Toast of the town - the best places to enjoy a locally crafted brew in the Bradenton Area

Toast of the town – the best places to enjoy a locally crafted brew in the Bradenton Area

Fun, sun and beer. Three things that go together perfectly when you’re visiting the Sunshine State. And this National Beer Day, the Bradenton Area is one of the top spots to enjoy locally crafted beer using fresh, Floridian flavors. Here are some of the best places and ways for craft beer aficionados to enjoy themselves in the Bradenton Area.

Motorworks Beer Garden

Motorworks Brewing, located between Village of the Arts and LECOM Stadium, is the largest beer garden in Florida. Spring is the perfect time to take in one of their award-winning local brews outside on the lawn or deck built around a magnificent 150+ year-old oak tree. There you’ll find cornhole sets, a bocce ball court, life-sized Jenga and Connect Four, a large music stage featuring eclectic bands and artists weekly and a 22 ft. projection screen for viewing films or sporting events. Motorworks’ Mango Habanero IPA consistently brings home gold prizes in regional tasting competitions.

At LECOM Park while taking in a baseball game

The window to catch the Pittsburgh Pirates take on Major League competition at LECOM Park is brief. Spring Training typically lasts throughout March before the Buccos head north and their Single A affiliate Bradenton Marauders take the field. Any ballpark is great to enjoy a cold beer, but LECOM’s throwback charm and modern amenities make it one of the Grapefruit League’s most popular parks (and the third oldest still used by the MLB). While you’re there look for any one of a number of Florida-brewed beers from near (Clearwater’s Big Storm Brewing Co.) and …very near (Motorworks is just 2,000 feet away).

At Back Alley Treasures

Inside Back Alley Treasures on Anna Maria Island’s popular Bridge Street, you’ll find funky local art, handmade gifts, fresh brewed coffee, and an impressive wine and craft beer selection. Back Alley carries seasonal brews and everything from easy drinking lagers to strong IPAs and a few interesting brews in between. Happy hour is 5 – 8 p.m., Monday – Saturday – just in time for a tropical sunset.

On the Oak & Stone rooftop deck

If you’re looking for a unique beer-drinking experience in Bradenton, Oak & Stone is the place to be. This popular restaurant and bar offers an extensive beer selection with over 50 options on tap. What sets Oak & Stone apart is its innovative Beer Wall, which uses RFID bracelets to allow guests to serve themselves and pay by the ounce. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Manatee River, creating a picturesque setting for sipping on a cold brew. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Oak & Stone also offers delicious food options to pair with your beer.

On a boat

Whether you’re planning a relaxing day with friends or a family outing, the crisp, refreshing taste of a cold craft beer is the ideal complement to a sunny, salty day out on the water. Swing by one of Anna Maria Island’s local liquor stores (Time Saver and Hurricane Liquors are two island favorites) and grab a case of a Floridian craft beer from breweries like Motorworks Brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Coppertail Brewing Co., Cigar City Brewing and more. Then, grab a boat rental and enjoy your day out on the crystal turquoise waters of the Bradenton Area. To be sure you’re enjoying responsibly, you can even hire a local boat captain to take you around for the day.

CRAFT Growlers and Tasting Room

A visit to CRAFT Growlers and Tasting Room in Lakewood Ranch is a must for any beer enthusiast. Guests are encouraged to sample a variety of beers, each with its own unique flavor profile and complexity. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there is something to suit every palate. The atmosphere of the tasting room is warm and inviting, with a knowledgeable staff on hand to help guests find the perfect beer for them. Whether enjoying a flight of beer or savoring a full pour, the experience of tasting and sampling locally crafted beer at CRAFT Growlers and Tasting Room is sure to leave a lasting impression.

3 Keys Brewing

3 Keys Brewing just east of downtown Bradenton is a craft brewery serving gourmet-style pub food. Their family friendly “gastrobrew” features a weekly evolving selection of 20-plus taps of handcrafted beers, ciders and seltzers. 3 Keys holds daily events and live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Try the Suncoast Dreamin’ cream ale – perfect for sipping outside with friends or family.