Foo Foo and Brew
Date Posted: Oct 15, 2021
Foo Foo Fest offers plenty of culture, music, and attractions to keep anyone occupied during its 12-day run, but a visit to this seaside town isn’t complete without stopping by one of its many breweries. Pensacola actually boasts a rather large number of breweries per capita, so there’s sure to be a brew—or two!—to please any palette. So between festival events or after one night’s headliners, stop by one of Pensacola’s many breweries, grab a pint, and see for yourself why Pensacola is the southern hub for beer enthusiasts.
A father and son team comprises Spahr Brewing Company, and with each individual brew, they put their own unique spin on some of the world’s most traditional types of beer. Situated in West Pensacola, Spahr Brewing offers a German pub-style atmosphere to enjoy why sipping on one of their sought-after styles.
Located in the heart of downtown Pensacola, Perfect Plain Brewing Company was established a few years ago as an homage to the city. The taproom is all about enjoying community along with its beers, so the space is centered around long communal tables and has its entire 10-barrel brewhouse exposed within the gathering space. Since the brewery began, the company has added on Garden & Grain, a cocktail garden located directly behind the taproom, and The Well, its newest concept situated next door that features Old World cocktails and charming space to enjoy them.
For the team behind Odd Colony Brewing Company, good beer is all about seasonality, and that’s been their approach to brewing from the very beginning. Because of that, the farmhouse-inspired brewery has a heavy focus on lager bier, Saison, and IPA, which can also be found in their downtown Pensacola location.
Pensacola’s Gulf Coast Brewery is a microbrewery that has a passion for beer and entertainment. In the taproom, customers can get a taste of its 23 beers on tap that are all made on site. The taproom also houses a cigar shop with a full walk-in humidor, wine lounge, and brewhouse where there’s typically a competitive game of ping pong or cornhole happening between friends.
A Pensacola institution, Pensacola Bay Brewery has been serving up craft beer in the heart of the historic district since 2010. Its taproom has more than 20 beers on tap—along with wine and cider—and its expert team is always at the ready to help customers learn about the beer and find their favorites. On most Sundays, the taproom features live music and its patio is always pet friendly so furry friends can hang out too
Pensacola’s downtown location right off Palafox Street is one of three for Big Top Brewing Company. In addition to its own ales, lagers, and sours, Big Top offers a complete in-house food menu. Create some competition with friends at tits tabletop shuffleboard or trivia nights.
One of the newest breweries in Pensacola is Alga Beer Company. Established by two friends who bonded over their passion for home brewing, Alga Beer Company focuses on classic, American-style ales and lagers with each unique brew. Florida flavors are hinted at with many individual brews, such as the Hwy Juice Golden Sour Ale and the Lo-Fi New England IPA.
One of Pensacola’s perhaps more well-known bars is McGuire’s Irish Pub. Originally opened in 1977 as a small neighborhood pub, it eventually moved to its current location, the 1927 Old Firehouse, and continued serving up fabulous food and craft beer. The brewery is known for its ales, porters, and stouts, which are all brewed on-site in its traditional oak and copper brewery.