Craft Breweries and Taprooms to Visit in Colonial Beach VA
The waterfront charm of Monroe Bay meets the bustling spirit of downtown Colonial Beach, creating a unique playground for Colonial Beach craft beer lovers. Ice House Brewery, Café...
Colonial Beach · Community Photo
The waterfront charm of Monroe Bay meets the bustling spirit of downtown Colonial Beach, creating a unique playground for Colonial Beach craft beer lovers. Ice House Brewery, Café & Marina — perched at 119 Monroe Bay Avenue — offers an over‑the‑water deck, a restored deadrise workboat‑turned bar, and panoramic sunset views that turn a simple pint into a seaside ceremony. Just a short stroll away, Colonial Beach Brewing at 215C Washington Avenue serves small‑batch ales brewed in a 1.5 bbl system that expanded to 3.5 bbl, celebrating its grand opening on July 4, 2017 after earning its license in the fall of 2016. Together, these neighborhood hubs showcase the growing craft scene on Virginia’s Northern Neck, where fresh Mediterranean fare, pet‑friendly patios, and easy access to marina slips invite locals and weekend travelers alike to explore a curated taproom crawl along the bay.
Colonial Beach craft beer has become a cornerstone of the town’s laid‑back river lifestyle. Nestled on the Potomac River and Monroe Bay, this historic waterfront community offers walkable streets, a vibrant golf‑cart culture, and easy access from Washington, DC (about 65 miles away) and Richmond. The scenery, combined with a growing brewing scene, makes it an ideal weekend getaway for beer lovers.
The town’s flagship nano‑brewery, Colonial Beach Brewing, operates out of 215 Washington Ave. It serves small‑batch ales alongside fast‑casual Mediterranean fare. Guests can enjoy its taps Monday 5 pm – 10 pm, Tuesday 5 pm – 10 pm, Wednesday 5 pm – 10 pm, Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm, Friday 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm, and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm.
Just a short stroll away, Ice House Marina & Brewery blends craft beer with waterfront dining and marina slip rentals. Its schedule includes Monday 4:30 pm – 9 pm, Wednesday 4:30 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 4:30 pm – 9 pm, Friday 4:30 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 11:30 am – 10 pm, and Sunday 11:30 am – 8 pm.
Waterfront vibe: Sip a cold brew while watching boats glide on Monroe Bay.
Golf‑cart friendly: Explore the town’s compact streets in a cart, a daily mode of transport for locals.
Food pairings: From dockside seafood at the marina to Mediterranean bowls at the nano‑brewery.
Day‑trip itineraries: Combine a brewery stop with nearby vineyards and historic sites for a full Northern Neck experience.
For anyone searching for craft breweries and taprooms to visit in colonial beach va, the blend of scenic riverfront, community‑driven mobility, and fresh‑hopped pours offers a uniquely relaxed yet lively craft‑beer adventure.
Ice House Marina & Brewery: Monroe Bay Brewery on the Water
Location & Setting
Ice House Marina & Brewery is tucked at 119 Monroe Bay Avenue in Colonial Beach, Virginia, occupying a historic century‑old ice plant that now watches the waters of Monroe Bay. The venue opened in January 2022 and instantly became a landmark for locals seeking a blend of maritime charm and craft brews. For anyone scouting craft breweries and taprooms to visit in colonial beach va, Ice House Marina & Brewery offers an unmatched combination of history and hops.
Marina & Boat Access
Boaters can pull into the 32‑slip marina, which provides both fixed and floating piers equipped with 30 Amp electric service, water, and Wi‑Fi. At the dock, the restored deadrise workboat “Christopher Scott” serves as an over‑water bar, letting guests enjoy a pint without leaving their vessel.
Cafe & Menu Highlights
The on‑site café offers classic American fare ideal for a relaxed lunch or hearty dinner. Popular choices include the All American Cheese Burger at $10.95, the Ice House Burger for $16.95, and the Buffalo Chicken n Bacon Flatbread at $13.95. Light bites such as Fried Pickles ($8.95) and Bavarian Pretzels ($10.95) pair well with a can of soda for $3.00. Breakfast is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 am to 11:00 am, while lunch service runs Thursday and Friday 11:30 am‑3:00 pm.
Community Events
Weekly gatherings keep the atmosphere lively: Monday wine & game night, Wednesday karaoke, Thursday trivia, and weekend live music on the riverside stage. The annual Oystoberfest celebrates local oysters and features performances by the Tyler Nichols Band.
