The craft-beer scene in Virginia Beach boasts flavorful brews served at laid-back taprooms and inviting outdoor beer gardens. Whether you’re near the ocean or exploring the bay, these breweries serve good times and great beers. Here are the breweries and taprooms you won’t want to miss in Virginia Beach.
Oceanfront
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a fantastic destination for beer lovers, featuring creative craft brews, outdoor patios and lively atmospheres, all minutes from the beach.
Aslin Beer Co.
Located in the ViBe Creative District, Aslin Beer Co. has been serving up craft suds since 2015 and now boasts five locations, including its newest on Virginia Beach Boulevard. From IPAs to sours to ales, Aslin has something to satisfy every beer enthusiast. But, it’s more than just a taproom—you’ll also find an outdoor tiki bar, a restaurant, a coffee shop and even an ice cream station.
Insider Tip
In the summer, try a slushie made with Volcano Sauce, one of Virginia’s top-selling sour beers. Plus, check out the brightly colored mural painted by Mickael Broth, aka “The Night Owl.”
Top Picks
Orange Starfish (lager); Volcano Sauce (sour ale); Swell Maneuvers (IPA)
The Bunker Brewpub
The Bunker Brewpub is a laid-back spot serving a menu full of seafood, burgers, tacos and finger foods—all alongside a solid lineup of draft beers. An offshoot of Young Veterans Brewing Co., look for 20 rotating local craft suds on-tap, plus wines and cocktails. Stay for live music or fill up a growler to go. Closed Tuesdays.
Insider Tip
Feeling hungry? They’re seriously well-known for their hot chicken sandwich, which by the way, pairs perfectly with a pint of the Burnout. Bonus: They’re just a block from the beach.
Top Picks
Pineapple Grenade (wheat beer), Burnout (lager), Snake Eater (hazy IPA)
Smartmouth Pilot House
Housed in a former post office, just three blocks from Oceanfront, Smartmouth Brewing Co.,known locally as Smartmouth Pilot House, is a kid- and dog-friendly gathering place for craft-beer fans. The small-batch brewery has a tasting room, outdoor patio and events like live music, trivia nights and happy hours. Bakehouse Pizza serves wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Closed Mondays.
Insider Tip
When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, don’t miss Saturday Morning Marshmallow IPA, a fan-favorite made with Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows. This seasonal brew has leaned into the “bereal” trend. You’ll find it on tap as late as late-April, but when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Top Picks
Savage Mondo (hazy IPA); Safety Dance (pilsner); Seven Cities (lager)
Vibrant Shore Brewing Company
Located in the ViBe Creative District, Vibrant Shore Brewing Company blends craft beer with creativity, creating a welcoming space for all. With open mic nights, musical bingo, trivia and a bi-monthly running club, Vibrant Shore is as much about community as it is about great brews. You’ll find more than a dozen beers on tap, plus four-packs to take home. Closed Mondays.
Insider Tip
With a rooftop beer garden, this spot is the place to be when the weather is right. Plus, founder and head brewer Rhett Rebold is a former Home Brewer of the Year, so you know every pint is top-notch.
Top Picks
Scarlet Future (IPA); Rising Bun (lager); Better Than the Devil (lager)
Inland
Virginia Beach’s Inland boasts a mix of local breweries offering tasty brews, delicious food and welcoming vibes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beer garden or a fun trivia night, you’ll find it here.
The Casual Pint Craft Beerstro
The Casual Pint Craft Beerstro serves up comfort food and a rotating selection of 35 craft beers, including beer flights. It’s a go-to gathering place in Virginia Beach, perfect for kicking back with friends. Dig into German pretzels with house-made beer cheese, brats, burgers, flatbreads and wings while sampling their ever-changing selections of draft beers. Stick around for music video bingo and movie trivia nights
Insider Tip
Beers on tap rotate often. At least one or two—sometimes up to six—beers change out every day, so you’ll never have the same experience twice. Non-beer drinkers can enjoy hard cider and wines on tap.
Top Picks
*Instead of top brews, try these top dishes to pair with your drink.
Pretzel and Beer Cheese; Buffalo-Chicken Flatbread; Drunken Brat
New Realm Brewing Company
New Realm Brewing Company is part brewery, part distillery and part restaurant. Their craft beers range from hazy IPAs to crisp pilsners and Belgian-style ales, best enjoyed in their sprawling two-acre beer garden. Beyond tasty beers, this family-friendly locale serves up pizzas, salads, sandwiches and possibly the best burgers in the state. Check their calendar for live music, trivia nights and even yoga.
Insider Tip
In summer, this place absolutely comes alive with live music every weekend. A crowd favorite is Collie Buddz, a wildly popular reggae artist who frequents the stage at New Realm.
