10 Best Breweries 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."

"Pouring out of the ViBe Creative District, our newest brewery stays true to the artisan spirit of their neighbors by blending the fine art of brewing with locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable, nature-friendly brewing operations. The artistic vibes carry through to the taproom, which doubles as a venue for art events and exhibitions and a stage for local musicians to showcase their talent. Vibrant Shore features a consistently rotating menu of unique microbrews, including seasonal specials and a variety of flagship staples, to ensure that every trip through their doors is as unique as the last."

"Monday: CLOSED Tuesday – Wednesday: 4 PM – 10 PM Thursday – 4 PM – 10 PM Friday: 1 PM – 10 PM Saturday: 1 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM"

"Located in an old bank building in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Ocean View, this veteran-owned craft brewery will have you feeling like a local in no time, as their welcoming demeanor is contagious!. Housed inside Bold Mariner is BBQ favorite, Bar-Q, a local favorite barbecue spot that specializes in beef brisket and craft scratch sausages. Don’t stress, their revolving draft selections are equally as flavorful as the food."

"Local brews are becoming more and more popular, so why not grab a pint at your favorite local place while we take pictures?!. There are lots of different places to visit, what’s your favorite local label?"

"Enjoy local brews and Emerson cigars at Maker’s Craft Brewery at their onsite cigar lounge. Set in a historic 1906 burlap bag factory, this brewery incorporates the old with the new. The bar is made from reclaimed wood while brick walls line the interior and old cobblestones (found during construction) decorate their outdoor patio."

"Finally, Pelican's SnoBalls, a spot to score desserts and shaved ice, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 24 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6011 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. to see for yourself."

"Check out the Little Creek Diner, which has earned four stars out of 45 reviews on Yelp. You can find the diner at 7941 Halprin Drive. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"Rick's Cafe has been the local's favorite for over 30 years. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day, you can always count on an amazing meal for any craving anytime of the day. If you love diners like we do, this will be one of your favorites."

"Next up is Oceana's Rick's Cafe, situated at 1612 Virginia Beach Blvd. With four stars out of 181 reviews on Yelp, the diner, breakfast and brunch and traditional American spot has proven to be a local favorite."

"d’Egg offers unique items that are delicious and innovating, as well as your basic eggs and bacon combo. Open for breakfast and lunchDress code: CasualPhone: +1 757-626-3447"

"From Business: The top breakfast destination in Downtown Norfolk since 2003. Early weekday dining specials and ABC available. All fresh juices and a juice bar."