Canton Brewing Company

Canton Brewing Company represents the revival of Canton's rich brewing heritage, combining historic atmosphere with modern craft brewing in the heart of downtown. This impressive brewery and restaurant occupies a carefully restored building dating back to 1883, featuring both a contemporary street-level taproom and a cavernous underground Speakeasy reminiscent of the city's pre-Prohibition era brewing scene.

Why It's Special

Canton Brewing Company offers a genuine connection to Canton's past while delivering thoroughly modern craft beer experiences. The brewery has revived the name and spirit of one of Canton's original breweries (established in 1883) while bringing contemporary brewing techniques and flavors to today's craft beer enthusiasts.

What makes this establishment extraordinary is the seamless blend of past and present. The impressive historic building has been meticulously restored, preserving original architectural elements while accommodating a state-of-the-art brewing facility. The contrast between the bright, modern street-level Taproom and the rustic underground Speakeasy with its exposed brick, stone archways, and barrel-vaulted ceilings provides two distinct atmospheres within one destination.

Beyond ambiance, Canton Brewing Company stands out for its commitment to brewing excellence, with a diverse lineup of house-made craft beers produced on-site and visible to visitors through glass partitions. This combination of authentic historic setting, quality craft brewing, and hearty gastropub fare creates an experience that honors Canton's brewing traditions while embracing its future.

The Brews & Cuisine

Signature Beers

• Tuscora Pilsner: Clean, crisp German-style pilsner with subtle hop character
• Carpe Noctem Coffee Porter: Rich porter infused with locally roasted coffee
• Cascade City IPA: Bold, hop-forward IPA showcasing Pacific Northwest hops
• 1883 Amber Ale: Malty, balanced amber ale named for the brewery's original founding
• Blueberry Wheat: Seasonal favorite with subtle fruit notes and refreshing finish

Rotating Selection

The brewery maintains:

• 8-12 house beers on tap at any time
• Seasonal and experimental small-batch releases
• Collaborative brews with other Ohio breweries
• Barrel-aged special editions
• Guest taps featuring other regional craft breweries

Culinary Approach

The food menu complements the beer with:

• Elevated Pub Fare: Classic comfort foods with creative twists
• Beer-Centric Cooking: Many dishes incorporate house brews
• Locally-Sourced: Emphasis on Ohio producers and suppliers
• Shareable Plates: Social dining encouraged with appetizers and platters
• Beer Pairings: Staff recommendations for perfect food and beer matches

Signature Dishes

• Brewery Pretzel Board: Giant house-made pretzel with beer cheese and mustards
• Speakeasy Burger: Custom blend with bacon jam, aged cheddar and stout aioli
• Beer-Battered Fish & Chips: Fresh cod in house beer batter with hand-cut fries
• Brewer's Mac & Cheese: Creamy four-cheese sauce with beer-braised short rib
• Spent Grain Pizza: Hand-tossed crust incorporating brewery grain with artisanal toppings

The Experience

Two Distinct Spaces

The brewery features contrasting environments:

• The Taproom: Street-level modern space with views of brewing equipment, bright and contemporary
• The Speakeasy: Underground beer hall with historic character, exposed brick, and stone archways
• Brewery Viewing Area: Glass partitions allowing visitors to see the brewing process
• Outdoor Patio: Seasonal sidewalk seating in the heart of downtown
• Private Event Spaces: Dedicated areas for functions and celebrations

Atmosphere

Canton Brewing Company offers:

• Historic Immersion: Authentic restored spaces with original architectural elements
• Brewing Heritage: Educational elements highlighting Canton's brewing history
• Communal Setting: Long tables in the Speakeasy encouraging social interaction
• Dynamic Vibe: Energetic but comfortable atmosphere for both casual and special occasions
• Live Entertainment: Regular music performances and events in the Speakeasy

Community Connection

The brewery emphasizes local ties through:

• Historical Exhibitions: Displays of Canton brewing memorabilia and photos
• Local Collaborations: Partnerships with area businesses and organizations
• Charity Events: Fundraisers and community support initiatives
• Downtown Involvement: Active participation in downtown revitalization
• Local Sourcing: Ingredients and supplies from regional producers

Special Offerings

Brewery Tours

• Weekend Tours: Scheduled Saturday tours at 2pm and 4pm
• Private Tours: Available for groups by reservation
• Educational Focus: History of brewing in Canton and modern brewing process
• Production Access: Behind-the-scenes look at the brewing facility
• Guided Tastings: Sampling of flagship and seasonal beers

Events & Programming

• Trivia Nights: Weekly competitive trivia with beer prizes
• Live Music: Local and regional acts on weekends
• Beer Release Parties: Special events for new brew launches
• Beer Dinners: Multi-course paired dining experiences
• Brewing Classes: Occasional homebrewing and beer education workshops

Growler Program

• Fillable Growlers: 32oz and 64oz options available
• Weekly Specials: Discounted fills on designated days
• Members Club: Benefits for regular growler customers
• Limited Releases: Special beers available only for growler fills
• Custom Glassware: Branded merchandise and gift options

When to Visit

Best Times

• Happy Hour: Weekdays 3-6pm with specials on beer and appetizers
• Brewery Tour Days: Saturdays for the full educational experience
• New Release Events: Check social media for special beer launches
• Friday & Saturday Evenings: Lively atmosphere with music in the Speakeasy
• Sunday Afternoon: Relaxed vibe with brunch options

Recommendations

• Visit the Speakeasy for the full historic experience
• Try a flight of beers to sample the range of offerings
• Check the events calendar for special happenings
• Consider weekday visits for a more relaxed atmosphere
• Join the mailing list for information on limited releases

Good to Know

• Parking: Street parking available plus nearby public lots
• Growler Fills: Available for most house beers
• Merchandise: T-shirts, glassware, and gifts available
• Large Groups: Call ahead for parties of 8 or more
• Age Restrictions: Speakeasy becomes 21+ only after 8pm

Nearby Attractions

While downtown, consider visiting:

• Canton Arts District (5-minute walk)
• First Friday art walks (monthly event)
• Canton Palace Theatre (3-minute walk)
• Centennial Plaza (5-minute walk)
• National First Ladies' Library (10-minute walk)

Getting There

Canton Brewing Company is centrally located in downtown Canton on 3rd Street NW, between Cleveland Avenue and Court Avenue. The brewery is easily identifiable by its historic facade and signage. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, with additional public parking lots within a short walking distance. The central downtown location makes it accessible from multiple directions and convenient to combine with other downtown attractions.

Brewery History

While Canton Brewing Company in its current form opened in 2014, it resurrects the name and spirit of one of Canton's historic breweries. The original Canton Brewing Company was established in 1883 and was part of a thriving brewing scene in Canton before Prohibition. At its peak, the city boasted numerous breweries, with beer production being a significant local industry.

The modern Canton Brewing Company occupies a historic building in downtown Canton that has been meticulously restored to showcase its original architectural features while accommodating contemporary brewing equipment. The cavernous underground space now known as the Speakeasy was once used for beer storage and aging, with its naturally cool temperatures perfect for lagering beer in the pre-refrigeration era.

When Prohibition arrived in 1919, the original Canton Brewing Company, like most American breweries, was forced to close. The revived Canton Brewing Company pays homage to this history while embracing modern craft brewing innovation. Historical photographs and artifacts throughout the establishment connect visitors to this rich brewing heritage, making a visit as educational as it is enjoyable.