Stanley's Celebrates Second Annual Bacon and Beerfest

Nothing brings the masses together like bacon and beer so, last year, Stanley’s Northeast did the obvious. It combined the two into an annual Beer & Bacon Fest. There had been a successful block party beer fest prior to adding the fried breakfast meat, but last year drew more attention and more attendance than ever.

Held on May 16, during Art-A-Whirl weekend, the party will feature over 45 breweries (with over 100 beers) and a chance to win bacon for a year. Attendees get bacon samples of 6-8 varieties, choosing from recipes including candied jalapeño, bourbon, stout, and more. Hormel is a sponsor of the event, and the varieties served are also featured at some of owner Steve Benowitz’s other restaurants (Rail Station and Pub 819). Hormel will sponsor a bacon eating contest where the winner takes home a year of free bacon. The breweries, meanwhile, are a mix of local and international, big and small. Schell’s, Point, Fair State, Surly, and Paulaner are just a few of the many on hand, with a full list below.

In addition to the bacon samples, Stanley’s on Wheels, the pub's food truck, is developing special bacon-centric items for sale. Besides the in-house options, Man Cave will serve bacon brats and Tot Boss and Tollefson Meats food trucks will be at the party.

After last year’s popularity, Stanley’s is tweaking the format. There are more breweries and vendors, but nearly 1,000 fewer tickets will be sold, selling about 3,000 instead of last year’s 4,000 attendance. Tickets are available here for $45 for general admission or $10 to go sober. Doors open at 2 p.m.

- by Loren Green