The Scott’s Addition district is home to the most breweries per capita in the Richmond area. Several years ago this dilapidated warehouse district started to blossom as more and more breweries began to pop up in the neighborhood.
Today, Scott’s Addition is home to at least 20 breweries, cideries, etc. all within walking distance of one another. Each brewery has something new and unique to try, so you’ll just have to see them for yourself!
Don’t forget to check out some of the hot spots like Circuit Arcade Bar Bingo Beer Company, or the popular shuffleboard bar Tang & Biscuit. Keep reading for highlights on some of Scott’s Addition must-sees and other breweries throughout the city.
Cideries
If you’re not a beer fan or you’re looking for a new gluten-free drink option, why not check out one of these three cideries in Richmond, VA?
These cideries specialize in bubbly libations meticulously made with a variety of locally sourced and imported apples to bring you a fresh, delicious beverage!
Blue Bee Cider
Blue Bee was the first urban cider mill to pop up in the Richmond area and they’ve been leading the way since 2013. They pride themselves on their commitment to producing artisanal ciders using Virginia heirloom apples in a unique and responsible way.
Blue Bee is known for their extra dry ciders, but they offer a range from bone-dry to semi-sweet, so there’s something here for everyone!
Their tasting room is open seven days a week for tastings, flights, and glass/bottle selections with an on-site grilled cheese shop called Truckle Cheesemongers. I
f you’re looking to learn more about the cider making process, check out one of their comprehensive mill tours – there’s so much to learn!
Buskey Cider
Located just a few short blocks from Blue Bee Cider, you can find Buskey Cider. This unique cidery offers a rotating variety of limited release flavors like peach tea, spicy jalapeno, and thai tom yum cider all made with local Virginia apples.
They often host events like comedy night, tv viewing parties, and local fundraising events, so check out their online event calendar for more information. Buskey offers in house flights and glasses, but you can get your cider fix with their numerous to-go options including delivery and shipping to most US states!
Courthouse Creek Cider
This cidery’s tagline is, “we’re not sweet, we’re cider,” so if you’re a fan of dry cider, this is the place for you!
This family-owned cidery operates a farm just outside of the city in Goochland county where they grow apples and have perfected their natural method of fermentation. Some of their most popular barrel aged cider flavors are their blackberry lavender, Easy Breezy, and Samurai Sour.
Top 3 Breweries for Sour and Fruit-infused Beers
If you’re a sour beer fan like I am, Richmond has plenty of options for you to find that sweet and tangy flavor you’re searching for. These three breweries are always mixing up something new, so you’re always guaranteed to find a new fruity concoction to tame those taste buds.
Check out one (or more!) of these three breweries specializing in sour, fruit-infused brews.
The Answer
The Answer is a wildly popular brewery that opened in 2014. They have 56 taps and specialize in fruit infused brews, IPAs, and everything in between.
Their beers are so good, I can’t pick just one so you’ll just have to try them for yourself!
They offer beer flights of their signature brews with 4 flavor options so you can mix and match. If you find your favorite, make sure you check out their to-go options because these specialty flavors don’t last long!
The Answer has an almost cult-like following of beer enthusiasts who will often be lined up around the corner of the building for limited edition glassware and specialty beer releases.
Strangeways
This brewery encourages you to “think strange, drink strange” with their unique concoctions of craft beer. The owner has travelled the world learning about beer in an effort to bring something new to the table.
If you’re looking for that lip-puckering sour beer, try their “Wake Me Up Before Your Gose,” brewed with lemon, sea salt, coriander, and ginger.
Strangeways offers a huge selection of beers, so even if you’re not a fan of sours, you can find something for everyone here. Community events are often held in their spacious parking lot, so keep an eye on their calendar to see what’s coming up next.
Vasen Brewing Company
This brewery focuses on sustainable, holistic brewing practices featuring funky Belgain-style ales in their farmhouse setting. My favorite is their cherry hibiscus sour or the apricot calamansi sour.
Their mission is to celebrate those who love the outdoors and promote positive relationships within the community. They offer community events like yoga, running and rock climbing clubs, trivia, and bingo.
Top 3 Dog-Friendly Breweries
If you’re planning on spending the day outside drinking some beers on a patio with friends, why not bring fido along to join in the fun?
