Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, CT

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Fox Farm Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Connecticut. Located in the picturesque town of Salem, this family-owned brewery in Salem prides itself on producing high-quality craft beers that showcase the unique flavors and aromas of locally-sourced ingredients.

Founded in 2017, Fox Farm Brewery has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. With its rustic farm setting and cozy taproom, it offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a cold beer and good company.

Find your happy place

About Fox Farm Brewery

The brewery is nestled off of Music Vale Rd away from the busy Route 85 that passes through Salem. Visitors can sample beer in the beautiful New England style farmhouse in either half pours (7 oz) or full pours (13 oz). The brewery does not offer flights. Feel free to bring your own snacks along as the brewery does not offer any food for sale.

Note that if you want to take beer to go, you have to buy cans or bottles to go. The brewery unfortunately does not do growler fills. So, leave your growlers behind if you are venturing out to Salem to visit Fox Farm Brewery. If you are passing through, Fox Farm Brewery does still offer curbside pickup. You can make your reservations up to 14 days in advance and the pick up process is super easy. I was a frequent user of it during the pandemic.

A display of bottles of wine and beer on a shelf.

Note, since its founding in 2017, beer lovers have come from near and far to enjoy a Salem brew and the farmhouse often fills up quick. Even being a local, I always make a reservation if my friends and family are looking to do a beer inside without the kids. Walk ins are always welcome, but, you will likely find yourself sitting on the lawn outside or a barrel in the yard. There is plenty of space to spread out and let the dogs and kids stretch their legs!

Getting There

Salem is a common pass through town for people visiting the local beaches or casinos. If you are coming from the north, the best way to get to Fox Farms is to take Route 2 to Route 11 and get off of Witch Meadow Road. From Witch Meadow Road, take a left until you hit Route 85. Take a right and follow Route 85 south until you pass Salem School. Just beyond Salem School on the left will be Music Vale Road where you will find Fox Farm.

Alternatively, you can get off of Lake Hayward Road in Colchester by getting off the first exit of Route 11. This will take you to Route 85 that you can follow all the way. I prefer to take Route 11 further into town as Route 85 can get backed up from farm vehicles or those taking in the scenery.

If you are coming from the south or beaches, simply get off of I-95 in Waterford at the Route 85 exit and follow it all the way north into town. Go through the roundabout that takes you through the Route 82 and Route 85 intersection and keeping going north until you see the road for Fox Farm. If you hit the elementary and middle school, you went too far.

From points eastward, taking Route 82 is easiest. Route 82 is easy to hop on in Norwich off of I-395. Before you come into the Salem roundabout, the Fox Farm road will be on your right just past the community park. Coming from points west will likely have you hop on Route 82 or Route 2, depending on where you are coming from. Beware, if you get off of Route 9 to take Route 82 into town, the swing bridge is still having periodic construction. Be sure to check online for bridge closures. There will also be signage on the main highways (Route 9, I-95) that will advise you of when the bridge is closed.

Seating

If you want to sit inside or have a guaranteed table, be sure to visit Fox Farm’s website and make a reservation. The links can be found on the ‘Visit’ tab for indoor or outdoor seating. During the the spring through fall seasons, outdoor seating may be preferred and walk ins can be accommodated. However, for those rainy days or cold winter days, it is important to make a reservation to dwell inside.

Note, every time I have had a walk in Fox Farm has accommodated me. However, for those busy hours or poor weather days, I strongly recommend making a reservation on their website! You will also get a sweet reservation sign on your table!

Draft List & Beer to Go

What I like about Fox Farm is they offer a little bit of everything for my palette. During the summer months, I like to go for their Burst IPA (not on draft right now). On those hot, humid days the Burst India Pale Ale hits the spot with its bright and tropical flavors. I gave it a ranking of 3.75 stars with my review on Untappd.

Summertime is also a great time to enjoy an ale. To those that enjoy blonde ales, I would recommend getting their Little Brook. Boasting an average 4 star rating on Untappd, I am not the only one enjoying these in the barn!

To those that follow my other paths on here, you will know I am a huge coffee enthusiast. When I am not reaching for their Burst, I go with Fox Farm’s Ashlawn. The Ashlawn is a coffee stout that is smooth, creamy, and rich with chocolate finishes.

To those that also know me, I embrace my German heritage. Now that we are in August, Oktoberfest is right around the corner! Be sure to get into the Oktoberfest mood by grabbing a lager. I can’t wait to go back because I will be getting The Cottage (Helles Lager) the next time I visit to start preparing for my upcoming Oktoberfest visit in Munich!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a nice place to relax in rural Connecticut, I would strongly recommend paying Fox Farm a visit. This family owned business offers a peaceful escape from the city to enjoy some truly amazing beers. Be sure to make a reservation so that you can have a table to relax at. If you are looking to hit up some other breweries in the Salem area, be sure to continue to follow us as we release more spots! There are some great local watering holes to get some great beer and have a fun day or night out with friends.