Dining out: Rough Edges Brewing

WAYNESBORO – Rough Edges Brewing is Waynesboro’s first craft brewery in over 100 years! How about that? If you grew up in Waynesboro from 1932-2010, you most likely visited the News Agency for a vanilla Coke or a breakfast sandwich. Now, you can swing by for a beer and a salad. After nine months of extensive renovations, Wes and Casey Phebus opened their doors. Since 2020, Rough Edges has added a vital asset to our charming, small town of Waynesboro, and we are all grateful for it!

Rough Edges offers a welcoming front porch that car and foot traffic can appreciate. No corners were cut in the design, and the modern artistic impression compliments the mature building. Upon arrival, my first order of business was to take a few photos and then grab a beer and chat with owners and power couple, Wes & Casey. I requested that Head Chef Nathan Flohr, a longtime friend of mine, be included. When I heard that Nathan was hooking up with Rough Edges, I said, “This is exactly what Waynesboro needs!” As you know, Kate and I hunt for good beer and good food, so merging Phebus and Flohr skills makes for easy pickins!

So, let’s get to it with the seating options. Rough Edges offers booths, bar stools, high top tables and outside seating on the front porch or patio. In addition, they recently opened a room on the second floor. Equipped with a bar, bathroom and catering kitchen, it’s a perfect spot to host your next private party or event. Your guests can enjoy cozy seating and a bird’s eye view of Main Street.

Huddled around a high top table with Fidgety, a hazy double, we learned how Wes names and creates the beer, how Casey keeps the gears turning online and at the bar, and how Nathan picks fresh herbs for the kitchen. It is apparent that they enjoy working together, and their passion is contagious. We visited on Thursday, which is Members Night, The Roughians! Pausing for hugs, handshakes and quick conversation with members, it was obvious that Casey and Wes have kindled a genuine family feel at Rough Edges. Many Roughians have become close friends due to attending Members Night regularly. Looking down the bar at the smiles and laughter, you can see 10 rotating taps and if you’re a fan of sours, then you’ve found seventh heaven! If Wes is craving a sweet, then it’s going in there! Rough Edges also serves a selection of Pennsylvania wines and ciders, and an assortment of non-alcoholic options. With trends ever-changing, Casey has everyone covered with her “to die for” cocktails!

Although we were engrossed in an awesome conversation, I couldn’t help thinking about supper! I have to admit that I have been craving Rough Edges food since our last visit. The new menu offers salads, and Kate ordered the classic roast beef. I decided to celebrate an amazing evening with The Roughian, which is Wes’s favorite too, a classic New York Style Deli Italian Hoagie. The real deal. Served with a side of chips, this was all I needed. Per special request, Kate’s salad was garnished with basil and tossed with the freshest greens. Wes and Casey are grateful for Nathan’s culinary expertise, his humor and the great energy he brings. “Nathan is a perfect fit.”

It was fun to see staff interactions with Casey and Wes. The vibe is fun and relaxed, while organized like a well-oiled machine. Casey proudly talked about “the girls behind the bar,” and it was obvious they all have an amazing work ethic and agree that good service is priority. When ordering a Rough Edges beer, you’re also getting a friendly smile and lots of cheer.

Rough Edges hosts trivia, live music, comedy shows and craft parties. Please check out the events on their social media accounts. Wes and Casey have developed a community within Waynesboro that you’ll want to be a part of. An impressive contribution that I want to mention is “Ales for Tails,” which raises money for the Antietam Humane Society. Enter in the pet photo contest, and your best buddy could end up on their next beer label! Last year, they raised over $11,000. Like I said, get involved!

Next time you’re ready to try somewhere new, stop in at Rough Edges and get a sandwich, panini, wrap, flatbreads, pretzels, salads and even a dessert. Plenty of beer to go if you’re on the move, and great merchandise for your groove. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to say hello to Casey and Wes!