For visitors and locals alike seeking an authentic taste of the Magic City, Miami’s burgeoning craft beer scene offers a vibrant, flavorful alternative to the velvet-rope nightlife. The city’s best brewery-style bars are concentrated in creative hubs like Wynwood and industrial pockets like Doral, offering unique taproom experiences year-round. These establishments are where innovative brewers infuse local tropical fruits and Latin-American culinary traditions into their beers, providing a laid-back and delicious way to experience the real, modern culture of Miami, one pint at a time.
Why Miami’s Brewery Scene is a Must-Visit
For years, Miami was considered a desert for craft beer, a city dominated by light lagers and imported standards. That landscape has changed dramatically. Today, Miami is a bona fide destination for beer lovers, boasting a culture as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.
What sets Miami’s breweries apart is their unapologetic embrace of place. Brewers here are not just making beer; they are bottling the essence of South Florida. This means an abundance of tropical fruits like mango, passionfruit, guava, and key lime find their way into everything from tart sours to hazy IPAs.
The cultural influence is just as potent. With a deep connection to Latin America and the Caribbean, breweries often draw inspiration from the flavors of their community. You’ll find beers brewed with Colombian coffee, beers that mimic the taste of a Cuban pastelito, and crisp lagers designed to be enjoyed in the relentless tropical heat.
Visiting these taprooms isn’t just about tasting beer; it’s about participating in a community. They are gathering places for artists, families, and friends, often featuring vibrant murals, live music, and a rotating cast of incredible local food trucks.
The Epicenter of Brew: Wynwood’s Best
Nowhere is Miami’s beer identity more concentrated than in Wynwood, the world-famous arts district. Amidst the sprawling murals and galleries, you’ll find a walkable cluster of some of the city’s most iconic and innovative breweries.
J. Wakefield Brewing
Often considered the O.G. of the Wynwood beer scene, J. Wakefield Brewing is a must-visit for any serious beer aficionado. Known for its distinct Star Wars-themed taproom and can art, this brewery put Miami on the map for a specific style: the Florida Weisse. These tart, fruited sour ales are the brewery’s signature.
Their flagship, Miami Madness, a Berliner Weisse brewed with guava, mango, and passionfruit, is a rite of passage. Beyond sours, J. Wakefield consistently produces some of the city’s best hazy IPAs and rich, decadent stouts. The taproom is an intimate, no-frills space where the focus is squarely on the world-class beer.
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
Just a few blocks away, Veza Sur Brewing Co. offers a completely different, yet equally compelling, Miami experience. With a strong Latin-American influence, Veza Sur is all about good vibes, community, and easy-drinking beers. Their massive, colorful outdoor patio is one of the best hangs in Wynwood, constantly buzzing with energy and the sounds of a live DJ or band.
Here, the star of the show is the Brazilian-style Chopp, an ice-cold, extra-crisp lager with a thick, creamy head. It’s served from a special tap that keeps it just above freezing, making it the ultimate refreshment for a humid Miami day. They also excel at tropical IPAs and collaborate frequently with a resident food truck to offer delicious Latin-inspired bites.
Cervecería La Tropical
A stunning addition to the neighborhood, Cervecería La Tropical brings a piece of Cuban history to Miami. Originally founded in Havana in 1888, Cuba’s oldest brewery was reborn in Wynwood, complete with a state-of-the-art brewing facility, a full-service restaurant, and breathtaking tropical gardens.
The brewery offers a range of excellent beers, led by its signature La Original Ámbar Lager, whose recipe is more than a century old. The experience here is more elevated than a typical taproom. You can enjoy a flight of beer in the lush, shaded gardens, listen to live Cuban music, and pair your brew with high-quality Caribbean cuisine. It’s a transportive experience that honors a rich heritage.
Beyond Wynwood: Exploring Greater Miami’s Craft Beer Havens
While Wynwood may be the heart of the scene, fantastic breweries are scattered across Miami-Dade County, each offering a unique reflection of its neighborhood.
