Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene is overflowing with inventive breweries, cozy taprooms, and unforgettable pours that run the gamut from classic lagers to wild experimental sours. Whether you’re packing your Saturday with brewery hopping or on the hunt for your new favorite hangout, this city’s local beer spots never disappoint.
Let’s get to it.
Uncommon Path Brewing
Uncommon Path Brewing embraces a boho-modern style that feels both spacious and inviting. The taproom’s open layout gives families room to spread out without crowding next tables. One wall features an abstract mural, another glows with neon, and natural light floods the space. Pizza takes center stage here: dough made with house brewing yeast, topped with local ingredients, and baked in a Marra Forni wood-fired oven. The crust’s unique tang proves that brewing yeast can make a difference.
The beer menu rotates through experimental batches as well as steady favorites. Crisp lagers like the Absence of Light Dunkel sit alongside hop-forward brews such as No Pun Intended. When winter arrives, bourbon- and rye barrel-aged stouts deepen that seasonal rotation. Dog parents will appreciate the patio, where pups roam free near communal tables. Board game nights bring neighbors together, and members of the mug club receive engraved steins, draft perks, and early access to new pours. Whether you’re chasing sours with blueberry pie notes or trading stout recommendations, Uncommon Path balances upscale design with a laid-back community spirit.
Orchestrated Minds Brewing
Orchestrated Minds Brewing began on a one-barrel homebrew setup and soon upgraded to a 3.5-barrel system with four fermenters. The ten-tap lineup changes rapidly, so beers often last just a few weeks before retiring. Known locally as Fort Lauderdale’s “stout house,” the brewery offers barrel-aged pastry stouts that push winter comfort to new levels. Haze lovers find bright, hop-forward New England IPAs like Change Is Necessary and Ocean Beach, with cans disappearing as quickly as they arrive.
The brewery embraces creativity… an Earl Grey tea blonde ale proves they aren’t afraid to experiment. The taproom features communal tables, encouraging conversation among visitors. Staff share stories behind each recipe, making tasting flights educational. There’s no in-house kitchen, but rotating neighborhood food pop-ups keep menus fresh, from tacos to gourmet sandwiches. Inside, laid-back vibes meet hip-hop on the speakers and occasional live rappers dropping surprise sets. Voted Best Beer in Fort Lauderdale this year, Orchestrated Minds operates on its own terms, combining bold flavors, small-batch runs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Invasive Species Brewing + Distilling
Invasive Species Brewing + Distilling captures a blend of bold experiments and eclectic charm. The beer lineup ranges from hazy IPAs to the guava Pastelito pastry sour, and barrel-aged beasts like the winter Megladoom stout. A rice ale fermented with sake yeast called Ninja Juice proves that beer can surprise you, while a blueberry-aged saison rounds out the selection. Walls lined with taxidermy specimens lend a museum-meets-warehouse feel that echoes Florida’s oddball spirit. Most releases come in small batches, so the menu shifts frequently.
Outside, a garden patio with large communal tables invites guests to mingle… dogs are welcome, and it’s common to share a bench with a neighbor’s pup. Local food trucks arrive daily with tacos, burgers, and fried snacks. If spirits are your focus, the distillery pours High Rye Bourbon, Double Barrel Aged Rum, and Sugarcane Vodka made for cocktails. Sip a nitro-infused Cuban espresso martini to beat the heat, or enjoy a neat pour of your favorite spirit. Staff offer tasting flights and pairing suggestions, making each visit feel like a new adventure.
LauderAle Brewery
At LauderAle Brewery they nail a “something for everyone” vibe without watering down flavor. Tucked in Fort Lauderdale, the brewery turns out a wide array of pours… lagers, sours, porters, and experimental batches all flow from a three-barrel system that delivers more beer than you would expect. Beyond beer, the lineup includes cider, hard seltzer, and wildly creative specialty releases. Seasonal offerings arrive each month, giving regulars fresh choices every time.
The taproom welcomes families and dogs, and a shaded patio offers relief from the Florida sun. Food trucks pull up daily, serving ramen, tacos, burgers, and more—each pairing nicely with the rotating taps. The events schedule is packed: live music, bluegrass festivals, fire performances, trivia nights, and even beer yoga. Many brews remain taproom-exclusive, preserving fresh flavor in every glass. Highlights include a gold-medal coconut porter at the Great American Beer Fest and award-winning Black Mamba stout. Staff earn praise for warm, attentive service, making the atmosphere laid-back, inclusive, and fun for all.
