If you’re into IPAs, saisons, or porters, chances are you’ve already heard about Tonewood Brewing, one of South Jersey’s most beloved breweries. With roots in Oaklyn NJ and fresh expansion into neighboring town Barrington, Tonewood has grown from a small warehouse dream to a community cornerstone (and a beer cooler staple) across the Garden State.
From Colorado Inspiration to Oaklyn Realization
Tonewood’s story begins with brothers Taylor and Eli, who, after a transformative trip to Colorado, were determined to bring the booming microbrewery culture back home to New Jersey. Their journey wasn’t exactly smooth: they scouted potential spots everywhere from Glassboro to Collingswood, but licensing hurdles kept shutting doors.
That’s when they stumbled upon an abandoned warehouse in Oaklyn. With soaring ceilings, open garage doors, and rustic character, it was the perfect canvas for their vision. In 2016, Tonewood Brewing opened its doors—and South Jersey beer culture hasn’t been the same since.
The Oaklyn Taproom: Cozy, Approachable, Community-Focused
Tonewood’s Oaklyn location quickly became more than just a place to grab a pint. It became a community hub. With its rustic, welcoming tasting room, locals could settle in for an afternoon of conversation and expertly crafted beer.
Their philosophy was clear: brew beers that are approachable, flavorful, and easy to enjoy. From crisp pale ales to rich porters and complex saisons, many of their offerings lean toward a lower ABV—meaning you can savor the experience without the dreaded “next-day regret.”
Today, Tonewood’s cans and bottles are found in liquor stores all across New Jersey, a sure sign of just how far their influence has spread.
Expanding to Barrington: Bigger, Bolder, Greener
But Tonewood wasn’t about to stay small. In 2022, they expanded into Barrington, transforming a former lumber yard into a 15,000-square-foot brewery and taproom. The new space is a showstopper:
- Design forward: high ceilings, massive windows, and a mezzanine that overlooks the brewhouse give patrons a behind-the-scenes look at the action.
- Eco-friendly: the facility boasts a 230kW solar array and a CO₂ reclamation system that reuses about 3,000 lbs of CO₂ each week—the first of its kind in NJ and PA.
- Community-driven: far more than just a brewery, the Barrington site plays host to live music, yoga classes, Dungeons & Dragons nights, wrestling events, and even private rentals for birthdays and networking events.
This expansion wasn’t just about scaling production—it was about scaling culture. Barrington cemented Tonewood as not only a beer maker but a community builder.
Tonewood Brewing Today: A South Jersey Staple
With its dual locations, sustainability initiatives, and a beer list that appeals to both casual drinkers and hop-head purists, Tonewood has grown into a South Jersey icon. Whether you’re sipping in the cozy Oaklyn taproom or taking in the industrial-chic vibes of Barrington, Tonewood delivers more than just pints—it delivers connection, culture, and craft.
For the brothers who once struggled to find the right space, it’s been quite the rise. And for beer lovers across New Jersey, Tonewood has become more than a brewery—it’s a beloved ritual.
✨ Pro tip: If you haven’t visited yet, grab a flight at Oaklyn to experience Tonewood’s roots, then head to Barrington for the full, modern brewery experience. Either way, you’ll see why Tonewood is making its case as the best brewery in South Jersey.
If you want us to feature your South Jersey or Philadelphia business in a post, send us a message!
