5 Local Breweries to Check Out Near Bradenton and Sarasota

At the end of a long week, it's wonderful to kick back with a few friends and enjoy a tall pint of local craft beer. Luckily, the Bradenton and Sarasota areas are home to several breweries, each of which creates its own signature brews. Here are some can't-miss local breweries to check out the next time you're craving a tall one.

1. Naughty Monk Brewery
2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton

Naughty Monk has a 8,600-square-foot brewery and taproom where you can play pool, darts or cornhole while you enjoy your beer. They do not serve food, but guests are welcome to bring in a bite to eat from other nearby establishments. On Wednesday nights, they host a free trivia session, and on Tuesdays, guests can enjoy two beers for $9 between 5 and 10 p.m. Favorites include the Skeletor IPA (which packs a whopping 9.4% ABV), and the Naughty Lyte, an American Light Lager.

2. Craft Growlers To Go & Tasting Room
8141 Lakewood Main St N103, Lakewood Ranch

Just a short drive from Springs at Palma Sola Apartments, this tasting room has 45 rotating taps, most of which dispense local beers. You can order a flight of four or 16 beers, find the ones you like, and then order a growler of your favorite to take home. They offer both 64-ounce and 32-ounce growlers. Customers also rave about the snacks, which include Sweet and Spicy Bacon Beer Nuts and Five Alarm Chili.

3. JDubs Brewing Company
1215 Mango Ave, Sarasota

Found near Springs at Bee Ridge, JDubs is known for their unique, innovative beers and the staff's quirky personalities. They offer brewery tours every day at 1 and 6 p.m. for $5 per person, which includes one beer. In the taproom, you can try more of their brews, like Poolside, a German Kolsch that won the Gold Medal at the U.S. Beer Open in 2016. Customers also love Passion Wheat, brewed with hints of mango. The brewery doesn't serve food, but food trucks visit almost nightly.

4. Motorworks Brewing
1014 9th St West, Bradenton

Motorworks Brewing is located inside an old automobile dealership. They have the largest beer garden in the state of Florida, featuring a putting green, bocce courts, projection screens and a performance stage. Motorworks always has at least 30 beers on tap, and they partner with local restaurants to offer delicious eats all day long. Guests really love the Rollcage Red Ale and Pulp Fiction Grapefruit IPA.

5. 3 Keys Brewing and Eatery
2505 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton

3 Keys is a small, family brewery with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. They experiment with a lot of unique styles including Sours and Tripels. 3 Keys also has a great food menu with sandwiches, tacos, and classic appetizers like nachos and spinach dip. You can even order a pint of bacon to enjoy with your beer!

Have you visited any of these breweries, or do you have another favorite to recommend? Let us know in the comments.