Doral’s Craft Beer Corridor
The suburban city of Doral has unexpectedly become a powerhouse of craft beer. Leading the charge is Tripping Animals Brewing Co., a family-owned brewery celebrated for its wildly creative, boundary-pushing beers. Known for heavily fruited sours, decadent pastry stouts, and triple-stacked hazy IPAs, their colorful can art is as sought-after as the liquid inside.
Nearby, The Tank Brewing Co. offers a different kind of sanctuary. As its name suggests, the brewery is massive, with a spacious, industrial-chic taproom. The Tank excels at brewing clean, classic styles like their La Finca Saison and Freedom Tower Amber Ale. In a uniquely Miami twist, the brewery also features a dedicated cigar lounge, allowing patrons to enjoy a hand-rolled cigar with their pint.
South Miami and Coral Gables Gems
The craft movement has also taken root in the more residential southern parts of the county. In the South Miami area, Strange Beast Brewpub & Pizzeria has become a local favorite. It combines expertly crafted, small-batch beers with some of the best Detroit-style pizza in the city, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner and drinks.
A little further west, you’ll find Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., a brewery with a fiercely loyal local following. The vibe is quirky, independent, and deeply community-focused, with a rustic taproom and a sprawling, dog-friendly outdoor space. They brew a wide range of solid, dependable beers and host regular events like trivia nights and open mics that make it feel like a true neighborhood living room.
North of the City: Hidden Treasures
For those willing to venture into less-touristed areas, gems await. In Hialeah, Unbranded Brewing Co. has carved out a niche with its subtle western theme and focus on well-made lagers and classic styles. It’s a massive space that has become a community hub in an area previously underserved by craft breweries.
What to Drink: A Guide to Miami-Specific Beer Styles
When exploring Miami’s breweries, you’ll encounter a few styles that define the local scene. Knowing what to look for will enhance your tasting experience.
The Florida Weisse
This is Miami’s signature contribution to the beer world. A variation of the German Berliner Weisse, this style is a low-alcohol, tart wheat beer that is “soured” in the kettle. What makes it a Florida Weisse is the addition of local tropical fruits, which balance the tartness with sweetness and create a refreshingly complex flavor profile.
Hazy IPAs with a Tropical Twist
Like the rest of the country, Miami loves its hazy, juicy IPAs. However, local brewers often enhance the natural tropical notes from hops like Citra and Mosaic by adding actual fruit puree. Expect to find IPAs conditioned on everything from passionfruit to pink guava, resulting in an extra burst of tropical flavor.
Lagers for the Heat
In a city where it’s summer year-round, crisp, clean, and refreshing lagers are essential. Miami brewers have perfected the art of the crushable pilsner, helles, and Mexican-style lager. These are the beers you’ll want when sitting on a sun-drenched patio, providing a perfect counterpoint to the heat and humidity.
Planning Your Brewery Tour: Practical Tips
To make the most of your Miami beer adventure, keep a few practical considerations in mind.
Getting Around
While Wynwood is highly walkable, traveling between neighborhoods requires a car. The best approach is to use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. This is the safest and most responsible way to enjoy multiple breweries without worrying about driving.
Food Pairings and Food Trucks
Almost every brewery in Miami has a fantastic food option. Many, like Veza Sur and Lincoln’s Beard, host a rotating schedule of excellent local food trucks. Others, like La Tropical and Strange Beast, have full-service kitchens. Always arrive with an appetite.
Check for Events and Can Releases
Miami’s brewery culture is dynamic. Taprooms frequently host live music, trivia nights, and special events. Furthermore, limited-edition can releases are a huge part of the scene, often drawing long lines of enthusiasts. Check a brewery’s Instagram or Facebook page before you go to see what’s happening.
Exploring Miami through its breweries offers a unique and authentic window into the city’s soul. It’s a culture built on innovation, community, and a deep love for the tropical flavors that define South Florida. Moving beyond the tourist trails to sit in a local taproom is to experience the real, modern Miami—a city that is as creative and exciting as the beers it produces.
