Orlando's Best Beer: Where To Buy Your Favorite Brews

Orlando, Florida, is known for its unique craft beers and vibrant brewery scene. From intimate bars to sprawling beer gardens, there's a craft brewery for every vibe. Beer enthusiasts can explore various options, including well-known spots like Total Wine and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, or venture off the beaten path to discover local favourites such as Crooked Can Brewing Company and Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. Whether you're looking for a single beer or a six-pack, Orlando offers a diverse range of breweries, bars, and stores to satisfy your beer cravings.

Where to buy beer in Orlando

Breweries and beer gardens

Orlando is home to several breweries and beer gardens. If you're looking for a fun night out, here are some great options to choose from:

Breweries

Orlando has a variety of craft breweries, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings. Here are some notable mentions:

• Tactical Brewing Co.: Located in picturesque Baldwin Park, this veteran-owned brewery is known for its creative beer styles and artistic labels. The brewery also hosts different events on weekdays, such as trivia nights and run clubs.
• Crooked Can Brewing Company: With a location in Winter Garden, this iconic Central Florida brewery is known for its widely distributed and loved beers. It is part of the Plant Street Market, an indoor/outdoor market with various local food and beverage vendors.
• Ivanhoe Park Brewing: This brewery pays homage to the Lake Ivanhoe area in Orlando and creates beers inspired by the local neighbourhoods. It is known for its tribute to Joyland, an early 1900s amusement park in Orlando. Ivanhoe Park Brewing also has a second location, the Ivanhoe Park Lager House.
• Ten10 Brewing Company: Known for its fun and approachable atmosphere, this brewery features a vinyl record player and a friendly staff. It is located on Virginia Drive, not far from Ivanhoe Park Brewing.
• Persimmon Hollow: Located in historic downtown DeLand, this craft brewery offers quality brews, many inspired by the local area.
• Rockpit, Ellipsis, Half Barrel, and Commission: These breweries are also mentioned as honourable mentions by a Reddit user.

Beer Gardens

When it comes to beer gardens, Orlando has some excellent options as well:

• Barley and Vine Biergarten: With an address of 2406 E Washington St, 32803, Orlando, FL, this beer garden boasts a collection of over 150 bottled beers and 25 rotating craft taps. They also offer different wines, meads, and sake, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
• Crooked Can Brewing Company: In addition to being a brewery, Crooked Can is also considered one of the Biergartens in Orlando. It is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Winter Garden and utilises traditional brewing methods to create full-flavoured beers.
• Celery City Craft: With over 50 beers on tap and rotating food trucks, this beer garden supports local breweries by featuring most Florida taps. It offers a unique snacking experience with colourful sushi dishes and inspired street food.

Liquor Stores

If you're looking to purchase beer from a store, here are some options:

• Total Wines: Multiple locations in Orlando with a large selection of craft beer and liquor.
• ABC Fine Wine & Spirits: Carries a good selection of beer, wine, and liquor.
• Publix, Walmart, and most Walgreens: These stores offer convenient options for purchasing beer and wine.

Beer shops and liquor stores

Orlando is known for its unique craft beers, and there are plenty of breweries, beer shops, and liquor stores where you can buy beer. If you're looking for a beer shop or liquor store in particular, here are some options:

Total Wine

Total Wine is a popular choice for beer lovers in Orlando. With multiple locations across the city, including one on East Colonial Drive, Total Wine offers a massive selection of wines, craft beers, and liquors. It's a large store with a wide variety of options, and many residents of Orlando prefer it despite the distance from the city center.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

ABC is another well-known liquor store chain in Orlando, with locations like the one on North John Young Parkway, south of the city but north of Kissimmee. They offer a good selection of wines, beers, and spirits, and you can also buy singles instead of committing to a six-pack.

Publix

Publix is a grocery store option that carries beer and wine. It usually has a decent selection of wines and is conveniently located throughout the city.

Walgreens

Walgreens, a well-known convenience store chain, offers beer and wine at several locations across Orlando. It's a convenient option if you're looking for a quick beer run.

Walmart

Walmart is another large retailer that sells beer and wine, and there are multiple locations across Orlando where you can find a wide range of options.

Orlando Brewing

While some locals have differing opinions on Orlando Brewing, it's still an option for craft beer enthusiasts. They offer a range of beers, and the staff are known for being friendly.

When visiting Orlando, remember to stay safe, and never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service if you plan on drinking.

Beer and food pairings

Orlando, Florida, is a great place to buy and try craft beer. From intimate bars to sprawling beer gardens, there's a craft brewery for every vibe. If you're looking to buy beer to take away, there are several options. There are a few Total Wines stores in Orlando that stock a large selection of craft beer and liquor. There are also several ABC Fine Wine & Spirits stores in the city, which are said to have a good selection of beer. If you're looking to buy beer from a grocery store, try Publix, Walmart, or Walgreens.

When it comes to pairing beer with food, there are several methods to enhance your dining experience. The three Cs of beer and food pairing are Cut, Complement, and Contrast.

