Best Breweries in Fort Lauderdale: My Local Beer Tour

Curious about the top craft breweries making waves in Fort Lauderdale? Our guide is your map to the best pours the city offers, from the acclaimed staples to the hidden gems. We’ve rounded up the go-to destinations for the best breweries in Fort Lauderdale, where each pint tells a story and the taprooms are as flavorful as the brews they serve. Dive in to discover where to find exceptional ales and lagers without wading through the unnecessary.

Must Visit Local Breweries in Fort Lauderdale Overview

• Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene is diverse and flourishing, with breweries like Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria, Funky Buddha Brewery, (my favorite of the group) and Prison Pals Brewing Co. offering unique, culturally-infused flavors and community-friendly environments.
• Historical charm meets contemporary craft at Tarpon River Brewing, which repurposes a 1920s horse barn and integrates the city’s past through unique brews, community events, and a dedication to tradition.
• Fort Lauderdale breweries, such as 3 Sons Brewing Company and Odd Breed Wild Ales, are recognized for world-class brewing and complex, award-winning flavors, enhancing the city’s reputation as a top brewery destination.

Fort Lauderdale’s Craft Beer Scene: An Insider’s Tour

Entering the Fort Lauderdale craft beer scene is akin to starting an exciting journey. Each brewery in South Florida’s vibrant region is a world of its own, brimming with unique features and enticing offerings. Take Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria, for instance. Here, you can enjoy a cold beer in a welcoming, family-friendly environment that even your pet can be part of.

Additionally, Funky Buddha Brewery stands out, captivating both locals and tourists. with its innovative food-infused beers, like key lime and sweet potato casserole ales, taking beer flavors to a whole new level. Venture further and you’ll find Prison Pals Brewing Co., a brewery with a spacious outdoor beer garden courtyard where the beers sing a tale of the founders’ Argentinian heritage.

And if you’re seeking a retreat from the hot summer days, the rustic taproom at LauderAle, built with reclaimed wood, offers an open-air, garden-inspired retreat. With such a rich and diverse craft beer scene, Fort Lauderdale has something for every beer enthusiast.

The Historic Charm of Tarpon River Brewing

Shifting focus to Fort Lauderdale’s historic beer scene, we discover Tarpon River Brewing. This unique brewery is nestled in a former horse barn from the 1920s, the Snyder Stables, that once housed the horses that paved the roads of the city. Today, this brewery is a testament to the city’s past, blending history and community in a setting that is as unique as the craft beers it serves.

Julian and Lisa Siegel co-own The Riverside Market, and Native Brewing and Fresh Beer is under the ownership of Adam and Jill Fine. Both couples are the fantastic owners behind this amazing brewery. Their passion for brewing is reflected in the community-oriented atmosphere of Tarpon River Brewing, a perfect place for any beer lover. With exciting events like:

• live music
• new beer releases
• yoga
• Trivia Thursdays

The local breweries, including a nano brewery, are often a hub of community activities.

A Peek into the Past

Tarpon River Brewing’s history is as distinctive as its brews. The building, originally constructed as the Snyder Stables in the 1920s, is a testament to Fort Lauderdale’s history, adding to the charm of the city. This historic horse barn served the local needs of the time before its transformation into a brewery.

When the team at Tarpon River Brewing chose this historic horse barn for their brewery, they saw an opportunity to preserve the unique historic charm of the Snyder Stables while transforming it into a modern craft brewery. To bring this vision to life, a former Alpaca store was converted for grain mill and storage, and the old stable building was adapted into the brewery infrastructure. This blend of history and modernity is what makes Tarpon River Brewing a must-visit stop on the Fort Lauderdale brewery trail.

Community and Craft

A profound sense of community, strongly tied to a love for craft beer, lies at the core of Tarpon River Brewing. The brewery weaves a web of camaraderie, with many of its employees having grown up with the owners’ sons. This sense of familiarity and community extends to their craft, with each beer embodying the spirit of the local community.

From golden ales and hoppy IPAs to dark lagers, fruity sours, stouts, and wild ales, the variety of beers at Tarpon River Brewing is a testament to their dedication to craft and tradition. The brewery doesn’t stop at beers, though. Patrons can also delight in an upscale take on traditional bar food, with unique dishes like the roasted buffalo cauliflower and Yo Soy Brussels sprouts with a soy glaze that perfectly complement their beers.

3 Sons Brewing Company

As we continue our journey through Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer landscape, we find ourselves at 3 Sons Brewing Company, a place where world-class brewing is the norm. Founded in 2019, this remarkable establishment rose to fame quickly, earning the prestigious title of “Best New Brewer in the World” in 2018,.

Their success can be tasted in the diverse array of beers on offer. From intensely flavored, barrel-aged imperial stouts to a daily draft lineup that includes light, easy-drinking American-style rice lagers and creamy, fruited sours, 3 Sons Brewing Co. serves up a world-class brewing experience. And it’s not just about the beers. The brewery also serves up crafty, small-batch food options like Neapolitan pizzas, tacos, and dashi butter chicken wings, making it a culinary experience as much as a beer tasting adventure.

Related Reading:  Annual Ft Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival Guide

Also, if you want to take some home, know that beer will NOT explode on an airplane!

The Wild Side of Brewing with Odd Breed Wild Ales

Venturing deeper into Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene, we encounter the brewing wilderness at Odd Breed Wild Ales. This brewery, the brainchild of the talented owner and head brewer Matt Manthe, is celebrated for crafting unique and complex flavors.

Odd Breed Wild Ales specializes in a sophisticated Lambic-inspired style, offering discernibly unique flavors, including delightful notes of ripe pineapple, mango, and orange in their Artistic Bugs golden wild ale. As you step into their taproom, you are greeted by a sleek marble counter and a row of barrels where beer is actively aging, creating an ambiance that beautifully reflects the sophisticated nature of their brews. Their hard work and dedication to craft have earned them multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival, a testament to their outstanding quality and craftsmanship.

