Active Ingredient Brewing Company

WORTH WAY MORE THAN 6 MINUTES !!! we were driving From Philly to Killington and we’re looking for a brewery that was close to the highway, but had good ratings and a good look. Active ingredient to fit the bill and delivered. It was only six minutes round-trip off the highway and a terrific stop. The Dunkle 🍺 was delish and the large plate of fresh cut fries 🍟 got chomped down in a snap. Welcoming space and friendly staff. Cheers 🍻 Vern

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Some of the best beer in the capital District always great choices. Food choices are diverse and generally delicious. Sometimes the atmosphere can be too toddler oriented. As in there’s too many kids there. Definitely go there the beer.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Nice, well lit friendly atmosphere with tv on and some light background music playing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The female “beertender” last night could use some serious help with customer service skills. She walked over holding a drink, announced what it was, and as I tried telling her whose it was, she just screamed the drink order at us. It really puts a bad taste in your mouth when you have 10 people there trying to spend money.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Awesome spot for beer and food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow! Stopped in on a whim for a beer different than my norm, Miller Lite ( the finest Pilsner). The bartender was a complete joy and knew what she was doing! I will definitely be swing in again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The oryza Japanese style rice lager has become one of my favorite beers in the area

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place, good food, great atmosphere and great beer. Needs sharper darts.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I were in town on a motorcycle trip this past weekend. Looked on the map for a place to grab a bite and I saw that Active Ingredient was within walking distance of our hotel. The food and drinks were great and the staff super friendly. Wide variety of beers, something for everyone. Love the decor inside. Will definitely come back next time we are in the area.

We stopped in for lunch and the drinks were great, especially the pH sour, which was a strange combo of flavors but tasted great. The food had potential but was very greasy. The elote corn dip was also boring, which was a bummer. Overall great drinks and atmosphere, mediocre food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

I absolutely love this place. It has a huge outdoor patio and the beer is phenomenal. I will definitely be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Oh man…. I’ve been to Active Ingredient 7-8 times since their original opening. And have recommended this place to at least 2 dozen friends and family. The atmosphere and staff remain top notch, but holy cow the food quality is in the gutter. When they first opened, their food was affordable, stream lined (with the table top QR code ordering), and honestly INCREDIBLE. Anyone willing to listen had to hear about how great the food was at Active Ingredient. Fast forward to my last visit, their staple “Smash Burger” was completely different. Over seasoned, different sauce, no pink (despite ordering it pink). Idk what to say, I didn’t even finish the burger. In the past I’d all but lick my plate clean.

They stopped the $1 wing special they did on Thursdays, which is understandable because it was probably a net negative for profit, but 10 wings are now $22, almost all the entries are $20+. $12 for kids menu “Dino nuggets and fries” which contained literally just 6 chicken nuggets from a frozen bag and a handful of fries.

Prices can’t increase 50% at the same time the food quality decreased more than 50%. It’s been a gradual decline, or id write it off as an isolated event.

Once again, the staff is wonderful. Very kid friendly and pleasant. Brings me great displeasure to write this review. Wish you guys the best of luck.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

I’ve been here twice and had very different experiences. I’d rate my first experience a 5, and the second a 2 overall.

I will preface this by saying I am a dog owner and this bar used to be dog friendly. It no longer (as of December 2024) is dog friendly.

I first went here with my senior dog the week of Christmas 2023 to meet up with long distance family. At that time, the manager was really warm and kind, mentioned they loved and welcomed dogs, and even offered cookies they’d made for dogs (packaged on the counter for dog owners to take). He told me they were making them fresh every day for the season and I would have taken some if my dog didn’t have a prescription diet! I thought this was such a great way to welcome dog owners who want to visit the brewery.

However, my experience this year (2024), was starkly different. I came back to meet with my sister, with my senior dog and puppy in tow. The day bartender made eye contact with me when I walked in and rolled her eyes. As my sister and I took off our jackets and settled into our seats, she greeted and served another group that came in after us. My senior dog was in his stroller and my puppy was in my lap—sitting in the same seats at the left end of the bar as we did last year. After we’d been settled for a few minutes and decided our beers, the bartender came over and told me that both my dogs would have to be in the stroller (which only seats one dog, my senior dog). I 100% understand not having a dog near the bar top and the concerns around that, so i instead asked if we could move to a table away from the bar, closer to the door. She then replied that “technically dogs aren’t allowed, so no.” Well, okay then, haha, that’s one way to respond to someone 😂. Just then, the same manager from the previous came out from the back and gave a half smile. As we put on our jackets to leave, I mentioned my disappointment and confusion, noting that last year they were so dog friendly as to have offered my dog cookies they made and were offering to visiting dogs/dog owners; and the manager didn’t comment, just reinforced that dogs aren’t allowed. Honestly though, whether he said they were allowed or not, the other bartender’s behavior made the visit incredibly uncomfortable and unwelcoming— I already decided, dogs or not, I won’t be back. There isn’t any need to be rude… just tell us (before we got comfy would have been nice) and we’ll be on our way. No harm no foul.

It’s really unfortunate, their food is great and the beers are good. It only takes one bad experience to ruin any chance of ever returning or recommending them.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Beer tasted good - service and atmosphere not so much. Didn't stick around long enough to try the food ..

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

The beer was good, but man… the food is not it, $20 for 10 frozen regular (not jumbo) sized wings. Ordered pretzels and cheese and was given funfetti icing dipped pretzels. Eat before you go and save your money.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1