Top Picks
Hazy Like a Fox (hazy IPA); Blackberry Smoke (lager); Psychedelic Rabbit (IPA)
Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
Reaver Beach Brewing Co. is VB’s oldest craft brewery, known for its laid-back vibe and award-winning beers. The taproom pours a rotating selection of more than a dozen brews, from funky, wild sours to crisp, refreshing ales—even a couple of non-alcoholic options. Beyond delicious drinks, they host events, like yoga, music bingo and live music. Closed Mondays.
Insider Tip
Established in 2010, Reaver Beach is VB’s very first brewery. Be sure to try the Hoptopus, a fan favorite IPA that helped put this craft brewery on the map, or a seasonal brew like the Mexican hot cocoa-inspired stout.
Top Picks
Hoptopus (IPA); Hazy Tides (IPA); Hammerhead (IPA)
Thin Brew Line
Thin Brew Line pours craft beers in a taproom dedicated to First Responders and Frontline Workers. It’s a family-friendly spot with a heated outdoor patio and a dog park, welcoming pups both inside and outside. While there’s no kitchen, bartenders will grab your order from Jessy’s so you can relax with a pint. Weekly specials include 2-for-1 tacos on Tuesdays and $3-off growler fills on Thursdays.
Insider Tip
Their bathrooms are conversation starters, each with a unique theme, like a jail cell from The Shawshank Redemption. The beer lineup changes frequently, ensuring there’s always something fun to sample. Not a beer drinker? Choose from seven flavors of seltzers.
Top Picks
Badge Honey (pale ale); Station 12 Fire Engine Red (pale ale); Teacher Work Day (pale ale)
Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen
Located in the Town Center District, Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen offers a mix of craft beers, a full bar and a menu of pub fare, including locally-sourced and beer-infused dishes. On Sundays, bring your leashed doggo for Pups on the Patio, with $2-off drinks and half-off appetizers. You’ll find more than a dozen year-round and rotating beers on tap, plus cool branded merch, like t-shirts and trucker hats.
Insider Tip
This popular brewery’s name has deep roots in American history, dating to 1781 and the Revolutionary War. From a Richmond tavern, Jack Jouett spotted the British advancing, so he rode through the night to warn Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, marking his path with three notches in the trees. His route became known as Three Notch’d Road, a colonial thoroughfare that inspired the name of the brewery.
Top Picks
Minute Man (IPA); Future IPA; King of Clouds (hazy IPA)
Wasserhund Brewing Company
At Wasserhund Brewing Company, a dog theme runs across the house-brewed beers, from the German Shepheweizen to the Haywire Husky Coffee Lager. With a German shepherd featured on their logo, the brewery offers more than a dozen beers on tap and a selection of four-packs to go. Pair your brews with beer pretzels and “pawzzarella” sticks. It’s kid- and dog-friendly, so bring the whole crew.
Insider Tip
Pups are in for a real treat at Wasserhund Brewing, thanks to a secret dog menu that’s sure to get tails wagging. The highlight? A dog-friendly “beer” made from beef broth. Good doggos can also order pup pies and dog popsicles. Plus, the brewery rewards pups with free 100% organic dog treats.
Top Picks
Pick of the Litter (lager); German Shepheweizen (hefeweizen); Doggy Paddle (IPA)
Young Veterans Brewing Co.
Young Veterans Brewing Co. is a veteran-owned brewery with a tasting room that’s open every afternoon for hand-crafted ales and lagers. You’ll find more than a dozen beers on tap, plus seltzers and canned cocktails. There’s something for everyone, too, from pale ales to stouts and porters. Grab your friends and settle in at a beer garden table. They’ve got growlers when you want to take the party home.
Insider Tip
Young Veterans isn’t just open every day—it offers beer specials daily, too. Sundays bring $4 lagers, while Wednesdays mean buy one beer, get the second for 50% off. On Fridays, teachers get 10% off their brews as a well-earned perk.
Top Picks
Pineapple Grenade (wheat beer); Burnout (lager); Snake Eater (hazy IPA)
Chesapeake Bay
You’ll find family-owned breweries, a relaxed atmosphere and scenic views along the Chesapeake Bay. Come to soak up the local charm and vibrant beer culture by the water.
Commonwealth Brewing Company
Commonwealth Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery with a welcoming taproom and pup-friendly outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas as well as brunch on weekends. With nearly two dozen beers on tap, including lagers, stouts, pilsners and goses, the selection will satisfy every beer lover. Their run club meets twice a month, and runners get a $1 pint upon return.
Insider Tip
Housed in a converted fire and rescue station, some say it’s haunted by the spirit of one of the station’s former firefighters. Want to hear stories? Just ask the bartenders.
