Honestly, if you’ve lived around Cincinnati for more than five minutes, you know MadTree. They’re the "purpose-driven" beer giants who basically turned Oakley into a weekend pilgrimage site. But their newest venture, MadTree Parks & Rec, which finally swung its doors open in February 2025 at Blue Ash’s Summit Park, isn’t just another taproom. It’s something else entirely. It's a 15,000-square-foot behemoth built inside a literal airplane hangar.
Yeah, you read that right. A hangar.
Most people figured this would just be "Oakley 2.0," but the vibe is way more centered on the outdoors and community than just getting a buzz on a Friday night. It feels like the neighborhood's living room, just with better beer and a massive tree growing in the middle of the solarium.
What Actually Happens Inside the Blue Ash Hangar?
Walking into MadTree Parks & Rec for the first time is a bit of a trip. You aren't just walking into a bar; you’re walking into a space that feels like it’s trying to blur the line between the park outside and the tables inside. There’s this 15-foot tree sitting right in the Solarium, which is the front area meant for casual hangouts and smaller groups.
Then you look up.
The "living chandeliers" are probably the most talked-about design choice. They’re these massive, green, leafy fixtures that hang from the ceiling, making the whole place feel like a botanical garden that serves IPA. It’s a far cry from the industrial, concrete feel of many local taprooms.
The Food Isn't Just an Afterthought
Look, we’ve all been to breweries where the food is basically a frozen pretzel and a prayer. MadTree Blue Ash took a different route. They have a full kitchen that runs seven days a week, and they’ve leaned heavily into the "brunch all day" thing.
- The Goetta Sandwich: It’s a Cincinnati staple, but they do it with candied bacon and pickled jalapeños. It’s aggressive in the best way.
- Chicken and Waffles: Served with a spicy maple syrup that actually has a kick.
- Pizzas: They’re still doing the wood-fired style people love from the Oakley spot, including a massive 18-inch pepperoni that can feed a small village.
- Taco Nachos: These are basically a pile of chips smothered in legendary lager beer cheese.
They also have a surprising amount of stuff for people who don't eat meat. The Crispy Tofu Sandwich with chipotle ranch is actually good, not just "good for a brewery." It’s clear they want families to come here for dinner, not just for a quick drink while the kids run around the park.
Why This Location Matters for Blue Ash
Summit Park was already a destination. You’ve got the observation tower, the dog park, the ice skating in the winter, and the Naturescape. But that northwest corner of the park always felt a little... empty?
By converting the old hangar into a restaurant and event space, Blue Ash basically completed the circuit. MadTree Parks & Rec sits right on the doorstep of 130 acres of green space. It’s the kind of place where you can spend three hours at the park, get dusty and tired, and then walk thirty feet to sit in a booth and have a Seeing Colors Hazy IPA while your kids continue to vibrate with energy in the outdoor play area.
Private Events and "The Canopy"
If you’re looking to host a wedding or a corporate retreat that doesn't feel like a stuffy Marriott ballroom, they have this space called The Canopy. It spans the length of the hangar and can seat about 225 people. Because they’re a B Corp (the only brewery in Ohio with that certification, by the way), they even offer carbon offset donations for events. It’s a nice touch for people who care about that kind of thing.
The Sustainability Hook
MadTree talks about trees. A lot. But it’s not just marketing fluff. They’re part of 1% for the Planet, which means 1% of every single dollar you spend on a beer or a pizza goes to local environmental non-profits.
They also have this thing called the "Branch Out" program. It’s a new initiative launched with the Blue Ash opening that focuses on inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. They’re actually trying to build a workforce that reflects the community, which is a lot harder to do than just putting a sticker on a window.
Quick Sustainability Facts:
- 100% of their spent grain goes to feed local livestock.
- The facilities are powered by solar and wind.
- They aim to plant 5,000 trees locally every year.
Practical Stuff You Actually Need to Know
If you’re planning to head out there this weekend, don’t just wing it if you have a big group. While a lot of the seating is first-come, first-served, they only commit about 25% of their tables to reservations. If you have a group of 10 to 20, you can usually book online. Anything bigger than that, and you’ll need to call them directly.
The Drink Situation
It’s not just beer. If you’re over the IPA craze, they have:
- Sway Vodka Sodas: These are actually really popular, especially the Blackberry Hibiscus one.
- Hand-crafted cocktails: They have a full bar, which is a departure from the "beer only" license of some smaller taprooms.
- THC Seltzers: For those looking for a different kind of buzz, they carry their "Floral" line of hemp-derived beverages.
The hours are pretty standard for a park-side spot. They open early—10:00 AM most days—and stay open until 10:00 or 11:00 PM. It’s one of the few places in Blue Ash where you can get a legit brunch on a Tuesday morning.
What People Get Wrong About MadTree Blue Ash
A lot of folks assume it’s going to be too loud or too "bar-heavy" for kids. In reality, it’s almost the opposite. Because it’s in a park, it’s crawling with families. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic, dimly lit corner for a first date, the Solarium on a Saturday afternoon might be a bit chaotic.
But if you want a place where you don't have to apologize if your toddler drops a fry, this is it. It’s built for the noise. The high ceilings of the hangar soak up the sound, and the transition from the indoor seating to the outdoor patio is seamless.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you want the best experience, go on a weekday for a late lunch. The light coming through the Solarium windows is incredible, and you can actually hear yourself think.
Grab a Mammoth Pretzel (it’s huge), a flight of whatever seasonal beers they have on tap, and then take a walk up the Observation Tower afterward. It’s the best way to see the scale of what they’ve built in Blue Ash.
Check their official website or social media before you go, because they’re starting to roll out a live music calendar for the Summit Park patio. It’s shaping up to be the go-to spot for the summer concert vibe without having to drive all the way downtown.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Reservation Map: If you have a group of 8+, hop on their site and snag a table at least 48 hours in advance.
- Download the App: They often have "to-go" deals for 6-packs and pizzas that are cheaper if you order through their system rather than a third-party delivery app.
- Plan for Parking: Summit Park gets crowded on weekends. Aim for the lots near the tower if the main restaurant lot is full—it's a short, nice walk.