Miami’s craft beer scene has exploded in the last decade, evolving from a handful of small local brewers into one of the most dynamic and creative beer destinations in the United States. It’s a reflection of Miami itself—diverse, tropical, and bursting with energy. Whether you prefer a hazy IPA packed with citrus hops, a fruity sour brewed with guava and mango, or a light, crisp lager perfect for the beach, Miami has a beer for every mood. Here’s your extended guide to exploring the city’s top breweries, unique beer bars, and the unforgettable flavors that make this tropical city a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
🏭 Top Breweries in Miami
- 🍻 Tripping Animals Brewing Co. (Doral): One of Miami’s most beloved breweries, Tripping Animals is known for its community vibe, creative can art, and bold flavors. Their hazy IPAs and fruited sours have a cult following. Be sure to try King of Everything DIPA and Mahi Did It IPA—both bursting with tropical fruit notes and a smooth finish. The taproom hosts events, food trucks, and even art pop-ups, making it a full Miami experience.
- 🌴 Wynwood Brewing Company / Casa La Rubia (Wynwood): Miami’s first craft brewery, established in 2013, Wynwood Brewing is a symbol of the city’s beer revolution. Their flagship La Rubia Blonde Ale became an instant classic—light, crisp, and approachable. The new Casa La Rubia taproom merges Latin heritage with Miami’s urban edge, serving Wynwood and Veza Sur brews alongside Latin street food, live music, and community events.
- 🐯 Prison Pals Brewing Co. (Doral): Founded by Argentinian brewers, Prison Pals quickly gained fame for its Smoothie Series—thick, heavily fruited sour ales that taste like tropical juice blends. Their innovative approach to brewing earned them a gold medal for their Premium Lager, proving they can master both extremes of the craft spectrum. The taproom’s energetic vibe and colorful murals reflect the brewery’s South American roots.
- 🏗️ The Tank Brewing Co. (Doral): A massive 25,000-square-foot space combining industrial design with Miami soul. Known for El Farito IPA and Freedom Tower Amber, The Tank celebrates local culture and landmarks through its brews. It also doubles as a popular event venue, hosting live music nights, cigar tastings, and beer release parties.
- 🌺 Cervecería La Tropical (Wynwood): A revival of Cuba’s oldest brewery (founded in 1888), La Tropical blends history with modern craft. Their La Original Amber Lager—based on a 19th-century Havana recipe—offers smooth malt sweetness and refreshing balance. The brewery’s tropical beer garden, live Latin music, and Caribbean-inspired menu make it one of Miami’s most immersive beer destinations.
- 🎸 Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. (West Miami): A neighborhood favorite known for quirky humor and a friendly crowd. Expect beers with names like Gaslighting Isn’t Real and Weaponized Incompetence, paired with a relaxed, creative environment. Morning Glory, their golden blonde ale, is light, refreshing, and perfect for sunny afternoons. Lincoln’s Beard also features local music nights and food pop-ups, fostering a true community vibe.
- 🍇 Unseen Creatures Brewing (Bird Road Arts District): A gem for fans of farmhouse and mixed-fermentation beers. Unseen Creatures focuses on wild ales, saisons, and oak-aged beers with unique character and complexity. Each sip feels artisanal—crafted with patience, passion, and Miami’s artistic spirit. Their cozy taproom often hosts collaborations with local chefs and coffee roasters, blending the culinary and brewing worlds.
🍻 Best Beers in Miami
- 🌌 J. Wakefield Brewing – It Was All A Dream: This imperial stout is an icon of Miami’s beer identity. Rich, velvety, and layered with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, roasted malt, and sometimes a hint of coconut or coffee depending on limited editions. It’s a beer made for sipping slowly, best enjoyed in Wakefield’s Star Wars–themed taproom, where fans and collectors line up for rare bottle releases. Beyond taste, it symbolizes Miami’s entry into the national craft conversation—proof that local brewers could compete with heavyweights from California or Vermont.
