30 Breweries in Cincinnati: A Guide to Local Craft Beers
Welcome to Cincinnati! If you’re looking for a city with rich history, plenty of activities to do, and delicious food, you’ve come to the right place. Cincinnati is home to some of the best breweries in Ohio, and this guide is here to help you find them.
Greater Cincinnati Breweries
Here are the top 30 breweries in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. If you want to explore more, here is a list of breweries in Dayton too.
1) Rhinegeist Brewery
- Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Truth (IPA – American), Cougar (Blonde Ale), Dad (Red Ale – American Amber)
The rooftop at Rhinegeist Brewery has an excellent view of the cityscape and even a bar. There are put-put, cornhole, and ping-pong tables on the main floor for guests’ enjoyment. The selection of beers and swag makes this a great place to meet friends and relax.
2) Urban Artifact
- Address: 1660 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati, OH 45223
- Notable Craft Beers: The Gadget (Fruit Tart)
Urban Artifact is excellent for finding sour, tart, or gose craft beers. With almost everything on tap being one of these styles, including some low-calorie options, there is sure to be a perfect drink for everyone. The location is also perfect for live music lovers, as it is an old church.
3) Humble Monk Brewing Co.
- Address: 1641 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati, OH 45223
- Notable Craft Beers: Haze Goggles (IPA – New England / Hazy), Pancake Porter, Rapture (Stout – Imperial / Double)
Humble Monk Brewing Company is an industrial building filled with mismatched wood furniture and plants. Lovely owners – couldn’t be more friendly. This place also has trivia and quizbowl, and donates to local shelters and charities.
4) March First Brewing and Distilling
- Address: 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249
- Notable Craft Beers: Astra Red Cream Soda Hard Seltzer, Orange Cream (Cream Ale), Swiss Chocolate Stout
March First Brewing offers a wide range of ciders, making it an ideal venue for casual get-togethers and corporate events. It has plenty of seating and private party and meeting rooms.
5) Brink Brewing Co.
- Address: 5905 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224
- Notable Craft Beers: Moozie (Stout – Milk / Sweet), Hold the Reins (Mild – Other), Damocles (Black IPA)
If you find yourself in Cincinnati, be sure to check out Brink Brewing Company. It’s a great spot for any craft beer lover. Brink Brewing Co. has an award-winning beer selection has something for everyone, from those who prefer a less hoppy beer to those who enjoy a hoppier flavor. The taproom has a great atmosphere with its wood bar, tables, walls, and bourbon barrels.
6) Listermann Brewing
- Address: 1621 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207
- Notable Craft Beers: Chickow! (Brown Ale – Imperial / Double), Nutcase (American Porter), Shamrock Shake (Milk Stout)
Listermann Brewing is worth checking out, especially if you enjoy stouts. The bartenders are knowledgeable about the offerings and quick to suggest something based on your beer preferences.
7) Streetside Brewery
- Address: 4003 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
- Notable Craft Beers: Suh, Brah? (New England IPA), Return of the Mac (Blonde Ale), Raspberry Beret (Sour)
Streetside Brewery is a hidden gem in Cincinnati! They have a great selection of craft beer styles and make them delicious. There is always a food truck and they are working on expanding their outdoor seating. There were many different types of IPA or sour brews and other choices such as brown ale, stout, Kolsch, and blonde ale.
8) Third Eye Brewing Company
- Address: 11276 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
- Notable Craft Beers: Nirvana Or Bust (New England IPA), Third Eye P.A. (American IPA), Higher Purpose (Milk Stout)
Third Eye Brewery is a fantastic spot located just outside of Cincinnati. With a rooftop patio and a lower outdoor patio complete with a fire pit, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold one. The standard beer styles here are quite good, but don’t miss out on their milkshake IPAs – they’re creamy and delicious.
9) Esoteric Brewing Co.
- Address: 918 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
- Notable Craft Beers: Lotus IPA, Kallima Coffee Cream Ale, Celestial Pale Ale
Esoteric Brewing Co. is a brewery and lounge with a classy feel. It has an elegant and comfortable environment with a selection of beers that are among the most well-crafted you’ll ever find. Not a place for someone who only drinks IPA but if you are a beer connoisseur, this is your brewery.
