Fort Lauderdale’s brewery scene stretches well beyond the big-name taprooms. A dozen independent breweries operate across the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, ranging from neighborhood nano-breweries like Orchestrated Minds Brewing and Uncommon Path Brewing to larger production facilities such as Funky Buddha Brewery and Tarpon River Brewing. Most pour directly from the source, so you are drinking beer that traveled feet, not miles.
What sets these taprooms apart is variety. Gulf Stream Brewery pairs its house beers with wood-fired pizza. Invasive Species Brewing adds a distilling operation to the mix. Twice Removed puts you steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach. For something quieter, LauderAle and Orchestrated Minds both carry 4.8-plus-star ratings with loyal local followings.
Choosing comes down to what you want around the glass, waterfront setting, food menu, experimental small-batch pours, or a laid-back patio with a rotating tap list. Start with the standouts rated highest by visitors, then explore from there.
1. LauderAle Brewery
A neighborhood taproom on SE 14th Ave earning a 4.8 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews. The covered patio strung with lights and a dog-friendly, LGBTQ-welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to for laid-back evenings.
2. Invasive Species Brewing + Distilling
This warehouse-style taproom on NE 2nd Avenue pairs craft beer flights and sour ales with one of Fort Lauderdale’s most distinctive interiors, fermentation tanks sharing space with taxidermy gators, bobcats, and birds.
3. Funky Buddha Brewery
The highest review count on this list at over 2,700 speaks to Funky Buddha’s draw. The sprawling NE 38th Street production facility doubles as a family-friendly taproom with games, TVs, and plenty of room to spread out.
4. Tarpon River Brewing
A converted industrial building just south of the New River where house-brewed craft beer is poured steps from where it is made. The spacious, modern taproom features multiple seating zones and hosts live music nights.
5. Old Heidelberg Restaurant
A German restaurant tucked along State Road 84 with a dining room packed with authentic regional decor. Weekend live music, dog-friendly seating, and 2,449 reviews at a 4.5 rating confirm it delivers on tradition.
6. Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria
This neighborhood spot north of Sunrise Boulevard pairs an in-house brewery with a full pizzeria operation, earning a 4.8 rating. Dog-friendly and community-driven, it anchors the local scene at 1105 NE 13th Street.
7. Orchestrated Minds Brewing
The highest-rated entry on this list at 4.9 stars, this small-batch taproom in the Flagler Village-adjacent industrial corridor keeps things intimate and craft-focused, a roots-level brewery experience in a city of bigger rooms.
8. Twice Removed
A brewery and taproom in the Fort Lauderdale Beach neighborhood at 3301 NE 33rd Street that blends cozy and trendy without overdoing it. Live music, creative cocktails, and dog-friendly seating round out the appeal.
9. Uncommon Path Brewing
Every pour comes straight from the in-house brewing operation at this spacious NW 5th Avenue taproom. Board games on the shelves, affordable oyster nights, and a relaxed social vibe keep regulars coming back.
10. Booze Garden
Open 8 PM to 4 AM every night, this SW 2nd Avenue taproom fills a gap no other brewery on this list covers. Turf flooring, funky decor, and high energy make it Fort Lauderdale’s late-night craft option.
More to explore
Frequently asked questions
Which Fort Lauderdale breweries have the highest ratings?
Orchestrated Minds Brewing leads at 4.9 stars. LauderAle Brewery, Invasive Species Brewing, and Gulf Stream Brewery each hold 4.8-star ratings. Twice Removed and Uncommon Path Brewing follow closely at 4.7 stars.
Are there Fort Lauderdale breweries near the beach?
Twice Removed is the standout option for a beach-area brewery, located in the Fort Lauderdale Beach area with a 4.7-star rating. Most other breweries in this list are spread across the broader Greater Fort Lauderdale area, typically a short drive inland.
Can I get food at Fort Lauderdale breweries or are they drinks only?
Several Fort Lauderdale breweries serve food alongside their beer. Gulf Stream Brewery is known for its pizzeria. Old Heidelberg Restaurant operates as a full restaurant with a brewery. Others offer lighter menus or welcome outside food.
How many breweries are in Fort Lauderdale?
The Fort Lauderdale area is home to at least 12 breweries and taprooms, including well-known spots like Funky Buddha Brewery and smaller operations like Orchestrated Minds Brewing and Raw Brewing Company. The scene continues to grow.
Do any Fort Lauderdale breweries also distill spirits?
Invasive Species Brewing and Distilling operates as both a brewery and a distillery, making it one of the few spots in Fort Lauderdale where you can sample house-made beer and spirits under one roof. It holds a 4.8-star rating.