Probably one of the most recognizable names among South Florida beer drinkers, its worth hitting the highway north to this expansive brewery in Ft. Lauderdale. Open since 2010 and encouraging beer drinkers to “find your funk,” its offers a variety of staples like the Floridian, to limited releases like Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, to the bourbon barrel-aged “Muy Bonita” stout.

A name with an interesting backstory, this brewery is a nod to the founder’s great-great-great-great grandfather, Samuel Maverick, who was notorious for leaving his cattle unbranded to a point in which his cows became known as “Mavericks.” Of course, the term today refers to someone that takes their own path, an apt descriptor for this brewery set in the heart of Hialeah. The Guava Wheat Ale and Batido de Pina sour ale speak to the Latin influences, which pair happily with the barbecue smokehouse on site (cue in the brisket sliders).

Offering 16 on-tap beers within the 25,000 square-foot space, this Doral brewery is the brainchild of beer and cigar aficionados. Try the El Farito IPA, named after Key Biscayne’s lighthouse, the Freedom Tower American Amber or, for those watching caloric intake, the Lo-ca blonde IPA.

In true Miami fashion, this brewery, which recently celebrated its fourth year, incorporates its Latin American roots into its beer offering a variety of brews that range from craft lagers and IPAs, to sours and the Brazilian chopp. With names like Mangolandia and Chismosa, there’s Miami flair and flavor to go around.

With its origin story starting in Cuba, where Cervecaria La Tropical thrived for decades until the Castro regime came into power, this handsome brewery opened in January 2021 showcasing an onsite brewery operation, taproom, restaurant, and botanical garden. Core beers offered include the original amber lager, whose recipe dates back to 1888, while chef Cynthia Hudson is behind dishes like pumpkin bisque with ginger-spiced crema, tequenos with guava coulis, and amber lager steamed mussels.

Father and son founders Luis “Pops” Brignoni Sr. and Luis Brignoni dig into their Puerto Rican roots and the vibrant Wywnood art scene for inspiration with their brews. Beers like Pop’s Porter and Father Francisco are available for those who like a hearty brew and for those needed to cool off from Miami’s heat, the easy-drinking La Rubia is the way to go.

The force is with this popular Wynwood taproom that serves as both a tribute to Star Wars and a solid spot for good beer. The origin story of J. Wakefield is about as American as they get: John Wakefield, a.k.a., “Mr. Beer” began tinkering with a homebrew kit starting down the road that would lead him to multiple awards and the title of brew master. Both Miami Madness and DFPF (Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit) are considered top contenders in the beer world. A visit to the taproom provides 15 on tap selections along with empanadas and gourmet popcorn to munch on.

Doral has transformed from a bland assortment of warehouses and cookie-cutter homes to a dynamic food and drink destination, including this brewery. What began with a group of friends experimenting with whatever ingredients they could find in Caracas, Venezuela, led to the opening Tripping Animals Brewing Co, in Miami with the goal of providing exceptional handcrafted beer along with a community-oriented vibe. It’s no surprise that the beers don whimsical animal names (Hippo Hooray, Giraffe Party). There are pool tables and an “Animal’s Roots and Rock Garden” – a large patio where patrons’ pets are welcomed to roam and enjoy.

Serving beers with head-scratching (or beard-scratching) names like IPAs Lawyers Don’t Surf and P. Swayze, this taproom off of Bird road knows how to have some fun while going big on flavor.

Grab a few friends and make a day out of heading to this Homestead favorite. With a 10,000-square-foot taproom, this brewery prides itself in using local fruits and herbs to create flavors like Lychee Habanero and Big Rod Coconut Ale. Get the beer flight to sample more than one.