In the land of Corona and bottled water, Miami visitors and residents don't have all that many choices for a really good brewery. Here are a few favorite watering holes.

Bar@Ponce & Giralda
172 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables
(305) 442-2730

Dubbing itself "a historical tavern for beer connoisseurs," customers certainly agree. They think it's the best place for beer since hops were discovered. This oddly-named pub features Hofbrew, their own handcrafted beer. Other popular brews include wild goose stout, black dog raspberry, and Paulaner Salvatore Dopplebock, a strong, malty lager.  In traditional European style, it offers fast, friendly service in a  relaxed atmosphere. Besides outstanding house beers there is an extensive selection of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch.  The place is packed for lunch due to its great food. Tuesday is ladies  night. Great rock bands play on Saturday nights. One customer calls it one  of the best bars in America. Another says the place has the best tapped beer in all of South Florida.  This brewpub gets the highest ratings from customers in all categories:  beer quality, beer selection, food, and service.

Hours: Open every day of the year. 11 am-2 am Mon.-Sat. Closes at midnight Sun.

Abbey Brewing Co.
115 16th St., Miami Beach
(305) 538-8110

This small pub has a New England feeling. Close to the beach, Abbey is a friendly locals bar away from the Ocean Boulevard strip but within walking distance of it.  The selection of beer is outstanding for South Florida, which seems to have a paucity in this category. With 10 to 12 beers on tap, customers can choose anything from stouts to light lagers. Their smooth on tap oatmeal stout melts in your mouth, customers say. Brews are a bit expensive for a beer, but priced about right for South Florida. The bar tenders are friendly and on the ball. But some people have complained that the bartenders aren't as cool as they used to be.

Beer quality gets the best reviews from clients and food gets the worst rating. Of course, this is a brewpub, not a fine dining establishment.

Tobacco Road
626 S. Miami Ave., Miami
(305) 374-1198

This New Orleans-style neighborhood beer bar has been an institution since 1912 and holds Miami's first liquor license. The beer selection is mediocre but the live music and fun atmosphere make up for it. Tobacco Road is a great place to listen to live blues music and have a good old time.  Monday night is blues jam and Wednesday is live jazz.  Food and service here are rated higher than beer quality and beer selection. American-style (steaks, burgers) lunch and dinner is available and dress is casual.

Parking is in the lot behind the bar. Some people think this is a bad neighborhood. One customer complained that he was given the wrong change twice and his car was broken into in the parking lot.  There is a $3 cover on weekends.

Hours: 11 am to 5 am daily. Kitchen closes at 2 am.

 

Hops Grill & Bar
9050 S.W. 136th St., Miami
(305) 259-6890

This is a decent place to go for a beer and burger. Hops has a sampler available with four 3 oz. tastes of the local brews. The Lightning Bold Gold is a light, very smooth brew. For a heartier quaff, try the Hammerhead Red  The biggest problem seems to be getting a non-frosted beer mug. Several  customers have complained that the taste of the fresh handmade beer was destroyed when the ice from the frosted mug melted. One customer complained he got a warm glass straight from the dishwasher. Food selection is quite extensive for a brewpub.