5 Best Cincinnati Breweries
Cincinnati has an incredibly deep and rich brewing history! So much so that there are several wonderful Cincinnati brewery tours to choose from that will take you around to some of the below listed below, amongst many others!
As with all of the lists you will see on this blog, these Cincinnati breweries are just a few of our own personal favorites, and are listed in no particular order. There is SO much wonderful beer to drink in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky!
1. Rhinegeist
It's difficult to begin a list like this with any Cincinnati brewery other than Rhinegeist. Not only is it one of the most popular breweries in Cincinnati, located in the heart of Over-the-Rhine’s historic Brewery District, but it led the charge to revitalize Cincinnati's brewing scene. Known for its spacious taproom, stunning rooftop views, and incredible vibes, Rhinegeist blends Cincinnati brewing history with a modern craft beer experience. Want to play some ping-pong or cornhole while you enjoy your beer? This is the place. It’s a must-visit stop for anyone exploring breweries in OTR.
MUST TRY: Truth IPA (Traditional IPA)
Over-the-Rhine: 1910 Elm St.
Streetside Brewery, located in the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood is certainly one of the best Cincinnati breweries. They're known for their creative beers, bold flavors, and a relaxed neighborhood taproom. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, Streetside has built a loyal local following. With a delicious food truck always out front, and a large spacious patio to watch a game, it’s a great stop for anyone looking to explore unique craft beer in Cincinnati.
MUST TRY: Suh, Brah? (Hazy IPA)
Columbia-Tusculum: 4003 Eastern Ave.
Fifty West Brewing Company is a popular Cincinnati brewery along the Little Miami River near Mariemont. They have a wonderful craft beer selection, some of the best burgers in Cincinnati, and it's an easy favorite for a casual day out. Be sure to check out their volleyball courts in the summer and their ice rink in the winter! With great burgers, outdoor games, and plenty of space to gather, Fifty West offers much more than just beer.
MUST TRY: Doom Pedal (Belgian-style White Ale)
Mariemont: 7605 Wooster Pike
Mason: 5224 District Park Drive
MadTree Brewing has grown into one of Cincinnati’s most recognizable breweries, with a large, energetic space built for gathering. Its Oakley taproom is especially known for its expansive indoor/outdoor patio, frequent events, and social atmosphere that makes it feel more like a community hub than a traditional brewery. Their brand new location (titled 'Parks & Rec') in Summit Park in Blue Ash, adds a completely different vibe to the Cincinnati brewery scene. With both locations offering wonderful food options with plenty happening beyond the beer itself, MadTree is a 'must' stop to add to the list.
MUST TRY: Happy Amber (American Brown Ale and one of their original brews)
Oakley: 3301 Madison Rd.
Blue Ash: 4321 Glendale Milford Rd.
HighGrain Brewing Company in Silverton stands out for pairing thoughtfully brewed beer with a strong food program and a genuine neighborhood feel. Sustainability is a big part of the brewery’s identity, from its ingredients to its operations, giving HighGrain a distinct point of view in Cincinnati’s beer scene. It’s a wonderful place to try a flight as they always have a large number of quality beers on tap!
MUST TRY: Lusen (Czech Pilsner)
Silverton: 6860 Plainfield Rd.
Brentwood: 9176 Winton Rd.
Honorable Mentions
Narrow Path Brewing Company is a small, laid-back brewery in the heart of historic downtown Loveland, just northeast of Cincinnati. Its rotating selection beers pairs perfectly with an afternoon exploring Old Town Loveland’s shops, restaurants, bike trail, and riverfront charm. If you're going for a ride on the Little Miami Bike trail, Loveland and Narrow Path are a great spot to start and end your ride. With it's large outdoor space, it’s an ideal stop in one of Cincinnati’s most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.
MUST TRY: Coconut Porter
Loveland: 1130 Broadway
Darkness Brewing is a unique craft brewery in Bellevue, Kentucky, just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. It is known for creative and experimental small-batch beers, a quirky neighborhood taproom, and a loyal local following. It’s a standout stop in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky brewery scene. Visitors exploring breweries near Cincinnati will find Darkness Brewing especially appealing for its independent spirit and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
MUST TRY: Man on the Moo Stout
Bellevue, KY: 224 Fairfield Ave.
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Nine Giant
Nine Giant Brewing is located in the fun and funky Pleasant Ridge neighborhood. Its cozy taproom, creative approach to brewing, and strong local following give it a more intimate feel than many of Cincinnati’s larger breweries. The beers here are truly high-end and the food is top notch. It’s a great choice for visitors looking for excellent craft beer and one of the city’s most underrated brewery dining experiences.
MUST TRY: Pass the Mic: Mackinak (New England IPA)
Pleasant Ridge: 6095 Montgomery Rd.
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Little Miami Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery in historic downtown Milford, Ohio, overlooking the Little Miami River. With a spacious riverside setting, house-brewed beer, and a full food menu including wonderful pizza, it’s an easy stop for anyone exploring breweries near Cincinnati. If you're canoeing down the Little Miami River, it's the perfect place to stop for a bite and a pint. Its scenic location and walkable downtown Milford surroundings make it especially appealing for a relaxed afternoon or evening out.
MUST TRY: Pinata (Roasted Jalapeno Chili Wheat Ale)
Milford, OH: 208 Mill St.
Conclusion
Cincinnati’s brewery scene is rooted in a rich history that dates back to the 1800s, when German immigrants helped make the city one of America’s great brewing capitals. Today, that tradition lives on through historic breweries, modern taprooms, neighborhood favorites, and a new generation of creative craft brewers throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Visitors can also dive deeper into the city’s beer culture through brewery tours, underground lagering-cellar tours, and guided experiences along Cincinnati’s historic Brewing Heritage Trail. Whether you’re interested in local history, behind-the-scenes brewing, or simply sampling some of the best craft beer in Cincinnati, there are plenty of ways to explore the city’s brewing past and present.
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