Dining Experience
Patrons savor waterfront dining under large umbrellas on an expansive deck that offers panoramic views of Monroe Bay and spectacular sunsets. Whether docking a boat or strolling in from the town, Ice House Colonial Beach delivers a uniquely nautical craft‑brew experience.
Dock & Dine Pro‑Tips for Boaters & Visitors
When you pull into Ice House Marina you’ll find 32 well‑maintained slips equipped with 30‑amp electric service, water hookups, and Wi‑Fi. The marina’s direct dock access lets you walk straight onto the brewery’s waterfront deck, where you can enjoy a cold brew while the boat settles.
For the best Monroe Bay sunset, aim to arrive by early evening. The brewery opens at 4:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and its afternoon lunch service starts at 11:30 AM on Thursday through Sunday, giving ample time to secure a prime spot and soak in the colors before the kitchen closes at 9:00 PM.
Live entertainment animates the riverside stage every weekend, with acoustic sets and full‑band jams that spill onto the dock. Evenings are lively except on Tuesdays, when the brewery is closed, so plan your visit around the weekend schedule for the full experience.
Keep an eye on kitchen hours before you head out. Breakfast is served from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday, while lunch runs from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM Thursday through Friday. Evening service continues until 9:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and extends to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Don’t miss the Ice House Brewery menu, which features house‑brewed lagers, seasonal ales, and fresh seafood options that pair perfectly with the waterfront setting. For any questions, call the brewery at 804‑410‑2016 or the café at 804‑410‑2059.
Whether you’re anchoring for a quick bite or planning a full‑day cruise, Ice House Colonial Beach provides a seamless blend of marina convenience, craft beer, and community‑focused entertainment.
Colonial Beach Brewing: Craft Beer Colonial Beach Charm
Small-Batch Craft Philosophy at Colonial Beach Brewing
Taproom & Dog‑Friendly Vibe at Colonial Beach Brewing
Mediterranean Pairings at Colonial Beach Brewing
Comparing Colonial Beach Taprooms: Atmosphere, Amenities, and Offerings
Brewery | Location | Setting & Atmosphere | Signature Offerings | Food Menu | Pet Friendly | Boat / Dock Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ice House Brewery, Café & Marina | 119 Monroe Bay Ave, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 – best breweries Colonial Beach VA | Waterfront marina with expansive deck, Monroe Bay sunsets | Craft beers on tap, house café & bar | Fresh café dining & seasonal seafood bites | Yes (outdoor patio/deck) – dog friendly breweries Colonial Beach | Yes (direct Monroe Bay marina slips) |
Colonial Beach Brewing | 215 Washington Ave, Colonial Beach, VA 22443-2301 | Downtown neighborhood microbrewery with relaxed patio – Colonial Beach brewery comparison | Rotating small‑batch brews on a 3.5 bbl system | Fast‑casual Mediterranean cuisine | Yes (patio and tasting room) – dog friendly breweries Colonial Beach | Street parking & golf‑cart accessible |
Exploring Northern Neck Breweries Near Colonial Beach VA
Northern Neck
Craft Beverage Trail
A curated day‑trip itinerary through Colonial Beach, Montross & the Lower Northern Neck — waterfront taprooms, farm breweries, and estate vineyards connected by scenic Virginia byways.
🍺 Stop 1 — Colonial Beach
119 Monroe Bay Ave · Panoramic Monroe Bay views, boat‑built bar, craft‑beer flights, and marina boat slips.
📞 Brewery: 804-410-2016 | Café: 804-410-2059
215 Washington Ave · Small‑batch craft brews, fast‑casual Mediterranean bites, and a pet‑friendly beer garden.
📞 (804) 410-2005 | [email protected]
🌾 Stop 2 — Montross & Westmoreland County
Northern Neck Brewing Company — A microbrewery in Montross with rotating tap lists spanning lagers, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews.
The surrounding Westmoreland County landscape is dotted with historic estate properties that host cider and winery stops, adding variety to the route between Colonial Beach and the lower peninsula.
🌊 Stop 3 — Lower Northern Neck
Callao Brewing Company — A farm‑centric brewery in Callao with craft beers on tap, a spacious tasting room, and retro arcade games.
The Dog & Oyster Vineyard (Irvington) — Estate wines poured alongside fresh local oysters, rounding out the culinary experience at the trail's southern end.
🗺️ Logistics & Trail Tips
Colonial Beach to Montross generally stays under an hour. The full peninsula loop down to Callao ranges from 45 minutes to just over an hour of scenic driving.
Rural highways like State Route 3 and historic byways call for a sober driver or a pre‑booked charter service when sampling multiple stops.
