Brewin’ at the Beach: A Complete Guide to Virginia’s Coastal Craft Beer

With summer on the way, you probably have spent at least a few minutes daydreaming about lying out on the sandy beach with the sound of the waves crashing in the background. What makes this thought even more appealing? A refreshing cold beer in your hand.

If you’re heading to the beach this summer for a surfside Virginia vacation, plan a pit stop at a few of these coastal breweries for some incredibly tasty brews.

Bold Mariner Brewing Company—Norfolk

Bold Mariner Brewing Company in Norfolk has deep ties to both the ocean and the military. Owner and founder Michael Stacks comes from a family that has served in the U.S. Naval service for generations, and he continues that tradition, splitting his time between the brewery and the military.

Sample their lagers and ales when you visit the taproom. The large warehouse looks fairly inconspicuous from the outside, but transforms into a welcoming brewpub as soon as you walk through the doors. If the weather permits, sit outside in the large beer garden and pair your beer with a bite to eat from one of the local food trucks that are often found adjacent to the brewery.

Oozlefinch Craft Brewery—Fort Monroe

Oozlefinch Craft Brewery has pleasantly complex brews, just like their unusual name. The story behind the Oozlefinch begins in 1905, when a local Captain (who probably had a few too many) swore that he saw a strange bird with large eyes outside the Fort Monroe Officers’ Club. After the tall tale spread, the creature became a myth of the Fort Monroe region, with regular sightings reported over the years.

The brewery draws inspiration from that legend and simultaneously nods to their deep roots in the Fort Monroe community. The taproom has a rustic, industrial feel, utilizing hanging lamp pendants and recycled wood tables. When you order your glass of beer, make sure you take a peek at the unique and beautiful inlaid woodwork surrounding the tap area.

Smartmouth Brewing Co.—Norfolk

The second oldest brewery in Norfolk, Smartmouth Brewing Co. has been a well-known member of the Virginia craft beer scene since its opening in 2012. The tap room features five year-round selections, as well as three rotating seasonal brews and at least one limited release each month. By donating their spent grains to local farmers, using recycled and biodegradable materials, and serving their beer in glass rather than plastic, the brewery applies environmentally friendly practices wherever possible.

Smartmouth has a second location in Virginia Beach called the Pilot House. Located inside a renovated former post office, the Pilot House is an ideal spot for a small-batch brew and a wood-fired sourdough pizza after a day on the ocean. 

The Virginia Beer Company—Williamsburg

The taproom at The Virginia Beer Company features at least eight draft beer selections at a time, with four of the beers rotating out for new creations on a regular basis. The goal at this Williamsburg brewery revolves around creativity, as they strive to come out with a new beer each week. The reclaimed wood bar and tables add an industrial air to the brewery, and roll-up garage doors open during warm weather, letting in the fresh air while providing access to the beer garden.

Tradition Brewing Company—Newport News

The tasting room at Tradition Brewing Company is expansive, with a second-floor mezzanine overlooking the bar and seating area below. The taps feature a selection of constantly evolving seasonal brews along with a few constant customer favorites. The bar is a blend of modern and rustic, with a stunning bottle chandelier and wood-paneled American flag wall artwork vying for the title of the coolest décor.

Young Veterans Brewing Company—Virginia Beach

Founded and named for two former U.S. service members, Young Veterans Brewing Company crafts beers that each carry names saluting the U.S. military. Additionally, they frequently host events in conjunction with local military forces to honor the soldiers in the Hampton Roads area.

Three Notch'd Brewery & Craft Kitchen—Virginia Beach

Arguably one of the most popular breweries in the Commonwealth, Three Notch'd breweries can be found in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Nelson, along with this coastal location inside the Virginia Beach Town Center.

With a menu comprised of locally sourced meals that go well beyond the usual pub fare, you'll find loads of delicious dishes that complement their craft brews. In addition to a rotating selection of seasonal brews and their flagship beers, Three Notch'd Brewery also offers a full bar with creative craft cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beer options. 

Pleasure House Brewing—Virginia Beach

Pleasure House Brewing strives to be more than just a place to grab a craft beer. The brewery focuses on building a strong relationship with the local community and creating a fun place for locals and visitors alike to hang out, with a foosball table, dart board, and a handful of board games open to all. They keep a rotation of eight to eleven beers on tap, trying out new recipes and seasonal ingredients throughout the year.

Capstan Bar Brewing Company—Hampton

Capstan Bar Brewing Company is a small-scale craft microbrewery and taproom creating outstanding handcrafted beers using the finest sourced ingredients in an efficient and sustainable manner. CBBC honors the rich historical and nautical legacy of the City of Hampton by producing fine artisanal beers, many of which are named for historical events and anecdotes from the local area.

Wharf Hill Brewing Co.—Smithfield

Due to the owner’s love of historic artifacts, every piece of Wharf Hill Brewing Co. dates back at least a century, speaking to the region’s interesting past. There are always at least four beers on tap, with guest taps from other great breweries both local and from around the world. The brewery serves a full lunch and dinner menu, and they participate in local sustainability practices, donating all leftover scraps of food and spent grains used in brewing to local farms.

