Since moving to Ambler in November, I’ve fallen in love with its small-town charm and rich history: the Ambler Theater, the remnants of the 1908 Wissahickon Creek Paper Mill, several homes that played key roles during the American Revolution and, one of my favorite spots, Forest & Main. 

Forest & Main Brewery is located in a once-dilapidated 19th-century home on Main Street in Ambler. The three-story residence required extensive reconstruction and renovation before it reopened as the cozy brewpub it is now.

The house posed a challenge for the brewmasters behind Forest & Main, as they had only a few small first-floor rooms to work with to brew and serve their beer and, eventually, food. The owners did the renovations themselves, transforming the home into a comfortable and warm brewery, bar and restaurant. It features rustic tables and chairs, historic thrift store finds and local art, all in keeping with the 19th-century home’s original architecture and character. 

In all honesty, I’m not the biggest beer lover, but from what I’ve heard, the brewery’s in-house creations are comparable to those from some of the best breweries in the area. They also serve wine from local wineries and great cocktails. The food is fantastic. There’s a small menu of affordable snack foods, from popcorn and dips to bruschetta and Brussels sprout hash. Their mac and cheese is to die for, as are their sandwiches.

There’s a quirky, eclectic vibe at Forest & Main that’s difficult to describe until you visit yourself. From witty beer names and descriptions to unique in-house-designed bottle labels and artwork, Forest & Main is a one-of-a-kind gem.

— Nicole Quasté, assistant editor