Locals know one of the great things about life in Williamsburg is the booming craft brewery scene, especially now that operations have been able to loosen up a bit in Virginia’s recovery.
Collectively, they offer fun beer gardens, taprooms, awesome street-food, full-menu dining rooms, wines and craft cocktails, guest beers, music, trivia and, of course, dozens of their own year-round and seasonal creations sure to delight sippers to aficionados.
Here’s a brief rundown on our brewery biz. All have hung in during these tough times. Why not stop by one on this Williamsburg Wednesday, or any day at all, and sample from among the huge varities of beer – curbside pickup or on-site – that they are proud to provide to our community.
Please check the breweries’ respective websites (linked below) for operating hours and other pertinent information.
Cheers!
Virginia Beer Company
401 Second St. 757-378-2903
Opened in 2014, Virginia Beer was co-founded by College of William & Mary buddies who brought in an award-winning brewmaster from Atlanta. The brewery boasts two production systems and a 2,000 square-foot taproom in a former auto shop.
Amber Ox Public House
525 Prince George St. Ste. 102 757-790-2299
In addition to its brewery, Amber Ox offers a full locally sourced food, wine and cocktail menu at its 6,000-square foot digs, just a short stroll away from Merchants Square.
Precarious Beer Project
110 S. Henry St. 757-808-5104
Precarious Beer Project is the sister brewery to the nearby Amber Ox, where Precarious operates its interesting and inventive beer lab. The beer hall on Henry St. features old- school arcade games, a live music stage and a great taco and street-corn stand.
Brass Cannon
5476 Mooretown Rd. 757-645-0001
Brass Cannon bills itself as a veteran-owned brewery and tap room focused on producing classic beers and rotating small-batch options. It doesn’t distribute its beer, so the brewery is the only place to sample Brass Cannon’s offerings.
Alewerks Brewing Company
189 Ewell Rd. 757-220-3670
Founded in 2006, Alewerks is a craft-brewing pioneer that is still going strong. Alewerks also operates an off-site tasting room – what it calls its L.A.B. (Little Auxiliary Brewery) – at the Williamsburg Prime Outlets on Richmond Rd.
Billsburg Brewery
2054 Jamestown Rd. 757-916-0981
Located at a marina near the Colonial Parkway and the Jamestown Settlement, site of America’s first beer, Billsburg says it meticulously creates ales, lagers and pilsners that celebrate our country’s rich brewing history.