Virginia Beach is a popular vacation destination for not only the beautiful beaches but the surrounding communities as well. There are plenty of places with great local beers to explore in every district so if your idea of a good time includes enjoying a nice craft brew in a relaxed and cool atmosphere, look no further. In no particular order, here are 5 breweries you should check out on your next Virginia Beach vacation.
Wasserhund Brewing Company
1805 Laskin Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
As their own website puts it, "Call it whatever you want...we call it German style brewing with a Beach kick." Wasserhund is the perfect brew pub to visit for a little taste of Oktoberfest on the coast. The name comes from the owners', Aaron and Christine Holley, love of the beach, dogs and German beer. Not only are you in for some awesome brews, but their brick oven pizza and beer sausage really puts the cherry on top of the experience. On any given day there are 12 beers on tap and from the cleverly named German Shepheweizen to the Orange Chocolate Lab Gose, you're sure to find the perfect beer (or two) to quench your thirst.
Aside from the food and beer, this brewery gives back by donating 30% of its evening taproom revenue to a local charity each week. That sounds pretty cool if you ask me!
Back Bay Brewing Company
614 Norfolk Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Featured in Rolling Stone’s "The Definitive Nightlife-Lover's Guide to Virginia Beach" and founded in 2011, Back Bay Brewing Co. is the perfect end to a day exploring the national wildlife refuge or the beach. Owners, Charlie Burroughs and Josh Canada have a history with Back Bay and their love of the area as well as passion for craft beer is apparent. With anew addition to the tap list every week, there's something new for everyone to try with Tap it Tuesday at 3pm. Popular brews range in variety from IPAs and Tripels to a Pumpkin Ale and fruity Hefeweizen; there's something to satisfy every palate!
Their tasting room, dubbed "The Blind" as an homage to the duck blind where talk of opening the brewery began, will be the hub for the breweries new Living Room Artist's Series where local artists and musicians will be featured later as part of this 14-month series.
Young Veterans Brewing Company
2505 Horse Pasture Rd #104
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
If you're looking for a perfectly themed brewery experience, you’ll find it at Young Veterans! With two local military bases, Virginia Beach has been home to many service families and has a proud history of supporting our men and women. From World War II propaganda inspired labels to the taproom décor, a visit to this brewery is an immersive experience. They offer seven flagship brews plus seasonal options like the G.I Pilsner, Semper FI.P.A., Beach Stormer and more.
This is another Virginia Beach brewery about more than just the beer; Vet Noise is a monthly event to benefit and support local Veterans charities. It's an opportunity for Veterans and supporters to gather and enjoy a pint, grab a bite from local food trucks, play corn hole and listen to local music. There are also raffles and door prizes to participate in with all proceeds going to a Veteran charity.
Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Company
1805 Kempsville Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Aptly named, this brewery is the newest of all on this list and is in likely the oldest building. Operating from a restored 1912 farmhouse, they have it all from, a relaxed atmosphere, beer, food trucks, a farmers market, and yard games. Grab Fido and the kids to make it a family affair outside! There's plenty of space with indoor and outdoor seating for you to enjoy bocce ball, cornhole or ladder golf with your choice of beer, cider or wine in hand.
They also offer hour-long Farmhouse Tours on most Saturdays and Sundays to learn about the history of the house, their fifteen barrel high gravity brew system, and more.
Home Republic Brewing Company
328 Laskin Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
This Oceanfront District restaurant and brewery is known for its relaxed atmosphere and perfect pairings. 20 year Marine Corps veteran, Joe Curtis, wanted to open a place with "great beer, drinks, and food -- that feels like home" and it's safe to say he did just that. With beer brewed on site, you're sure to find a nice, refreshing seasonal craft beer on tap and can even take a growler with you to enjoy at your Sandbridge Beach vacation rentals.
If you're looking for great beer options and an impressive menu and atmosphere to match, you can't go wrong with Home Republic!
There are plenty of other great breweries and brewpubs in the area to try, but this list is a great place to start! The best thing about vacationing in Sandbridge is its location; you get all the beauty and seclusion of the beach without being too far from the Virginia Beach nightlife and cityscape. It truly is the best of both worlds!
