#13 Rek’-Lis Brewing Company – Bethlehem, NH

Location: Bethlehem, NH
Brewery Type: Brew Pub
Opening Date: 2016
Website: https://www.reklisbrewing.com/
Features: Outdoor Seating, Full Kitchen, Dog Friendly, Beer Garden, Outdoor Bar

All Hail the Starr King

The sun is shining down on the endless expanse of hills and forests as we’re driving through the Northern White Mountains to Jefferson, NH. The goal is to peakbag yet another 4k footer before the day is through – Mt Waumbek in the Pliny Range, the second Northernmost of the NH48. Today, I am accompanied by the spry canine Albert and his human, Lindsey.

As with Mt Whiteface and Passaconway, the trailhead is located in a rural residential area and the trailhead itself has limited parking. Luckily we arrived just in time to snag one of the last spots, otherwise we’d have to add an additional 10 minute walk to our hike.

We begin our ascent of the Starr King Trail and for the next 2.6 miles we encounter a pleasant gradual incline with the occasional remnant of human civilization as we make our way to Mt Starr King. This is seriously a great trail for those just starting their quest to hike all of the 48. Unlike Tecumseh, which while short in distance had some serious elevation gain, the Starr King trail never got too intense. A testament to this were the legions of kids, families and even newborns we passed on the trail enjoying the hike in the perfect weather.

We made it to the top of Mount Starr King and while at 3,907 feet it wasn’t a 4k footer, it is part of the 52 with a view. And what a view there was. We enjoyed the magical view of Mount Washington and the Northern Presidentials just to the South. Unfortunately, this peak was a little packed, so after a quick rest, we headed off to Waumbek.

Wandering to Waumbek

Mt Waumbek is just a mile from Starr King, and at 4,006 feet, there wasn’t much elevation gain left. It is the third shortest of the NH48 in stature after Tecumseh (which might not actually be a 4k footer) and Isolation. It was also considered to be the site of the Willard Basin Ski Area which thankfully never saw the light of day, ensuring the unspoilt nature persisted for generations to come.

We made it to the top of Waumbek without any difficulty. The peak is completely wooded and would be completely miss-able if there weren’t a Cairn marking where it was. Thankfully, there’s a nice viewing area just past the peak, giving us a commanding view of the awe inspiring presidential range.

Thankfully, we had the entire peak to ourselves for a time as we enjoyed our lunches of sandwiches, cliff bars and kibble above the world below. Eventually, the crowds at Starr King caught up to us as a sign that we should start heading back.

On our way past Starr King, we stopped to enjoy the view one last time and pose in front of an old fireplace – the last vestibule of an old mountaintop cabin long gone. Eventually, we made it back to the trailhead, with another notch in our belts.

The Young and the Rek’-Lis

After the hike, we were off to nearby Bethlehem and Rek’-Lis Brewing, one of the few truly dog friendly breweries in the area.

We were greeted with a massive beer garden and a ridiculously nice brewery/restaurant space. After talking with the hostess, we decided it was worth the hour plus wait for a table and headed off to the outdoor bar and got settled in the beer garden.

The beer garden area was spacious and was adorned with adirondack chairs, grassy knolls for sitting and plenty of room left over for kids and dogs to frolic. There were even enclosures set up for private parties, some of whom were definitely having a good time. This was the perfect place to just chill and enjoy the outdoors after the hike.

A good hour and change passed and we were finally seated in the garden portion of the brewery. Lindsey ordered the Jefe Hefeweizen and I ordered a flight of 4 while we looked through the food menu.

We ultimately decided on splitting an order of poutine which ended up being a delicious decision, and as close to the original as you can get, at least without crossing the now shuttered Canadian border.

I ordered the Full Send which featured a burger slathered in gouda, white cheddar, mushrooms, pepper and onions; topped with bacon and tomato on a crumb bar roll. Lindsey went with the Rek’-Lis Fried Chicken Sandwich – featuring a honey mustard bbq and sporting some jalapeno coleslaw on a crumb bar roll.

After the meal, we took turns checking out the merch and bought some cans of their T.Kelley Hop to go and a collapsible water bowl for Albert – so cool that they have merch for dogs! Simultaneously, we were enjoying the acoustic guitar and modern hits from musician Gabby Martin who was set up just beyond our table. After a long hike, relaxation and a hearty meal, the day could only be described as a success.

Guest Review – A Second Take

Lindsey: “Amazing atmosphere with plenty of space to hangout if you didn’t put in a reservation (get ready for a 2 hour wait for outdoor seating during a nice day). Beer was good but I didn’t have anything that blew me away. Food was better than the beer but also nothing to write home about. The atmosphere is really what makes this place unique and a spot I would return to.”

Albert: “nice grassy areas – lots of outdoor eating space friendly to doggos. Loads of nice doggos but serious lack of public doggo water bowls. Collapsible dog water bowl available for purchase with a great Reklis brewing logo on it. Would go back for the spilled beer and pats.”

What’s On Tap at Rek’-Lis Brewing Company

• Wik-id – IPA – This wicked awesome juice bomb is a solid New England IPA.
• Jefe – Hefeweizen – Light and tasty, this hefeweizen has a sweet juiciness not often found in this style of beer.
• Clouded Judgement – IPA – This is for the hopheads out there, but still manages to be juicy in the end.
• Road Rash Red – Red Ale – The only road rash here is the bitter sweetness giving this red ale a unique profile.
• T.Kelley Hop – IPA – This juice bomb is a collaboration between Rek’-Lis and Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg, ME. Smooth, hoppy but with a subtle sweetness, this IPA blazes the trail just like its namesake.

Final Verdict

With a spacious dog friendly beer garden, charming indoor space, and solid food and tap lists, it would be reckless to not hang out at Rek’-Lis, no matter the season.

Information
Rek’-Lis Brewing Company
https://www.reklisbrewing.com/
2085 Main Street
Bethlehem, NH 03574