- ☀️ Wynwood Brewing – La Rubia Blonde Ale: A beer that’s as Miami as palm trees and pastel sunsets—light-bodied, golden, and made for the beach. La Rubia is refreshing yet full of character, with a slightly floral aroma and a clean malt finish. Available in cans and on tap across South Florida, it pairs perfectly with seafood tacos or a Cuban sandwich. It’s not just a local favorite; it’s become a cultural staple, often served at festivals, concerts, and art shows throughout Wynwood.
- 🥭 Prison Pals – Smoothie Series: These beers blur the line between beer and dessert, with mango, guava, and passionfruit purees giving each pour a thick, juicy texture. Variations rotate seasonally—some include dragonfruit or pineapple—and each batch has unique artwork. The taste is sweet, tart, and explosively tropical, often served in short pours to highlight its intensity. Perfect for newcomers to craft beer or anyone who loves Miami’s fruity flair.
- 🍑 Tripping Animals – Mango Madi Sour: A signature sour from one of Miami’s most colorful breweries. Tart yet balanced, Mango Madi offers layers of mango nectar, a touch of lime acidity, and a soft wheat finish. It’s visually stunning, glowing bright orange in the glass. Fans say it captures Miami’s playful, sun-soaked personality—refreshing enough for the pool but complex enough to impress seasoned beer lovers. Seasonal versions include guava and passionfruit twists.
- 🌊 The Tank – El Farito IPA: A balanced, West Coast–style IPA with bright citrus notes, tropical hops, and subtle bitterness. Named after the Cape Florida lighthouse (“El Farito”), it’s both a tribute to Miami’s heritage and a showcase of technical brewing skill. Drinkers often note its smooth mouthfeel and clean finish—ideal for warm evenings. Pair it with grilled seafood, and you’ve got a quintessential Miami meal.
- 🇨🇺 Cervecería La Tropical – La Original Amber Lager: Brewed from a historic Cuban recipe, this amber lager offers malty sweetness, caramel undertones, and a gentle hop presence. Served best in La Tropical’s lush garden with live salsa music, it connects beer lovers to a century-old Caribbean tradition. The brewery occasionally releases limited versions aged with wood or infused with guava for extra depth, attracting locals and tourists alike.
- ☕ Biscayne Bay Brewing – La Colada Porter: A Cuban coffee–inspired porter combining roasted malt, espresso, and a hint of chocolate. It’s full-bodied but surprisingly smooth, perfect for sipping after dinner or alongside a slice of tres leches cake. Brewed to reflect Miami’s cafecito culture, this beer has become a favorite among locals who appreciate bold flavors with cultural roots. During winter events, it’s even served warm with cinnamon or vanilla for an indulgent twist.
🍺 Top Beer Bars & Pubs in Miami
- 🎯 Union Beer Store (Little Havana): The beating heart of Miami’s beer community and a cornerstone of its craft culture. Beyond its friendly service and rotating tap list, this spot offers occasional collaboration brews created exclusively for their patrons. The bar hosts trivia nights, beer education sessions, and themed tasting events featuring both local and international breweries. You can also grab rare bottles to-go from their curated fridge, which often features limited-edition Miami brews.
- 🍖 The Mighty (Coral Way): A rustic tavern with a deep focus on culinary craft. Their menu of house-made sausages and perfectly seasoned fries is legendary, and their beer program showcases small-batch kegs from Florida’s best breweries. Weekly events include beer pairing dinners, brewer meetups, and even live acoustic sessions that pair beautifully with a pint of hoppy ale. The atmosphere combines cozy vintage charm with Miami’s energetic nightlife.
- 🖼️ Boxelder Craft Beer Market (Downtown): More than a bar—it’s a creative community hub. Boxelder is known for introducing Miami drinkers to cutting-edge breweries from around the world. Their sleek, minimalist design hides a vibrant event schedule: pop-up art shows, vinyl nights, and collaborations with local chefs. You’ll find everything from rare European lambics to experimental Florida sours here, and its owners are deeply active in shaping Miami’s beer scene.
