Coral Springs, Florida boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that caters to both enthusiasts and casual drinkers. The city offers a diverse array of breweries, bars, and taprooms showcasing unique local brews and popular craft selections from around the country. Visitors and residents can explore a variety of beer styles and flavors at establishments like Big Bear Brewing Company, Rule G Brewing, and The Cook and The Cork.
From traditional ales and lagers to experimental and seasonal offerings, Coral Springs’ craft beer venues provide something for every palate. Many local spots combine great beer with engaging atmospheres, hosting events like trivia nights and live music to enhance the drinking experience. Some venues also offer food pairings to complement their beer selections, creating a well-rounded outing for patrons.
The Coral Springs craft beer scene continues to evolve, with new breweries and taprooms opening regularly. This growth reflects the city’s increasing appreciation for artisanal beverages and the creativity of local brewers. Beer enthusiasts can expect to find a mix of established favorites and exciting newcomers as they explore the local craft beer landscape.
History of Craft Beer in Coral Springs
Coral Springs’ craft beer scene has evolved from humble beginnings to a thriving local industry. The city’s journey mirrors the broader craft beer revolution that swept across the United States, bringing unique flavors and community spirit to this Florida suburb.
Early Beginnings
Craft beer in Coral Springs traces its roots to the late 1990s. The city’s first microbrewery opened its doors in 1997, introducing residents to locally brewed ales and lagers. This pioneering establishment faced initial challenges in a market dominated by big beer brands.
Despite slow growth, a small but dedicated group of beer enthusiasts kept the craft spirit alive. Home brewing gained popularity among Coral Springs residents during this period. Local beer clubs formed, fostering a community of craft beer lovers.
By the mid-2000s, a handful of bars in Coral Springs began offering craft beer options. These venues played a crucial role in exposing more people to diverse beer styles.
Recent Growth
The past decade has seen exponential growth in Coral Springs’ craft beer scene. New breweries have opened, catering to the city’s increasing demand for unique, locally-made beers. Established in 2015, Big Bear Brewing Company became a cornerstone of the local craft beer community.
Coral Springs’ proximity to Fort Lauderdale has influenced its beer culture. The cities often collaborate on beer festivals and events, drawing in craft beer enthusiasts from across South Florida.
Local restaurants have embraced the craft beer movement, with many offering extensive selections of regional and national craft brews. This has helped integrate craft beer into Coral Springs’ culinary landscape.
The city now boasts several craft beer-focused establishments. Venues like Basser’s Fine Wine & Craft Beer and The Cook and The Cork have become popular destinations for beer aficionados.
Top Craft Beer Spots in Coral Springs
Coral Springs offers several excellent venues for craft beer enthusiasts. These establishments showcase a diverse selection of brews and provide inviting atmospheres for patrons to enjoy their favorite beverages.
Tap 42 – Coral Springs
Tap 42 stands out as a popular destination for craft beer lovers in Coral Springs. This gastro-pub features an extensive selection of craft beers on tap, with options ranging from local Florida brews to national and international favorites. The venue’s modern ambiance and spacious layout create an ideal setting for social gatherings.
Tap 42’s rotating tap list ensures that patrons always have new and exciting beers to try. Their knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations based on individual preferences. The establishment also offers beer flights, allowing customers to sample multiple brews in smaller portions.
Local Favorites
Coral Springs boasts several local establishments that have become favorites among craft beer enthusiasts. Big Bear Brewing Company, a longstanding fixture in the community, brews its own beer on-site and offers a variety of styles to suit different tastes.
Game Night, another popular spot, combines craft beer with entertainment. This venue features a wide selection of brews alongside board games and other activities. Rule G Brewing has gained a following for its unique craft beer offerings and welcoming atmosphere.
These local favorites often host special events, tap takeovers, and beer releases, providing exciting opportunities for craft beer aficionados to explore new flavors and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Brewery Spotlight
South Florida boasts several exceptional breweries crafting unique and flavorful beers. These establishments have gained recognition for their innovative approaches and commitment to quality.
