Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are bubbling with a rich legacy of craft beer. This flavorful tradition traces back to Jamestown, the birthplace of North America’s first brewers. From laid-back taprooms to charming pubs, the area’s breweries pour everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. See where to sip the area’s delicious craft beer (and some other craft beverages, too!) and find your new favorite brewery.

Your Guide to Local Brews

Alewerks Brewing Company

  • What’s Brewing: A diverse selection of stouts, lagers, IPAs, sours, and more, with 16 taps to choose from.

  • Location: Choose between two great spots: the main Brewery Taproom and the Little Auxiliary Brewery (L.A.B.), both in Williamsburg.

  • Vibe: Enjoy a cozy taproom atmosphere paired with an expansive outdoor seating area perfect for relaxing and soaking up the local scene.

  • Events: Cheers to good times with events like Bingo at the L.A.B., live music, karaoke nights, and trivia competitions.

  • Accolades: Named VEER Magazine’s 2022 Best Brewery in the Golden Tap Awards, Alewerks continues to earn recognition for its exceptional brews.

  • Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the house-made pretzels.

Alewerks flight

Billsburg Brewery

  • What’s Brewing: Billsburg Brewery is known for its crisp lagers, refreshing pilsners, and flavorful ales.

  • Location: Located next to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, and Jamestown Beach Event Park, this brewery is easily accessible off the Colonial Parkway, the Virginia Capital Trail, and the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

  • Vibe: Order food from the Waterfront Grill Food Truck while taking in the scenic views of the water from the marina.

  • Events: Join the fun with weekly bingo, beer release events, trivia nights, a weekly paddling club, and live music.

  • Accolades: Billsburg earned a spot as the #2 Shandy/Radler in Virginia in 2024 on Untappd, a nod to its exceptional brews.

  • Fun Fact: Located just miles from America’s original brewery, Billsburg is steeped in history as well as craft beer.

Influencer - Aleah and Seth Myers - Billsburg Brewery

Frothy Moon Brewhouse

  • What’s Brewing: Sip on a variety of IPAs, lagers, and unique coffee-infused drinks.

  • Location: Located in Williamsburg, this brewery offers a welcoming space and delicious brews.

  • Vibe: Suited for every season, hang out in the cozy tasting room and coffee bar, or outside on the expansive patio.

  • Events: Stay entertained with trivia nights and vinyl music events.

  • Pro Tip: Order their house-made root beer, a fun and refreshing non-alcoholic option for all ages.

Couple drinking beers on a patio at Frothy Moon Brewhouse

Precarious Beer Project

  • What’s Brewing: Precarious Beer Hall serves up a diverse selection of stouts, sours, lagers, and IPAs.

  • Location: Located in Merchants Square, this vibrant beer hall is a must-visit in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg.

  • Vibe: Known as “Precarious Beer Hall,” this spot offers a food hall-style experience, with a variety of food and drink choices like the Electric Circus Taco Bar, all while reliving your childhood in the arcade.

  • Events: From bingo and trivia to comedy shows and game nights, Precarious Beer Hall keeps the fun going all week long.

  • Accolades: Precarious made a splash at the Great American Beer Festival, winning a Silver Medal in its first year and being named Brewery Group of the Year in 2022.

  • Fun Fact: Precarious Beer Hall is the sister brewery to Amber Ox Public House, known for its local brews and seasonal plates.

Precarious Beer Hall Non-Alcoholic Beer

Strangeways Brewing

  • What’s Brewing: The vast selection includes IPAs, lagers, pilsners, ales, stouts, porters, Belgians, sours, wild beers, and barrel-aged selections, all available from 48 taps.

  • Location: This is the fourth location for Strangeways Brewing, bringing their craft brews to a whole new space in Williamsburg.

  • Vibe: There’s always room for more fun with their huge brick patio, spacious courtyard, and over 300 seats.

  • Events: Strangeways keeps the energy high with live music and open mic nights, perfect for a fun night out.

  • Accolades: Rated for four years running as "Best Brewery Taproom in Virginia" by RateBeer, Strangeways continues to impress beer enthusiasts.

  • Fun Fact: The owner finds it surreal that their new space, formerly a Pendleton clothing store, brings their family history full circle, connecting the worlds of craft brewing and retail clothing.

Strangeways Brewery

Virginia Beer Co.

  • What’s Brewing: Choose from hazy India Pale Ales, barrel-fermented Saisons, barrel-aged beers, and craft lagers.

  • Location: The Taproom and Beer Garden are located in Williamsburg’s Edge District.

  • Vibe: Try beers brewed on-site alongside a selection of non-alcoholic options, complemented by local food trucks and live entertainment.

  • Events: Groove to weekly live music, plus attend fun events like Magic Mondays with Tap N Roll.

  • Accolades: Virginia Beer Co. has earned prestigious awards, including the 2024 Virginia Craft Beer Cup GOLD for their Hazy IPA and the 2024 International Beer Cup GOLD for their Contemporary Gose.

  • Fun Fact: The brewery’s co-founders first met at the College of William & Mary. In March 2016, they opened their Taproom and Beer Garden at 401 Second Street, revitalizing a building originally built in 1960.

virginia beer company lanna nguyen

Other Pints of Interest

Amber Ox Public House

Just steps from Merchants Square, Amber Ox Public House blends small-batch brews from Precarious Beer Project and other rotating guest taps. Sip on something new in this seasonally inspired brewpub after exploring Colonial Williamsburg.

The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar

Taste your way around the globe with over 150 craft beers at The Brass Tap. Located right in Williamsburg, beer lovers will find plenty of reasons to stay for another round with big screens, live music, and good vibes on tap.

Colonial Williamsburg Taverns

Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg’s taverns, where 18th-century charm is on the menu. One of George Washington’s favorite’s, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, welcomes guests with colonial-era dishes and local craft beers.

The Wine Seller

Tucked away in Williamsburg, The Wine Seller isn’t just known for its wine – it’s also a hidden gem for craft beer fans. With 10 rotating taps, this cozy café and bar offers a relaxed spot to unwind.

Tap Into More Fun

Don’t put the cap on your adventure just yet. Beyond the hops and barrels, there’s always something brewing in Williamsburg. From live music to historic tours, keep the fun flowing with seasonal events, eclectic restaurants, and exciting things to do.