- 🔮 Kush Wynwood’s Botanica Bar (Wynwood): A hidden speakeasy disguised as a Latin botanica shop, filled with candles, plants, and mysterious décor. The vibe is intimate and mystical—think neon glow, tropical scents, and a soundtrack of smooth Latin jazz. The bar serves local favorites like La Rubia and seasonal brews from Tripping Animals, alongside craft cocktails made with local ingredients. Its design celebrates Miami’s fusion of art, spirituality, and nightlife.
- ⛪ Abbey Brewing Co. (South Beach): Established in 1995, Abbey Brewing is Miami Beach’s original craft haven and a sanctuary for serious beer lovers. Its chapel-like interior, complete with dark wood, stained glass, and flickering candlelight, evokes Old World pubs. They brew several house beers on-site, including Belgian-style tripels and strong ales, often accompanied by guest taps from top U.S. breweries. The Abbey hosts beer release nights, seasonal celebrations, and tastings that attract tourists and locals alike.
Each of these bars brings its own flavor to Miami’s beer culture—some offering artsy experiences, others focusing on food, music, or heritage. Together, they create a tapestry of craft beer exploration that mirrors the city’s diverse spirit.
🍹 Popular Beer Styles in Miami
- 🥭 Tropical & Fruited Sours: Miami’s tropical climate and abundance of local fruit inspire these colorful creations. Expect bold flavors like mango, guava, pineapple, passionfruit, and sometimes even papaya or dragonfruit. Breweries experiment with adding fresh purees, spices, and herbs to enhance the fruity aroma and acidity. Some versions, like the Smoothie Series from Prison Pals, achieve a creamy mouthfeel similar to fruit nectar. These beers are best enjoyed ice cold on a hot day, making them a staple for locals and tourists alike who want a refreshing, tangy experience. Pair them with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or tropical desserts for a perfect flavor harmony.
- 🌈 Hazy IPAs: Juicy, aromatic, and hazy—these beers dominate Miami’s craft taps and continue to attract hop enthusiasts nationwide. Tripping Animals and Prison Pals lead the pack with soft, pillowy mouthfeel and bursting tropical hop notes like mango, pineapple, and citrus zest. Local brewers often use New Zealand and American hop varieties to create these juicy profiles. Unlike traditional bitter IPAs, Miami’s hazy versions are smooth, fruit-forward, and designed for easy drinking in warm weather. They’re perfect for pairing with spicy dishes or Cuban sandwiches, offering a citrusy contrast that complements bold flavors.
- 🌞 Light Lagers & Blondes: Perfect for hot days, beach parties, and rooftop gatherings, light lagers and blonde ales define Miami’s easygoing lifestyle. La Rubia by Wynwood Brewing and Super Good Lager by OFF SITE are beloved staples for their balance and crisp finish. Some breweries add subtle twists like lime peel, honey, or even coconut to make these beers uniquely Floridian. Their low bitterness and clean profile make them the go-to for beachgoers and casual drinkers who want flavor without heaviness. These beers pair beautifully with grilled fish, plantain chips, or a sunny afternoon by the water.
- ☕ Coffee Stouts & Porters: Miami’s café culture finds its match in dark beers infused with espresso, cacao nibs, vanilla, and roasted malt. It Was All A Dream by J. Wakefield and La Colada Porter by Biscayne Bay Brewing capture the essence of a Cuban coffee shop in every sip. Brewers frequently collaborate with local roasters to create small-batch stouts that highlight regional beans and chocolate. Despite their richness, these stouts are often balanced and approachable, offering notes of caramelized sugar, mocha, and subtle sweetness. They’re ideal for cooler nights or dessert pairings like flan, chocolate cake, or churros.
