The 9 Best Craft Breweries in Virginia Beach

Line-up of craft beers from Smartmouth Brewing Co.

If you know anything about anything, you’re well aware of the craft beer epidemic that’s sweeping the nation. Literally. Craft breweries are popping up all over the place, and Virginia Beach is no exception. There are always new and innovative flavors, styles, and aesthetics being brought to the beer industry’s table.

Virginia Beach Craft Breweries

However, unlike the standard pub, these Virginia Beach craft breweries offer a new experience that the whole family can share together. So even if you don’t drink beer, many breweries have board games, corn hole, or trivia nights. It’s about giving back to the community and creating a fun space for everyone. Read on to check out seven of the best craft breweries in Virginia Beach!

Belgian Wit Cheval Au Soleil. Photo Credit: Commonwealth Brewing Co.

Commonwealth – where the beer looks great and tastes even better. With an eye for aesthetic, the crew over at Commonwealth Brewing takes both the quality of their product and the atmosphere it’s served in seriously. The building itself was converted from an old fire and rescue station built back in the ’60s, so it’s perfect for larger gatherings. Commonwealth usually gets pretty crowded on the weekends, so make sure you get there early to snag a seat. The best part? They frequently hosts artesian food-trucks throughout the week to pair great food with their great beer. Be sure to leave enough room for both. I recommend the Wapatoolie tropical IPA.

2. Wasserhund Brewing Company

Munich Dunkel Lager. Photo Credit: Wasserhund Brewing

If you’re looking to try something new, head over to Wasserhund Brewing Co. for the full German experience. Along with quality brewed German-style beers, Wasserhund has an entire menu of authentic German cuisine. They frequently host fundraisers, bingo nights, and other fun events to stay engaged with the Virginia Beach Community. They’re a dog-friendly establishment (it’s in the name) so don’t forget to bring them along, too. Wasserhund’s incredible Growler dealsare nearly unbeatable, so make sure you leave with enough beer to last until your next visit. I recommend the Habanero Peach DIPA. 

3. Back Bay Brewing Company

False Cape Amber Ale. Photo Credit: Back Bay Brewing

Back Bay Brewing is an authentic beach-style brewery. Located only a short walking distance away from the oceanfront, Back Bay comes complete with a full tasting room and a private events room titled “The Blind.” They’ve hosted musicians, business meetings, paint nights, and more – they’ve even hosted a few weddings. Back Bay Brewing is passionate about promoting Virginia Beach artists, too, and will have artwork from various creatives on display in their tasting room over the next several months. If you love that salty Virginia Beach vibe, you simply can’t miss out on what Back Bay Brewing has to offer. I recommend the Gringo Cerveza.

4. New Realm Brewing Company

Craft beers. Photo Credit: New Realm Brewing Co.

With an extensive and experienced staff operating out of two locations (VB and GA), the New Realm team brings a unique style and taste to the local beer scene. With a vast selection of beer and locally sourced cuisine, New Realm has a little something for everyone. Their Virginia location comes complete with a massive outdoor beer garden, ample seating, and fire pits to accommodate large groups year-round. The product is delicious, and New Realm really aims to take its customers into an entirely ‘new realm’ of the consumer experience. So you’ve got to see it for yourself! I recommend the Euphonia Pilsner.

5. Reaver Beach Brewing Company

“Beermosas and Bloody Beers” Photo Credit: Reaver Beach Brewing Co.

As the oldest craft brewery in Virginia Beach, Reaver Beach Brewing has proven itself as an effective producer and distributor of quality craft beer. In some sense, they’ve set the bar high for newer breweries in the Virginia Beach area. They’re big on using local ingredients in their brewing process, allowing for unique tasting beer with true Virginia hints. Customer service is of the highest importance, and their team is always looking for innovative ways to make that experience truly special. With events such as pint nights, military appreciation nights, and weekly growler deals, Reaver Beach always has something worth checking out. I recommend the Hoptopus DIPA, no questions asked.

6. Pleasure House Brewing

Jumping The Shark 2.0 Sour Ale. Photo Credit: Pleasure House Brewing Co.

Located just off Shore Drive, Pleasure House Brewing brings a slightly different beach vibe to the table. They’re relaxed, they’re friendly, and they’re innovative. Mostly a small-batch brewery, Pleasure House always has something new on Tap. From IPA’s to hard seltzers, they’ve got it all. Like our other delicious breweries, Pleasure House has a list of weekly events to keep things fun and exciting, including their weekly “Crock for a Cause” potluck event. Their hospitality feels like family, so you want to come back again and again. And their extensive list of regulars proves the point. I recommend the Shark Tears Sour.

7. Smartmouth Brewing Company

Photo Credit: Smartmouth Brewing Co.

As another one of the original craft breweries in Virginia Beach, Smartmouth Brewing has regularly produced a quality product that has stood the test of time. Conceptualized and created by Hampton Roads local Porter Hardy, Smartmouth approaches beer with a simple, witty, and creative attitude. Their solid lineup of year-round beers offers a consistently perfected taste, so even the most discerning palate will enjoy them. Additionally, their steady rotation of seasonal beers is no compromise of that same quality. Smartmouth is a no-frill environment, so if you’re looking to get straight to the point, you’ve found the right place. I recommend the Murphy’s Law Amber Ale. 

8. Deadline Brewing Project

Grapefruit Tequila Shandy Photo Credit: @deadlinebrewingproject

Deadline Brewing Project is a nano-brewery specializing in hand-crafted, unique, flavorful beers focused on seasonal and local ingredients. They have plenty of Trivia Nights, too, which is always fun to get the crowd together for a good round of themed trivia. Also, you can book Deadline for private events, if you’re looking for somewhere to host your next bash. Check their Facebook page for a lineup of all the beers they’re serving! I highly recommend the grapefruit tequila shandy!

9. Young Veterans Brewing Company and The Bunker

Mixed Berry IPA Photo Credit: @hopsofreese

Veteran-owned, operated and located in the heart of Virginia Beach, VA. At Young Veterans Brewing Co. they don’t like to take themselves too seriously. But their product quality is a different story. Their brewers crank out some of the finest local craft beer in the 757. They use only the highest quality barley, hops, yeast, and water. They apply an obsessive amount of attention to detail with some incredible can artwork and branding. Visit their family-friendly tasting room open 7 days a week from 3 PM – 8 PM. Here, you can try their freshest selections of hand-crafted ales and lagers right from the source.

Check out The Bunker, too, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. It’s also owned and operated by Young Veterans Brewing Co. If you like dark beers, I highly recommend “What About Us Lagers” (if it’s on tap while you’re there).

Enjoy Craft Breweries in Virginia Beach!

There you have it. Most (if not all) of the above breweries host weekly events that can be attended by anyone at any time. You’ve now got plenty of places to stay warm and busy during the winter months, so grab your families, friends, and dogs and bring them over to one of these delicious craft breweries in Virginia Beach – you won’t be disappointed.

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