Will's + Bill's Berwyn: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re driving down Swedesford Road, probably on your way to King of Prussia or maybe just trying to navigate the Main Line's traffic, and you see it. A spot that feels like it’s been there forever, yet somehow looks brand new. Most people still refer to it as the "old McKenzie’s," but that’s not quite right anymore. Honestly, what’s happening inside Will’s + Bill’s Berwyn is a whole different vibe than the brewery it replaced.

It’s personal. Like, really personal. This isn't some corporate chain masquerading as a local pub. It’s a father-son project—Will and Bill Mangan—who come from a fourth-generation restaurant family. They basically have hospitality in their DNA.

The Name Isn't Just Catchy

So, who are Will and Bill? Bill Mangan Jr. and his son, Will Mangan III, are the duo behind the rebrand. But there’s a third Bill in the story. Bill Sr., the patriarch who ran the Drexel Ale House back in the day, passed away in 2021. This place is effectively a living tribute to him. You'll see his portrait on the wall, painted by his wife, Caroline. It’s kinda rare to find a place in Chester County that feels this connected to a family tree.

They both went to Cornell’s hospitality school, though about 36 years apart. You can feel that professional polish mixed with "neighborhood living room" energy the second you walk in.

Why Everyone Is Talking About the Vibe

If you’re expecting a sterile, industrial brewpub, you’re in for a surprise. They went full "ski-lodge chic." We’re talking:

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• Roaring fireplaces with limestone mantels that actually make you want to stay for a third drink.
• Tartan-plaid booths that feel cozy rather than kitschy.
• A massive quartz-topped bar that serves as the command center of the whole operation.

It’s energetic. It’s loud in the way a good pub should be, but they also have live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. How many breweries do you know that feature a piano player? It’s a weirdly perfect mix.

Let’s Talk About the Food (And It’s Not Just Burgers)

Most people assume a brewery means "frozen wings and a mediocre burger." Wrong. The menu here is surprisingly deep. They have a full seafood bar with oysters flown in several times a week.

If you’re a regular, you probably know about "Pappy’s Shrimp + Crab Dip." It’s zesty, cheesy, and comes with garlic bread that actually tastes like it was made today. Then there’s the Bill’s Roast Beef Dip. They slow-roast the beef and serve it with a sharp cheddar sauce and au jus. It’s a mess, but the good kind.

For those who want something "lighter"—whatever that means at a brewery—they do these Buddha Bowls and a Genovese Pappardelle with short rib ragu. They even have a Sunday Gravy special: Chicken Parm, pasta, Caesar salad, a glass of Chianti, and gelato for about $22. In 2026, finding a full meal deal like that on the Main Line is basically a miracle.

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The Beer Situation

Yes, they still brew on-site. They usually have about 12 house beers on tap. The Valley Forged IPA is the one you’ll see most people drinking, but they also do a solid Irish Stout. If you’re not a beer person, the "world-class" whiskey list is no joke. They’ve got bourbons, ryes, and single malts that would make a dedicated whiskey bar nervous.

Brunch Is a Whole Different Beast

Saturday and Sunday brunch is where things get real. Most people don’t realize that if you order off the brunch menu, you get a complimentary Bloody Mary, champagne, or craft brew.

1. Show up around 11:30 am.
2. Grab the Buck-a-Shuck oysters if they're running the special.
3. Order the Avocado Toast with Grilled Shrimp.
4. Enjoy the fact that your first drink was basically free.

What Most People Get Wrong

The biggest misconception is that it’s just a "rebranded McKenzie’s." While the Mangans owned McKenzie’s too, they completely gutted the Berwyn location to create this. It’s not just a name change; it’s a shift from a "production brewery" feel to a "refined neighborhood hangout."

Another thing? The parking. It looks like it’s in a busy corridor, but they have a huge, well-lit private lot. You don't have to do the Lancaster Avenue parallel-parking dance, which is a massive win.

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Actionable Tips for Your First Visit

If you're planning to head over, keep these things in mind to make it worth the trip.

• Make a Reservation: Even on a Tuesday, this place gets packed. They use Toast for reservations, and it’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to book.
• Check the Live Music Schedule: If you want a quiet dinner, aim for earlier. If you want the piano-bar vibe, 7:00 pm on a Friday is your sweet spot.
• Don't Skip Dessert: Their soft-serve gelato is legit. It’s a simple touch, but they do it well.
• The Fire Pit: If it’s even remotely chilly, the outdoor area has heaters and a fire pit. It’s pet-friendly too, so bring the dog.

Will’s + Bill’s isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re just trying to make the wheel feel more like home. Whether you’re there for a quick pint after work or a full-blown family Sunday dinner, it’s clear the Mangans actually care about the people sitting in those tartan booths.

Next Steps for Your Visit:

1. Check their current tap list on their website to see what’s brewing this week.
2. If you’re a local, sign up for their loyalty program; they’re known for sending out solid birthday rewards.
3. Aim for a Sunday visit to snag that $22 "Sunday Gravy" deal before it potentially changes.