10) Fibonacci Brewing Company
- Address: 1445 Compton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231
- Notable Craft Beers: Tollhouse (American Stout), Earth Daisy (Imperial IPA), Hoy Tripel (Belgian Tripel)
Fibonacci has become one of my favorite breweries over the past year. I am always amazed at how friendly every employee is. They make the environment so welcoming and are always happy to talk to anyone who enters their doors. They have a variety of beers, all of which are phenomenal. They boast a cool beer garden and goats and chickens in a pen nearby.
11) Big Ash Brewing Company
- Address: 5230 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
- Notable Craft Beers: Backbeat Coffee Blonde (Blonde Ale), Vanilla Cream (Cream Ale), Schooner NEIPA (New England IPA)
The atmosphere at this brewery is welcoming and relaxed, with dogs allowed and food served. The self-pour setup is exciting and allows customers to pour their own beer, charged by the ounce. This makes trying all the brews on offer much easier, as customers can order small glasses.
12) Fifty West Brewing Company
- Address: 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
- Notable Craft Beers: Coast to Coast (American IPA)
Fifty West Brewing Company has plenty of sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and a sand pit for the kids. Dogs are welcome too! They have a great selection of beer that will have something for everyone. This restaurant is known for its excellent beer selection, burgers, and milkshakes.
13) Fretboard Brewing Company
- Address: 5800 Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
- Notable Craft Beers: Improv (American IPA), Reba (Blonde Ale), Vlad (German Pilsner)
Fretboard Brewing Company is a classic brewery with open seating and a stage for live music and “in-house” food from Smoked Out, a local BBQ restaurant. This is an overall fun place to hang out!
14) BrewDog Cincinnati
- Address: 316 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Punk IPA (American IPA), Elvis Juice (American IPA), Lost Lager (Pilsner)
BrewDog is on a mission to make other people as passionate about great craft beer as they are. They brew world-class craft beer, extraordinary beers that blow people’s minds and kick start a revolution. BrewDog’s food menu is extensive, and there is something for everyone.
15) Taft’s Ale House
- Address: 1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Gavel Banger (American IPA), Nellie’s Key Lime Ale (American Pale Wheat), Maverick Chocolate Porter
Taft’s Ale House is located in an old church that has been renovated into a place where people can get food and delicious beer. They have dining areas, bar seating, and lounges. It is huge and connected to Nellies. The decor is reminiscent of another era and provides a great environment.
16) Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
- Address: 111 W McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Heckler (New England IPA), Preacher (Fruit Beer), Hustler – Helles Lager
For a different experience in Cincinnati, head on to Northern Row, which has a different vibe from the other craft breweries listed here. Imagine a brick building covered in vines in the middle of the city, where you can taste some unique liquor in addition to beer. The building has been updated and has lots of history, making it a fun place to hang out and enjoy drinks.
17) Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom
- Address: 1727 Logan St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Samuel Adams Boston Brick Red, Samuel Adams Summer’s Twilight, Washed Out Stout
Many people are unaware that the owner and founder of Sam Adams is from Cincinnati. The company offers some excellent beers, and the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom has a distinct and appealing atmosphere.
18) Braxton Brewing Company Cincinnati
- Address: 331 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Tropic Flare (New England IPA), Storm (Cream Ale), Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Milk Stout
Cincinnati is home to many outstanding breweries, including Braxton Brewing. They offer a diverse selection of craft beer styles, making them an excellent choice for any beer lover. Additionally, their brewery is located in a very cool Pendleton neighborhood.
19) Moerlein Lager House
- Address: 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Notable Craft Beers: Helltown Rye-Ot (Brown Ale), Rivet (American IPA), Spring Train Altbier
The Moerlein Lager House is a downtown Cincinnati restaurant next to Smale Riverfront Park. It is situated between the Reds and Bengals stadiums along the Ohio River. The restaurant offers a variety of main dishes, outdoor seating, and a large side porch.
Overall, this lager house is in a great location by the river and the ballpark with great views. The staff is friendly, and there is an excellent selection of food and drink.
20) 13 Below Brewery
- Address: 7391 Forbes Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233
- Notable Craft Beers: West Coast (American IPA), Gravensteen (Traditional Ale), Lock & Dam #37 (Scotch Ale)
Located along the Ohio River, 13 Below has a great selection of high-quality craft beer, a friendly staff, and a great facility. There are picnic tables out front and a fenced-in backyard where kiddos and pups can play.
