About Elk Creek
History + mission + who we are.
Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks – Since 2007
It all began in 2007 with a vision Tim Bowser had for a small town, community gathering place – a brewpub/ bistro/ music venue that was truly focussed on authentic, local, and flavorful. A place rooted in Millheim, where friends, neighbors, farmers, musicians and artists could come together around good conversations supported by great food, great ale, and original music.
Since then, Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks has built a unique identity crafted around honestly community, local food, brilliantly designed beers, an extraordinary lineup of local + touring musicians, and thousands of engaging conversations.
One of the first craft breweries in Central PA, Elk Creek has introduced the community to the tastebud popping flavors of over 50 unique clean and balanced ales and lagers, from crisp, traditional pilsners, to a wide variety of crushable ales and IPAs, and very approachable malt-forward dark beers.
Tim’s background in sustainable agriculture placed a premium on the importance of supporting local farms, and created the farm-to-table concept in Penns Valley, long before it was trendy. From the gitgo, Elk Creek’s food ingredients are, to the highest degree possible, sourced from local grass-based meat and dairy producers, as well as organic vegetable farmers and a variety of gourmet artisans. With talented chefs at the helm of the kitchen, Elk Creek continues to serve diverse, flavorful and unique dishes with a local flair.
The focus on original music has always been an integral part of the Elk Creek ethos, and wide-ranging acts from across the nation and the world have grace the stage in Millheim. Audiences get to experience roots, blues, world, and jazz over dinner and brews. Local musicians play the informal Pub Hang on Thursday nights.
Tim Bowser, Proprietor + Tim Yarrington, Head of Brewing Operations
“It’s about community. Our team at Elk Creek. The people that come to Elk Creek from all over. The farmers we work with. The musicians that come through. It’s really a cool, convivial scene that meshes on a lot of fronts. Truly the Elk Creek Community.”





Tim Yarrington
HEAD OF BREWING OPERATIONS
Tim has been with Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks since day one serving as founding brewer, head of brewing operations and brewmaster. Yarrington has crafted over 50 unique beers at Elk Creek since its start in 2007.
Previously, Yarrington worked in Manhattan as a brewmaster at Times Square Brewery Restaurant II. He began his brewing career at The Long Valley Pub & Brewery in Long Valley, New Jersey, capturing one gold and two bronze medals at the renowned Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Tim is now teaching Brewing & Fermentation Science at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Find out more about him and his philosophy on brewing here: https://www.pct.edu/makers/tim-yarrington
Chef Cutty
Chef Daniel “Cutty” Cutshall joined the Elk Creek team in 2019, but was an old friend and a long-time supporter of Elk Creek and all that we do!
Upon arrival, he took a new approach to food, harkening, from a new direction, back to our roots.
With a brand new menu in 2023, Cutty will truly blow your mind and your taste buds!



