A Hidden Gem

Front view of the Covered Bridge

The Covered Bridge Brewhuas is a local business that is located in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. Many people love the atmosphere and it can be considered a hidden gem. Being tucked away on a small side street, off the Main Street in town, it may be surprising to some that their products are top notch and they make all of their signature craft beers. The Covered Bridge is owned and operated by Eric Kuijpers, who is originally from Holland, was opened in 2014. Eric explained in his thick Dutch accent, "My main reason for opening the Covered Bridge Brewhuas, was because of my love for craft beer." Eric is of medium stature, has bright blue eyes, and a kind, warm smile. He was dressed in a black Covered Bridge Brewhaus t-shirt, khaki pants, and brown hiking boots. An interesting fact about the Covered Bridge, is they are only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but that does not put any effect on the amount of customers they have.

European decor 

Unique collage under the glass on the tables 

As you approach the Covered Bridge Brewhaus, you can see the outdoor seating. The outdoor tables have coasters and other interesting objects placed under the glass in a collage fashion. When you arrive during their most busy hours, which is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., you will see many people who are congregating outside around all of the outdoor seating in front of the business. At night they have a large sign that lights up and even though the business is somewhat hidden, it draws you in along with the sounds of all the laughter and chattering of friendly customers from miles away. The outside is rustic and somewhat simple, however; the interior is very interesting, you can tell why as you enter one of the two doorways, as the antique European decor encapsulates you. The decor is unique and different from any other local businesses, in some ways it gives off a comforting feel. Eric tells me, "My significant other, Cindy, was responsible for all of the decorative inspiration." It is evident that the bartenders are busy behind the bar, because the sound of clinking glasses and the thud of liquor bottles being put back down fills the room. There is a unique doorway that connects two of the three atmospheres at the Covered Bridge. It looks like an antique refrigerator door, that has empty cans on the inside. When you open the door on the speakeasy side of the building, bright lights flash in the small cubical area between both rooms.

Entrance between the speakeasy and bar area

There are many things that are unique to the Covered Bridge and like no other brewhaus. For starters, the staff and owners are amazing. They are polite and friendly,  and it is their top priority to get to know their customers. Since it is a small local business, many people know each other and the owners, but that does not change how any of the customers are treated. They do not sell their own food, but they always have different variety food trucks and as you approach, you can smell the delicious aroma coming out in the street. When talking to a regular customer, she told me, "I prefer the Covered Bridge over other brewhauses because the atmosphere is classy, relaxing, and it is family friendly. I can bring my toddler with me when I go and the drinks and decor are specifically unique to the Covered Bridge. They always have food trucks with amazing food that are continuously changing." The food trucks are one of the big things that sets the Covered Bridge apart from other brewhauses. Not only is the Covered Bridge family friendly, but they are also dog friendly. They have unique street events such as a "strut your mutt" dog fashion show, flannel fest, and groovy fest. For many of these events, the customers and employees dress up for the theme. On certain nights they even have a DJ outside for people to either hang out and listen or dance around to the music. Eric stated, "My favorite memory since I opened the Covered Bridge was our first successful street events." The Covered Bridge also has three unique different environments in their one building and many other aspects that set them apart from other businesses around the area. Eric explained, "There are three different environments associated with the Covered Bridge, that all have a European feel. There is the parlor bar area, the speakeasy, and the tap room. Some things that set us apart from other brewhauses are our street events, unique decor, and the cigar lounge attached to our business." 

Bar area on the speakeasy side of the building

A regular customer got up from her table with her child and made her way over to the bar to get herself a drink. As soon as she got over to the bar, a bartender quickly walked through the entrance to help the tall dark haired haired woman. She had a longer bob hair cut with fashionable styled clothes, her little girl was dressed in a precious floral jumpsuit. The toddler had auburn hair and the biggest smile. The employees are all friendly and their top priority is to serve their customers to the best of their abilities and make them happy.

The friendly bartender asks in a cheery voice, "What can I get for you Stephanie? Oh, my goodness, Mia is so cute, and she is getting so big."

Since this customer is a regular most of the staff has gotten to know her and her toddler who waves, giggles, and smiles at the bartender. She has been friends with some of the employees since high school and knows the owners personally. No matter who the customer is, the Covered Bridge employees make it top priority to get to know their customers and build a good relationship with them.

The customer asks in a polite voice, "What are the new fall specials? Thank you, I know it makes me sad, I just lover her so much."

The bartender listed the specials and replied, "Well I know you do not like sweet drinks, so for you I would recommend the apple caramel Moscow mule. How could you not she is just adorable."

With a big grin on her face, Stephanie exclaimed, "Oouu that sounds delicious, I will take on of those!"

The bartender then went over to the liquor and began to make the drink. She poured the perfect portions of all the ingredients. When they make drinks at the Covered Bridge, they not only make sure that they are perfect every time, but always make sure their presentation is spot on, making all the drinks look even tastier and more intriguing.

The bartender handed the customer her drink and in a light, cheery voice showing how proud she was of the creation said, "Here you go."

The customer took a sip of the beautiful, unique, specialty drink and beamed, "This is amazing, you really outdid yourself with this one! Thank you."

Community dog water bowl outside 

The customer walked back to her table, and her facial expression showed just how happy she was. The bartender grinned behind her, knowing she just accomplished the most important part of her job, which is fulfilling the customer's needs.

The Covered Bridge has many amazing qualities, like their great service that keeps its customers coming back. It is a small local business that has something for everyone, from their craft beer, specialty drinks, and mocktails; to their unique street events and food trucks. The covered Bridge is a great place to go for everyone in the family, even our furry friends. Every aspect about this brewhaus is unique and exceeds that of other local places, it is definitely worth a trip to experience its unique atmosphere and events. Many locals know about the Covered Bridge, but many may not. It is definitely a hidden gem in the area. Covered Bridge Brewhaus Facebook Page