Miami Herald

DISCOVER MIAMI’S BEER CULTURE at these local breweries

- BY VICTORIA MARTINEZ Miami.com

From South Beach to Wynwood, from Coral Gables to Homestead, craft beer breweries have popped up all over the MiamiDade County map. Each brewery has a different specialty, from crisp lagers to tart sour ales to hoppy IPAs. No matter your taste or level of beer nerdiness, there’s something for everyone in the area’s breweries.

Many started as independen­t operations and have, over the years, been purchased by larger beer companies. In some cases, even internatio­nal companies like AB InBev, Anheuser-Busch’s parent company, have set up local breweries to compete with the local craft spots.

New to craft beer? You’ll want to ask your local brewery for a beer flight — a sample of shots — to help you figure out which style is your jam.

Here’s a list of Miami area breweries to help you get started.

BRICKELL / DOWNTOWN EST. 33 Thai Craft Brewery

The company behind Singha beer, the No. 1 brewer in Thailand, opened EST. 33 as a nod to its origins in Bangkok in 1933. Thaiinspir­ed flavors, aromas and tastes combine with Miami’s tropical influences for a medley of exciting combinatio­ns.

701 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-425-9266 or www.est33.us

CORAL GABLES Titanic Brewery & Restaurant

Establishe­d in 1997, this local favorite is situated next to the University of Miami. The venue offers live music throughout the week. Prepare to share elbow room with a packed house during UM football games.

5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 305667-2537 or www.titanicbre­wery.com

Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen

The founders of nearby Threefold Cafe opened Bay 13 just before the start of the pandemic. It focuses on a comfortabl­e, relaxed environmen­t — with plenty of outdoor seating. The beer and food menu are a reflection of the owners’ Aussie roots.

65 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables; 786-452-0935 or www.bay13brewe­ry.com

DORAL The Tank

The Tank’s 4,000-squarefoot taproom can accommodat­e up to 600 people, and locals love this spot for happy hour and karaoke. The Twisted Fork Kitchen serves chicken chicharron­es, wings, tostones, cauliflowe­r tempura, ham croquettes and more.

5100 NW 72nd Ave., Bay A1, Miami; 786-801-1554 or www.thetankbre­wing.com

Prision Pals Brewing

This newcomer, open since March 2021, was founded by three Argentine friends. Their beers include the Dorada Pampeana and Honey Bee, as well as traditiona­l ambers and lagers with a selection of seasonal beers.

8302 NW 14th St., Doral; 833-375-5375 or www.prisionpal­s.com

Tripping Animals Brewing Co.

In 2018 four friends from Venezuela with a passion for craft beer opened the doors to their expansive 15,000-square-foot taproom in Doral. To kick back with friends, they have board games, ping pong tables, and a pool table. So-called smoothie beers and tart, refreshing sours are their specialty.

2685 NW 105th Ave., Doral; 305-646-1339 or www.tripping animals.com/home

MIA Beer Company

MIA Beer Company specialize­s in making quality beer inspired by traditiona­l recipes, while continuall­y crafting new formulas to incorporat­e exotic and locally sourced ingredient­s. You can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the atmosphere in the warehouse or

out in the beer garden during happy hour.

10400 NW 33rd St. #150, Doral; 786-801-1721 or http://www.mia.beer

Beat Culture

OG Miamians will remember their location inside the Days Inn near the Miami Internatio­nal Airport as the old Club Mystique (nicknamed Club Mistake). But there’s nothing sketchy about the beers produced at this small brewery, which goes beyond traditiona­l flavors into fruity and barrel-aged beers, from the Fuacata mango and passion fruit ale to Mojito Tart Ale and the Coconut Pastelito Milkshake IPA. They even brewed an Iron Beer beer made with the actual syrup from the Latin beverage.

7250 NW 11th St, Miami; 786-431-5642 or www.beatcultur­e.com

HIALEAH

Unbranded Brewing Co.

Zachary Swanson, a Texas native, named the brewery after his ancestor, Samuel Maverick, who used to own cattle throughout Texas without branding them. This Hialeah maverick brews unusual beers such as Guava Heat, Champagne Room and Salt & Lime Lager. In true Texas spirit, an onsite smokehouse

serves brisket, burgers and pulled pork tacos.

1395 E 11th Ave., Hialeah; 786-332-3097 or www.unbranded brewing.com

HOMESTEAD

Miami Brewing Company

Open daily and known for their exotic fruit wine, Schnebly Winery also brews its own beer. Set in a tropical, lush space, this is a great place to relax and take a break from the busy Miami streets.

30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead; 305-242-1224 or www.miamibrewi­ng.com

KENDALL

Spanish Marie Brewery

Spanish Marie has been brewing since 2018, when longtime friends who started brewing on a system salvaged from a military barracks opened this warehouse spot in West Kendall. They’ve gained a strong following with brews such as their Colada Porter and Guava Guerra.

14251 SW 120th St., Suite 108, Miami; 305-456-5490 or www.spanishmar­ie brewery.com

LITTLE RIVER

Focal Brewing Company

Located in the booming Little River district of Miami,

Focal Point is a quaint little hideaway with great beer, music and a wine menu that features craft brews. Among their beers are Mayami Blond, a citrusy ale and Mayami Haze, a tropical New England IPA. You’ll find ping pong tables and colorful paintings on the wall, nothing grand, but a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy with friends.

7235 NE Fourth Ave., Miami; 305-363-5166 or www.focalbrewi­ng.com

MIAMI BEACH Abbey Brewing Co.

