You’re standing in a room where thousands of people have been mourned, but instead of a casket, there’s a pint of "Embalming Fluid" Imperial IPA on the table in front of you. Honestly, it’s a vibe. If you haven't been to The Phoenix Brewery Mansfield Ohio, you are missing out on one of the most bizarrely cool adaptive reuse projects in the Midwest.
Most breweries settle for an old warehouse or maybe a dusty garage. Not these guys.
The Phoenix Brewing Company sits inside the former Schroer Mortuary, a building that dates back to 1914. It’s right in the heart of downtown Mansfield, near the Carrousel District. When you walk in, you’re basically hanging out in the old funeral chapel. The beer is brewed in the basement, which—you guessed it—used to be the embalming room.
It’s spooky. It’s historic. And the beer is actually incredible.
Why The Phoenix Brewery Mansfield Ohio Isn’t Just a Gimmick
It would have been easy to lean too hard into the "death" theme and forget about the quality of the liquid. We’ve all seen those tourist traps where the atmosphere is 10/10 but the food or drink is a 2. Thankfully, head brewer Duncan Macfarlane is a former analytical chemist. He doesn't play around with his water chemistry or fermentation profiles.
The brewery officially took flight in April 2014. At the time, Mansfield was a bit of a craft beer desert. The city’s last local brewery had shuttered back in 2002. Like the mythical bird, the Phoenix was meant to bring that tradition back to life.
The Building’s Dark History
The Schroer Mortuary was a powerhouse back in the day. Charles Schroer was a furniture maker first. Back then, if you made cabinets, you made caskets. It was a natural business pivot. The building was the first "fireproof" structure in Mansfield, built with heavy brick and steel.
But things took a turn in 1932. Charles Schroer Jr. committed suicide right inside the chapel—the very space where you now sit to drink your flights. The mortuary went out of business shortly after, and the building sat largely vacant or underused for nearly 80 years.
When the founding partners saw the space, they knew it was the one. They’ve kept the original windows, the hand-troweled plaster (where they could), and even repurposed wood from the old casket elevator to make the flight paddles.
What You Should Actually Order
If you’re a first-timer, you're going to see 16 taps. It can be overwhelming. They have their "Flagship" beers, which are the ones that basically paid for the lights to stay on in the early years.
- Redemption IPA: This is a nod to The Shawshank Redemption, which was filmed just down the road at the Ohio State Reformatory. It's a classic West Coast style. Think piney, citrusy, and clear.
- Ferryman Oatmeal Milk Stout: Smooth as silk. It’s got that creamy mouthfeel you want when the Ohio winter is biting at your face outside.
- Toe Tag Belgian Tripel: This one is a heavy hitter. It won a Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards in 2017. At 9% ABV, it’ll sneak up on you. It's sweet, spicy, and dangerous.
They also do a series of "Shawshank" inspired beers like Rooftop (a Bohemian Pilsner) and Brooks Was Here (an American Stout). If you’re doing the Shawshank Trail—the driving tour of filming locations—this is an essential pit stop.
The Vibe and the Spirit Room
If beer isn't your soulmate, head upstairs. The Spirit Room is a newer addition that occupies the upper level. It focuses on bourbon, scotch, and high-end cocktails. They have over 130 different whiskies. It feels a bit more "library-chic" than the taproom downstairs.
One thing that really sets them apart is their tipping policy. Back in 2021, they shifted to a no-tipping model. Instead, they pay their staff a stable, higher hourly wage and donate what would have been tips to local non-profits. It's a bold move for a small business in a town like Mansfield, but it seems to have stuck.
Beyond the Beer: Events and Community
Don't expect a full kitchen. They don't have one.
Instead, they use the food truck model. You’ll usually find the Black Willow food truck or some other local vendor parked outside. Or, you can just order a pizza from Two Cousins across the street and have it delivered right to your table. They’re super chill about outside food.
Every weekend there is live music. Usually, it's local singer-songwriters or small bands. If the weather is nice, the beer garden and the brick patio—made with 5,000 reclaimed pavers from Cleveland—are the places to be.
Tuesdays are for the locals. They do Trivia, Euchre, and Bingo. It’s not a quiet library vibe on those nights; it gets loud.
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A Quick Reality Check
Is it haunted?
The staff usually laughs this off, but they’ll point to a skeleton perched on the staircase and tell you stories about "the one ghost." Whether you believe in that stuff or not, the building has an undeniable weight to it. You can feel the history.
It’s also worth noting that they’ve expanded. They purchased the warehouse next door (about 25,000 square feet) to house a 20-barrel production system. This means you can now find Phoenix cans in grocery stores across Northern and Central Ohio. But honestly, the cans don't beat the experience of drinking in the chapel.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
- Check the Food Truck Schedule: Look at their Facebook page before you go so you aren't surprised by the food options.
- Order a Flight: The flight trays are shaped like coffins. It’s the mandatory Instagram photo for any visitor.
- Visit the Spirit Room: Even if you’re a beer person, go upstairs just to see the renovation. It’s gorgeous.
- Walk the Neighborhood: You’re right by the Richland Carrousel Park and several other local shops. Make a day of it.
The brewery is closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays depending on the season, so check the current hours). Wednesday through Sunday is your best bet for the full experience.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Tap List: Head over to the Phoenix Brewing Company website to see what seasonal "Mortuary Series" beers are currently pouring.
- Plan Your Route: If you are coming from Columbus or Cleveland, it's about an hour's drive. Combine it with a tour of the Ohio State Reformatory for the ultimate "Spooky Mansfield" Saturday.
- Secure Your Swag: Their hoodies and glassware are actually high quality. If you want a "Death and Draughts" shirt, pick it up at the gift shop inside the taproom before you leave.