The best craft breweries and brew pubs in Miami’s Wynwood District

Head north of downtown Miami and you’ll hit the hippest hood in South Florida. The former warehouse district of Wynwood is famous for its al fresco art walls, where murals, street art and graffiti are all actively encouraged. It is also famous for its laid-back nightlife and for launching Miami’s craft beer scene. With multiple microbreweries and a raft of brilliant brew pubs, here’s our selection of great places for a pint in Miami’s Wynwood district.

Wynwood Brewing Company

The original (and many say, the best) craft brewery in Miami, Wynwood Brewing Company runs twice-daily tours, so you can see – and taste – where it all began. If you just want to swing by, that’s cool too. A great spot for meeting like-minded people, grab a glass and settle in at one of the communal wooden tables. Just don’t ask for a wine list.

KUSH

It is OK to ask for wine at KUSH, the Wynwood bar from the team behind wildly popular LoKal in Coconut Grove. But, with 18 taps showcasing exclusive brews and a rotating selection, why would you want to? Juicy homemade burgers and crunchy, salty chicken and waffles will help soak up the booze. The gang are also the brains behind the Miami Brew Bus, taking in the city’s best beer spots.

Brick

Brick is a vintage drinking den located in a 1920s house, giving it a genuine speakeasy feel. There are an impressive 35 craft beers on offer, 11 of those on tap, plus a tasty menu featuring dishes like lamb sliders, crab cakes and ceviche. The music is delightful, too. DJs play classics from James Brown, the Doors and Arcade Fire, while big names including Florence and the Machine have performed live on the brick patio.

180 @ the DRB

Food is the focus at 180 @ the DRB, thanks to Chef Ryan Martin’s mouth-watering ‘global plates’. The menu includes black bean burgers, ceviche and an open sandwich with house-smoked whitebait. But, rather than matching with wine, diners are encouraged to try one of the 150 craft beers on offer with their meal – handpicked by the chef to complement the menu.

Wakefield Brewing

John Wakefield’s love of making beer started when his wife gave him a home brew kit for Christmas in 2005. Ten years later he opened his crowd-funded brewery in Wynwood, serving award-winning brews including his wildly popular Dragon Fruit/Passion Fruit Berliner Weisse. Pop in to see the wall-length Star Wars murals, and stay for the brews.

Concrete Beach Brewery

With domino nights and networking events for creative types, Concrete Beach Brewery has established itself as a real social hub for Wynwood district residents. They also run free tours (four a day on weekends) for an introduction to the history and processes of brewing. Sunny day? Grab a growler to go.

The Butcher Shop

The emphasis is on beef rather than beer here, this being the offering of a father and son butcher team. The brunch menu (burger benedict, anyone?) is particularly special. But with rotating offerings from Wynwood’s three craft breweries – Concrete Beach, Wynwood Brewery and J. Wakefield – there’s also a great selection of drinks to get your chops around.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

The high ceilings of this warehouse-style space pop with colourful urban art and motifs. Known simply as WKB, this is a gorgeous spot to try 40 handcrafted beers (maybe not in one sitting, though). Take a seat at the leather-topped bar or grab a banquette, and sample zingy dishes like lemon-pepper calamari and chicken empanadas with coriander crema.

Boxelder Craft Beer Market

With local, national and international brews, guest speakers, special dinners and food and beer pairings, Boxelder Craft Beer Market is a real hoppy heaven. Try Imperial Bell Cow, a stout brewed with milk chocolate. Even better, the cosy bar and backyard are open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Gramps Bar

DJs spin vinyl and regulars spin around the room to rock music in this Wynwood district hangout that values the old, but mostly attracts the young and hip. The drinks (including a great range of craft brews) are cheap at Gramps, and the entertainment is always pretty much on-point. Gramps recently hosted an after-party for a Jesus and Mary Chain gig, so you never know who you might bump into…

Wood Tavern

Wood Tavern is a chilled-out local spot specialising in craft beers, including several from local Wynwood Brewery. Join one of the long wooden tables and sip your way through the ever-changing list of libations. On sunny days, nab a picnic table on the patio and you won’t want to leave. Ever.

M.I.A. Beer Company

Not technically in Wynwood, we’re allowing this boutique brewery in nearby Doral into the list because it’s just so good. Take a tour around the gleaming steel tanks on Saturday afternoons, or just sample a brew in the taproom or ‘Bruhaus’. Blonde lovers will enjoy the golden 305 Ale, while Miami Weiss (geddit?) is a traditional German white beer with a sunny Miami twist of orange.

Written by Ella Buchan