Super 7: Miami's Best Breweries
Beyond trendy taprooms, these breweries deliver consistently excellent beer worth your time
Aside from like four days in January, in Miami it’s pretty much always ice-cold beer weather. And finding the best breweries in Miami can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. Once upon a time, Miami’s best breweries were all in Wynwood, but now the best spots are tucked in suburban warehouses and farms far south. Here’s where to find the best breweries in Miami.
Tripping Animals
The award for best label art in the Miami beer world easily goes to Tripping Animals, whose cans are adorned with cartoonish images of critters who clearly got into the wrong (right?) kind of mushrooms. They’re big on fruit sours, and if that’s your jam this is going to be your favorite brewery in the city. The best part? If you live in Broward you don’t have to cross the terrifying county line to experience TA, since they recently opened a new location in Oakland Park.
Pro tip: Pop into the Doral taproom for the Ma, He Did it IPA or Limonada Rosada lemon-respberry sour, and take home a six-pack to entertain future house guests. @trippinganimals // 2685 NW 105th Ave., Doral
Cervecería La Tropical
Cuba’s oldest brewery set up shop in Wynwood, where the large space and expansive food menu make it more than just a place to stop in for beers. Cerveceria La Tropical’s modern takes are actually an improvement, as you’ll discover when you try the Nativo Key Tropical IPA, which tastes exactly like you’d expect a Miami-based IPA to taste.
Pro tip: Make a meal out of the experience, since much of the food on the menu was developed by renowned chef Cindy Hutson. @latropicalbeer // 42 NW 25th St., Wynwood
Pinto’s Brewhouse
Few things make for a better Sunday thank kicking back on the farm with a cold beer. “Sure,” you say, “If you happen to live in North Dakota.” But that experience is Miami-accessible at Pinto’s Brewhouse, set on the edge of Pinto’s Farm in South Dade. The higher-ABV beers are still crisp and cold, whether you’re trying the summerrific GOAT Lager or the Witty Fox Belgian Wit.
Pro tip: Post up in the brewhouse while you’re kids run wild on the farm. This is the only brewery you’re finding with a petting zoo and go-kart track. @pintosbrewhouse // 14890 SW 216th St., Homestead
Lincoln’s Beard
The Bird Road Arts District is anchored by this quirky brewery that’s big on IPAs and hoppier creations. Belly up to the penny-covered bar and try the German-style Old News Pilsner, or the P. Swayze American IPA, one of the top hoppy brews in Miami. If you’re into pairing beers and pizza, head to Lincoln’s Beard’s Palmetto Bay pizza shop, Maxwell Brothers Clothing Store.
Pro tip: Parking at The Beard is tricky, and if you guess wrong your night will end with a trip to the tow yard. Consult their handy map before you go so you know where you’re clear. @lincolnsbeardbrewing // Westchester
Miami Brewing Company
Only in Miami can you taste coconut beer and avocado wine without having to leave the building. Welcome to Shnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery, where when you wander past the tropical courtyard you’ll find yourself at the Miami Brewing Company, whose signature Big Rod Ale tastes like a tropical vacation in a can. The big warehouse-y space lends itself perfectly to big parties, and long afternoons in the Redlands.
Pro tip: Go for Country Nights on Friday and Saturday, where you can get up some liquid courage then learn to line dance. @miamibrewingco // 30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead
Magic 13 Brewing Co.
If you’re sitting around your Miami condo on a sunny day and thinking, “Boy, I wish I had a backyard so I could sit out back with a beer like a Floridian Hank Hill,” Magic 13 is your spot. This Little River brewery has a long, tree-filled backyard, perfect for enjoying our perfect weather with a beer in hand.
Pro tip: Check Magic 13’s website for the schedule of live bands. The music makes it the closest thing Miami has to breweries up north that double as concert venues in the summer. @magic13brewing // 340 NE 61st St., Mimo
Lost City Brewing
Remember Abraxas? The South Beach craft beer bar that was a craft beer bar before that was even a thing? Well, the guy behind it is also behind Lost City Brewing, hidden in a warehouse district in North Miami. Inside you’ll find 15 taps of curated craft beer, as well as a full kitchen with stuff like burgers and pizza on hand.
Pro tip: If you’ve ever dreamed of being a DJ, show up on the last Saturday of every month where you can play your own 20-minute vinyl set. @lostcitybrewing // 12207 NE 13th Ct., North Miami