There are a couple of things worth noting when it comes to the Tampa Bay area. One of them is the great brews and the places to get them. Hi, I’m Hanna, and although I wasn’t Tampa-born, there are plenty of great beers and breweries that were. I want to share some of AppyHour’s favorite and best Tampa Bay breweries, brews and bites to grab when you’re visiting the 813- or just need a night out on the town.
Of course, everyone and their mother knows about Ulele (and if you don’t, where have you been?), but did you know that they also have an in-house brewery? That’s right. This Tampa waterfront restaurant has a 2100-sq foot brewery in front of the beer garden, that creates 15 U.S barrels per brew. My personal favorite? The Wedding Beer. Now normally, I like my ciders, but my lovely server, Patrick, recommended this one to my boyfriend and I and we’re so glad he did. It was smooth, fruity, and one of the easiest beers I’ve drank in awhile. When I go back, the goal is to try one of their limited releases, which they only brew to the season. Ulele’s Spring Brewery is award-winning and definitely one you can’t miss when searching for a good beer in the 813.
This one may seem like a no-brainer while visiting the Tampa area, but if you haven’t had the chance to learn about Cigar City- take a seat. This top Tampa Bay brewery began in 2007 with a concept, and by January of 2009, Cigar City had it’s first commercial batch of brews hit the market. As a local, you may know of Jai Alai, Florida Man or any of their other popular beers, but our favorite here at AppyHour® has to be the Guayabera. This could stem from my bias towards ciders, but this is a crisp, light beer that fits the mold, no matter what mood you’re in.
Another Tampa-born locally loved brewery, located on Adamo Dr. and E. 2nd Ave in Ybor. And if you don’t know, it’s named after a monster that brews in Tampa Bay – according to their owner’s (then) 5-year-old. Whether you want to believe in the Coppertail monster or not, it gave way to the brewery that Tampa natives know and love, today. The story makes for a conversation starter, but their beers are the real star of the show. Not only do they have an abundance of taps, they also offer a full food menu and wine list too. One of our favorite brews from Coppertail, is their Free Dive IPA. Now, I’m not an IPA gal, but our team here at AppyHour love’s their hoppy brews.
With locations in Tampa Heights and Dunedin, this is an 813 favorite. 7venth Sun has an abundance of top brews, from IPAs to sours to Saison’s to stouts. Their tap list is impressive, and I don’t think I can pick a personal favorite. Special memories connect me to 7venth Sun, so I may be a little biased in saying that this is a favorite stop on the Tampa Bay breweries list. I’ve met great people, and even better, enjoyed some great beers. Now, I know I said I wasn’t an IPA girl- but their Headbanger IPA caught my attention (as a bass head, myself). The name was catchy- but the taste was better. It was definitely hoppy, but I can’t lie when I say it’s the only IPA I’ve drank and thoroughly enjoyed. Their Tampa Heights location is on Nebraska Ave, and a must try for those brew masters in the making.
This place may be a little far away for us in Tampa Bay, but it’s worth the drive if you have the time. Plant City’s own Keel Farms is one of my favorite places to date. Not only do they have great beer, but the location is a farm, winery and event venue all in one. Like AppyHour®, they seem to have everything you’re looking for. From picking strawberries during season, to tasting tours, this location isn’t just about good drinks- but a good experience too. They are famous for their blueberry wine, but I will always order their pineapple cider. It’s a sweet, fruity, easy sip and it’s one on my list that’s hard to pass. And for any first-timers, I’d recommend the Tasting Flight, because can you really go wrong with 5 beers for $23? Sign me up.
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