#39 of 95 30A Restaurants

Growler Garage

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Growler Garage - Beachside Beers in South Walton
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Growler Garage is known for having one of the best craft beer selections in South Walton, and the garage’s location can’t be beat. Come inside for a cold one, and then take it out to the patio as you watch the activity on the beach.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Growler Garage has one of the best craft beer selections in all South Walton, and no place has beers in a better location. Located right across from the beach on 30A, this is the place to go when you want a cold one.

The beer selection at Growler Garage spans all styles, but there’s a heavy focus on local and regional breweries. You’ll find selections from most every brewery in South Walton, as well as many throughout the rest of Florida. The brewery has nearly 30 (and sometimes more) available, and lots of these are on tap.

In addition to beers, the bar also has a fine selection of wines are also available. Cocktails are generally lacking, but the extensive beer and decent wine choices more than makeup for the lack of mixed drinks. If you do really want something mixed, there are some good beer combinations that the bartenders can create.

These beverages are served in an atmosphere that’s eclectic yet perfectly Floridian. You’ll find custom painted surfboards and motorcycles inside, and a long line of bicycles is usually locked up on the patio. From the patio, there’s a clear view of everything that’s going on at the beach.

A few of our favorite craft selections at Growler Garage include:

Idyll Hounds Divide & Conch’r
One of the closet breweries, Idyll Hounds is known for its Divide & Conch’r. A double IPA, the citrus and pine notes are perfectly refreshing on a hot, sunny day.

Destin Emerald Coast
From nearby Destin, the Emerald Coast replaces some of the wheat in a traditional beer with rice. The result is a dryer and lighter finish that many enjoy.

MIA Cucumber & Lemon Lime
Don’t want a beer? Go with a hard water. The MIA Cucumber & Lemon Lime is low-cal, low-carb and gluten-free. It’s also crisp and refreshing.

Dixie Blackened Voodoo
The Dixie Blackened Voodoo that it’s worth leaving Florida for. The Louisiana brewery’s black lager takes a traditional lager (which is often lighter than an ale) and makes it rich, malty and smooth. The chocolate and caramel aromas are a delicious alternative if you want something different from an IPA but don’t want something overly heavy.

81 Bay Reel Slo
Out of Tampa, the 81 Bay Reel Slo is an Irish Red Ale. These don’t appeal to everyone, but this is the best red ale you’ll find in the region. If you’re into Irish beers, make sure to try this sweet, slightly malty and slightly dry one.

Insider Tips:
– There isn’t inside seating, but the patio offers plenty of space. Come here on a nice day so that you can find a seat and enjoy being outdoors near the beach.
– Parking is extremely limited along this section of the beach, and you could have a difficult time finding a parking spot during peak season. Instead of driving to Growler Garage, park a little way down the beach where there’s less traffic. Then, you can either bike or walk to get a beer.
– Growler Garage doesn’t offer any food. Instead, stop at a food truck or ice cream stand nearby for a meal or snack. If you pick something up on your way to get a beer, you’re welcome to enjoy your food on the patio.