South Florida isn’t just about the pricey drinks catering to models or celebrities. It’s also home to some of the best micro-brewed beer in the area and the proof is in the numerous awards that some South Florida breweries have received. Here’s just a sample of some of the best brew-it-themselves beer bars around South Florida.

Abbey Brewing Company

1115 16th Street
(305) 538-8110
Miami Beach, FL 33139

http://abbeybrewinginc.com/

From the wooden panels to the stained glass decorations, the Abbey Brewing Company lives up to its name with a monastic feel inside. But there are no monks to be found in this hole-in-the wall bar that tends to draw musicians, writers, artists and philosophers ready to pound down a home-brewed concoction from the Immaculate IPA – the special house amber beer that melts malt grown in the Midwest to hops grown in the Pacific Northwest. Father Theodore’s Stout is also a local favorite. The deep black beer has a variety of flavors including chocolate, coffee, roasted toffee and anise flavors. Some say it could a meal in and of itself.

Titanic Restaurant & Brewery

5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 668-1742
www.titanicbrewery.com

A beer aficionado turned his passion for brewing and restaurants into perhaps the most successful brewpub in South Florida. Titanic, which caters mostly to a college crowd because of its proximity to the University of Miami campus, offers a variety of home-made brews including the award-winning Triple Screw Light Ale. It’s a German style, light Ale brewed with American 2-row malt and soft winter wheat along with imported German hops.

Big Bear Brewing Company

1800 N. University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33071
(954) 341-5545
www.bigbearbrewingco.com

Big Bear serves up big glasses of several micro-brewed and handcrafted beers. The variety astounds the palate and includes everything from a Polar Light — a golden, light bodied American ale to the Kodiac Belgian Dubbel, a rich full-bodied, Belgian abbey ale. But too much beer jargon can definitely be sobering, so let the wait staff recommend a brew that’s right for you.

Gordon Biersch

(several locations)
1201 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131-3285
(786) 425-1130
www.gordonbiersch.com

For the after-work, happy hour bunch, this Brickell landmark offers a variety of microbrewed beers. It also offers young professionals a place to socialize and kick back after a long day. Gordon Biersch offers a variety of dining options from Shrimp Mac ‘N Cheese to Spicy Cashew Chicken.

Kingshead Pub & Restaurant

2692 N University Dr
Sunrise, FL 33322
(954) 572-5933
www.kingsheadpubsunrise.com

The brew pub has been around only three years, but it has developed a loyal following among beer lovers. It features everything that’s expected from a British pub including a pub quiz night and, of course, micro brews. The British food also gets rave reviews.