Tampa Bay is quickly becoming a hotbed of craft beer-ology. With a bevy of original brews uniquely
formulated to Florida’s sunny climate, and more than enough places to go bottoms-up, Tampa Bay is the perfect destination for any beer-cation.

Recently rated a top brewery in the nation by The Daily Meal, Cigar City Brewing prides itself on celebrating the rich history of the community and brewing craft beer that echoes a state of mind all Tampa’s own. Try the Cubano-Style Espresso Brown Ale made with Cuban-style roasted espresso beans, sweet caramel and toffee – a nod to Cuban Coffee, a popular drink in historic Ybor City for decades. The Cigar City tasting room is a must-visit in Tampa – try the Strawberry Chipotle, Graham Cracker or even Chicory Dickory Choc. Some Cigar City beers can’t be tasted or tried anywhere else!Then head down to Ybor where Cigar City brewing originated to visit the first licensed brew-pub in Florida, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, a unique micro-brewery offering 12 hand-crafted tap beers. The entrees feature a special not-so-secret ingredient: craft beer! Be sure to try the Old Elephant Foot India Pale Ale with the award-winning Cider Wings made with Red Eye Ale.

Next stop is America’s oldest beer-brewer, which has a home right here in Tampa Bay. The Yeungling Brewery, complete with a “biergarten” where you can sample Yeungling’s rich heritage, offers free tours of the facility Monday-Friday.

Another local staple was founded by Tampa Bay natives specifically to create craft beer that reflects the Florida way of life. Cold Storage Craft Brewery, one of the area’s hidden brewing gems, has a tasting room open five days a week and offers brewery tours. Its claim to fame is the light Florida Avenue Ale, perfectly enjoyed on a warm sunny day.

Where to drink

Not only do we brew great beer in Tampa, but we have many great local pubs that serve it! 

Tampa is home to the first-ever World of Beer, which started in Tampa’s Westchase neighborhood and serves over 500 craft beers from around the world – including most of those brewed at our local breweries! Enjoy live music Thursday-Saturday at WOB Westchase while you try beers brewed from Germany and Belgium to right here in Tampa Bay.

Or, stop by the recently-opened Cigar City Brewpub to enjoy its unique hand-crafted brews or soda on tap (you read that right!) and great food. The menu is a “little Cuban, a little Southern, a little Italian and all Tampa.”

Ybor City, known for its rich history and brick-lined streets, is also a fantastic place to grab the latest craft beer. Be sure to check out James Joyce Irish Pub, The Double Decker, New World Brewery or Four Green Fields, a short-ride away.

See you soon for an ice cold brew!