Review: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Amber Monroe, staff writer
Originating in Richmond, Hardywood has been in Charlottesville for a little over one year. Hardywood’s Tap Room and Brewery is now conveniently located in Downtown Charlottesville in the lower level of the student apartment building at 100 W. Main St. The quaint and modern craft room floor consists of relaxing lounge type seating, a bar top, and a few tables for larger parties. The brewery lounge has a spectacular view of 16 unique draft lines, all surrounded by large stainless steel barrels. You are front row to the magic being brewed.
When visiting, the draft choices can be hard to navigate through if you’re not an avid beer drinker. The bartender recommended, “One of the most popular beverages has been said to be the Raspberry Stout. This beer is a dark chocolate, full bodied stout, with a pleasantly sweet, tart raspberry laced finish. The Raspberry Stout was brewed with hundreds of pounds of local red raspberries.”
The taproom features 12 brewed on site Hardywood draft beers. Since opening in 2016, the brewery has served in addition to beer, nitro cold brew coffee and kombucha; brewed right in the facility. The heavy beer tends to influence an appetite but, unfortunately, Hardywood does not have a kitchen. However, fresh-baked soft pretzels are available along with a small selection of prepackaged snack options.
Free marked retail parking is available in marked spaces on the 11th Street side of the Uncommon Building, approximately at 118 11th St SW, as well as, Old Albemarle Hotel at 617 W. Main St. The brewery is closed on Monday, but open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3-9 p.m. On Thursday and Friday it is open from 12-11 p.m. Sunday hours are 2-10 p.m..
