In 1872, the Queen City was home to 38 breweries and in 1890, more than 1,180 saloons. But, when Prohibition was enacted in the 1920s, many of these famed establishments were forced to close their doors.
Today, it's definitely clear that Cincinnati has got it's brewing groove back. Thanks to the 50+ craft breweries in the area and the commercial breweries that have taken up residence here, it's hard not to be a beer lover in this city.
With so many choices in the area, it can be hard to decide which one to visit. Luckily for you, we've created a guide to the city's best breweries to help you out! No matter what styles of beer, taproom ambiance or pub grub you're looking for, Cincy's got something just for you.
331 East 13th Street
Photo courtesy of 3 Points Urban Brewery
Located in the heart of the Pendleton neighborhood, which was once the home of Cincinnati's first master brewers, 3 Points Urban Brewery is a modern brewing facility and neighborhood gathering place. Throughout their facility and on their labels, you'll find art from local artists to help stimulate community interaction.
7391 Forbes Road
This child and pet-friendly brewery is located 13 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Here, you can experience great beer among good friends, fun events like trivia, a running club, festivals and more!
7926 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria
After two tours in Iraq, head brewer Andy Reynolds found that the process of brewing different beers helped put his mind at ease. He took his love for brewing and made it his career. Today Alexandria Brewing is a family-friendly establishment that celebrates rock and roll, fun and, of course, beer.
4720 Eastern Avenue
Named after an American Outlaw who sought redemption at his end, Bad Tom Smith Brewing is committed to doing what is right. Since opening in 2015, they've been developing the highest quality craft beer for each style in their portfolio. They have locations in both Cleveland and Cincinnati, so no matter where you are in Ohio you're just a short drive away from their quality brews.
322 Elm Street, Ludlow
Photo courtesy of Point & Click Studio via Bircus Brewing Company
Bircus is where the hypnotic world of the circus meets the simple love of beer. Here, you'll enjoy great beer and a thirst-defying brewery experience. In this unique venue, you can also find the Ludlow Theatre, where you'll see performers juggle clubs, breathe fire, walk on kegs and amaze on the trapeze.
27 West 7th Street, Convington | 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue
When Braxton owner Evan Rouse was 16-years-old, he fell in love with the craft of brewing beer. Not even of age yet, he built a home brewery in his family's garage. Braxton is his dream come true! Here, you'll find some truly tantalizing beer, every pint brewed with passion and determination.
5905 Hamilton Avenue
This brother-owned brewery has been nationally celebrated. Named one of the nation's best beers by Forbes and one of the winners of the 2018 Great American Beer Festival, Brink Brewing Company offers quality beers and a welcoming, comfortable taproom where you can share stories and make new friends.
1621 Moore Street
Experience great architecture and great beer at the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company's original 1860's malt house taproom. Sample their fresh Moerlein beers, all beef hot dogs, brats, meat and cheese boards, and get a free tour of their historic brewery.
760 North Main Street, Springboro
Photo courtesy of Crooked Handle Brewing Company
Springboro's first brewery, Crooked Handle is owned by two couples that are best friends and share a passion for craft brewing. Since they opened their doors in 2015, Crooked Handle has received overwhelming support from the community and to give back, they support two nonprofit organizations each month.
224 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue
This small brewery is located in Bellevue and specializes in dark beers. While you may drive right past them the first time you visit, we promise once you taste their fantastic brews, you won't have a tough time finding them again. Their dark taproom is the perfect place to relax with a great beer and a delicious pretzel or a beer cupcake.
9964 Crescent Park Drive, West Chester
Dogberry Brewing combines art and science in the best way possible. Using the freshest ingredients possible from local producers, the creative beer scientists at DogBerry craft some truly mouth-watering brews. From creations like Vanilla Nat's Nightcap to Campfire Story, they'll have a flavor perfect for your palette.
