Best 15 Breweries in Baltimore MD: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Baltimore, Maryland is home to some of the best breweries in the country. With a rich history of beer-making and a thriving craft beer scene, Baltimore has something to offer every beer enthusiast. From small, independent breweries to larger, more established ones, there is no shortage of options for those looking to sample some of the best beers the city has to offer.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, taking a brewery tour is a great way to experience the best breweries in Baltimore. With the guidance of experienced tour companies like City Brew Tours, visitors can explore the city’s top breweries and learn about the brewing process. These tours offer a unique opportunity to taste a variety of beers while gaining insight into the rich history of Baltimore’s brewing industry.

History of Baltimore’s Breweries

Baltimore, also known as Charm City, has a rich history of breweries. The city was once home to a thriving beer industry, with over 115 breweries operating in the late 1800s. These breweries produced a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and porters. One of the most famous breweries to come out of Baltimore was the National Bohemian (Natty Boh) brewery, which produced the iconic Natty Boh beer.

The golden age of Baltimore breweries was certainly the 19th century, when beers carrying names such as Seeger’s, Bauernschmidt & Marr, Wiessner’s, Odenwald & Joh’s, F. Schneider, August, and Gunther’s were household names. However, Prohibition in the 1920s put many of these breweries out of business. By the 1950s, only a handful of breweries remained in Baltimore.

Despite this decline, Baltimore’s beer industry has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Today, the city is home to a number of craft breweries that are producing unique and delicious beers. Some of the most popular breweries in Baltimore include:

  • Union Craft Brewing: This brewery is located in the Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore and produces a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
  • The Brewer’s Art: This brewery is located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore and is known for its Belgian-style beers.
  • Heavy Seas Beer: This brewery is located in Halethorpe, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore, and produces a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
  • Diamondback Beer: This brewery is located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore and is known for its IPAs and sours.
  • Monument City Brewing: This brewery is located in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore and produces a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

Top Breweries in Baltimore

Heavy Seas Beer

Heavy Seas Beer is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their flagship beer, Loose Cannon, which is a hoppy IPA with a citrusy aroma. Heavy Seas Beer also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: https://hsbeer.com/

Address: 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd # A, Halethorpe, MD 21227, United States

Union Craft Brewing

Union Craft Brewing is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Union Craft Brewing is also known for their food trucks and restaurants that offer delicious food to pair with their beers.

Website: http://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/

Address: 1700 W 41st St #420, Baltimore, MD 21211, United States

Checkerspot Brewing

Checkerspot Brewing is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their flagship beer, the Tell Tale Heart IPA, which is a hoppy IPA with a citrusy aroma. Checkerspot Brewing also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.checkerspotbrewing.com/

Address: 1421 Ridgely St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

Monument City Brewing

Monument City Brewing is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Monument City Brewing is also known for its taproom and events that offer a great atmosphere to enjoy their beers.

Website: http://www.monumentcitybrewing.com/

Address: 1 N Haven St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States

Nepenthe Brewing

Nepenthe Brewing is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their unique and flavorful beers, such as their Raspberry Sour and their Double IPA. Nepenthe Brewing also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.nepenthebrewingco.com/

Address: 3626 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211, United States

Diamondback Brewing

Diamondback Brewing is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Diamondback Brewing is also known for its taproom and events that offer a great atmosphere to enjoy their beers.

Website: http://diamondbackbeer.com/

Address: 1215 E Fort Ave #008, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

Mobtown Brewing

Mobtown Brewing is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their flagship beer, the Ozzy Ale, which is a hoppy IPA with a citrusy aroma. Mobtown Brewing also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.mobtownbrewing.com/

Address: 4015 Foster Ave #400, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States

Waverly Brewing

Waverly Brewing is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Waverly Brewing is also known for its taproom and events that offer a great atmosphere to enjoy their beers.

Website: http://waverlybrewing.com/

Address: 1625 Union Ave Suite C, Baltimore, MD 21211, United States

Oliver Brewing

Oliver Brewing is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their unique and flavorful beers, such as their Cherry Blossom Sour and their Double IPA. Oliver Brewing also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.oliverbrewingco.com/

Address: 4216 Shannon Dr, Baltimore, MD 21213, United States

Peabody Heights Brewery

Peabody Heights Brewery is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Peabody Heights Brewery is also known for its taproom and events that offer a great atmosphere to enjoy their beers.

Website: http://www.peabodyheightsbrewery.com/

Address: 401 E 30th St, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States

Suspended Brewing

Suspended Brewing is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their unique and flavorful beers, such as their Blueberry Sour and their Double IPA. Suspended Brewing also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.suspendedbrewing.com/

Address: 912 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Guinness Open Gate Brewery is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their unique and flavorful beers, such as their Guinness Draught and their Double IPA. Guinness Open Gate Brewery also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: https://www.guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com/

Address: 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD 21227, United States

The Brewer’s Art

The Brewer’s Art is a craft brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The Brewer’s Art is also known for their taproom and events that offer a great atmosphere to enjoy their beers.

Website: http://www.thebrewersart.com/

Address: 1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States

B.C. Brewery

B.C. Brewery is a popular brewery in Baltimore that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. They are known for their unique and flavorful beers, such as their Blueberry Sour and their Double IPA. B.C. The brewery also offers tours of their brewery, which includes a tasting of their beers.

