15 Breweries with Amazing Outdoor Spaces

As spring and summer approach, people look forward to longer, warmer days and spending more time outdoors. It’s also the perfect time for al fresco beer drinking at breweries with the best outdoor spaces.

The best outdoor brewery spaces create a unique, comfortable environment that takes your beer-drinking experience to a whole new level. Whether you seek sweeping natural beauty, intimate seating, elegance, cultural immersion or artistic inspiration, here are some breweries that offer amazing outdoor experiences while also providing delicious brews.

Aegir Project (Cape Town, South Africa)

A scenic, 30-minute drive south from bustling Cape Town brings visitors to a craft beer oasis in the coastal countryside of Noordhoek. Founded in 2015, Aegir Project‘s 80-hectolitre independent craft brewery specializes in innovative, experimental ales with local flare. Brewer/owner Rory Lancellas has created a gorgeous destination brewery with a welcoming taproom, gift shop, lush beer garden and popular upstairs deck with breathtaking views of the nearby ocean. Locals from down the road mingle with visitors from distant lands in the brewery’s charming outdoor spaces, while patrons’ dogs capture everyone’s hearts. Order a gourmet pizza from Aegir’s kitchen to munch with a pint of one of Lancellas’ beautiful beers. The sourdough pizzas are hand-stretched and Neapolitan-style, made with Aegir’s IPA yeast.

Augustiner Keller (Munich, Germany)

Augustiner Keller ranks as Munich’s oldest and most popular beer garden. Thirsty patrons pack the historic and atmospheric outdoor benches in the warmer months to socialize under 100 shady chestnut trees while enjoying remarkable Augustiner lagers and wheat beers. Hearty Bavarian dishes include classics such as giant soft pretzels, bratwurst, fried fish, schnitzel and schweinshaxe. The beer garden was first included in a Munich city map in 1812 and now provides 5,000 seats. The owners say that not much has changed in the beer garden’s appearance since minor upgrades in 1895. There’s simply no better way to immerse yourself in Bavarian beer culture than to experience a relaxing afternoon at the lovely Augustiner Keller beer garden.

Faubourg Brewing Co. (New Orleans, Louisiana)

New Orleans’ beloved Dixie Brewery was founded in 1907 and destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The beer brand survived through creative contract brewing until the current owners constructed the brewery’s impressive new facility just a short drive out of town. The name recently changed to the more politically correct Faubourg Brewing, which means “neighborhood” or “suburb.” The brewery’s rebirth took place on January 25, 2020, when thousands of visitors enjoyed expansive outdoor spaces, including a beer garden with bocce ball courts, cornhole, and seating and walking areas surrounding a pastoral pond. Faubourg’s food partners serve delectable Cajun and Creole cuisine to pair with the brewery’s wide range of classic and craft-focused experimental beers.

Fyne Ales Brewery Tap & Shop (Cairndow, Scotland)

Located just a 90-minute drive northwest of Glasgow in the scenic countryside near Scotland’s longest sea loch and the River Fyne, Fyne Ales Brewery shines as a true gem of Scotland’s craft beer landscape. Jarl, the brewery’s flagship Citra session golden ale, was named “Champion Beer of Scotland” in 2021 by the Campaign for Real Ale. Visitors approach the farmhouse brewery through a narrow country road that leads to a set of rustic farm buildings. The family-owned Fyne Ales began in 2001 and shares the rural Achadunan estate that includes a pastoral farm with Highland cattle, sheep and red deer. To enjoy a pint of mouth-watering cask ale and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding green hills, grab a bench in the brewery’s atmospheric courtyard and herb garden situated in the center of the historic farm buildings.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Blue Tea House (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is one of Amsterdam’s largest craft breweries. The original brewpub resides in an old municipal bathhouse adjacent to De Gooyer windmill. In 2018, Brouwerij ‘t IJ opened a tasting room in Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most beautiful parks. Known mostly by locals, Vondelpark provides an oasis of calm and natural beauty away from the city’s hustle. A 1937 modernist architecture building known as Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) with spacious outdoor seating houses the brewery’s tasting room. During good weather, people congregate here to relax, enjoy the surrounding park, eat and drink a wide range of craft beers.

In de Vrede (Westvleteren, Belgium)

The Trappist ales brewed by the monks of Saint-Sixtus Abbey of rural Westvleteren consistently rank among the highest-rated beers on the planet. To enjoy these delightfully complex and soulful beers without paying the inflated prices of unauthorized resellers, beer lovers must drive to the idyllic cafe In de Vrede, located just across the lane from the abbey. The cafe and gift shop work in partnership with the monks to serve Westvleteren Blond Ale, Westvleteren 8 and the extraordinary Westvleteren 12 to savor alongside simple sandwiches and small plates made from the abbey’s own cheese. There’s even an ice cream float made with Trappist ale. On a warm day, find a table on the cafe’s comfortable and spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the tranquil farms, fields and biking trails of Westvleteren. Peaceful, heavenly vibes seem to emanate from the historic abbey, but that might be the strong ale talking. A visit to this bucolic corner of Flanders to enjoy some of the world’s most coveted beers makes for an exquisite craft beer pilgrimage.

