Did you know there are some great breweries right on the water? Check out the list below and find your favorite waterfront brewery!
THE WATERFRONT BREWERY
Key West, Florida
It’s not called the Waterfront for nothing! This working brewery and restaurant lies in the heart of Old Town overlooking the Key West Historic Seaport. A rotating selection of suds brewed on site includes signature beers Crazy Lady (a honey blonde), Lazy Way (India pale ale) and Island Life (American lager). Have a curious palette? Try the Elven Orchard apple graff beer. The Waterfront is a licensed wholesaler of Florida Keys finfish and shellfish and has a full menu with handcrafted sandwiches, steak and seafood entrees, and a raw bar.
Where to Dock: The Galleon Marina
SERVICE BREWING CO.
Savannah, Georgia
Befitting its name, Service Brewing is owned and operated by and dedicated to American veterans. The theme runs throughout its tasting room, which is “decorated” with repurposed shipping containers, military-style emblems and an industrial atmosphere. Even the beer names have soldierly themes: Ground Pounder, Rally Point and Compass Rose. Service Brewing’s tasting room is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Tour the facility, see the magic behind beer brewing, and toast our service men and women and first responders.
Where to Dock: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa
LAKEFRONT BREWERY
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lakefront Brewery is actually located on the Milwaukee River in the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company’s old power plant, built in 1908. The company has won more than 200 awards in its 30 years of brewing and prides itself on innovation. It became the first U.S.-certified organic brewery. In 1996, it produced the country’s first gluten-free beer and was the second to make a pumpkin beer. It currently brews eight year round beers (ales and lagers), plus five seasonals, four organic and gluten-free beers and 11 limited-release beers. The Lakefront Brewery Beer Halls has a full menu with daily specials and sausage flights.
Where to Dock: Harborfront Marina
HARPOON BREWERY & BEER HALL
Boston, Massachusetts
You’ll find this well-known brewery inside an old warehouse in the Seaport District of South Boston. The original Harpoon Ale was crafted here in 1987, and over 30 years later, it is the centerpiece of an impressive ensemble of beers and ciders — 155 year-round and seasonal varieties in all, from altbiers to weizenbocks and everything in between. The brewery’s Bavarian beer hall has sprawling wooden benches and serves spent-grain pretzels with homemade dipping sauces. Two rotating small-batch beers are exclusive to the hall, so quaff them while you can.
Where to Dock: Constitution Marina
BLUEJACKET
Washington, D.C.
Oak-planked and gleaming, the Bluejacket restaurant and bar occupies an old ship and munitions manufacturing complex in Southeast D.C. that has been renovated with precision. Launched in 2013, as the home of the same-named beer, the space has 5,600 square feet of brewing on three levels, 19 fermentation vessels, two barrel rooms and three temperature zones. What this means is patrons can enjoy a rotating selection of 20 beers and five cask ales, all poured at the ideal temperature, and most are available only on-site. The food menu extends the classic beer hall fare to incorporate new American cuisine using locally sourced products.
Where to Dock: The Yards Marina
SMARTMOUTH BREWING CO.
Norfolk, Virginia
Founded in 2012, Smartmouth Brewing produces 4,400 barrels of craft beer each year on the banks of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk’s Chelsea District. It has five year-round beers that span the palette, from saison to amber to double IPA, and three seasonal beers and limited-edition brews add more breadth to the menu. Rather than flash, the brewery concentrates on quality ingredients and well-crafted flavor. Have a sip in the 1,100 square-foot tasting room and take a tour of the facility. It’s free every hour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where to Dock: Tidewater Yacht Marina
COAST BREWING COMPANY
Charleston, South Carolina
Family owned and housed in an old Navy base in North Charleston, COAST proves the adage that sometimes simpler is better. Head brewer David Merritt favors organic and local ingredients, and his creations are straightforward, drinkable and done well. Year-round selections include an imperial India pale ale, American pale ale, imperial stout, American brown ale, India pale ale and kolsch. Flavorful, not fancy. Seasonal brews like saison, wheat and dark ale add variety. The COAST tasting room is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Where to Dock: Rivers Edge Marina
Please remember that sober skippers are the best skippers. Boating under the influence is dangerous – and illegal. Designate a sober skipper and keep our waterways safe.
Check out The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Program and sign the pledge!
Article credit: Marinalife.com
