Greater Fort Lauderdale has a lot going on — an idyllic coastal setting, a booming culinary scene and plenty of water sports to keep you active during travels. But did you know it also has a growing brewery landscape that’s become a go-to for craft beer enthusiasts? With more than a dozen breweries in the area, it’s easy to see why this community has emerged as one of Florida’s most exciting beer destinations.
So, whether you’re ready for a proper beer crawl or just looking for a cold one after a day at the beach, this guide will take you through some of the must-visit breweries—spanning from Deerfield Beach to Hollywood Beach, with a special stop in Oakland Park—each bringing its own character and craftsmanship to the local beer scene.
Unlock the Ale Trail Experience
Enhance your brewery exploration by saving the Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail Passport to your smartphone. This convenient digital guide connects you with 15 carefully selected breweries and distilleries across Greater Fort Lauderdale, offering exclusive deals and discounts as you craft your personal beer tour.
How It Works: Register with your contact information and receive your digital passport instantly via text or email. With no apps to download and no cost to participate, it's the perfect companion for discovering the best local brews during your visit.
Fort Lauderdale
Nothing says you’ve tapped into the Fort Lauderdale brewery scene quite like a visit to Invasive Species in Flagler Village. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot taxidermy on the walls and a food truck parked outside on the weekends. This locals’ favorite serves up everything from bold stouts and flavorful IPAS to inventive sours.
If you prefer to enjoy a cold one with live music or trivia nights, head to Tarpon River Brewery. Set inside a former 11,000-square-foot horse barn nestled between the Tarpon River and the New River in Fort Lauderdale, this unique spot offers a rotating lineup of brews. You’ll be able to sample everything from wild ales to big stouts, including hoppy IPAs, dark lagers and fruited sours. Even the food menu is beer-inspired, featuring bites like a giant pretzel with IPA cheese sauce.
LauderAle Brewery likes to call itself the Cheers of Fort Lauderdale. Maybe that’s because tons of locals like to meet up and socialize here. Tucked away near the airport, this hidden gem is worth the effort to find. Expect rotating daily food trucks, live music and even yoga sessions. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!
The tap list features crowd-pleasers like the award-winning Black Mamba and Quintessence alongside hard ciders, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Try a beer flight next time you’re at Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria to sample its diverse craft offerings — there are over 15 selections to choose from. Whether you’re craving a crisp lager, fruited sour or something on the darker side, there’s something for everyone. This brewery also features an on-site artisan pizzeria, Pizzeria Magaddino, serving up Neapolitan-style slices you’ll want to take a bite of.
Northern Breweries
Just a bit north in Oakland Park, you’ll run into two local brewery favorites: Funky Buddha Brewery and Tripping Animals. The former is known for its experimental ales along with the classic German-style Floridian, which you’ve likely seen on menus at restaurants throughout the area.
With roots in Venezuela, Tripping Animals is just as creative with its artwork as it is with its brews–its beers come in some of the best-looking cans around. The names are equally inventive, with selections like “Ma, He Did It” and “No Mames Lager.”
Grab your friends for a round of trivia or a yoga flow at Cove Brewery, Deerfield Beach’s first brewery. The taproom near the Intracoastal serves up crisp brews with Florida-inspired names, such as “Paddle Out Pils” and “Tide ‘N Seek.” If you’re in town on July 26, don’t miss the brewery’s second annual Covechella, a free event featuring local beer makers, artists and vendors.
In Coral Springs, Big Bear Brewing Co. pairs handcrafted beers with hearty, comforting fare — think chicken puff pie, craft burgers and house-made desserts. The bustling atmosphere makes it a go-to for casual nights out, while its rotating taps showcase the brand’s dedication to bold, flavorful brews
Formerly known as Bangin’ Banjo, Pompano Beach Brewing Company has evolved into a local favorite, offering inventive selections like the tropical Toasted Coconut Cream Ale and the tart, dessert-inspired Lemon Meringue Pie sour. Rotating food trucks, like The Munchies Report, add to the fun, making it a welcoming hangout for beer lovers and their pups.
A few blocks away, 26 Degree Brewing Company has transformed a former grocery store into a spacious taproom, pouring easy-drinking brews like IPA1A and the crowd favorite Captain Ron Hefeweizen. The brewery boasts a casual, community-first vibe, complete with patio seating.
Southern Breweries
3 Sons Brewing Co. welcomes visitors with award-winning craft beers, such as the hazy Dopealicious IPA and the decadent S'Mortal Kombat imperial stout. The spacious, modern taproom located just minutes from the airport also serves artisanal Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired brick oven.
Where can you find retro video games and gourmet grilled cheese paired with small-batch brews in Davie? The Mack House. Sample creations like Pine Island Pale Ale in a cozy, nostalgic taproom for a genuine taste of neighborhood beer culture away from the typical tourist spots.
Cool off after a day on Hollywood Beach with an oceanfront craft beer at Hollywood Brewing Co., situated directly on the famous Broadwalk. Sip the refreshing Locals Only lager while taking in spectacular Atlantic views and enjoying people-watching.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale brewery scene is packed with personality — and plenty of pints. Grab your crew, check in with the Ale Trail Passport and make it a day (or weekend) of sips, bites and unforgettable local vibes.
With every stop, you’ll taste the creativity and culture that make this coastal destination a must-visit for beer lovers.