Website: http://www.bcbrewerymd.com/

Address: 10950 Gilroy Rd Suite F, Hunt Valley, MD 21031, United States

Wet City Brewing

Wet City Brewing is a hotspot in Baltimore for craft beer enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the city, this brewery has gained quite a reputation for its inventive and diverse selection of beers. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, savor distinct brews, grab a bite to eat, and immerse yourself in a vibrant, local beer-loving community. Wet City Brewing truly embodies the essence of Baltimore’s craft beer culture with its dedication to quality and innovation.

Website: http://wetcitybrewing.com/

Address: 223 W Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States

The Beer Scene in Baltimore

Baltimore has a thriving beer scene with a wide variety of breweries, bars, and restaurants that cater to beer enthusiasts. The city has a rich history in the beer industry, having been the birthplace of the beer cap and the first location where beer was canned.

Craft beer is particularly popular in Baltimore, with many local breweries producing unique and innovative beers. Untappd, a popular beer rating app, lists over 100 breweries in the Baltimore area, with many receiving high ratings from users.

Baltimore’s breweries range from small, independent operations to larger, well-established breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in Baltimore include Heavy Seas Beer, Union Craft Brewing, and Peabody Heights Brewery.

In addition to breweries, Baltimore has a variety of bars and restaurants that specialize in craft beer. The Brewer’s Art, for example, is a popular bar and restaurant that offers a wide selection of craft beers, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks.

Brewery Tours in Baltimore

Baltimore is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and a brewery tour is the perfect way to experience the city’s beer culture. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, there are plenty of brewery tours to choose from.

One of the most popular brewery tour companies in Baltimore is City Brew Tours. They offer all-inclusive, guided brewery tours and beer events in the city, with both public and private tour options available. Their tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you to some of the best breweries in Baltimore, including Union Craft Brewing and Ministry of Brewing.

The Original Brew Tour is one of City Brew Tours’ most popular tours. This tour includes up to 16 different local beers to taste at some of the best breweries in Charm City. The tour also includes VIP access to four breweries, a meal with beer pairing, and roundtrip transportation. City Brew Tours also offers a variety of other tours, including the Baltimore After Hours Brew Tour and the Baltimore Beer and History Tour.

If you’re looking for a more personalized brewery tour experience, many of Baltimore’s breweries offer their own tours. Union Craft Brewing, for example, offers tours of their brewery on Saturdays and Sundays. During the tour, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery, and of course, get to taste some of their delicious beers.

Other breweries in Baltimore that offer tours include Heavy Seas Beer, Waverly Brewing Company, and Diamondback Brewing Company. Be sure to check each brewery’s website for tour times and availability.

Baltimore’s Signature Beers

Juniperus IPA

Juniperus IPA is a unique beer that is brewed with juniper berries. It has a distinct piney flavor that is balanced by the bitterness of the hops. This beer is a favorite among IPA lovers and is a must-try when visiting Baltimore.

Paw Paw Hazy IPA

Paw Paw Hazy IPA is a fruity and refreshing beer that is brewed with paw paw fruit. This beer has a hazy appearance and a tropical flavor that is sure to please. It is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter

Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter is a decadent beer that is brewed with chocolate and peanut butter. It has a rich and creamy flavor that is reminiscent of a dessert. This beer is a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.

Sour Me Series

The Sour Me Series is a collection of sour beers that are brewed with different fruits and flavors. Each beer in the series has a unique taste and is sure to please sour beer enthusiasts.

Regular Beer American Lager

Regular Beer American Lager is a classic beer that is brewed with traditional ingredients. It has a light and refreshing flavor that is perfect for a hot summer day. This beer is a favorite among those who prefer a more traditional beer.

Dad Bod Double IPA

Dad Bod Double IPA is a strong and hoppy beer that is not for the faint of heart. It has a bold flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the malt. This beer is a favorite among those who enjoy a strong beer.

Ostend Sundays Blonde Ale

Ostend Sundays Blonde Ale is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It has a smooth and crisp flavor that is easy to drink. This beer is a favorite among those who prefer a lighter beer.

Govans Gose Series

The Govans Gose Series is a collection of sour beers that are brewed with salt and coriander. Each beer in the series has a unique taste and is sure to please sour beer enthusiasts.

Green Machine

Green Machine is a hoppy and refreshing beer that is brewed with green tea. It has a unique flavor that is both bitter and sweet. This beer is a favorite among those who enjoy a more adventurous beer.

In conclusion, Baltimore has a wide variety of signature beers that are sure to please any beer enthusiast. From the classic American Lager to the unique Juniperus IPA, there is a beer for everyone in Baltimore.

Food and Beer Pairings

When it comes to enjoying a great beer, having the right food to pair it with can make all the difference. Fortunately, Baltimore’s breweries offer a variety of food options that pair perfectly with their beers.

Some breweries, like Ministry of Brewing and Suspended Brewing Company, don’t serve food themselves but allow patrons to bring in their own food. This can be a great opportunity to try out some local restaurants and pair their dishes with the brewery’s beers.

Other breweries, like Heavy Seas Beer and Union Craft Brewing, have their own restaurants on site. Heavy Seas Beer’s Taproom features a menu of pub-style food, including burgers, sandwiches, and wings. Union Craft Brewing’s Union Collective has several food options, including the well-known Baltimore barbecue spot, The Local Oyster.

For those looking for more unique food options, Checkerspot Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of food trucks on-site. Diamondback Brewing Company has a partnership with The Smokehouse Food Truck, offering a menu of barbecue and smoked meats that pair perfectly with their beers.

No matter where you go, there’s sure to be a great food and beer pairing waiting for you in Baltimore’s breweries.