Top Picks
Wapatoolie (IPA); Papi Chulo (hazy IPA); Pool Noodle (lager)
Pleasure House Brewing
Pleasure House Brewing is a locally-owned brewery known for crisp ales, lagers, sours and stouts. With a passion for both great beer and serving the community, they offer more than a dozen taps. You’ll also find cool merch, including glassware, hoodies, hats and coasters. Pleasure House hosts fun events like team trivia on Wednesdays and musical bingo on Fridays. Hungry? Food trucks make regular appearances.
Insider Tip
Pleasure House sits just under two miles from Chix’s Beach and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, making it the perfect first stop for anyone coming down from the Eastern Shore.
Top Picks
Glo (pale ale); Cameron’s British Pub Ale (pale ale); O’Brien Clan (pale ale)
In Virginia Beach, our ever-expanding beer scene is overflowing with unique flavors that we are proud to share with everyone who visits our coastal city. From juicy IPAs bursting with flavor to complex barrel-aged sours, there’s a beer, and a brewery, for everyone who visits. We’ve tried them all and we’re happy to share with you our Local’s Guide to Virginia Beach Breweries.
Back Bay Brewing Co.
The Brewery
Back Bay Brewing Co. is a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike and is a great place to spend an afternoon sampling some small-batch brews. This cozy, laid-back brewery is brought to the next level by the rustic, industrial interior by Benevolent Design Co., a local company located nearby in the ViBe Creative District. This is the place to come to be treated like a regular and just have a good time.
Our Top Picks
Steel Pier Bohemian Lager
Witch of Pungo Pumpkin Ale
Atlantic Ave IPA
Local Tip
Gringo’s Taqueria, located right next door to the brewery is the perfect addition to Back Bay’s beer. Get your fish tacos and bring them to the brewery with you.
Commonwealth Brewing Company
The Brewery
Like Back Bay, Commonwealth Brewing Company is also a favorite local hangout, but for the Chic’s Beach crowd. Draining their taps out of an old renovated firehouse, this place is open and inviting, and offers ample outside seating, as well. Come for the food trucks, outside seating, corn hole, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Come back for the ever-changing selection of deliciously creative, expertly brewed beers. You’ll want to sample as many as you can here.
Our Top Picks
Wapatoolie Tropical IPA
Marvolo Imperial Chocolate Stout
Sophrosyne Aged Saison
Local Tip
Dogs are welcome outside at Commonwealth, and we’re all better for it. Take your pooch with you while you sample some suds.
Reaver Beach Brewing Company
The Brewery
Reaver Beach Brewing Company is a favorite cozy brewery with a neighborhood bar-like atmosphere and tasty rotating beers. While all of their beers are worthy of a tasting, their sours deserve special recognition. This place is just all around cool.
Our Top Picks
The Reaver Sour Ale Jolie Rouge Sour Red
Hoptopus Double IPA
Local Tip
This place gets our vote for coolest flight. Cheers!
Wasserhund Brewing Company
The Brewery
Wasserhund Brewing Company is a German-inspired brewpub in the Hilltop area and is a great joint to get your pizza and beer fix, both of which are can’t-misses here. Their flights are very customizable, so taste as many of their house-brewed beers as you want. They have a great variety for fans of all kinds of beer.
Our Top Picks
Doggy Paddle IPA
German Shepheweizen
Atta Boy Altbier
Local Tip
If you leave here without trying their Jumbo Beer Pretzel, with beer cheese or German mustard, you’re doing it wrong.
Young Veterans Brewing Company
The Brewery
The Young Veterans Brewing Company is a veteran-owned, military-themed, brewery is a must visit for veterans and non-veterans alike. As if the creative and tasty brews weren’t enough reason to visit, the WWII-themed artwork for each beer, prominently displayed on the walls, makes this worth the trip in its own right. It doesn’t hurt that the staff also knows their stuff and will get you set-up with the perfect beer for your preferences every time.
Our Top Picks
Pineapple Grenade Hefeweizen
Mopp 4 Sour IPA
I Love Jet Noise Double IPA
Local Tip
Though they seem slightly off the beaten path, Young Veterans and Reaver Beach are actually within walking distance of each other, making for the perfect one-two punch on your tour of Virginia Beach Breweries.
Pleasure House Brewing Company
The Brewery
The Pleasure House Brewing Company is what it would be like if you had friends who had a brewery in their house, and they made great beer. This place is unassuming, cozy, and just plain fun. Their beers are constantly changing and when they’re out, they’re out. Grab a glass, choose a game from the many they offer, and enjoy a night drinking good beer with good friends.
Our Top Picks
It’s hard to choose since they are constantly brewing new beers in small batches and when they’re gone, that’s it. It is hard to go wrong here and if you like one, you may want to stock up!
Local Tip
To take your beer home with you, try one of their crowlers, a 32-ounce mega-can of their delicious brews, canned right there in-house.
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Written by Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 36 states).
