The best breweries in Tampa make the region a hot spot for lovers of a craft beer (or two), too. And it’s no no secret that Tampa is on the rise, firmly establishing itself as a desirable destination both to visit and to live (as well as to eat an amazing Cuban sandwich, which we like to think we invented over Miami).
The Tampa Bay area is gaining popularity at an astonishing rate and we’ve boldly put ourselves on the map with our vibrant cities, stunning beaches, thriving culinary scene, theme parks, professional sports teams and cultural institutions. We are also an exceedingly dog-friendly city, too.
What some may not know, however, is that Tampa Bay has long held a strong reputation as a craft beer hub for beer enthusiasts. The outdoor dining spots, craft brewing scene and best breweries in Tampa are renowned for having an abundance of award winning breweries, taprooms, brewpubs and beer festivals; and our immense world of craft beer offers extraordinary culinary and cultural experiences.
So whether you’re a long time resident or a first time visitor, let’s journey through some of the best breweries in Tampa, St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay area, one pint at a time.
You can bring the whole family to Coppertail Brewing Co. in Ybor City for one of Tampa’s best breweries and brewery tours. (photo courtesy of Chrissy Money)
Coppertail Brewing Co. — best breweries in Tampa for Ybor City vibes
One of the best breweries in Tampa, Coppertail Brewing Co. in Ybor City has been a prominent brewery in Tampa since opening in 2014. With a large, laid-back taproom, a full kitchen and a dog friendly outdoor patio, it makes raising a glass comfortable and welcoming.
Sample the many diverse offerings that range from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to creative seasonal and limited edition pours. Some of my personal all time favorites include the Free Dive IPA and Night Swim Porter. But I really think it’s their Unholy Trippel that’s not to be missed.
For $10, the brewers will welcome you behind the scenes for a 30-minute tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process, the inspiration for their craft and the story behind the Coppertail name. You’ll even leave with a souvenir pint glass and a beer token.
Hit Angry Chair Brewing in Seminole Heights for stouts, IPAs, porters, burgers and more. (photo courtesy of Angry Chair Brewing)
Angry Chair Brewing — best breweries in Tampa and Seminole Heights
One of the best breweries in Tampa, Angry Chair Brewing, in the hip Seminole Heights neighborhood, has earned itself an intense following with its innovative and experimental approach to craft brewing. Imaginative ingredients make for stellar stouts, IPAs, sours and porters. And the Space Grass IPA may just be one of the most delicious beers I’ve ever had the privilege of tasting.
With Angry Chair’s kid friendly taproom, dog friendly patio, full kitchen and 24 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone at the new, expanded location. And for regulars who want even more, Angry Chair recently launched a membership program with exclusive access to some of the brewery’s most intriguing offerings.
Bring the whole family to Woven Water Brewing Co. in Tampa Heights for unique drinks, like the smoothie sours. (photo courtesy of Chrissy Money)
Woven Water Brewing Co. — best breweries in Tampa and Tampa Heights
Newer to the craft beer scene and located within a historic building in Tampa Heights, Woven Water Brewing Co. is one of the best breweries in Tampa. Its sleek, modern and somewhat eclectic taproom creates an inviting space to sample some truly unique brews.
The menu here includes notable light, dark and hoppy beers. But the unconventional smoothie sours is where Woven Water really shines on the Tampa brewery scene. The Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich Fusion is one of the most distinctive and memorable drinks in Tampa.
This microbrewery does not have a kitchen, but that makes for a perfect dog-friendly taproom. Don’t forget to ask about the secret menu.
The Florida Orange IPA is a runaway favorite with a true Sunshine State sense of place (and taste) at 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Pete (photo courtesy of 3 Daughters Brewing).
3 Daughters Brewing — best breweries in Tampa and St. Pete
When you’re ready to cross the bridge from Tampa to St. Pete for one of the best breweries there, you might have a hard time deciding where to start. Founded in 2013, 3 Daughters Brewing is one of the best breweries in St. Pete and was one of the first to hit the local beer scene. It’s now one of the largest independent brewers in the state.
The lively taproom here has 42 rotating taps, multiple bars, live music, games for the whole family and an extensive food menu.
On a sweltering summer day, the Beach Blonde Ale is the perfect choice for something light, refreshing and crisp, with just a hint of citrus. From here, you can easily venture out on foot to many additional best breweries in St. Pere and cool taprooms, too.
Pull up a bench with friends to sip something frosty in the inviting beer garden at Green Bench Brewing Co. in St. Pete. (photo courtesy of Green Bench Brewing Co.)
Green Bench Brewing Co. — best breweries in Tampa and St. Pete
Green Bench Brewing Co. also makes our list for best breweries in Tampa and St. Pete focusing on the quality and creativity of the craft, while being committed to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Adjacent to Green Bench’s original St. Pete location, Webb’s City Cellar is their second tasting room and barrel-aging facility. At the latter, the brewers have broadened their mead and cider productions, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio or balcony.
One of the best features is a beer garden with ample seating and a relaxed ambiance that sits between the two sites. It’s the perfect weekend spot to sample some remarkable brews, like the Skyway Hazy Double IPA, while socializing with your favorite pups and humans.
Keep an eye out for noteworthy events and collaborations where the breweries raise awareness for environmental causes to keep Tampa Bay beautiful.
Safety Harbor always makes for a fun day out in Tampa Bay, especially when you stop in at Crooked Thumb Brewery, where 15 to 20 beers are always on tap. (photo courtesy of Crooked Thumb Brewery)
Crooked Thumb Brewery — best breweries in Tampa and Safety Harbor
The quaint town of Safety Harbor welcomed Crooked Thumb Brewery in 2015, and it quickly became one of the best breweries in Tampa. Two blocks off Main Street here, you’ll find 15 to 20 beers consistently on tap in a creative warehouse restoration brimming with historic character.
But when the weather is gorgeous, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by sitting inside. The brewery’s dog and kid friendly beer garden steals the show for atmosphere, and you can enjoy yard games while listening to live music under the lush canopy of trees.
My pick for best beer here would be the novel Rule #7 Hurricane Pale Ale, which pays homage to our favorite local weatherman, Denis Phillips, who we all stay glued to during hurricane season.
Nearby, it’s worth the half-mile walk to Troubled Waters Brewing, another best brewery in Safety Harbor.
The casual space offers an excellent selection of beer flights to suit whatever you may fancy, and they’re dog and child friendly, too.
Dunedin’s got a great local brewing scene, starting with the women owned and operated 7venth Sun Brewing Company that’s been spearheading things here since 2012. (photo courtesy of 7venth Sun Brewing Company)
7venth Sun Brewing Company — best breweries in Tampa and Dunedin
Dunedin is a delight, and home to some of the best breweries in the Tampa Bay region, too. The coastal town has a charming, walkable downtown with a relaxed seaside vibe and endless activity. But the ideal venture, of course, would be to immerse yourself in Dunedin’s beer culture by sampling the meticulously brewed craft beers, one brewery at a time.
When you’re ready to indulge in something exceptionally edgy and exciting, the clear winner is 7venth Sun Brewing Company. With a loyal following, this women owned and operated brewery has been a staple in the flourishing brewery scene here since 2012.
The brewery always has 10 rotating beers on tap, and the Graffiti Orange Wheat is my personal favorite. Indoor and dog friendly outdoor seating is available at this family friendly taproom.