Abbey Brewing Co., the city’s oldest tap house, has been open since 1995. It was created by brewmaster­s who teamed up with a veteran of the cigar industry to open up this unique bar in South Beach that focuses on Belgian Trappist-style ales. The bar also offers a selection of cocktails and a full bar.

1115 16th St., Miami Beach; 305-538-8110 or www.abbeybrewi­nginc.com

OPA LOCKA / NORTH MIAMI Legacy Caribbean Craft Bear

With a Caribbean vibe to it, this industrial complexsty­le homestead brewery features year-round styles in addition to seasonal and special releases. Some of the brews on tap include the Mulato, the Mamba, Chica, Gypsy Voodoo, Ol’ Boy and more. Their Doña Rosa guava beer is a must try.

13416 NW 38th Ct., Opalocka; 786-681-6572 or www.legacyccb.com

Lost City

Brewing Company

Fans of the long-lost South Beach bar Abraxis are happy to see its owner partner to open this new spot in a throwback to the rustic warehouse breweries. There are 16 beers on tap including early favorites such as Morenita brown ale, Holy Scribe Belgian tripel, Nomi pale ale, and Endless Summer lager.

12207 NE 13th Ct., North Miami; 305-456-0318 or www.lostcitybr­ewing.com

WEST MIAMI Unseen Creatures Brewing & Blending

Unseen Creatures uses locally harvested yeast (their unseen creatures), fruit and other local ingredient­s to create beers that are uniquely Miami. Their brews are focused on balance and drinkabili­ty and push the boundaries of brewing. Lambic beer and Framboise style beers are excellent here.

4178 SW 74th Ct.; 786332-2903 or www.unseencrea­tures.com

Lincoln’s Beard Brewery

Just look at the bar to see how this brewery pays homage to “Honest Abe,” with thousands of pennies glued onto the bar. As well as the beer made at the brewery, Lincoln’s Beard also has other beers from local breweries rotating on tap. The Tacos and Tattoos food truck is out back.

7360 SW 41st St., Miami; 305-912-7390 or www.lincolnsbe­ard brewing.com

WYNWOOD Wynwood

Brewing Company

Luis Brignoni and his dad, Luis “Pops” Brignoni Sr., founded Miami’s first craft beer brewery. Senior is the inspiratio­n behind Pops Porter, which was the first beer in the county to win a coveted gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. The family has since sold part of its stake to Craft Brew Alliance (which was later bought by AnheuserBu­sch).

565 NW 24th St., Miami; 833-996-9663 or www.wynwoodbre­wing.com

J. Wakefield

Named after its owner, Johnathan Wakefield, this brewery is a Wynwood favorite. If you’re a “Star Wars” fan, you’re in luck: This popular brewery has a unique décor with “Star Wars” murals and comic book memorabili­a. Their claim to fame are sour ales, utilizing local and occasional­ly unexpected ingredient­s (like passion fruit and dragon fruit) to give their beer a unique twist and depth of character.

120 NW 24th St., Miami; 786-254-7779 or www.Jwakefield brewing.com

Veza Sur

Anheuser-Bush set up this Latin-inspired brewery to compete with the independen­t Wynwood craft spots. Its open-space, “casa”-like atmosphere offers communal seating, and the garden makes Veza Sur both a neighborho­od hangout and trendy nightspot. Drink options include micheladas and beer cocktails.

55 NW 25th St., Miami; 786-362-6300 or www.vezasur.com

Dogfish Head

Dogfish Head Miami is an eclectic mix of art, brews and tasty bites. Founded in Delaware and a favorite among craft beer fans, it features “off-centered” beers that pair culinary flavors with traditiona­l beer styles. It, too, was bought by the larger Boston Beer Company (owner of Sam Adams).

325 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-796-2727 or www.dogfish.com/ restaurant­s/dogfish-miami

Boxelder Craft Beer Market

Boxelder is a familyowne­d and operated craft beer bar, serving highqualit­y craft beer, while hosting start-up food vendors such as Apocalypse Barbecue. In addition to offering a wide variety of American craft and Belgian beers, owners Nicole and Adam Darnell organize a host of tastings, guest speakers, and food and beer pairing events. Better hurry, though. After being one of the original Wynwood stopovers, it will be closing in October as their property was sold.

2817 NW Second Ave., Miami; 305-942-7769 or www.Bxldr.com

Cerveceria La Tropical

Fashioned after Cuba’s oldest brewery, La Tropical opened in Miami in 2020 after partnering with Heineken to build this massive new spot, complete with a floral beer garden. Featuring nine beers on tap and launching two more this season, this newcomer has a history of family-owned and passed-down brew recipes. Ortanique on the Mile founders Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley provide excellent food to pair with the beer.

42 NE 25th St., Miami; 305-741-6991 or www.cerveceria­la tropical.com

 ?? CARLOS FRÍAS cfrias@miamiheral­d.com ?? A tasting flight at Dogfish Head Miami brewery
CARLOS FRÍAS cfrias@miamiheral­d.com A tasting flight at Dogfish Head Miami brewery
 ?? JUAN FELIPE RANGEL Veza Sur ?? The scene at Veza Sur Brewing Co.
JUAN FELIPE RANGEL Veza Sur The scene at Veza Sur Brewing Co.
 ?? Handout ?? Unbranded Brewing Co. in Hialeah.
Handout Unbranded Brewing Co. in Hialeah.
 ?? STEPHAN KLUMPP ?? Lincoln’s Beard Brewery
STEPHAN KLUMPP Lincoln’s Beard Brewery

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