While the majority of breweries in Richmond are dog-friendly, these top four places have the best spacious, outdoor areas for you and your canine friends!
Hardywood Brewery
Hardywood opened in 2011 and was one of the first breweries to call the Scott’s Addition neighborhood home. They offer a rotating variety of food truck service, live music, events, and a dog-friendly policy!
This warehouse turned brewery has a 20 barrel taphouse and they have converted the paved parking area into their very own beer garden. The beer garden spans across their large parking lot and has scattered picnic tables throughout, leaving plenty of space for you and your furry friends.
They even have an Instagram page dedicated to their canine customers! Make sure you go on a nice day though, because dogs are only allowed on the outside of the property.
Ardent Craft Ales
Ardent Craft Ales is another one of the first breweries to pop up in the Scott’s Addition area and their neatly organized patio with individual tables and umbrellas and muted outdoor lighting is the perfect place to bring your canine companion.
They welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs, and have water bowls and treats available upon request.
Check out their great selection of craft beer, wine, cider, and food including vegan and vegetarian options.
Triple Crossing
This brewery has two locations in the city, but their Fulton location is by far my favorite. This warehouse turned brewery is located just past the busy streets of downtown RVA and has ample outdoor seating with a view of the city.
They offer small plate options for food, with the most popular being their thin crust pizzas.
Triple Crossing is dog-friendly and their laid back atmosphere makes it a welcoming place to enjoy the afternoon with friends.
Top 3 Breweries for IPA Fanatics
The Veil
Located in Scott’s Addition, The Veil is a modern, industrial style taproom most well known for their IPAs. This brewery features double and triple IPA beers and weekly rotating taps.
They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and they host a different food truck each night of the week. This brewery is family-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring the kids along for the afternoon.
Stone Brewing
Stone Brewing’s East Coast location in Richmond, VA is truly spectacular. This large, two story building is located on a hill just past downtown Richmond and their large, industrial style building is perfect for large groups.
They pride themselves on using repurposed materials and historic buildings to renovate and turn into a unique brewery experience.
Over the past 20+ years, they have grown to include all different styles of beer, but if it’s IPAs you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! Stone makes it known that IPAs are their favorite type of beer and they were among the first to perfect their West Coast style IPAs.
You can find their beers at retail stores in all 50 states– just look for their signature gargoyle printed on each bottle and can!
Final Gravity
Final Gravity is a brewery located in the Lakeside district of Richmond, VA.
Best Pub Grub
Not every brewery in Richmond serves full meals, although each business does their best to cater to their customers by offering snacks or inviting food trucks to serve hot meals.
Check out these three breweries if you’re looking for dinner and drinks!
Legend Brewing Company
When they opened back in 1994, Legend was one of the very first breweries in Richmond, VA and they’re prime location proves it! Legend is located just across the bridge from downtown Richmond and has a spectacular view of the city from their large dining patio.
They offer a full menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of starters like their popular fried brussel sprouts or Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese.
Stop by between 2pm-4pm Monday-Thursday for their “Halfy Hour” for half price beer and food. Their classic brews are available year round, but make sure you check out their holiday beer in the winter months!
Bingo Beer Company
Located in Scott’s Addition, Bingo Beer Company is a popular brewery, restaurant, and gaming center all in one! Their menu has items like loaded tots, cheesesteak egg rolls, and plenty of sandwiches and subs including a delicious vegan “chicken” sandwich.
Their beer menu may be a bit on the small side, but there’s a good variety of all different types of beer including lagers, IPAs, and even cider!
After you eat, grab a drink and start playing! They have plenty of arcade games, skeeball, pinball, and ping pong tables for you and all your friends.
Capital Ale House
Check out the Capital Ale House downtown location for a huge selection of your favorite foods like burgers and fries, steak, and mac-n-cheese.
Although Cap Ale is not technically a brewery, they do offer one of the largest selections of local, craft, and international beers with over 450 beers on tap!
Their spacious two-story downtown location offers a live music stage and a full restaurant and bar upstairs as well as a second bar and outdoor patio downstairs. Head downstairs for a game of pool or darts with friends and play some tunes on their jukebox.