- 🧂 Experimental & Barrel-Aged Ales: Breweries like Unseen Creatures and Lincoln’s Beard experiment fearlessly with oak-aged sours, mixed-fermentation saisons, and wild ales. These beers are complex, funky, and layered—developing notes of oak, spice, tart fruit, and earthy yeast over time. Miami’s brewers often incorporate tropical elements, aging beer on mango, guava, or pineapple to tie in local flavor. The result is a mix of artistry and science that showcases the region’s creativity. These are beers for adventurous palates, perfect for slow sipping and discovering new flavor dimensions over every pour.
📍 Where to Drink Miami’s Best Beers
- 🍺 Brewery Taprooms: Wynwood and Doral are the epicenters of Miami brewing, offering immersive experiences that go far beyond a simple pint. Visit Casa La Rubia, La Tropical, Tripping Animals, or The Tank for fresh pours straight from the source. Many of these venues feature behind-the-scenes tours, brewery-only limited releases, and even on-site art exhibitions and food trucks. Tripping Animals often pairs live DJ sets with their beer launches, while The Tank’s spacious taproom hosts cigar nights and local market events. These taprooms serve as both creative hubs and community hangouts where visitors can taste the latest experimental batches before they hit the market.
- 🍷 Beer Bars: Enjoy carefully curated selections at Union Beer Store or The Mighty, two of Miami’s most iconic craft beer bars. Union Beer Store is known for its family-like atmosphere, rotating draft lists, and hidden gems from breweries across Florida. The Mighty adds an elevated food element, offering gourmet bar snacks and signature sausages that pair perfectly with strong ales. Some nights include special tap takeovers, trivia contests, or chef collaborations, creating a full sensory experience. Both spots serve as vital meeting points for beer enthusiasts, uniting tourists, locals, and brewers in conversation and taste.
- 🎉 Festivals: Don’t miss Grovetoberfest, Florida’s largest beer festival, offering over 500 brews each fall and live entertainment on multiple stages. Beyond beer tastings, attendees enjoy food pairings, educational workshops, and brewer Q&A sessions. For serious craft enthusiasts, WakeFest Invitational by J. Wakefield brings together top breweries from around the globe, featuring rare barrel-aged releases and limited-edition collaborations exclusive to the event. Miami’s festival scene also includes smaller gatherings like Brew Miami and Beer in the Garden, which highlight local talent and upcoming brewers looking to make their mark.
- ✈️ Airport Tip: Even Miami International Airport caters to beer lovers with local craft options available throughout the terminals. At Grain & Still in Concourse D, travelers can sip a pint of Miami Weiss or MegaMix Pale Ale from M.I.A. Beer Co., accompanied by elevated airport fare like fresh tacos or artisan burgers. Other terminals have rotating guest taps showcasing breweries like Wynwood Brewing and The Tank, making it easy to start—or end—your Miami adventure with a taste of the city’s beer culture.
- 🌅 Outdoor Spots: Many Miami breweries and bars feature beer gardens, rooftop patios, and food truck courtyards designed for relaxation and socializing under the palm trees. La Tropical’s garden offers a lush, music-filled escape with Latin beats, while Lincoln’s Beard’s backyard hosts open-mic nights, film screenings, and barbecue pop-ups. Unseen Creatures also runs outdoor tasting sessions focusing on their wild ales, while Veza Sur’s patio often becomes a dance floor on weekends. These outdoor spaces embody Miami’s energy—where great beer meets sunshine, rhythm, and connection.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Miami’s beer culture reflects its people—creative, multicultural, and always in motion. Each brewery tells a story of innovation and passion, from the Latin-inspired lagers of La Tropical to the hop-forward creations at Tripping Animals. Whether you’re exploring Wynwood’s art scene, relaxing on the beach, or catching a concert downtown, there’s always a perfect pint nearby.
The city’s brewing renaissance continues to grow, blending flavors from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Florida’s citrus groves into every glass. Miami isn’t just a place to drink beer—it’s a destination to experience it.
🍻 Cheers to the best beers in Miami—where every pour captures the sunshine, soul, and flavor of the Magic City.