Tampa Bay, Florida, is quickly becoming a craft beer destination, with local brewers creating some of the best beers in the country. The area has dozens of breweries specializing in everything from traditional lagers to IPAs and sour ales. With such a wide variety of craft beers, deciding which ones are best can be challenging.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top-rated Tampa Bay area breweries. Our research focused on beer quality, selection, atmosphere, and customer service. One interesting finding was that many of these Tampa breweries offer unique experiences beyond just tasting beer – such as guided tours or live music events.
So whether you’re an experienced beer connoisseur or a casual fan looking for something new to try, these are the best breweries in Tampa Bay that you should visit.
Here are the top 10 breweries in Tampa Bay Area.
- Cigar City Brewing
- Cycle Brewing
- Green Bench Brewing Company
- 7venth Sun Brewery
- Angry Chair Brewing
- Magnanimous Brewing
- Coppertail Brewing Co.
- Rapp Brewing Company
- Arkane Aleworks
- Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Top 10 Breweries in Tampa Bay Area
Here are some of the best breweries you’ll come across in Tampa Bay Area.
1. Cigar City Brewing
Image Source: Cigar City Brewing
Located in Tampa Bay’s Ybor City, Cigar City Brewing has become a household name in the craft beer scene. Launched in 2007, this brewery is known for its innovative and delicious beer selections, including its famous Jai Alai IPA and Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout.
Cigar City Brewing has earned numerous awards and recognition, such as being named Best Brewery in Florida by RateBeer and winning multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival.
2. Cycle Brewing
Image Source: Cycle Brewing
Cycle Brewing has been a staple in the Tampa Bay craft beer scene since 2012. The company mainly focuses on traditional styles and innovative techniques. Their flagship beer, the Rare DOS, is a highly sought-after imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels. Fun fact: Cycle Brewing’s taproom is located inside a historic brick building that was once a dreaded DMV.
Also Read: The 10 Best Beers For Thai Food
3. Green Bench Brewing Company
Image Source: Green Bench Brewing Company
Green Bench Brewing Company is a top-rated craft brewery in St. Petersburg, in the Tampa Bay area. Established in 2013, it has crafted exceptional beers inspired by traditional styles with a modern twist.
Some notable brews include a crisp and hoppy IPA, a refreshing wheat beer, and a deliciously decadent sweet stout. Green Bench has also won numerous awards for its innovative beer creations and is a must-visit for any craft beer lover exploring the Tampa Bay brewing scene.
4. 7venth Sun Brewery
Image Source: 7venth Sun Brewery
Craft beer lovers visiting the Tampa Bay area should add 7venth Sun Brewery to their list of must-visit spots. Originally from Dunedin, FL, this brewery opened another location in the Tampa Heights neighborhood and has quickly become a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Known for its innovative and creative approach to brewing, 7venth Sun offers various delicious beers, including refreshing wheat beers, hoppy IPAs, and darker sweet stouts.
5. Angry Chair Brewing
Image Source: Angry Chair Brewing
Angry Chair Brewing is located in Seminole Heights. This creative brewery is known for its innovative and delicious beers, including its famous sweet stout, German chocolate cake-inspired “German Chocolate Cupcake,” and award-winning “Rocky Road.” In 2019, Angry Chair was named “Best Brewery in Florida” by RateBeer. Their unique taproom with outdoor seating and food trucks adds to the experience.
6. Magnanimous Brewing
Image Source: Magnanimous Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Tampa Heights, Magnanimous Brewing is a newcomer to the city’s craft beer scene, opening its doors in 2019. From their flagship IPA, “Bees in the Bay,” to seasonal offerings like the “Crimson Tart,” Magnanimous Brewing consistently delivers high-quality beers that are not to be missed.
7. Coppertail Brewing Co.
Image Source: Coppertail Brewing Co.
Coppertail has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best breweries in the area, thanks to its unique and delicious beers. Notable brews include the Free Dive IPA, the Night Swim Porter, and the Unholy, an imperial sweet stout aged in Rum barrels.
Coppertail has won numerous awards and accolades, including a Gold Medal from the Great American Beer Festival for its Night Swim Porter.
Also Read: The 10 Best Beers For Beer Can Chicken
8. Rapp Brewing Company
Image Source: Rapp Brewing Company
Rapp Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in the Tampa Bay area. Started in 2012, Rapp Brewing specializes in German-inspired beers, like their famous Gose and Berliner Weisse.
They have won numerous awards, including gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. The brewery has an outdoor patio, food trucks, and a variety of traditional and innovative beers on tap.
9. Arkane Aleworks
Image Source: Arkane Aleworks
Located in Largo, Florida, Arkane Aleworks is a brewery that uniquely blends traditional and innovative flavors. With a passion for brewing, Arkane offers an impressive range of beer styles, from refreshing wheat beers to heavier stouts.
Notably, their sour beer series has received high praise and recognition in the craft beer scene. As a result, Arkane Aleworks is a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers looking for a fun and unforgettable tasting experience.
10. Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Image Source: Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Established in 1995, the brewery has pioneered the local craft beer scene. Known for its innovative and traditional styles, the brewery boasts an impressive selection of beers on tap, ranging from refreshing wheat and hoppy IPAs to sweet stouts and dark imperial stouts.
The brewery has also won numerous awards and recognition for its unique brews.
Also Read: The 10 Best Beer For Golf
Brewery Tour and Tasting in Tampa Bay Area
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Tampa Bay Area and experience delicious beers, brewery tours and tastings are a must-try. Here are some of the breweries we recommend you visit.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
At Tampa Bay Brewing Company, you can tour their brewery facility for just $10. This includes a flight of beer samples and a souvenir pint glass. The tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 2 pm and last 45 minutes. They also offer private brewery tours for groups of ten or more people.
Cigar City Brewing
The brewery tour is free and takes place every day from 11 am to 10 pm. During the tour, you’ll peek into their 10,000-square-foot brewery and sample some classic and seasonal brews.
7venth Sun Brewery
At 7venth Sun Brewery, you can enjoy a free guided brewery tour every Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. The tour takes around 30 minutes and ends with a beer tasting. They have various beers on tap, including hoppy, refreshing, and darker, so you can find something to suit your taste buds.
Also Read: The 10 Best Beers For Sauerkraut
Conclusion
If you’re a craft beer lover, then Tampa Bay is the place to be. With a thriving craft beer scene, it’s no surprise that the area is home to some of the best breweries in the country. We researched and explored various breweries and selected the best ones for you to visit.
