Our Favorite Hampton Roads IPA Breweries

Hoppy, Hoppy! Today we’re chatting about one of our favorite bubbly beverages, the India Pale Ale otherwise known as an IPA. The brewery scene is a hot one in Hampton Roads and we wanted to feature some of our favorites in honor of the day. Be sure to check out these local Hampton Roads breweries the next time you’re looking to get out!  

1. Alewerks 

189 B Ewell Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 

Mon-Thur 3-9pm & Fri-Sun 12-9pm 

Alewerks is just minutes from the Historic Colonial Williamsburg area with 16 available taps for their classic year-round recipes, the newest releases, and if you’re lucky, some exclusive pours. They also have games, non-alcoholic beverages, and swag available for purchase so you can rep your favorite brewery. The tap house has a large gravel lot making parking a breeze. The best part? Aleworks is dog friendly and just requests that they stay outside on the patio or in the beer garden area. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend the Aleworks Classic IPA which we think is superb!

2. Back Bay Brewing - Farmhouse 

1805 Kempsville Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 

Mon-Thur 3-9pm Fri-Sat 11-10pm Sun 11-8pm 

Back Bay Brewing Farmhouse in Virginia Beach is a great place to visit when the weather allows. This 1912 farmhouse-turned-brewery offers some of the freshest and highest quality beer and cider in the Hampton Roads area. Back Bay Farmhouse also offers a variety of food trucks as well as fun events such as Goat Yoga that are open to the public. Parking can sometimes be limited during special events or on the weekends so be sure to take advantage of the venue's complimentary valet parking. The brewery is pet friendly but requests that pets are kept on a leash and remain outside. Back Bay Brewery - Farmhouse has three IPAs on tap: Orange Crush IPA, Space Trip IPA, and Summer Haze Pale IPA, all of which are delicious all year round. 

3. Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery

504 North King Street Hampton, VA 23669

Mon-Thur 11:30-9pm Fri-Sat 11:30-12:30 am Sun 11:30-8pm 

Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery is housed in the historic Hampton National Guard Armory. Vanguard is a premier entertainment venue that features Caiseal Beer and Spirits, live music (local and national), and a full menu of delicious pub-style food. The parking is in front of the building but they have two overflow lots across the street. 

Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery has three IPAs on tap: Snap Guns IPA, Smelz Gud IPA, and Single Hop IPA. 

Whether you’re new to IPAs or an IPA connoisseur, we hope you’ll enjoy checking out these local breweries! Just remember, if it’s not love-at-first-sip, many who love this style of beer admit it can be an acquired taste. Enjoy!