Tarpon River Brewing
Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale offers a diverse selection of craft beers in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Their core lineup includes popular styles like IPAs, lagers, and stouts. The brewery also experiments with small-batch releases and seasonal offerings.
Visitors can enjoy fresh brews in the spacious taproom or outdoor beer garden. Tarpon River frequently hosts events, including live music and food truck gatherings. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of reclaimed materials throughout the facility.
Barrel of Monks Brewing
Located in Boca Raton, Barrel of Monks Brewing specializes in Belgian-style ales. Their dedication to traditional brewing methods results in authentic and flavorful beers. The brewery’s core lineup features classics like Quadrupel, Tripel, and Witbier.
The taproom exudes a monastic ambiance, complete with barrel-vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Barrel of Monks offers guided tours, providing insights into their brewing process and Belgian beer history.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park has gained national recognition for its bold and inventive beers. Their flagship Floridian Hefeweizen and Hop Gun IPA are widely distributed. The brewery is known for creative flavor combinations, often inspired by culinary trends.
The spacious taproom features a full-service restaurant, offering beer-inspired dishes. Funky Buddha’s annual events, like Maple Bacon Coffee Porter Day, draw beer enthusiasts from across the country.
Wynwood Brewing Company
As Miami’s first craft production brewery, Wynwood Brewing Company has played a crucial role in the local beer scene. Their core beers, including La Rubia Blonde Ale and Pop’s Porter, reflect Miami’s diverse culture.
The taproom, located in the heart of Wynwood’s art district, showcases local artwork. Wynwood Brewing offers brewery tours and hosts regular events, fostering a strong community connection.
J. Wakefield Brewing
J. Wakefield Brewing in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood is renowned for its sour beers and unique flavor profiles. Their Dragon Fruit Passion Fruit Berliner Weisse has garnered international acclaim. The brewery also produces a range of IPAs and stouts.
The taproom’s Star Wars-themed decor creates a distinctive atmosphere. J. Wakefield collaborates with other breweries and hosts beer release events, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world.
Craft Beer Varieties and Styles
Coral Springs offers a diverse range of craft beer varieties and styles to suit different palates. Local breweries and bars showcase traditional favorites alongside innovative creations, giving beer enthusiasts plenty to explore.
Understanding IPA
India Pale Ale (IPA) remains a popular choice among craft beer drinkers in Coral Springs. This hop-forward style comes in several variations:
- West Coast IPA: Known for its intense bitterness and citrusy hop flavors
- New England IPA: Characterized by a hazy appearance and juicy, tropical fruit notes
- Session IPA: A lower alcohol content version, perfect for extended tasting sessions
Local breweries often experiment with unique hop combinations, creating signature IPAs that reflect Florida’s tropical climate. Some incorporate local fruits or herbs to add a distinctive twist to this classic style.
Seasonal Brews
Coral Springs’ craft beer scene embraces seasonal offerings that complement the Florida weather. Summer often brings light, refreshing options like:
- Wheat beers infused with citrus
- Fruited sours
- Crisp lagers
As winter approaches, brewers introduce heartier styles:
- Spiced ales
- Robust porters
- Barrel-aged stouts
These seasonal rotations keep the local beer scene dynamic and encourage repeat visits to taprooms and bars. Brewers often collaborate on limited-edition releases, creating buzz among beer enthusiasts.
Local Specialties
Coral Springs craft breweries take pride in developing unique beers that capture the essence of South Florida. Some popular local specialties include:
- Tropical fruit-infused ales using mangoes, passion fruit, or guava
- Coconut porters that blend Caribbean flavors with traditional beer styles
- Citrus-forward pale ales showcasing Florida-grown hops
Many breweries also offer experimental small-batch releases, allowing patrons to taste innovative creations. These might include beers aged in tequila barrels or brewed with unconventional ingredients like local honey or coffee.
Craft Beer Tasting Guide
Craft beer tasting involves developing your palate and understanding flavor profiles. Pairing craft beers with complementary foods can enhance the tasting experience.