Check each venue's hours before heading out — waterfront spots may have seasonal variations and special event closures on select days.
Warm weather activates deck service at waterfront spots. Expect livelier crowds, outdoor events, and full food menus.
Quieter taprooms, cooler temperatures, and a more laid‑back local atmosphere — ideal for unhurried pint‑side conversation.
Why Take the Trail?
This craft beer road trip itinerary showcases the best of the Northern Neck's independent breweries while delivering waterfront scenery, local food pairings — from dockside seafood to fast‑casual Mediterranean — and the relaxed, community‑focused vibe that defines small‑town Virginia. Whether you arrive by car, boat, or bicycle, the trail rewards spontaneity and supports the local makers behind every pint.
Northern Neck Craft Beverage Trail · Colonial Beach, VA & surrounding Westmoreland County
Extend a Colonial Beach Brew Tour
The waterfront vibe of Colonial Beach makes for a great launchpad, but the Northern Neck region holds many more tasting options. After enjoying the local spots, consider adding a short drive to nearby farms and historic towns for a full‑day craft beer road trip Virginia experience.
Nearby Craft Spots
Just outside the town limits, Creekside Farm Brewery sits at 15492 Creekside Lane, King George, VA 22485 (Phone 571‑228‑4961). The rustic taproom, built from reclaimed timber, serves the farm‑crafted “Big Red” and other seasonal brews. Outside food is welcome, food trucks rotate, and live music from acts like Pete Evick adds extra flavor.
Historic Town Stops
Heading south into Westmoreland County, the mural‑rich town of Montross offers cultural stops that pair well with a cold pint.
The Art of Coffee – 15722 Kings Highway (Phone 804‑493‑9651) serves coffee and pastries inside a local gallery.
Angelo’s Pizza – classic hand‑tossed pies for a quick bite.
Fisher’s Roadhouse Café – barbecue and comfort fare.
Westmoreland County Museum & Library – regional history and Native American artifacts (Phone 804‑493‑0130).
Nearby Landmarks – George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Stratford Hall Historic Preserve are short drives away.
Northern Neck Wine Pairings
The area’s wine trail complements the beer itinerary, featuring two well‑known wineries.
Ingleside Vineyards – 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, VA 22443 (Phone 804‑224‑8687). Tastings are $8 for eight wines.
Generals Ridge Vineyard – 1618 Weldons Drive, Hague, VA 22469 (Phone 804‑472‑3172). White and red tastings cost $9 each, with flights at $14.
Transportation Tips
Within Colonial Beach, golf‑cart rentals from T and T Golf Carts (500 Colonial Ave.) provide a leisurely way to move between waterfront bars. Drivers must hold a valid license, install a speed governor, and avoid State Route 205 except at designated crossings. For any stops beyond the town—such as the wineries or Montross—a standard passenger car is required, as county roads have higher speed limits and lack the infrastructure for carts.
Colonial Beach craft beer FAQs brewery hours Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach is famously golf‑cart friendly, allowing carts on public streets where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. carts must pass a yearly safety inspection, be registered with the town treasurer, display a current sticker, and carry insurance. Required equipment includes a speed governor, lap belts, a slow‑moving vehicle triangle, headlights, turn signals, rubber tires, a horn, a rear‑view mirror, and, if present, windshield wipers.
Drivers need a valid driver's license, and carts are strictly prohibited on State Route 205 except at the McDonald’s crossing. Designated cart parking areas are provided near the waterfront venues, making it easy to hop from a dockside spot to a taproom.
Ice House Marina & Brewery welcomes families and leashed dogs on its expansive over‑water deck and covered boat bar, offering board games and a relaxed counter‑service vibe.
Colonial Beach Brewing also embraces pets and children, providing water bowls for dogs and outdoor tables where families can enjoy fast‑casual Mediterranean bites. Both venues create a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Both locations operate year‑round, adjusting daily hours between peak summer and quieter winter months. For the most accurate brewery hours Colonial Beach visitors should check each venue’s social‑media pages or official website before planning a trip.
Live entertainment, including music, trivia, and karaoke, fills most evenings except Tuesdays at Ice House, giving locals plenty of things to do in Colonial Beach VA.
Patrons can grab individual cans, four‑packs, or crowlers, and many taprooms offer growler fills for beach picnics or boat outings. This portability makes enjoying craft brews a popular activity for weekend explorers.
Whether you’re heading to the marina or a waterfront picnic, taking a growler or crowler ensures you’ve got your favorite Colonial Beach craft beer on hand.
