The craft brewery scene in Sarasota has come a long way in just a short time. Now, fans in Sarasota can find just about anything that whets their whistle, from citrusy wheat ales, to light lagers, to inventive IPAs – all can be found right here in Sarasota. The following are our top picks for the best craft breweries in the Sarasota area.
975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
bigtopbrewing.com
Big Top Brewery has a fun, neighborhood vibe with distinctive craft beers that compliment Sarasota’s historical association with the circus. Big Top has a large brewing area to one side with a tasting room next to it, along with a patio in the back. There is also a Bubbaques BBQ food truck at Big Top that is open during business hours. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about the different beers on tap. Big Top also has locations in Lakewood Ranch, Gainesville, and Pensacola.
Address: 5701 Derek Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233
calusabrewing.com
Calusa Brewing is a veteran-owned, family-friendly brewery that takes pride in the quality of its beers as well as their wide variety of traditional offerings, unfiltered, hop-forward beers, and mixed-fermentation. The taproom is warehouse-style with plenty of space and a good size bar. The staff is very educated about their product and offers samples before you commit to a certain beer. Calusa also has rotating food trucks that serve a variety of offerings during their hours of operation.
5767 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
brewlifebrewing.com
This is a small batch brewery so you can be guaranteed that their beer is fresh. Even if it is Sarasota’s smallest brewery, the place is big on taste and selection. They have a throwback vibe with arcade games, slot cars, bubble hockey, and an 80s playlist. If this is the craft brewery for you, don’t forget to ask about purchasing their Brew Life Ambassador Card.
8405 Heritage Green Way, Bradenton
3cargaragebrewing.com
Another small batch craft beer place that is worth the short drive is 3 Car Garage Brewing Co. in Bradenton. This is a fun, friendly place where dogs are welcome, games are available, food trucks are on-site from Wednesday to Sunday, plus live music on some nights. The beer selection is plentiful with excellent choices for anyone’s taste.
1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL
motorworksbrewing.com/bradenton
Another brewery to visit in Bradenton is Motorworks Brewing. You can enjoy one of their delicious brews in their beer garden, under a 150-year-old oak tree, or in their taproom. The dog and family-friendly venue also serve wine, spirits, and cocktails. There are plenty of games and TVs to watch sports on, plus live music on certain days. You can order from the food trucks through your server, which is convenient and easy.
Whatever season finds you traveling to Sarasota, there are a few things you can count on. The weather will be great, the beaches will be beautiful and there are some great craft breweries in the Sarasota area ready to serve up some wonderful cold beers. If you are into the brew, then the above craft breweries in the Sarasota area are ones you don’t want to miss the next time you are in town.
