10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Portsmouth

"The Backstory: Virginia Beach is more than sandy beaches and ocean waters, and this brewery (opened in 2011) reflects that diversity. The city’s Back Bay region is home to a national wildlife refuge, first established in 1938, as well as the historic Pungo region, which contains 8,000 acres of farmland that’s been producing crops since colonial times. Two of the brewery’s founders, Charlie Burroughs and Josh Canada, have roots in the Back Bay area, and actually decided to go into the beer business while duck-hunting together -- then fittingly named their event space “The Blind” and VIP program “The Hunt Club” to further honor that wildlife culture.The Brewery: The tasting room, located in the ViBe Creative District, is actually closer to the oceanfront than the Back Bay area, but the space retains roots to its namesake: the building is a converted former fish house and the tin walls come from a Back Bay farmhouse."

"Back Bay Brewing is another great place to sample flights of local beer. Hanging out on oversized picnic tables gives a friendly gathering feel as you sip flights or pints of their Atlantic Avenue IPA or Beach Cruiser Pale Ale. Our favourite part of tasting beer in Virginia Beach was chatting with the locals, everyone was friendly and welcoming and when you add beer or spirits to the mix, it’s a very fun time."

"Housed in the landmark Chesapeake Beach Fire & Rescue Station #4, Commonwealth Brewing Company is a unique stop on the list of Virginia Beach breweries. The station was recently renovated to include a large beer hall with 28 taps and an outdoor beer garden. Open seven days a week, this brewery is kid-friendly and family-owned, making it a welcoming Virginia Beach hangout any time of year with live music, weekly food trucks and outdoor lawn games."

"Located at 2444 Pleasure House Road in Chesapeake Beach, the brewery is the highest-rated brewery in Virginia Beach, boasting four stars out of 123 reviews on Yelp."

"The Backstory: Wasserhund means “water dog” in German, and its beer is likewise described as “German brewing with a beach kick.” Local couple/dog parents Aaron and Christine Holley, who grew up in Virginia Beach, decided to bring German-style brewing to their area after a trip to Oktoberfest in 2012. They even strictly follow the 500-year-old German Purity Law, which states that only hops, barley, water, and yeast can find their way into your stein.The Brewery: Besides offering German brews without the transatlantic flight, the brewery is known for having some of the best pub eats in town -- especially its unique pizzas, which are all named after dogs. (Their signature Wasserhund pie is topped with sauerkraut and bratwurst.) Besides food, you’ll find regular gaming events (like trivia and bingo) as well as some oddball annuals such as an adults-only prom with a steampunk theme that would put your high school dance to shame.The Beer You Need To Try: After dinner, skip dessert and try the Haagen Dog Ice Cream Stout -- made to taste like vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a glass, and one of their specialties."

"For a taste of Germany in Virginia Beach, head to Wasserhund Brewing Company and experience the best in ales, lagers and honey beer, plus the delicious eats like locally made bratwurst and artisanal pizza. The brewery’s name translates to “water dog,” so expect to find beers named to follow this K-9 theme. Try a Purebred Pilsner, German Shepheweizen, Doggy Paddle IPA or Haywire Husky, just to name a few."

"Pleasure House Brewing is like having a friend that invites you to come chill at their place, except this particular friend makes really good beer. Go for the Glo Belgian Blond or the Rudee Inlet DIPA, stay for the foosball and good times. Pleasure House Brewing is located at 2032 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455"

"Located just off Shore Drive, Pleasure House Brewing brings a slightly different beach vibe to the table. They're relaxed, they're friendly, and they're innovative. Mostly a small-batch brewery, Pleasure House always has something new on Tap."

"With a 2 acre dog friendly beer garden and over 20 beers on tap the Virginia Beach outpost of Atlanta based brewery New Realm Brewing Company became a fast favorite of locals and visitors alike. Their flagship IPA Hazy Like a Fox is a citrusy easy to drink sipper or you could go for one of their complex Wooded Reserve barrel aged Belgian Quadrupels aged for 9 months in rum or bourbon barrels. New Realm Brewing Company is located at 1209 Craft Lane Virginia Beach, VA 23454"

"New to the Virginia Beach beer scene as of November 2016, Green Flash Brewing Company joins the growing list of local breweries. There is no shortage of space at this expansive, 58,000-square-foot facility set on nine acres just 15 minutes from the resort area of Virginia Beach. Enjoy one of the 30 beers on tap in the beer garden, in the tasting room or by one of the cozy fire pits."