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria offers a relaxed warehouse atmosphere with just a hint of ocean flair. Eclectic couches and a penny-topped bar set the tone for a family- and pet-friendly experience—kids and dogs are both welcome. With over 15 taps, the beer list spans from the award-winning Beach Blonde Ale, a gold medalist at the Florida Beer Championship, to hop-heavy Dr. Dank IPA. They tuck a cream ale in bourbon barrels for added depth and explore sours with flavors like mango or grapefruit-mint. Even the War Bunny ale makes an appearance with its playful name.
When hunger strikes, Pizzeria Magaddino delivers wood-fired Neapolitan pies, including vegan and gluten-free options so every guest can enjoy a slice. On weekends, live events bring the space to life: music bingo, DJs, trivia nights, and a giant projector on the patio for big-game viewing. Whether you’re chasing a crisp ale or sinking your teeth into a thin-crust pizza, Gulf Stream balances solid brews and pies in a spacious setting that feels both casual and thoughtfully curated.
Tarpon River Brewing
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Tarpon River Brewing occupies a restored 1929 horse barn. Exposed beams and barn doors lend an old-Florida vibe. The patio hosts yard games while dogs sip from water bowls and enjoy treats. Regular events include trivia, live music most nights, yoga sessions, and group bike rides on Mondays.
The brewery earned its Best Brewery in Broward title with flagship offerings like the 7.7% Deflated IPA and the robust Morning Express Stout. Seasonal releases come from the Wild Series, featuring fruited saisons brewed with peaches, apricot… and pineapple. Golden ales, crisp lagers, and the creamy Honey Love Imperial Cream Ale add to the varied lineup.
A concise menu ties into the beer program with beer-infused bites and light snacks. Tarpon River managers emphasize community: they host fundraisers, beer dinners, and family-friendly afternoons. Frequent patrons praise the laid-back atmosphere and consistent quality across experimental brews. The combination of historic architecture, diverse events, and solid beers makes Tarpon River Brewing a staple in Fort Lauderdale’s craft scene.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha Brewery takes craft beer seriously. All of its draft offerings come directly from its on-site brewhouse, a spacious facility behind the taproom. Inside, around twenty distinct options fill the taps. Highlights include the hoppy Hop Gun IPA and the rich Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, which often appears as a seasonal specialty. The brewery rotates experimental batches such as coconut-infused ales, gingerbread spice beers… and wild tropical sours that change with the fruits in season.
In winter, barrel-aged stouts warm the crowd. Summer brings bright, tart brews that refresh under the Florida sun.
The space welcomes all ages. Kids’ crafts and board games occupy one corner. Dogs enjoy shaded seating and water bowls on the patio. In the beer garden, guests play cornhole and Jenga. Live music takes the stage on weekends. A rotating roster of food trucks shares the courtyard with chef-prepared snacks.
Funky Buddha balances creative brewing with community spirit. Its steady stream of new beers and casual atmosphere keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery
Spanning 40,000 square feet, Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery combines a working microbrewery with a multi-vendor food hall. Dream State Brewing produces all small-batch beers at the in-house microbrewery. The Central Brew Bar features 32 rotating taps with names like Moonlight pilsner, an easy-drinking lager, and Sunshine Cowboy, a bold double IPA. For those seeking higher ABV, Jurassic Planet delivers a 10% triple IPA… and barrel-aged stouts and fruited sours appear in regular rotation.
Thirteen independent vendors occupy the food hall offering pizza, jerk chicken, tacos, and bao. Seating areas include a dog-friendly patio and an indoor section with high chairs for children. Live music fills the air every weekend afternoon while DJs keep the party going into the evening.
A full calendar includes axe throwing stations and DJ nights that extend after dark. The design encourages socializing, with communal tables scattered around the open floor plan. Large windows ensure natural light during the day and clear sightlines to brewery operations. Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery delivers a high-energy experience by combining fresh beer, diverse food options, and engaging entertainment in one expansive space.