Invasive Species Brewing

Continuing our brewery journey, we arrive at Invasive Species Brewing, a spot as captivating as its name suggests. This eclectic taproom is filled with taxidermy, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that sets it apart from other breweries. The co-founders, Phil Gillis and Josh Levitt, bring an impressive wealth of experience to the table, having honed their skills at large production breweries in Florida and the prestigious Siebel Institute of Technology’s brewing vocational school.

Invasive Species Brewing offers a diverse beer menu that includes:

• Refreshing lagers
• Flavorful IPAs
• Fruity sours
• Tropical hard seltzers

One standout is the ‘Ninja Juice,’ a unique sake/beer hybrid crafted with rice using an ancient Japanese brewing method. With a permanent food truck offering delicious food to perfectly complement their wide variety of brews, Invasive Species Brewing has become a beloved destination for South Florida beer fans, fully embracing the Fort Lauderdale lifestyle.

Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers: Vibrant Flavors and Ambiance

For a brewery that matches the vibrancy and freshness of its brews, consider Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers. This brewery is known for its colorful taproom, where you can savor vibrant flavors and a cozy atmosphere.

Founded by Denielle Mizrahi and Daniel Pfaffenbach, Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers offers a variety of refreshing and popular beers, including:

• Banana Slinger
• Valhalla
• Rosé Tailgate
• Hula Girl
• Coquito

These beers, coupled with the brewery’s vibrant ambiance, make it a must-visit spot on the Fort Lauderdale brewery trail.

Orchestrated Minds Brewing: The Art of Hops and Barrels

Continuing our exploration of Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer landscape, we arrive at Orchestrated Minds Brewing, a petite brewery that excels in hops and barrel mastery. This neighborhood brewery is the result of brewer Davy Martin’s ambition to turn his homebrewing passion into a successful commercial brewery.

Orchestrated Minds Brewing specializes in hop-forward IPAs, sours, and stouts, with a diverse range of barrel types adding a unique flavor profile to their craft beers. Among their offerings, you’ll find beers like the Touch of Grey blonde ale brewed with Earl Grey tea and the Change is necessary double dry-hopped New England IPA, truly unique and delicious choices.

Navigating Fort Lauderdale’s Brewery Trail

Having discovered some of Fort Lauderdale’s top breweries, let’s discuss planning a route through the city’s brewery trail. Fort Lauderdale’s Ale Trail allows you to plan your route based on your preferences, ensuring the best tasting experience. Whether you’re a fan of:

• Tarpon River Brewing’s selection
• Orchestrated Minds Brewing
• Dream State Brewing
• Invasive Species Brewing
• Khoffner Brewery’s German-style beer

There’s a brewery for every taste on the trail.

Tasting Tips for the Beer Enthusiast

Keeping a few tasting tips in mind can significantly enhance your brewery experience. For instance, the right glassware can significantly enhance the way a beer tastes and smells. Similarly, the serving temperature of the beer can influence its taste, with more intense beers typically being served around 50°F to enhance some flavors and repress others.

Identifying flavors in craft beer is an exciting adventure, with each beer offering its own distinct flavor profile. Some common flavor components in beer include:

• Acetaldehyde (green apple)
• Butyric acid (baby vomit)
• Diacetyl (buttered popcorn)
• Dimethyl sulfide (canned corn, cabbage)

The flavor components in beer are as diverse as they are intriguing.

Pairing Food with Your Pint

Another key aspect of the brewery experience is the pairing of food with your pint. At Fort Lauderdale’s breweries, you can delight in a selection that includes:

• artisanal flatbreads
• paninis
• meatballs
• empanadas

Along with creative cocktails, offering a versatile pairing with a variety of craft beers.

Whether you’re at 3 Sons Brewing Company enjoying the specially crafted wood-fired wings and pizza, or at Invasive Species Brewing Co. savoring the thoughtfully organized menu that perfectly complements their diverse beer styles, pairing food with your pint is an art worth mastering.

Summary

From the historic charm of Tarpon River Brewing to the wild side of brewing at Odd Breed Wild Ales, the vibrant flavors at Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers, and the world-class experience at 3 Sons Brewing Company, Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene is a world of its own. With a rich variety of breweries each offering their unique flavors and experiences, the city is a paradise for beer enthusiasts.  There is no bad time to have a pint!  Whether it’s a gorgeous day with the sun shining and you need a refresher, or you run into bad weather and need something to do on a rainy day in Fort Lauderdale, you can’t go wrong with these breweries.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious newbie, there’s a pint waiting for you in Fort Lauderdale. So, embark on this adventure, savor the flavors, soak in the experiences, and discover the rich tapestry of Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fort Lauderdale craft beer scene unique?

The diverse range of breweries, each offering unique experiences and flavors, makes the Fort Lauderdale craft beer scene unique. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Which brewery in Fort Lauderdale was awarded the title of “Best New Brewer in the World”?

3 Sons Brewing Company in Fort Lauderdale was awarded the title of “Best New Brewer in the World” in 2018, showcasing their exceptional brewing skills and dedication.

Which brewery in Fort Lauderdale is known for its unique taproom filled with taxidermy?

You should visit Invasive Species Brewing Co. in Fort Lauderdale for its eclectic taproom filled with taxidermy.

What type of beers does Odd Breed Wild Ales specialize in?

Odd Breed Wild Ales specializes in a sophisticated Lambic-inspired style of beer, which sets them apart in the craft beer world.

Which brewery in Fort Lauderdale is known for its colorful taproom?

Check out Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers for its colorful taproom!