• Cut: This method is used to cleanse the palate and reduce the intensity of certain flavors. For example, a crisp, carbonated beer can cut through the fattiness of a rich dish. A citrus-infused wheat beer could also work well with a fatty pork dish.
• Complement: This method involves matching similar flavors in the beer and food. For instance, a caramel-flavored amber ale pairs well with a caramelized onion tart, as the flavors enhance each other. You can also match rich foods with beers that have a heavy and rich flavor, like stouts or porters.
• Contrast: This method involves pairing beers and foods with opposing flavors to create a balanced and interesting combination. For example, a bitter IPA can be paired with a creamy pasta dish, providing a refreshing contrast. You can also try oysters and stout—the strong, briny flavor of the oysters can stand up to the rich texture and chocolatey notes of the stout.

Other tips for pairing beer and food include:

• Match the intensity of the beer to the food. A bold, flavorful beer can overpower a delicate dish, while a light beer may be overshadowed by a rich, flavorful meal.
• Pair light-tasting salads and fish with light beers or wheat beers.
• Beer can serve as a palate cleanser for dishes with bold or intense flavors, such as spicy Indian cuisine or rich fried foods.
• Avoid overpowering flavors. Many medium and dark beers have rich and powerful flavors that can overpower certain types of food. For example, salmon should not be paired with a pint of Guinness, as the flavor of the beer will completely cover the taste of the fish.
• Personal preferences play a significant role in beer and food pairings. While there are general guidelines, it's important to experiment and discover the combinations you enjoy the most.

Beer gardens with entertainment

Orlando is home to many beer gardens and biergartens, perfect for a fun afternoon with friends. Here are some of the best beer gardens with entertainment in Orlando:

Barley and Vine Biergarten

Barley and Vine Biergarten, located at 2406 E Washington St, 32803, Orlando, FL, offers an impressive collection of over 150 bottled beers and 25 rotating craft taps. They also serve different wines, meads, and sake, making it a great spot for groups with diverse preferences.

Crooked Can Brewing Company

Crooked Can Brewing Company is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Winter Garden at 426 W Plant St, 34787, Winter Garden, FL. This iconic craft brewery utilizes traditional brewing methods with a focus on full flavors. They offer a wide range of beers, including core brands like Cloud Chaser Hefeweizen and seasonal brews like the Bürgermeister Oktoberfest. Crooked Can is also opening a second location in Minneola, which will feature live entertainment and an outdoor beer garden.

Celery City Craft

Celery City Craft, located at 118 S Palmetto Ave, 32771, Sanford, FL, boasts over 50 beers on tap, rotating food trucks, and a spacious outdoor area. Most of their taps are from local Florida breweries, and they also have unique sushi dishes and street food options.

Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe

Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, situated at 205 E 1st St, 32771, Sanford, FL, is a German-style biergarten offering a range of local and seasonal brews. Their Kyllburger Kölsch is a must-try, exclusively sold at Hollerbach's.

The Ravenous Pig

The Ravenous Pig, located off Aloma in Winter Park, brews a diverse range of beers, including unique options like the Gatsu Gatsu rice lager and the smoked pineapple smash IPA. They also offer a giant Bavarian pretzel, perfect for sharing.

Hourglass Brewing

Hourglass Brewing, located at 2500 Curry Ford Rd #4, Orlando, FL 32806, is credited with ushering in the craft beer movement in Orlando. They have a large taproom and host art shows throughout the year, making it a great spot for entertainment and cultural experiences.

In addition to these beer gardens, Orlando also has many breweries and bars with outdoor seating, providing a vibrant and diverse beer scene for locals and visitors alike.

Beer gardens with outdoor spaces

Orlando has a great selection of beer gardens and outdoor spaces to enjoy a cold beer. Here are some of the best spots to check out:

Barley and Vine Biergarten

Located in the Milk District, this beer garden is a great spot to enjoy a variety of beers and chill out to live music. It's also close to Sideward, another popular brewery with outdoor seating.

Gatlin Hall Brewing

If you're looking for a spacious outdoor area, Gatlin Hall Brewing is the place to be. They have a large outdoor space with yard games, perfect for a fun afternoon with friends.

The Ravenous Pig

This unique brewpub may not be your traditional Biergarten, but it offers a wide range of beers, including unique brews like the Gatsu Gatsu rice lager and their smoked pineapple smash IPA. They also serve a giant Bavarian pretzel that pairs perfectly with their beers.

Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe

For a taste of Germany, head to Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe in Sanford. This German spot is one of the top Biergartens in Orlando, offering German cuisine, fresh beers on tap, and live entertainment.

Crooked Can

Crooked Can is an iconic craft brewery in Central Florida, known for its delicious beers and vibrant atmosphere. They have an indoor/outdoor market location in Winter Garden, with local food and beverage vendors, and are opening a second location in Minneola with an outdoor beer garden and food hall.

GB's Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar

Located in Ivanhoe Village, just north of Downtown Orlando, GB's offers a unique experience with a variety of craft beers, wines, and meads. With 20 beers on tap and a selection of cans and bottles, you're sure to find something to your taste.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Biergarten, a spacious outdoor area, or a unique craft beer experience, Orlando has something for every beer lover to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions