, Pilsner, and Festbier; while the Angram hand pulls feature Pigeon of the Peak British IPA, ESB, and Fair Winds Oat Mild. Rounding out the list are beers like Last Crusade Hazy IPA, Silent Film West Coast IPA, Magic Mountains Pale Ale, Dance Money American Stout, and a selection of mixed culture saisons, including Cult Vibes with lemongrass and chamomile and Solaire Reserve foeder-fermented saison. The taproom will also serve local cider, wine, and cocktails.
Founded in 2011 by Daniel Endicott, Gerard Olson, and Brian DeAngelo, Forest & Main has built a devoted following for its traditional English ales and farmhouse beers fermented with house cultures. The brewery expanded to a larger Ambler facility in 2021, allowing it to develop its barrel-aging and lager programs. The new Fishtown location continues that evolution, complete with three Czech Lukr faucets, three English hand pumps, and seven additional draft lines—a nod to both European brewing heritage and Philadelphia’s dynamic beer scene.
With its mix of finely crafted beer, playful yet sophisticated food, and neighborhood charm, Forest & Main Fishtown is set to become one of the season’s most exciting new openings, bridging Ambler’s artisanal roots with Fishtown’s vibrant energy.
