My husband and I are self-proclaimed craft beer connoisseurs, but I’m pretty sure our friends and family just refer to us as “beer snobs.” XD
When it comes to our beer, your typical Budweiser or Coors Light just won’t do. We’re all about the local brews that are packed with flavor and served in a fun and inviting setting.
Of course, since I bring Lady with me practically everywhere I go, we tend to frequent breweries that warmly welcome our dog to join us.
During our time stationed in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, we made a point to visit just about every local brewery that popped up on our radar. As a result, we’ve collected a fairly impressive list of great spots to enjoy a laid-back evening of craft beer tasting, and they have also earned Lady’s paw-stamp of approval!
For all of you passionate beer and dog people visiting or living in the area, here are our personal favorite breweries in Virginia Beach and Norfolk that are a big hit for both humans and canines alike!
Our Favorite Breweries in Virginia Beach and Norfolk to Visit With Our Dog
Wasserhund Brewing Company
How can I possibly talk about dog-friendly breweries in Virginia without listing the one whose name literally means “Water Dog” in German?
As you may have already guessed, Wasserhund Brewing Company in Virginia Beach, VA serves up German-style beers with a beach kick! Through their creation of refreshing and creative beers (each with a dog-inspired name) and exquisite specialty pizzas, Wasserhund hopes to bring the German beer culture into their local community. Prost!
The brewery is located in a small shopping center in Virginia Beach and has a cozy outdoor patio for visitors with pets. If you choose to bring your dog, you won’t have to worry about taking turns going inside since the staff will come outside to greet you and take your order.
*Pro Tip* You DO NOT want to leave without ordering the “Wasserhund” Pizza. This signature creation is essentially everything you love about a German bratwurst on a pizza, and it’s just as heavenly as it sounds!
Back Bay Brewing Co.
Founded in 2011, Back Bay Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach, VA is one of the area’s newest breweries, but it has already made quite a name for itself!
They are consistently pushing the boundaries of craft beer and seeking out creative recipes that you can’t find anywhere else, so much so that their tap list changes weekly!
Their tasting room can be found just minutes from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, making it easy to stop in after a fun-filled day at the beach. Plus, your pooches are actually allowed INSIDE the tasting room with you!
In addition to chatting it up at the bar over a beer with your friends, Back Bay entertains its visitors with a wide variety of fun events, games, and more. We could spend hours in this brewery with Lady, and I’m sure you and your dogs will agree!
Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
Not only is Reaver Beach Brewing Co. the oldest craft brewery in Virginia, but it’s also the home to the legendary Hoptopus Double IPA and a broad selection of other award-winning beers.
The brewery produces their selections with only the best local ingredients, and they’re not afraid to experiment with unique additions to create a one-of-a-kind beer tasting experience for their customers.
After grabbing your favorite beer from the taproom, you’ll be able to sit back and relax in the brewery’s adjoining warehouse with your pups.
Commonwealth Brewery Co.
Located near Chic’s Beach and First Landing State Park, this neighborhood hotspot is considered to be a craft beer haven among Virginia Beach locals.
Commonwealth Brewery is built inside a former fire station that has been expertly renovated to include a large tasting hall, two smaller rooms for a more relaxed beer tasting experience, and a spacious outdoor Biergarten. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are open to visitors and their dogs.
I have to say that this is one of the most impressive locations I’ve seen in a coastal Virginia brewery. Bright bistro lights are strung over a vast number of large picnic tables in the Biergarten, and you’ll also find Adirondack chairs that are perfect for getting comfortable and soaking in the sunshine on a beautiful day.
Smartmouth Brewing Co.
Smartmouth was one of the first craft breweries to set up shop in the Hampton Roads region, and it has grown so popular that it has opened two locations in both Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
The brewmasters at Smartmouth live by a mantra. “The Unexamined Beer is Not Worth Brewing.” Well said, my friends.
Both of Smartmouth’s locations love to see your furry friends and provide pet-friendly outdoor seating.
New Realm Brewery
New Realm Brewery is very well-known in Atlanta, GA, and they’ve recently opened a brand new location in Virginia Beach! If you’re thirsty for a refreshing and tasty beer rooted in old-world techniques, then this is definitely the place to go!
The New Realm Brewery in Virginia Beach is also very dog-friendly with 44,000 square feet of outdoor space! Here, you can mingle with other beer lovers and their pets, play lawn games, get cozy around the fire pits, enjoy live music performances, and much more. Cheers to that!
O’Connor Brewing Co.
Ask anyone who has lived in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area about O’Connor and I guarantee they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about!
This is by far one of the most popular breweries in Norfolk, VA, and it’s for good reason. With an extensive beer menu and a strong passion for their community and craft, this local favorite is definitely worthy of a spot on your Virginia beer tasting list.
They have a huge taproom located just minutes from Downtown Norfolk that offers plenty of covered outdoor seating for visitors with dogs. It’s actually very rare that I DON’T see an adorable pooch sitting outside the doors of the brewery with its owner!
Coelacanth Brewing
Located in the artsy and funky neighborhood of Ghent, Coelacanth Brewing focuses on taking your favorite classic beer styles and giving them a unique twist. They’re also proud to be the first Certified Green Brewery in the Hampton Roads.
Their small yet vibrant taproom is the perfect place to take a breather after a long day and indulge yourself in a variety of well-balanced ales and lagers, some of which have brought home gold medals and awards!
There are a couple of large picnic tables located just outside the taproom that will be available to you if you visit with your dogs. After slurping down a beer or two, be sure to take a stroll with your pups and check out the lively NEON Arts District in Ghent!
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Which of these breweries is your favorite spot to try craft beer in Virginia Beach? Did we miss one that you think should be listed?
Be sure to leave your ideas and comments below! We love to hear from our readers.
Also, don’t forget to check out even more of our favorite places to dine and drink with dogs!
Happy Travels!