Tasting Like a Brewmaster
Craft beer tasting requires attention to appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. Begin by examining the beer’s color and clarity. Swirl the glass to release aromas and inhale deeply. Note scents like hops, malt, fruit, or spices.
Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Identify flavors and their intensity. Is it bitter, sweet, sour, or balanced? Consider the beer’s body – is it light and crisp or full and creamy?
Pay attention to the aftertaste. Some beers leave lingering bitterness, while others have a clean finish. Practice describing flavors in detail. Use a tasting wheel for guidance on common beer descriptors.
Pairing Food and Craft Beer
Pairing craft beer with food can elevate both the meal and the brew. Consider matching intensities – lighter beers with delicate dishes, bolder beers with rich foods.
Hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy foods, cutting through heat. Malty brown ales complement roasted meats and nutty cheeses. Wheat beers match nicely with seafood and citrusy dishes.
Stouts and porters pair excellently with chocolate desserts or barbecue. Sour beers can balance fatty foods and cleanse the palate. Experiment with contrasting flavors, like a sweet fruit beer with salty pretzels.
Try hosting a beer and food pairing night to explore different combinations. Keep notes on successful pairings to refine your palate over time.
Events and Beer Tours
Coral Springs and the surrounding area offer exciting opportunities for craft beer enthusiasts to explore local brews. From annual festivals to guided brewery tours, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the region’s thriving beer scene.
Annual Beer Festivals
Coral Springs hosts several beer festivals throughout the year. The Coral Springs Craft Beer Festival showcases local breweries and food vendors in a lively outdoor setting. Held each spring, it features over 100 craft beers for tasting.
The neighboring city of Pompano Beach puts on the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, which includes a craft beer garden with regional and national brews. This three-day event pairs fresh seafood with a wide selection of ales and lagers.
For a unique experience, the Everglades Seafood Festival incorporates local craft beers into its celebration of Florida cuisine and culture. Visitors can sample beers from South Florida breweries while enjoying live music and traditional foods.
Local Brewery Tours
Several companies offer guided tours of Coral Springs’ craft breweries. Bon Beer Voyage organizes small-group excursions to local taprooms, providing transportation and expert commentary. Participants learn about brewing processes and sample a variety of styles.
The Damn Good Beer Bus runs tours from Coral Springs to nearby brewing hotspots like Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. These half-day trips typically visit 3-4 breweries and include tastings at each stop.
For a self-guided option, the Coral Springs Ale Trail map highlights local breweries and beer bars. Visitors can create their own itinerary to explore the city’s craft beer scene at their own pace.
Supporting Local Breweries
Supporting local breweries in Coral Springs provides significant economic benefits and fosters community connections. Craft beer enthusiasts play a crucial role in sustaining these businesses and contributing to the area’s vibrant beer culture.
The Economic Impact
Local breweries create jobs for Coral Springs residents, from brewers and servers to delivery drivers and suppliers. They often source ingredients locally, stimulating the regional economy. Small and independent craft breweries contribute billions to the U.S. economy annually. In Coral Springs, breweries like Big Bear Brewing Company and Tampa Bay Brewing Co. Coral Springs Tap House help drive economic growth.
These establishments attract visitors and boost tourism, benefiting nearby businesses. Local breweries also contribute to tax revenues, supporting municipal services and infrastructure improvements in Coral Springs.
Community Involvement
Coral Springs breweries actively engage with the community through various events and initiatives. Beer festivals and tasting events provide opportunities for residents to sample local brews and connect with brewers. Many breweries host charity fundraisers, supporting local causes and organizations.
Local craft beer spots often collaborate with other businesses, creating unique products and experiences. These partnerships strengthen community ties and promote a sense of local pride. Breweries frequently participate in city events, showcasing Coral Springs’ craft beer culture to visitors and residents alike.
By choosing local craft beer, consumers support these community-focused businesses and help maintain the unique character of Coral Springs’ beer scene.
