Well, folks, the secret's officially out. Columbus Underground just published a deep dive into how Brewfontaine—a little taproom in the heart of Bellefontaine—managed to snag the title of Number One Beer Bar in Ohio for four consecutive years. Yeah, we're still pinching ourselves.
From Small Town to Big Recognition
When the Ohio Craft Brewers Association started handing out awards back in 2016, nobody expected a taproom from a town of 13,000 people to dominate the competition. But here we are. Four years running. And honestly? It still feels pretty incredible.
The article traces our journey from the early days in 2015 when co-owners Adam Rammel, Jeremy Fitzpatrick, and Brian Wall took a chance on revitalizing downtown Bellefontaine. Back then, the town was quiet—maybe a little too quiet. Storefronts were empty, and things weren't exactly booming.
Fast forward to today, and Bellefontaine is experiencing what can only be called a renaissance. New businesses, shops, and restaurants are popping up everywhere. And we're proud to be part of that story.
The Sweet 16 (and Then Some)
One thing the article highlights is our approach to tap selection. We keep 16 taps rotating—what we lovingly call the "Sweet 16." Why not 20, 30, or 50? Because quality beats quantity every time. We'd rather have fresh, perfectly rotating selections than stale kegs collecting dust.
"We always have a cider, a mead, a nitro wine, and wine on tap. We have something for everyone." — Adam Rammel
Whether you're a hop-head hunting for the latest IPA or someone who just wants a crisp cider on a summer afternoon, we've got you covered. You can even get a flight that mixes wine, mead, cider, and beer all together. Because why choose?
It's Not Just About the Beer
Here's the thing—while the awards brought people through the door, it's the food and the vibes that keep them coming back. As the article points out, food makes up about 60% of our business. Our Reuben sandwich? Legendary. The Bavarian Beer Pretzel? Absolutely essential. The Spinach Artichoke Dip? Don't even get us started.
But more than the menu, it's about what happens when you walk through our doors. We built Brewfontaine to be a place where people connect—where strangers become friends over a shared pint, where the community gathers for open mic nights and "Name That Tune," and where everyone from craft beer connoisseurs to families looking for a good meal can feel at home.
Eat, Drink, and Be Social
That's always been our motto, and it's what drives everything we do. From our Mug Club (with personalized mugs and exclusive events for our most loyal patrons) to our monthly events, we're all about creating that sense of community around a pint.
"What really separates us is the quality food, quality service, and amazing drink selections. We truly have something for everyone and are very family-friendly." — Adam Rammel
Read the Full Article
Want the full story? Columbus Underground did an amazing job capturing what makes Brewfontaine special. Check out the complete feature to learn more about our journey, Bellefontaine's revitalization, and why people are making the drive from all over Ohio to visit us.
Read the Full Article on Columbus Underground
And hey, if you haven't been in yet—what are you waiting for? Come see what all the fuss is about. First round's on... well, it's on you. But we promise it'll be worth it. ????