"Finally, over in Princess Anne, check out New Realm Brewing, which has earned four stars out of 65 reviews on Yelp. You can find the brewery at 1209 Craft Lane. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"Take your friends and your appetite and head for Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, located in the Virginia Beach Town Center. In this casual setting you’ll find beers that are brewed using the highest quality malt and hops straight from Germany. And to accompany your brews, dine on a full menu that’s a delicious mix of American with an Asian influence."

"At Virginia Beach’s Town Center, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is serving up delicious food from their kitchen and German-style draughts from the taps. While the restaurant has many locations, all beers are brewed in-house, creating signature sips for Virginia Beach."

"Next up is Mears Corner's Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co., situated at 1805 Kempsville Road. With 4.5 stars out of 87 reviews on Yelp, the brewery and event space has proven to be a local favorite."

"COVA is nestled in the heart of East Ocean View, also known as East Beach, and is owned by two local families whose passions brought this project to life. COVA’s building was formerly an auto repair shop but has been beautifully transformed into a coastal influenced brew-house, offering both craft beers and coffee. Cedar slatted counters imitate beachy dune fencing and the color schemes throughout reflect the palette and sheen of sea glass."

"At the Boardwok, you will find a relaxing environment, smiling faces, and delicious food. We are a family owned and operated business striving to give our customers friendly, personable and consistent service. All our dishes are made to order using only the highest quality ingredients, fresh produce… Read More"

"Nestled within the ViBe Creative District and housed in a 1920s-era building on the Virginia Beach Historical Registry, Esoteric is serving up European-influenced fare using local ingredients, many of them sourced from its on-site garden, which it shares with Commune. The outdoor seating is draped in string lights and overlooks the garden. How’s that for knowing where your food came from?"

"A craft beer establishment set up by people with a passion for beer- that is how Esoteric was born. Great craft beer is best enjoyed by craft beer food, and Esoteric’s food menu is eclectic and fits the bill perfectly. The restaurant is very trendy and hip."

"We had the most amazing experience at this restaurant tonight!. We have eaten here multiple times in the past, usually good experiences, but tonight was the top..."

"We had the most amazing experience at this restaurant tonight!. We have eaten here multiple times in the past, usually good experiences, but tonight was t..."

"Open today 12:00am to 12:00am"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Fun and fabulous is what Loehmann’s Plaza tries to do best, and you’ll certainly experience that for yourself when you come and visit. The mall is an outdoor plaza with tons of free parking available as well as over 25 great boutiques and stores."

"With some great options nearby for shopping and a location near the waterfront, Marina Shores Shoppes offers a nice shopping experience while hanging out by the shore. The small mall has plenty of parking nearby for those arriving with a vehicle, and of course, parking is free as well. There are a number of restaurants, so those looking to grab a bite to eat can enjoy something while they’re here."

"The Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries exhibit works by nationally and internationally recognized self-taught artists, contemporary artists working in all media, and local and regional artists connected with Old Dominion University. While this gallery is close to the ODU campus, the exhibits are free and open to the public."

"One of the coolest things to do in Norfolk is to visit the Selden Market – a place where you can experience and enjoy many of the city’s newer concepts in fashion, food, coffee, and more!. Located in the famous Selden Arcade building in downtown Norfolk, the repurposed space is paving the way for local businesses in Hampton Roads. View this post on Instagram"

"208 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510-1608+1 757-510-2740[email protected]http://seldenmarket.com. Selden Market is Norfolk's first retail incubator. We offer a mix up-and-coming concepts in retail, food and more from local, small businesses."

"Harbor Gallery carries a diverse variety of original, fine artwork by local and regional artists. We offer Hampton Road’s largest selection of custom frame samples. We do creative custom framing, museum quality framing, and memorabilia framing."