The Pawtuxet River in Rhode Island may only stretch about 12 miles long but it has a far reaching history for New England. It established territorial boundary points in colonial times and was later an important piece of the textile industry of the 1800s. Along its banks you can see and visit the many mills and buildings this river has flowed past for almost two centuries.
One of these is Pontiac Mills in Warwick. Famous for being the original manufacturing building for Fruit of the Loom, as well as a Union uniform manufacturer (once visited by Abraham Lincoln), it now houses residential and commercial properties. One of which is an incredible brewery/taproom/pub/beer garden named Apponaug Brewing Company.
Founded by Tamara McKenney and Kris Waugh in 2018, Apponaug (pronounced AP-PUH-NOG) was opened to be a fun place for everyone and anybody to enjoy the brewery culture. Not just good craft beer but good food and place for the community to get together. They call this a “Third Place” for someone to come in and enjoy themselves when not at Work or Home.
You certainly get this community vibe as you walk into the vast, impressive building. A host stand greets you at the entrance with an adjacent display for brewery merchandise, as well as 4-pack beer cans to-go, off to the side.
A large sized tap room welcomes you with seats at the bar or at one of their many picnic style tables. If your are looking for a quiet place to have a drink or food this might not be the best place for you during busy hours. The buildings brick walls offer plenty of acoustics in the taproom and can get quite loud at times. Especially on a night when live music is being performed.
The beers brewed as this ten-barrel brewhouse are quite enjoyable. Usually with 7-10 offerings on tap, there is something for every beer loves who enjoys different styles.
I started with The Inn a traditional Czech-Style Dark Lager. A perfect representation of the style with a toasty, coffee forward flavor.
My next choice was the Outrage, a Pre-Prohibition Lager.
A bit light on flavor (as you’d expect with an American Lager) but still a crisp, easy drinking beverage.
My drinking Buddy is big on sours and ordered the Flora, a Mixed Fermentation ale with Hibiscus, Peach and Raspberry.
Tart and sweet with a great balance of fruit and flower.
Finally, I went with the Aurora New England IPA.
With a strawberry undertone and slight dankness on the nose this was a fine example of what to serve the IPA Chasers of New England.
For those looking something besides our hoppy friends, Apponaug offers cider, non-alcoholic beer, wine, cocktails (such as Sangria, Blood Mary and Margarita) and mocktails as well.
As the mission statement calls for great food to pair with great beer, Apponaug has done a tremendous job with their culinary menu as well. We started with the atypical brewery appetizers of pretzel bites and fried pickles. For our meals we decided to split two of their taco offerings, the Baha Fish and Korean Beef.
Nothing against the Baha Fish, they were excellent and hearty but the Korean Beef are just a masterpiece! With delicious toppings and a sweet, spicy mix of flavor these tacos became my new favorite brewery food!
If you find yourself at Apponaug on a gorgeous sunny day, or would just like some fresh air with your fresh beer, you definitely need to take advantage of their two outdoor patios.
With a spacious outside deck, that spreads alongside the Pawtuxet River, you are treated to an amazing view of the waterway as well as having a beautiful sight of the mill falls.
Although the Pawtuxet River has defined the area that Apponaug resides in, and offers a gorgeous environment and visuals for their brewery, the river itself has had a bit of history of making things…a bit challenging.
In late December of 2023 a period of heavy rainfall resulted in historic flooding along the riverbanks.
Apponaug was not spared this storm and received a lot of damage which forced them to close for about a month.
However the hard working team and community support brought Apponaug back stronger than ever.
If the owner’s mission was to offer great beer, great food and place to feel welcome then they have certainly succeeded.
A strong community spirit, a cozy historic vibe have a beer in and some amazing natural views that you just can’t beat.
Location: 334 Knight Street, Warwick, RI, 02886
Beer Recommendations:
- The Inn Czech-Style Dark Lager
- Flora Mixed Fermentation Sour Ale
- Aurora New England IPA
Serving Options:
- 4 oz., 8 oz. and 16 oz. pours
- Cans To-Go
Food: Yes
Merchandise: Yes
Dog Friendly: Outdoor Areas Only
Hours of Operation (as of this posting):
- Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