21) Dead Low Brewing
- Address: 5959 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230
- Notable Craft Beers: First of All Session IPA, Lagom Scandinavian Farmhouse Ale, Schwarzbier
Dead Low is a craft brewery located in California, the easternmost neighborhood of Cincinnati. Dead Low has a taproom, restaurant, private event space, performance stage, and outdoor beer garden.
22) 16 Lots Brewing Company
- Address: 753 Reading Rd, Mason, OH 45040
- Notable Craft Beers: Soak City (New England IPA), The Major (German Pilsner), Pike Street (American IPA)
The 16 Lots Brewing Company has a family atmosphere, great beer, and a nice upscale feel. The Mad Monks pizzas and salads sold in the tap room are good. The selection of craft beer was decent, as was the selection of bourbon and liquor. The establishment also offers great happy hour specials, themed trivia, and exclusive mug clubs.
23) Sonder Brewing
- Address: 8584 Duke Blvd, Mason, OH 45040
- Notable Craft Beers: You Betcha! (New England IPA), Kato (Blonde Ale), Voss (Kölsch)
Sonder Brewing offers a great selection of beers that satisfy any craving. With a spacious and accommodating taproom, you won’t want to leave. They have a variety of beers on tap, including root beer float IPAs and carrot cake ale.
It’s a great place to take your family on the weekend, have a couple of nice beers, and enjoy some delicious food by Brew River Kitchen. The chicken sandwich and the house-made ketchup are awesome!
24) DogBerry Brewing
- Address: 9964 Crescent Park Dr., West Chester, Ohio 45069
- Notable Craft Beers: Zestic (American IPA), On the Black (Black IPA), Bray’s On Target (American Brown Ale)
This local brewery is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is chill. They care about the beer being brewed and served here. The passion shines through every drink!
25) Little Miami Brewing Company
- Address: 208 Mill St, Milford, OH 45150
- Notable Craft Beers: Grateful IPA (American IPA), Earth Cookie (American Brown Ale), Pterodactyl (Hefeweizen)
Little Miami Brewing Company‘s superb location has a great river view and easy access to downtown Milford. You can take your canoe or kayak directly along the river and dock at the stairs for a drink. The roof has a great view of the river and bike trail. The atmosphere at this establishment is excellent, and I love that it is dog-friendly.
26) Swine City Brewing
- Address: 4614 Industry Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014
- Notable Craft Beers: This Is the New Stuff (IPA – New England / Hazy), We Been Dancin (Brown Ale – American), Girl Got Reasons (Sour – Traditional Gose)
Swine City offers a variety of delicious beers and seltzers, as well as fantastic pizza. There’s always something new and exciting to try, but some old favorites are always available. There aren’t enough good things about Swine City – it’s a great place to eat, drink, and have a good time. They make it easy to support a local business!
27) Sons of Toil Brewing
- Address: 14090 Klein Rd, Mt Orab, OH 45154
- Notable Craft Beers: Mango Milkshake IPA, Mango Habenaro IPA, Spiced Apple Cider
Sons of Toil Brewing is a breath of fresh air to the area bringing wonderful craft beer and ciders into Mount Orab. They have live music and food trucks on the weekends. Have their own kitchen open other days. Seating inside or out. Under cover or out in the sun. Beautiful setup!
Breweries in Northern Kentucky
28) Darkness Brewing
- Address: 224 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073
- Notable Craft Beers: Hop Head Nebula Black IPA, Mayan Sacrifice Golden Stout
The beer selection at Darkness Brewing is both refreshing and diverse in flavor. This brewery has indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy their beer in different settings. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making it easy for visitors to sample different beers before making a purchase.
29) Bircus Brewing Company
- Address: 322 Elm St, Ludlow, KY 41016
- Notable Craft Beers: Lud-Lite Lager (American Light), Kilpatrick’s One Legged (Dry Irish Stout), and Smaschlager (Vienna Style Lager)
Bircus Brewing is probably the most unique brewery you’ll ever go to! They have people performing circus acts, giving this place an enjoyable vibe. It’s like Las Vegas’ Circus Circus, but at a brewery.
30) Wooden Cask Brewing Company
- Address: 629 York St, Newport, KY 41071
- Notable Craft Beers: Reformation (Nitro) (Stout), Levee Lager (Lager), Girl Next Door (Blonde Ale)
This establishment offers an impressive selection of drinks and food, from burgers to ribs. They also have plenty of board games for you to play if you’re feeling competitive (or just want to take your mind off things). Parking is never a problem either, as there’s always free parking available onsite.