With craft beers still being a popular hit with generations young and old, residents of Ybor City and the surrounding area should know that they have access to some of the best craft breweries and their most popular brews on the market. The best part is that both locations are only a short walk or Uber ride away (always drink and drive responsively). On a recent outing, I was lucky enough to check out two of the brew houses and sample some of their signature craft specials.
The first stop was Cigar City Cider and Mead, located at 1812 North 15th Street. Whether you’re a mead or cider enthusiast already or looking to expand your palette beyond beer, Cigar City Cider and Mead offers their customers a diverse selection of ciders and meads brewed with Florida grown ingredients and always 100% natural in the heart of historic Ybor City. You are sure to find a new favorite brew here as they offer 11 ciders and 4 meads on draft at all times. Bring your friends, pull up a barstool and play a board game as you sip on their award winning homemade apple pie cider.
Cigar City Cider & Mead opened its doors in late 2014. Since then, they have produced countless ciders and meads, with most of their offerings exclusive to their tasting room. For more information on Cigar City Cider and Mead, including tasting and tour schedules, please check out their website at cigarcitycider.com.
The second stop was the world famous Tampa Bay Brewing Company, located at 1600 East 8th Avenue. Tampa Bay Brewing Company was established in 1995 by brothers John and David Doble and has not slowed down since they started. After John’s death in 2003, David took charge of the company and with the help of his other brother Mike, has turned it into the world famous brew house that it is known for today. Today, not only do they operate the Ybor City brewery and pub, but they also operate a second production brewery and restaurant located in the Northwest area of Tampa Bay.
When checking out the Ybor location, the staff was absolutely amazing and is very knowledgeable on the various selections of draft and bottled beers that they serve. Be sure to check out one of the eight core beers that Tampa Bay Brewing Company produces year round. The Old Elephant Foot IPA seemed to be the favorite among the customers at the bar – an award winning Hoppy American IPA complimented by soft malt undertones. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company also offers seasonal selections and limited edition releases throughout the year that have been inspired by the Florida living lifestyle.
For more information on the Tampa Bay Brewing Company – including their restaurant menu, updated tap list and any other general inquires, visit their website at tbbc.beer.
