The Best Craft Breweries In Virginia Beach

Explore Virginia Beach’s stellar craft-beer scene

Fried fish and briny oysters are incomplete without a frosty pint of beer. And Virginia Beach locals get that, which is why it's become a beer lover's town. From an oyster stout brewed with local Lynnhaven bivalves to a seasoned ale made by young American veterans, here are the breweries to try on your next visit.

Back Bay Brewing

Brews at Back Bay, where you can try a number of offerings on draft in the tasting room, run the gamut from a bright watermelon wheat to a red rye IPA. The brewery, located within Virginia Beach's emerging creative district, releases seasonal crafts that are continually inspired by destination's history and folklore.

Young Veterans Brewing Company

Run by two Army vets, YVBC reflects its founders' backgrounds with snappy names like New Recruit—a honey blonde ale; Pineapple Grenade, a Hefeweizen; and Semper FIPA, an IPA made with citra hops. Its taproom is frills free, but it's still an excellent place to relax.

Commonwealth Brewing Company

This taproom sits in an old fire station and provides a pleasantly airy atmosphere that's perfect after a sticky day at the beach. Expect frequent cameos from local food trucks, plus eclectic beers like a black saison and a craft version of "Mexican cerveza," which is made with Noble hops and served with a lime wedge.

Pleasure House Brewing

The vibe is chill at this town favorite, which offers elegant beer flights and take-home growlers of its signature brews, including a dry, refreshing saison and hoppy double IPA. Fun fact: Pleasure House also holds Sunday crock-pot suppers, with proceeds from tickets supporting local Virginia Beach charities.  

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Wasserhund, which derives its name from the German words for "water dog," is famous for its pizza, which is some of the best in the area according to visitors and locals alike. The brewery, run by a husband and wife, also serves up delicious oversize pretzels, along with a steady stream of lagers, Kölsch and Hefeweizen.

Green Flash Brewing Company

The well-known California-based micro-brewery opened its second location in Virginia Beach in fall 2016, making its East Coast debut – the brewery's first location is in San Diego. The 58,000-square-foot facility features a 100,000 barrel craft brewery, tasting room and beer garden. Through every sip, experience first-hand the passion, commitment and quality that goes into the creation of Green Flash brews.