Big Ugly Brewing—Chesapeake

The unusual name of Big Ugly Brewing has nothing to do with the beers; the namesake is a massive 1955 Chevy panel truck that belongs to one of the brewery owners. The décor echoes that of a classic car garage, with vintage vehicles intermittently placed around the taproom, but also gives visitors a peek at the beer-making process through the exposed craft brewery equipment.

The automotive theme continues throughout the tasting room. A Volkswagen bus, converted into a private seating area, sits in the middle, and several British motorcycles have been mounted to the floor as seating. Chesapeake’s first brewery provides a selection of around ten big and bold beers on tap at any given time.

Rip Rap Brewing Co.—Norfolk

Rip Rap Brewing Co. is a Norfolk microbrewery, constantly rotating their selection of eight or more craft beers in the taproom to try out new styles and recipes. The brewery isn’t just for adults, and has snacks and sodas for sale to accommodate families. There is also a variety of fun board games to pass the time during your visit to the brewery.

Commonwealth Brewing Co.—Virginia Beach

Commonwealth Brewing Co. is a craft beer haven just a few blocks from the Chesapeake Bay beaches and Virginia’s Eastern Shore access point, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Built inside the converted Chesapeake Beach Fire & Rescue Station #4, the brewery underwent extensive renovations, debuting a 28-tap tasting room and a spacious outdoor beer garden. The original firehouse doors were replaced with large glass garage bay doors which are rolled up when weather permits to allow the coastal breeze indoors.

St. George Brewing Company—Hampton

Continuously in operation since 1998, St. George Brewing Company bears the honor of being one of the first microbreweries in the Hampton Roads area. They pride themselves on their takes on traditional English and German style ales, although they are always open to testing out recipes for other beer varieties.

Back Bay Brewing Company—Virginia Beach

Just a few blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Back Bay Brewing Company provides a convenient space for coastal travelers to get a craft beer. Long wood tables with bench seating run through the interior, which looks more like the side of a quaint cottage home with its wood shingled slanted roof overlooked by framed windows. The perfection of the scene is offset by the rusted metal sheeting that comprises the walls, dotted with wooden ducks that hint at the owner’s passion for hunting.

Alewerks Brewing Company—Williamsburg

When walking into Alewerks Brewing Company, one of the first things that'll catch your eye is the beautiful mixed wood bar. Order one of their delicious craft beers here, then grab a seat under the patio’s umbrellas on sunnier days to pair your beer with the perfect summer atmosphere. The brewery hosts all kinds of events, from trivia nights to live music performances, in the taproom, adding endless entertainment to your Virginia brewery experience.

Wasserhund Brewing Company—Virginia Beach

With a name translating to “water dog” in German, Wasserhund of course focuses on German style brewing, creating an impressive selection beers, averaging around twelve on tap at any given time. In addition to fine craft beers, the brewery is known for their artisan pizzas, made to order and served piping hot out of their brick oven. Want a more traditional German experience? Order the beer sausages with sauerkraut with your drink.

Nansemond Brewing Station—Suffolk

Situated inside a nearly 4,700-square-foot historic building in Downtown Suffolk that dates back to 1914, Nansemond Brewing Station has become a local staple in the community. The brewery features more than a dozen unique brews, a tasting room with impressive 20-foot ceilings, a window to observe the brewing process, and outdoor seating. Play games and enjoy live music from local bands while sipping a pint of Lunchroom Lager or a Mystic Maiden Scottish Ale. 

Billsburg Brewery—Williamsburg

Located in the heart of Williamsburg and Jamestown, Billsburg Brewery is nestled in the heart of Virginia's Historic Triangle. They offer several beers like their Fly Away IPA, Juan's Nightstand Cerveza, and Cribbage in the Square German Pilsner, as well as new and seasonal beers on 12 draft lines. They have hand crafted from scratch over 50 beers including rotational New England Style IPA.

Reaver Beach Brewing Company—Virginia Beach

Strings of lights hang loosely from the ceilings, illuminating the taproom at Reaver Beach Brewing Company with a warm and welcoming glow. Large wooden picnic tables and barrel bistro-style high tops provide seating in the taproom, outfitted with rustic wood paneled walls that complete the rustic décor. The brewery is located several miles inland between the bustling streets of Oceanfront Virginia Beach and the quiet community of Sandbridge, providing a convenient brew destination for many beachgoers in the region.

MoMac Brewing Company—Portsmouth

Located in Portsmouth, this neighborhood brewery can't wait to share their passion for beer with you. MoMac Brewing Company features a large bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and private party area. They also host weekend concerts and food trucks.

Cape Charles Brewing Company—Cape Charles

Family-owned and operated, Cape Charles Brewing Company is one of few craft breweries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. They offer various specialty brews named after the islands of the Eastern Shore including their Assateague Island Pils, Smith Island Stout, and Cobb Island IPA. Along with their wonderful beer menu, Cape Charles Brewing Company offers a full dining menu featuring favorites such as loaded nachos as well as various seafood items and a kids menu.

More Coastal Breweries: 

• Back Bay Brew Farmhouse Brewery—Virginia Beach
• New Realm Brewing—Virginia Beach
• The Bunker Brewpub—Virginia Beach

Whether you’re heading to the beach for a family vacation, to see your favorite band at one of the popular music venues in the region, or simply to discover the beauty of Virginia’s shores, these coastal breweries should definitely be on your to-do list this summer. Which one is your favorite place for a craft beer near the beach?