7668 Wooster Pike | 7605 Wooster Pike
Located in a former roadside speakeasy on US Route 50 heading west, Fifty West Brewing Company creates handmade beers brewed in small batches that focus on craftsmanship, tradition, innovation and patience. Check out their calendar so you can make sure to stay up to date on their fun and creative events like Burger and Beer Day, trivia nights, wing days, and more!
1621 Dana Avenue
Photo courtesy of Listermann Brewing Company
Getting its start as a home brewing parts company, Listermann Brewing has transformed into something much more. For more than 10 years, they have been consistently crafting award-winning brews. Try some at their fabulous taproom and pick up your own home brewing kit to try your hand at creating beer afterward!
3301 Madison Road
No one loves the beer enthusiast community more than MadTree Brewing. Fueled by the community's demand for great beer, they are constantly experimenting and pushing themselves to create the best beer around. Visit their taproom and grab a drink with friends and a delicious meal from their onsite restaurant, Catch-a-Fire Cafe.
4362 Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road
What started out as a small, two-vessel system nestled in a storm cellar became Cincinnati's oldest craft microbrewery. You can find Mt. Carmel Brewing in the westernmost county of Appalachia, where you're welcome to stop by and enjoy a cold, freshly brewed beer on the porch.
20 High Street, Hamilton
Located in the historic Fredrick Mueller building in downtown Hamilton, Municipal Brew Works offers as many as 20 beers on tap at a time which you can enjoy in their welcoming taproom. They also have a large patio area that is dog and family friendly for soaking up the sun on a warm afternoon.
227 Stark Street
This neighborhood craft nano-brewery is located in the historic Over the Rhine Brewery District. Off Track Brewing was started by two friends who love brewing together. Today, they occupy a 1,800 square foot garage and run a five barrel steam powered brewing system. While you can't visit their space to try their beers, you can enjoy them right down the street at Dunlap Cafe, which also offers an all-day breakfast along with a full bar and beer garden.
1910 Elm Street
As of 2017, Rhinegeist was the 33rd largest independent craft brewery in the United States, distributing their beer all around the country — and their Truth IPA is recognized as one of the 100 best beers in the world by Men's Journal. Experience their renowned brews in their eclectic, industrial taproom, which was once the location of the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company's bottling plant from 1895.
6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe
This family-owned, independent craft brewery doesn't confine themselves to only one style of beer — that's why they brew a bit of everything from traditional lagers to barrel-aged sours and every style in between! In their taproom, you can sample their innovative beers and a full-service BBQ eatery.
4003 Eastern Avenue
Rooted in Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood, Columbia-Tusculum, Streetside Brewery provides a down-to-earth experience with a vast selection of exceptional craft beers. In their taproom, you can find everything from IPAs and lagers to stouts and specialty beers, as well as guest taps that help support other local Cincinnati breweries.
1429 Race Street | 4831 Spring Grove Avenue
Photo courtesy of Taft's Brewing Company
With their large facility and taproom located in the old Cincinnati Car Company Factory building and their Alehouse located in the old St. Paul's Evangelical Church building, you can experience the history of Cincinnati while sipping on a cold pint of Taft's signature creations. Be sure to grab a slice of their "Apizza" at their new Brewporium or a tri-tip steak from the Alehouse when you go!
1660 Blue Rock Street
Urban Artifact's taproom is located on the lower level of St. Patrick's church in Northside, with their brewing facility located behind the building. They offer a full bar along with live music, and you can enjoy your drink in their family-friendly, picturesque courtyard.
2800 Woodburn Avenue
The Woodburn Brewery and Taproom was created by a Los Angeles transplant and lifelong Cincinnatian, combining East side hustle and West Coast swagger to create innovative beers that celebrate Cincinnati's heritage. Visit their taproom to experience their fantastic creations and don't miss all of the fun events they have going on all year long.
How About Brew?
Did we miss your favorite Cincinnati craft brewery? Let us know in the comments!