Craft Brewing (and Breweries) in Florida are growing at supersonic speed. There are currently well over 200 in the state of Florida according to beerinflorida.com, a website dedicated to craft breweries in Florida.
When you’re staying on Anna Maria Island there are several Craft Breweries within easy driving distance. Each one has their own brews (of course) and their own offerings and amenities.
Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton’s first craft brewery, is housed in a 1923 building that used to house an automobile dealership: Hudson Motors – complete with a concrete ramp that was used to move cars from the ground floor to a second floor service area.
Motorworks Brewing boasts the largest beer garden in Florida, complete with a spacious deck built around a magnificent 150+ year-old oak tree, a 3-hole putting green, 2 bocce ball courts, over a dozen cornhole sets, life-sized jenga, a live music stage, 22 ft. projection screen and more.
Featured is a core lineup of 5 brews, plus a seasonal lineup – currently 31 brews. Simply something for everyone! They also have lots on Tap.
Though they don’t offer food themselves they’re not about to let you go hungry! they partner with several local Restaurants and Food Trucks. The typical offerings include sliders, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, pulled pork, chicken salad, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, pizza, and Philly cheese steaks. You can check out their food schedule Here.
Just The Facts:
Address: 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM to Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM
Contact: 941.567.6218, info@motorworksbrewing.com
*Children allowed until 9 PM, dogs allowed in the beer garden. Contact for details
Darwin Brewing Co.
Darwin Brewing Co. was established in 2012 and brews artisan ales and lagers influenced by the flavors and spices of South America’s Andean and Amazonian Regions with a focus on ingredients sourced in Florida.
DBC is a full fledged brewery also featuring a Taproom and a garden. The selection of brews is large and includes their Flagship Core Beers, as well as seasonal offerings.
Being right next to *McKechnie Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates spring train and the hometown heroes – the Bradenton Mauraders – play, this is a good place for a cold brew before or after the baseball game. A thriving Trivia League is held on Thursday nights as well.
*Family friendly
Just The Facts:
Address: 803 17th Avenue West, Bradenton (next to *McKechnie Field)
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday: 4-10 PM, Friday: 4-11 PM, Saturday: 12-11 PM, Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday unless event
Contact: 941.747.1970, info@darwinbrewingco.com
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
The newest Craft Brewery to call Bradenton home, 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery is also the closest to Anna Maria Island – along the Manatee Ave. business and shopping stretch. The focus is on community, friends & family (including welcoming dogs on the patio). There is a kids area in sight of the dining tables with books, legos, games, toys and a Nintendo Wii.
Established and run by the Douglas family – Jeff, Cathy & their eldest son Scott, opened the brewery after a nationwide brewery tour that included 126 breweries. When they returned they turned their dreams of opening a restaurant/pub in to opening a brewery & eatery.
3 Keys philosopy is “Beer should be for everyone, so we offer flavorful, light, fruity and low alcohol beers alongside of traditional favorites such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, dubbels, bocks, porters and wheat beers.” The of beer is large, you can see it Here, and they also serve a selection of wine and cider.
The fact that 3 Keys is also an eatery sets them apart from many craft breweries that are often serviced by food trucks or local restaurants. Their menu is pub inspired and includes a kid’s menu. The full service and community focus has made the brewery a favorite of locals and visitors.
Just The Facts:
Address: 2505 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12-10 PM, Friday 12-12 PM, Saturday 11 AM-12 PM,
Sunday 11 AM-10 PM
Contact: 941.218.0396
Naughty Monk Brewery
Naughty Monk Brewery is the only Craft Brewery in the Lakewood Ranch area and has been a welcome addition. The focus is on Belgian inspired brews, with wine, cider and several guest taps of local and national craft brewers also available.
While enjoying your chosen brew you can play a game of pool on the only two Diamond pool tables in Manatee County. Also for fun darts, cornhole and a variety of games and entertainment are available.
While there is no food served by Naughty Monk Brewery, bringing your own food or snacks is encouraged. You are also welcome to order from any local fast food business or restaurants with delivery available.
Just The Facts:
Address: 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
Hours: Monday-Thursday 2-10 PM, Friday 2 PM-12 AM, Saturday 1 PM-12 AM,
Sunday 1-10 PM
Contact: 941.708.2966, info@naughtymonkbrewery.com
Jdub’S Brewing Company
Jdubs’S Brewing Company was founded by Jeremy “JDub” Joerger in 2011 in Sarasota. A former soldier turned government worker, Jdub made his first (“terrible”) batch of home brew in 2003 with a buddy. In 2011, with a nudge from his father-in-law, Jeremy decided to follow his dreams of working in the craft beer industry and to do it in Sarasota.
In the years since Jdub’s has continued to grow in sales, employees and distribution – to the point where they now need to brew at “The Brew Hub” in Lakeland in addition to on site, but continue to stay committed our our core values of Quality, Innovation and Culture. The beer selection is eclectic and with 14 flavors On Tap there is something for everyone.
Like most other craft breweries Jdub’s does not serve food but it does have a local food trucks on a schedule. Expect food that goes well with beer – burgers to BBQ to tacos. Check out the schedule and visit when your favorite food is available, or just enjoy a beer!
Just The Facts:
Address: 1215 Mango Avenue Sarasota
Hours: Monday: 2 PM-8 PM, Tuesday-Saturday: 11 AM-12 AM, Sunday: 11 AM-10 PM
Contact: 941.955.2739
Big Top Brewing Company
Big Top Brewing Company’s Brewmaster Josh Wilson crafted beer for many years with only his friends enjoying his efforts. Big Top was the first Craft Brewery in Sarasota, and Josh wanted to compliment Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture.
There is a rotating list of core beers as well as rotating list of beers on tap. Live music and food trucks are featured regularly, take a look at their events calendar to plan your visit.
Just The Facts:
Address: 6111 Porter Way Sarasota
Hours: Monday – Saturday 2 -10 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM
Contact: 1.800.590.Bigtop
Enjoy the Craft Beer explosion – choose your brewery or make your way through the list. Cheers!
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us for a reservation at Blue Turtle Cottage and let us help you with your vacation planning.
Michele Totino
416-434-9239
info@annamariaislandhouserental.com
amihouserental.com
Anna Maria Island House Rental 