For every pumpkin spice fan counting down to the season’s first latte, there’s a craft beer lover just as ready for the return of fall brews. In Virginia Beach, autumn brings plenty to raise a glass to, with local breweries pouring seasonal favorites packed with malty, roasty and spiced flavors. Here are a few of our delicious fall faves.
The Princess
Smartmouth Pilot House
The Brew: This seasonal sweetheart, brewed annually for Oktoberfest, is named for Princess Elizabeth and the Norfolk river that honors her. Deep copper in color, it carries notes of caramel, toffee and toasted malts — perfect flavors for sipping August through October. ABV: 5.5%.
The Brewery: In a reimagined post office three blocks off the Oceanfront, Smartmouth Pilot House is home to a small-batch brewery, tasting room and restaurant offering a smart selection of beer, wine, cider and wood-fired sourdough pizza — plus live music, jazz brunch and more.
Better Than the Devil and Spectral Signature Milk Stout
Vibrant Shore Brewing Company
The Brews: Go dark and roasty with Spectral Signature, a smooth milk stout with subtle notes of coffee and dark chocolate balanced by creamy milk sugar. Or keep things crisp with Better Than The Devil, an easy-drinking Vienna-style lager with light caramel, toasted malt and a touch of floral German hops. 5.8% and 5.3% ABV, respectively.
The Brewery: In the heart of the ViBe Creative District, the eclectic, upbeat Vibrant Shore Brewing Company offers beer-friendly snacks and freshly prepared food through a rotating array of quality food trucks. The taproom hosts art events and exhibitions, including performances by local musicians.
Oktoberfest Märzen
Commonwealth Brewing Company
The Brew: A fall favorite, this rich, amber-colored German-style lager offers a smooth, malty character with toasty, bready notes and a clean, balanced finish. 5.2% ABV. Now served in 12 oz. cans.
The Brewery: Set in a renovated firehouse, Commonwealth Brewing Company in Chesapeake Bay offers ample, dog-friendly outside seating with pub games and a constantly shifting selection of food trucks — plus wood-fired Neopolitan pizza and a variety of other elevated pub classics made to order.
Count Chocula
Pleasure House Brewing
The Brew: A smooth chocolate milk porter with a creamy, subtly sweet character and plenty of chocolate flavor. Roasty notes add depth without overwhelming bitterness, making this an approachable pick for dark beer lovers. 5.6% ABV, 35 IBU.
The Brewery: If your bestie were a brewmaster, Pleasure House Brewing in Chesapeake Bay is what their home would feel like: cozy and welcoming, with Crockpot Mondays and even a D&D night. Every beer is small-batch and goes quickly, so if you like something — order another round while you can.
Hansel & Kettle
Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen
The Brew: A bold take on a fall classic, this Imperial Märzen is rich with biscuit and caramel malt character for a smooth, full-bodied sip that brings Oktoberfest flavors with a little extra strength. 8% ABV.
The Brewery: Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Town Center pairs its lineup of craft brews with a full food menu and seasonal cocktails. Beer not your thing? Try a Smoked Apple, made with bourbon, lemon, apple butter and spiced simple syrup for another taste of fall.
Devil’s Take
Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
The Brew: A bold Imperial Stout made for sipping, Devil’s Take is full-bodied and rich with deep chocolate character and a warming finish. The current pour clocks in at 10.5% ABV.
The Brewery: As the oldest craft brewery in town, Reaver Beach Brewing Co. in Inland Virginia Beach is both casual and intimate, with relaxed neighborhood bar vibes and a live music lineup on Fridays. Be sure to get at least one sour in your flight — served in a mini longboard.
The Bavarian Prince
New Realm Brewing Company
The Brew: A classic Märzen-style Oktoberfest, The Bavarian Prince pours a deep amber with rich European malt flavors and aromas balanced by a subtle floral hop character. Smooth, malty and made for fall sipping. 6.3% ABV.
The Brewery: Ideal for large parties and special events, this Inland staple, New Realm Brewing Company, has a sprawling outdoor beer garden, an onsite restaurant with the best burgers in the state and a live-music venue that doubles as a drive-in for movie-night sing-alongs and other shenanigans.
Wasserhund Oktoberfest Lager
Wasserhund Brewing Company
The Brew: Take your taste buds to the Rhineland with this light, smooth, and wonderfully malty beer inspired by the iconic brews served at Germany’s Oktoberfest. After searching far and wide for a stateside beer that measured up, Wasserhund’s brewmaster made his own. ABV: 6.3%
The Brewery: With a name that means “water dog” in German, Wasserhund Brewing Company represents a shared love of the beach, dogs and Old Country culture. Bring your pooch along — you’ll need somebody to help you finish the Jumbo Beer Pretzel, served with cheese or German mustard.
Witch of Pungo and BA Dark Witch
Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse
The Brews: For a true taste of fall, start with Witch of Pungo, a 7.2% ABV pumpkin beer made with pumpkins and squash grown right on the farm — think fresh pumpkin pie in a glass. For something a little darker, Dark Witch is a 7.8% ABV pumpkin beer with a richer, spiced character.
The Brewery: Set in a revived 1912 farmhouse, Back Bay Brew House: Farmhouse is fast becoming an inland institution. Its tranquil countryside setting and organic onsite farmstand, Kate’s Next Door Market, make it a one-stop shop for flavorful provisions and handcrafted libations.
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