Carton Brewing Company

Cousins Augie and Chris Carton opened Carton Brewing in 2011 inside a turn-of-the-century red brick warehouse in Atlantic Highlands, the Jersey Shore town where they grew up. Carton built its reputation on a culinary approach to brewing, with food-inspired beers alongside easy-drinking staples like Boat Beer, a low-ABV session ale, and 077XX, an East Coast double IPA named for the local area codes.

The tasting room sits upstairs with a cozy, laid-back feel, and the original brewhouse space now focuses on wild ales, sours, and barrel projects. Carton releases new beers often and without much fanfare, so regular visits pay off. Parking can fill up on weekends.