Jester King Brewery (Austin, Texas)

With 165 acres in the Texas Hill Country that feature natural surroundings and sustainable agriculture, Jester King Brewery epitomizes the expression “everything’s bigger in Texas!”. Inspired by the classic farmhouse breweries of Europe, this family-oriented and pet-friendly farmhouse brewery/restaurant offers a relaxing beer garden nestled under Southern live oak treeks, an event hall, hiking trails, a playground, farm and brewery tours, live music and more. Jester King began as a farmhouse brewery committed to mixed-culture and spontaneous fermentation, incorporating well water, local grains, fruits and vegetables, foraged plants and native yeast and bacteria. The solar-powered farm includes vegetable gardens, hop fields, a vineyard, an orchard and goats. Take a hike or tour and then return to enjoy Jester King’s food, beer, wine or cider in their scenic beer garden.

MAP Brewing (Bozeman, Montana)

Bozeman is a picturesque college town nestled between four mountain ranges and located 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. The area provides a paradise for world-class skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting and biking. This energetic community also offers arts, museums and a local symphony. MAP Brewing, started in 2015, perfectly reflects Bozeman’s culture. The brewery grounds and tasting room are teeming with local art. In addition, the outdoor patio provides stunning views of some of Montana’s tallest and most scenic mountain landscapes. Head Brewer Doug Child creates a wide range of award-winning craft beers and the kitchen offers delicious locally sourced food. Enjoy eating and drinking while soaking in the view.

New Glarus Brewing (New Glarus, Wisconsin)

New Glarus, Wisconsin (located about 25 miles south of Madison) is often called “America’s Little Switzerland.” New Glarus Brewing embraces their community not only by their name but also by their brewery and beer garden design. You’ll drive a winding road to the top of a steep hill to visit this award-winning brewery. The beer garden incorporates castle-like ruins to create both communal and seclusive, intimate seating areas. With a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, you can enjoy a wide range of excellent craft beers that are distributed only in Wisconsin, including their iconic Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale. Proscht!

New Realm Brewing (Atlanta, Georgia)

As a must-see member of Atlanta’s vibrant brewery landscape, New Realm Brewing sits along the city’s popular Eastside Beltline Trail. Along with the main taproom, restaurant and gift shop, New Realm features a range of impressive outdoor spaces where visitors can sip brewmaster Mitch Steele‘s legendary ales and lagers. Check out remarkable views of Atlanta’s skyline and enjoy the urban vibes of New Realm’s beer garden, multiple patio spaces and rocking rooftop bar that features live, local music four days a week. Pair one of the brewery’s mouth-watering IPAs with what many call “the best burger on the Beltline.” 

Brouwerij St. Bernardus Bar Bernard (Watou, Belgium)

Belgian beer lovers throughout the world are familiar with St. Bernardus beers, especially the St. Bernardus Abt 12. However, did you know that the brewery underwent major renovations that included the opening of a rooftop bar and terrace in 2018? Named ‘Bar Bernard’, the venue provides stunning 360° views of the surrounding Watou countryside, including extensive hop fields. The indoor portion of the bar features clear glass walls with gorgeous views. The outdoor terrace provides comfortable seating and space for about 180 people.

Sierra Nevada Mills River (Mills River, North Carolina)

Sierra Nevada Mills River embodies Sierra Nevada Brewing’s vision for creating the best possible experience for their customers with commitment to environmental responsibility. About 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills, majestic trees and numerous creeks comprise the estate. The brewery, restaurant and taproom showcase stunning architecture that incorporates sustainability designs. Take your beer outdoors and enjoy the expansive “Back Porch” and Beer Garden. The family-friendly outdoor grounds include separated seating areas, garden beds used for providing fresh vegetables to their restaurant and wooded areas with walking paths and creeks. An Amphitheater supports regular concert events.

Spezial-Keller (Bamberg, Germany)

Step back in time to a European medieval city to drink beer when you travel to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, Germany. Tourists frequent the heart of town visiting breweries providing smoked beer (known as Rauchbier) as well as other styles. However, to enjoy a remarkable beer garden experience you must take about a 15-minute, uphill walk from the city center. Spezial-Keller is a beer cellar and restaurant owned by the Loehr family that serves Franconian cuisine and beers from Brauerei Spezial. The beer garden provides stunning views of the city skyline, the Imperial Cathedral and Michaelsberg Monastery. Be certain to try the amber-colored, smoky lager.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido and San Diego, California)

During the design process of Stone’s flagship brewing facility in Escondido, California, Stone co-founder Greg Koch hatched a plan to create a “destination” brewery taproom, restaurant and beer garden like no other. Visitors to Stone World Bistro Escondido experience an expansive and attractive taproom with giant windows offering views of the brewery. Side doors lead to an open-air patio and one-acre beer garden decorated with massive boulders, lush plants and a short walking loop surrounding a tranquil water feature. Locally-sourced, small-farm organic meats and produce are served alongside 36 craft and specialty beers on draft. For comparison, check out Stone’s beautiful World Bistro & Gardens San Diego location in Liberty Station that once served as an enormous U.S. Navy mess hall. Liberty Station’s impressive outdoor areas include a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space and relaxing gardens.

Vista Brewing (Driftwood, Texas)

While residing in Europe a few years ago, Vista Brewing‘s husband-and-wife founders Kent and Karen Killough developed a love for beautiful brewery destinations. Upon moving back to Texas, the couple decided to create a gorgeous and ecologically friendly craft brewery destination in the small town of Driftwood. Vista Brewing took shape as a 21-acre farm brewery situated near Austin in the Central Texas Wine Trail. The Killoughs labored to preserve the appeal of the green space surrounding the brewery, with construction planned around protecting most of the majestic trees on the property. Patrons can enjoy the tranquility of Vista’s beer gardens, ranch views, bee farms, walking paths and an eatery while imbibing the brewery’s mouth-watering ales and lagers.