Brodheadsville has a new destination for craft beer, food and fun.

After months of renovating, Joe Elias and Chris Pohorenco opened Brix Brewhouse in the old West End Firehouse.

“Brix” is not only a unit of measurement for sugar content. Both men are from Saylorsburg, which in 1894 was the country’s biggest supplier of brick. The former firehouse is a brick building and much of the inside has red brick walls.

“I’m passionate about breweries since I was 21 years old,” Elias said. I’ve been to 200 breweries around the country. Each is exciting and a different experience.”

Elias and Pohorenco met while picking their kids up from school and came up with the idea of opening a local brewery, as both had made beer and wine.

Seven thousand square feet of space include “Eli’s Lounge,” the main bar; the production room, where the beer is made; a small stage area with additional seating; and an outside seating area. Eli’s Lounge, which seats 50, can be rented out. Elias’ father, 75-year-old Eli, did all of the carpentry work in the room, taking 107 days to complete.

Elias’ wife, Lindsay, spent 40 hours putting beer bottle lids, bought in bulk, under the glass of the bar top. A mural on the back wall was done by local artist Larry Meag. A painting of a firetruck he did in the 1990s hangs on the wall, with his artwork shown throughout the place. The original shuffleboard table that was used by the fireman is still in use.

With nine taps of different beer offered, many choose a flight, where you can sample smaller portions of four beers. The pale ale and Maryland crabcake pretzel combination are a crowd favorite. Beers rotate, including Hazy IPA and Belgium White Ale. Non alcoholic birch beer is always available.

“I love brewpubs, as they take us to different places and are unique spots.” said customer Paula Bolton of Wilkes-Barre. It was her first time at Brix with her husband, Bill.

The Boltons have been to over 600 breweries and have made a collage with stickers collected at each one.

Brodheadsville local Judy Kresge “keeps coming back, as there’s so much to do here; there’s something for everyone. The food is excellent.”

Kresge said that people come to Brix from all walks of life and that everyone is welcome.

With 24 years of experience, chef John Kiley is known for his award-winning soups, including creamy chicken buffalo. Other menu favorites are the house smoked pulled pork, coffee and black pepper crusted brisket and the Thai chicken wrap.

Brix holds Taco Tuesday and has daily chalkboard specials. Salads and soups are a big hit. Many ingredients are locally sourced.

Five glass garage doors allow patrons to see the brewhouse with its stainless steel tanks. In addition to the beer and food Brix offers pool tables, corn hole, live music, karaoke nights and open mic nights.

Beer tastings and beer pairings are planned for the near future.

Brix is located at 128 Route 715 in Brodheadsville. A schedule of events is on its Facebook page.