9 Airports to Find Craft Breweries

Share Post

Link to article
new belgium brewing denver international airport
The New Belgium Hub at the Denver International Airport. (Credit: Fly Denver)

Traveling is stressful. Between a long wait in the security lines, delayed flights and navigating through crowds, airports can very quickly become a not-so-great place to be. However, we’ve compiled a list that just might have you singing a different tune. Each of these U.S. airports has a true gem and saving grace inside — a much-welcomed craft brewery.

With this list of beer-lover hot spots (in no particular order), you may just welcome your next delayed flight or layover.

1. Baltimore/Washington International

DuClaw Brewing Company / Pre-security, Southwest Terminal

Grab a beer from this Maryland brewery, and choose from an array of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. (They have a kids’ menu if you’re traveling with little ones.)

2. Boston Logan International Airport

Harpoon Brewery Tap Room / Post-security, Terminal A

Enjoy their traditional pub grub with a beer menu that changes seasonally.

 

3. San Diego International Airport

Stone Brewing Co. / Terminal 2

Can’t pick just one of Stone’s awesome brews to go with their eclectic food menu (some of which comes from their own organic farm in Escondido)? Opt for an IPA sampler or a Taste of Stone, which features 7-ounce pours of Levitation Ale, Smoked Porter, and Arrogant Bastard.

4. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Good People Brewing / Concourse A

Food and beer pairings are served by a staff entirely made up of Cicerone Certified Beer Servers.

5. Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Bell’s Brewery / Grand Hall next to the food court

It’s not too early to enjoy one of the six Bell’s brews on tap since they serve breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. and throughout the day.

6. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Great Lakes Brewing Co. / Gate C14

The brewpub, including the airport location, prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients year-round.

7. Denver International Airport

Boulder Beer / Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5 West

Seasonal brews, like their Mojo IPA and Shake Chocolate Porter, accompany a variety of sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and even breakfast.

New Belgium Hub / B Gates, near Gate B60

Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA and 1554 Enlightened Black Ale are among the Fort Collins brewery’s favorite brews on tap along with a massive food menu, including a vegetable stuffed roasted portabella sandwich.

8. Portland International Airport

Rogue Ales / Concourse D

Dead Guy Ale, Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout, Mocha Porter, and American Amber are a handful of the brewery’s beers on tap, in addition to their spirits.

 

9. Tampa International Airport

Cigar City Brewing / Airside C

To go along with savory, flavorful Tampa-style Cuban food, the beers are brewed onsite and are exclusive to this busy airport.

More Holiday Help from CraftBeer.com

Kristen Kuchar has been writing about the beverage industry for 15 years for a variety of national publications including VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, Thirst Colorado, All About Beer, DRAFT, and dozens more. She is a Certified Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust while continuing to pursue further wine and beverage education.

CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.