Craft Beer Month: Suds of Staunton
Hello August, and hello Craft Beer Month!
If you hadn’t noticed, Virginians really love their craft beer. Maybe it’s the focus on local ingredients and spring water that provide craft beer with more flavor and nuance than mass-produced beer. Maybe it’s the beautiful scenic views afforded by many of our taprooms. Or maybe it’s the emphasis breweries have made on making your visit fun. You’ll likely be a stone’s throw from a brewery anywhere in the state, but Staunton is a pretty stellar place to start your Beercation. Not only is the craft beer fantastic, but all of our local breweries are just steps from the Queen City’s dining, shopping, and entertainment scene.
Local Craft Breweries
Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company has been slinging beers in its taproom on Beverley Street since 2017, but it’s been a Staunton staple for much longer than that, in fact, it first opened a decade ago as a home brew supply store. Look for 10-12 beers on tap, which can be enjoyed as pints or flights if you want to sample a variety. You’ll appreciate the tasty beer, the pub-like atmosphere, and the location in the heart of Staunton’s downtown. Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company is part of each weekend’s Shop and Dine Out in Downtown, in which Beverley Street is closed to traffic so folks can enjoy beverages, food, and shopping outside.
- Upcoming Events:
- Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co. is known for hosting live music. Check Facebook for what’s coming up, though sometimes the tunes are spontaneous.
- Top Rated Beers on Untappd:
- Shenandoah Pale Ale (Pale Ale – American)
- Valley Rye IPA (IPA – American)
- 1st Brigade Red IPA (IPA – Red)
Queen City Brewing
Queen City Brewing got the local brewing craze started in 2003. In fact, it’s Staunton’s first brewery since Prohibition! You’ll find 40+ beers in their extensive selection, which you can order by the pint, mini pint, or flight paddle of eight. Hang out in the industrial taproom, or relax in the fresh air outside. While there’s no onsite kitchen, Queen City often hosts food trucks, welcomes carry-out, and sells bottomless tubs of popcorn.
- Upcoming Events:
- Queen City Brewing hosts regular live music (see schedule)
- Open mic nights every Wednesday.
- Top Rated Beers on Untappd:
- Falstaff’s Revenge (IPA – American)
- Daddy Rabbit (Stout – Imperial / Double Oatmeal)
- Brass Knuckle IPA (IPA – American)
Redbeard Brewing Company
Redbeard Brewing Company carefully handcrafts its beer using traditional techniques and modern equipment. Kick back in the recently updated taproom and sample from 10-14 taps. Rather sit outside? There’s also a beer garden outside. The brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, but you can buy charcuterie snack packs or snacks from a vending machine. You’re also welcome to order in or bring snacks from home.
- Upcoming Events:
- Redbeard Summer Concert Series on select Saturdays through September 17. Pop-up karaoke will follow each show!
- Sunday Karaoke (weekly, 7 – 10 p.m.)
- Book Club (monthly, 3rd Sunday)
- Music Bingo Monday (weekly, 7 – 9:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday Trivia (weekly, 7 – 9:30 p.m.)
- Arts ‘N Drafts (monthly, 2nd Wednesday)
- Dungeons and Draughts (monthly, 1st Thursday, 7:30 – 10 p.m.)
- Top Rated Beers on Untappd:
- A.M. O.G. Stout (Stout – Milk / Sweet)
- 221B Baker Brown (Brown Ale – English), 2016 Bronze Medal Winner at VACBF.
- Pennyroyal Pale (IPA – American)
Skipping Rock Beer Company
Feeling stressed after a hard week? Head to Skipping Rock Beer Company for some delicious beer and a relaxing time. Kick back in the large beer garden around a fire pit, under a sun shade, or show off your wits during a round of pub trivia. Skipping Rock often hosts live music. Order dinner from newly added Za Spot Detroit-style pizza, which is a square pie topped with tomato sauce, Wisconsin cheese, and elevated toppings like truffle oil, balsamic glaze, and bacon jam.
- Upcoming Events:
- Music Bingo Monday (weekly, 7 – 9 p.m.)
- Sip & Stitch (a monthly social gathering for the crafty, 7 – 9 p.m.)
- Pub Trivia Wednesday (weekly, 7 – 10 p.m.)
- Top Untappd Rated Beers on Untappd:
- NEIPA (New England/Hazy)
- Kolsch (Kolsch-styled Ale)
- Roasted Pecan Brown Ale (Brown Ale – English)
Stable Craft Brewing
Stable Craft Brewing makes its delicious craft beer onsite using sustainable farming practices. You’ll also enjoy the brewery’s panoramic views of the mountains and its location on a working horse and hops farm. The brewery is family-friendly with a large exterior space, including a patio, picnic tables on the grass, lawn games, and fire pits for roasting s’mores. There’s even a 9-hole cornhole golf course. On-site dining that specializes in farm-to-table fare like appetizers, dinners, and hand-helds. Follow Stable Craft Brewing on Facebook: there’s always something fun going on. Best of all, you can book onsite accommodations on the farm!
- Upcoming Events
- Saturday, August 6: Hop + Live Music Fest
- Check the events schedule for upcoming live music
- Top Rated Beers on Untappd:
- Britchin Brown (Brown Ale – American)
- Appalachian Divide (Blonde Ale)
- Blueberry Blonde Ale (Blonde Ale)
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail
Staunton’s breweries are all part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. The breweries on the trail are less than an hour’s drive from one another, and there’s a lot of the Valley to enjoy in between. Grab a Beerwerks Passport and collect stamps from eight breweries along the trail to earn a t-shirt. Most breweries are dog and kid-friendly, include dining options, and offer fun activities.
Craft Beer at Staunton Restaurants
Of course, you don’t need to go directly to the source to get craft beer. Dine out at any of these Staunton restaurants that serve craft beer.
