Wet Ticket: It's a Family Affair
I made my first visit to Rahway's Wet Ticket Brewing back in December and came away duly impressed. Judging by the crowds that continue to pack the place, I was somewhat "late to the dance." But whatever music Tim Pewitt is playing, his growing audience approves, and continues to dance like it's Studio 54.
The Missus, the Great Dane puppy and I decided to take a pre-Easter run to pick up some of Tim's knockout NEIPA called Trolley Hopper, of which the Pup is enamored. It was supposed to be a quick visit, but a few glasses of the Hopper not only convinced us to stay, but to make a night of it.
That was accomplished when Selina Pewitt (who looks way too young to have a son as old as my Pup) advised us to try the pizza from a joint two doors down called Nancy's Townehouse.
"We order from there all the time, and the pizza is delicious, " Selina advised. "The crust is super thin and the flavor is excellent." Turns out Nancy's hand delivers their pies directly to WT, a most convenient arrangement.
But I sauntered down the block to order a couple of pies and to check out the place. It's a regular restaurant, and the comfortable layout is kind of "Speak-Easy-ish." It was also pretty packed with people, and after having their pies, it wasn't hard to see why. In fact, The PubScout never has beer with pizza, but the Hopper matched up with Nancy's pies like they were made for each other.
When I got back to WT with the goods, the place was jammed up front--no surprise there--and Pewitt was hosting a college reunion for his mates in the back room. And you didn't need to be a Glassboro grad to participate in the fun. I did chuckle a bit inside when I considered that the beer they were drinking this night was very likely much different than that which they downed in college. But who knows? Maybe Pewitt was doing his brewing as an undergrad, and they were just coming back for more. As I observed the comfortable, well-lit room filled with good beer nuts, I got the distinct feeling that the entire Wet Ticket facility on this night was naught but a big family party.
And when you consider that practically none of the beers Pewitt and his brewer produce come in under 6% ABV, the "family" was well-behaved. Whether packing the bar, the picnic benches or the high top tables, good cheer seemed the order of the night. Pewitt, Selina and the entire staff were gracious, happy and smiling hosts, which counts for much in a business like this. Customers can't help but feel as though they're in Pewitt's living room as friends, albeit that living room is decorated with large, gleaming--and functional-- tanks of delicious beer.
Sated with Nancy's Pizza, we picked up our stash of Trolley Hopper, along with a couple bottles of their incredible Anniversary Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Stout and called it a night. But, like Arnold Schwarzbier, we'll definitely be back.
If you haven't been there, go once, and you'll see what I mean. And you won't need a Glassboro ID to enjoy it (though getting some pizza from Nancy's will enhance the experience).
Cheers, and Happy Easter!
The PubScout
