
Cincinnati's craft beer scene attracts beer lovers from all over the country. With so many large and small breweries around town, you won't have to travel far to find a cool spot to hang out with friends and try new pours. Whether you enjoy IPAs, lagers, or stouts, ordering a beer flight makes it easy to sample multiple styles. Many of these breweries also offer lively taprooms, outdoor patios, and rotating events that can make your visit a unique experience. We pulled together a list of nine standout breweries around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, where you can discover your new favorite brew.
Ohio's most popular craft brewery has to be at the top of our list. Rhinegeist Brewery is a Cincinnati staple, and with so many great beers to choose from, ordering a flight only makes sense. With new beers coming out every year, there is always something new to try. Relax in the taproom, which often hosts fun events throughout the week, or hang out with friends on the rooftop bar. Cornhole, ping pong, and other games are available, too. We highly recommend taking a tour of the historic brewery and bottling site before you leave.
Enjoy Cincy's first self-serve tap system, equipped with beer, wine, and hard seltzer. Enjoy 28 pour-your-own taps at Big Ash Brewing. This fun destination has indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of space. Big Ash has also teamed up with LaRosa's Taphouse to offer pizza, salads, apps, and more. Trivia nights, live music on the weekends, and the dog-friendly, covered outdoor patio make this a fantastic summer hangout spot.
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The Oakley Taproom at MadTree Brewing has been voted Cincinnati's best local taproom three years in a row. From craft beer to vodka sodas, this brewery offers a wide variety of beverages, so you'll find something for everyone. Plus, they're constantly rotating in new seasonal drinks. If you're looking for a bite to eat, pizza, sandwiches, and snacks are available.
Located in Walnut Hills, Esoteric Brewing Co. is a true community hub and event space. This brewery serves high-quality beverages made with pure, locally-sourced, organic ingredients. The dimly lit taproom is also full of unique art. For something light and refreshing, try the Walnut Hills Lager, or, if you'd prefer a fruity IPA, the Lotus IPA is a good choice. Stop by for brunch, trivia nights, and karaoke throughout the week.
With a whopping 34 beers on tap, flights are the best way to sample the variety at Fabled Brew Works. The storybook-themed interior combined with a great selection of beer makes for a memorable experience. You'll love the family- and dog-friendly covered patio, which can seat up to 40 people. Food trucks are scheduled every day for lunch and dinner.
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With 24 beers on tap and many more in cans, grabbing a flight at Streetside Brewery is the perfect way to try them all. This family-friendly (including dogs) brewery often hosts food trucks, making it a great place to chill on weekend afternoons. Beer is made onsite in the state-of-the-art brewing facility, which sits directly below the taproom. The great variety and outdoor patio make this one of Cincy's best.
A huge brewery with great pours, plenty of TVs, and a partnership with Dewey's Pizza and Graeter's Ice Cream, Braxton Brewing Company in Union is the ultimate family-friendly weekend destination. Whether you're looking for a place to catch the game, relax with friends, or let the kids run around, Braxton Brewing has something for everyone.
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The Hefeweizen and Citrus Wheat are two of our favorite West Side Brewing pours, but there are dozens of options to choose from. This brewery is in the heart of Town Hall District in Cincy's west side. They also partner with Catch-A-Fire Pizza to serve delicious wood-fired pizzas. Beer is brewed onsite, and the spacious taproom offers a cool, modern vibe and plenty of seating.
This friendly neighborhood brewery has a nice selection of light, dark, hoppy, and fruity beers on tap. Brink Brewing Company offers a fun, garage-style taproom with plenty of space and TVs. While they aren't equipped with a kitchen, they have a "bring your own food" policy, and there are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance.
Where will your Cincinnati beer tour take you?