Our Favorite Local Breweries in Northeast Florida
The local brew scene is exploding in Northeast Florida. Photo: George Cox
The Best Breweries in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Fernandina, and Beyond
Northeast Florida has many attractions and events that keep tourists interested all year round, but past the busy beaches and hundreds of golf courses, you may have overlooked the growing local brewery scene. Jacksonville alone is home to over 20 independent breweries all scattered throughout the Bold City. When looking for something off the beaten path on your Florida vacation, take on a self-guided tour through the breweries and distilleries of the First Coast. You’ll never know what new taste you might discover.
Legacy Ale Works
Owned by couple Matt and Liz Jacobs, Legacy Ale Works has incorporated their love for beer along with the many different types of beers they have encountered over the years. Legacy offers a variety of different beers with a variation on ABV percentage and varying taste factors from bitter to fruity and floral. An afternoon with the Jacobs will provide everything you could want on a trip to Jacksonville, Florida.
Ruby Beach Brewing
Ruby Beach Brewing in Jacksonville makes sure their doors are open for everyone in the community. With over 20 different beer options (half coming from the microbrewery onsite), there’s something for everyone on tap. Even better, they have four distinct locations on property for hosting private events of all sizes.
Four Fathers Distillery
People have been brewing beer in St. Augustine for hundreds of years. Photo: Visit St. Augustine
With over two decades of expertise and an on-site distillery in Jacksonville, the Four Fathers Distillery provides nothing but the best for their customers. As the producers of HardBrews they take local microbrews and home brewers beer and turn them into different types of whiskies and vodkas. Every two weeks they will take the most popular beer request and put it into their next production of HardBrew. They pride themselves on being genuine producers of vodka, rum and hardbrews. Each experience with Four Fathers is as unique as the small batch HardBrew you’re sipping on.
Ancient City Brewing
Not only does Ancient City Brewing have specialized beers made in honor of their hometown of St. Augustine, but they also have different events 2-3 times a week. There’s live music, but also food-centric gatherings and even cornhole tournaments. Trivia Night happens on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Poker Nights are on Tuesdays starting at 7:30 p.m. every week. So while you’re out with friends having a cold Ponce’s Pale Ale you can enjoy some friendly games as well.
Old Coast Ale Brewery and Taproom
The taps at Mocama Beer Company. Photo: Cole LoCurto.
Like Apple and Amazon, this local favorite all started in a garage. Old Coast Ales went from brewing 10 gallons at a time to now brewing 200 gallons at time. Old Coast Ale offers malty stouts, brown ales, world class IPAs and more. They are located in a discreet but beautiful location on Anastasia Island, with live music every Wednesday.
Mocama Beer Company
Mocama Beer Company provides a creative boho atmosphere hard to find in Florida—walking through their doors you might think you’ve wandered into the hippest new brewery in Brooklyn! Located near Fernandina beach they have a variety of cultural influences that make their beers even more unique. Some of their beers include German Hops which gives their beer a citrusy taste. Founded by a group of four friends, they had a shared goal to create Mocama Beer into a distinctive brewing company in a special place on Amelia Island.
First Love Brew Pub
Amelia Island is home to several local breweries. Photo: BrewCruizer
This business thrives off of the idea of pursuing one’s passions in life. The owners developed their love for brewing in college and continued growing that love after graduation. Now, they offer many different types of draft and canned beer that range from stouts to IPAs and more. Along with having great beers they also have a short and sweet menu with many American classic foods.
Amelia Island Brewery
If you’re looking for a microbrewery that emphasizes attention to detail, Amelia Island Brewing Company is the place for you. They acknowledge their small batch brewing style isn’t optimized for efficiency, but the results are always worth it. Amelia Island Brewing Company has delicious food and beers, and have multiple ways to enjoy both. Want to try some of their hand crafted draft beers? The Alley is the place for you. If you want to grab a bite after a long day at the beach then head in to The Tavern for a juicy burger. This brewery provides a unique and inviting experience for all.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak
Looking for a spot to sample more than one of your favorite local brews at once? Timoti’s Seafood Shak in Fernandina Beach and Nocatee has local, regional and imported favorites ready on ice!