Arkansas has a thriving craft beer scene that has been steadily growing over the past few years. From small, family-owned breweries to larger-scale operations, there is a diverse range of beer being produced throughout the state. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best breweries in Arkansas.
We’ll take you on a journey through some of the top-rated breweries in the state. We’ll introduce you to some of the most innovative and creative brewers in Arkansas and take a closer look at the unique styles and flavors of their beer. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply looking for a great place to grab a drink with friends, there’s something for everyone on this list. Grouped by region and in no particular ranking, these are the 15 best breweries in Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas
Ivory Bill Brewing Co.
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Ivory Bill Brewing is a craft brewery located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, known for its unique and delicious beer selection. The brewery was founded in 2017 by Dorothy and Casey Letellier. Together they bring years of brewing, food service, and hospitality experience to this venture.
Ivory Bill Brewing has a wide variety of beer styles, ranging from classic IPAs and stouts to more experimental brews. There are always several wonderful brews on tap in addition to the flagship Regular, Dark, and Extra styles. They also offer a range of seasonal beers, such as the Local Pecan Brown and the Hoppy Grape Tart, which are brewed to reflect the changing seasons.
One of the things that sets Ivory Bill Brewing apart from other breweries is its variety of live entertainment to accompany the drinking experience. From live music to story time to science hour, this brewery makes sure its patrons are having a great time with a variety of shows. They also have a spacious outdoor patio where customers can enjoy their beer in the sunshine. Check out their Facebook page to see upcoming events.
Saddlebock Brewery
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Saddlebock Brewery is a craft brewery located in Springdale, Arkansas, and is one of the most popular and well-respected breweries in the state. Founded in 2011 by Steve Rehbock, Saddlebock Brewery is situated on 15 acres of beautiful Arkansas countryside and features a charming taproom and outdoor patio area that offers visitors a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
One of the things that sets Saddlebock Brewery apart from other breweries in the area is its focus on European-style beer. The brewery uses traditional brewing methods and only the finest ingredients to create its signature beers, which are known for their exceptional quality and taste. Their specialties include their popular Arkansas Farmhouse Ale and Pale Ale.
In addition to its fantastic beer selection, Saddlebock Brewery also offers a variety of delicious food options to complement its brews. Their menu features classic pub fare like burgers, wings, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Saddlebock Brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, beer tastings, and holiday celebrations. Their outdoor patio area is the perfect spot for enjoying a cold beer and some great live music during the warmer months.
Columbus House Brewery
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Columbus House Brewery is a 3-barrel brew house owned and operated by two University of Arkansas graduates who love Fayetteville and the craft beer industry. Since opening their doors in April 2015, they’ve been dedicated to providing Fayetteville with quality brews and a friendly environment. The brewery has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Located “just off the bike trail,” the brewery takes its name from the historic Columbus House Hotel, which was built in Fayetteville in the 1850s and served as a gathering place for travelers and locals alike. The founders of Columbus House Brewery sought to recreate that same sense of community and camaraderie with their brewery, offering a running club. The club meets at 6 pm every Tuesday, where you can make some friends, get some exercise, and enjoy a few pints.
One of the specialties of Columbus House Brewery is their Nutty Runner Nut Brown Ale is a personal favorite of the Columbus House brewers—a traditional nut brown ale that is slightly toasty but not overpowering. Another standout beer is their Yellow Card Golden Ale, a light and refreshing beer. It is slightly sweet with subtle hints of caramel. The brewery also hosts regular events and live music performances, making it a popular destination for a night out with friends.
New Province Brewing Company
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New Province Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated brewery located in Rogers, Arkansas. The brewery was founded in 2016 and is dedicated to creating unique and delicious beers that reflect the rich history and culture of the Ozarks.
A specialty of New Province Brewing Company is its barrel-aged beers. They have a dedicated barrel-aging room where they age their beers in various barrels, including bourbon, wine, and whiskey barrels. This process adds complexity and depth to the beer, creating unique and delicious flavors.
New Province Brewing Company offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers. Some of their popular year-round beers include the New Province Light, a decidedly “crushable” new drink, and the Space Suit, a session ale with light peach, melon, and crisp. They also have seasonal beers, such as the Cafe Muy Especial, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.
In addition to its beers, New Province Brewing Company usually has a food truck outside with a menu that complements its beer selection. They also have a large outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer and a meal with friends and family. Plenty of live entertainment adds to the atmosphere, from comedy open mic nights to Trivia Tuesdays.
Core Brewing & Distilling Company
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Core Brewing & Distilling Company is a brewery located in Springdale. The company was founded in 2010 by Jesse Core and began as a small-scale home-brewing operation. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular breweries in the state.
They are most known for Scarlet Letter, a hand-crafted spiked seltzer. It is over 90% of the business, available in 6 states and growing. Their taproom features 16 taps, with 12 constantly rotating premium Core beers and five rotating Scarlet Letter seltzer flavors. While they do offer snacks, they encourage customers to bring their own food to really enjoy the full drinking experience.
Their most popular beer at the moment is Los Santos IPA, a very clean and delicious west-coast-inspired IPA. Core’s beer is only available in Arkansas, whereas their seltzers are available in several states. They also feature “RTDs” or ready-to-drink cocktails, branded with 25th State Premium Cocktails. Named after Arkansas being the 25th state to join the union, they are 10% ABV.
The taproom is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, featuring a large outdoor patio and a spacious indoor seating area.
Fossil Cove Brewing Company
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Fossil Cove Brewing Company is a local brewery in Fayetteville that has been serving up craft beer since 2012. Named after a favorite fossil-laden cove on the shores of Beaver Lake (the brewery’s water source), the brewery is known for its commitment to brewing high-quality beer that uses only the finest ingredients available. Fossil Cove Brewing Company has a unique style that sets it apart from other breweries in the area, and its dedication to producing unique and flavorful beers has earned it a loyal following.
One of the specialties of Fossil Cove Brewing Company is its barrel-aged beers. The brewery has a selection of beers that have been aged in oak barrels, giving them a distinctive flavor and character. Some of the barrel-aged beers available at Fossil Cove include “La Brea Brown,” “T-Rex Tripel,” and “Clever Girl.”
Fossil Cove Brewing Company also has a taproom that is open to the public. The taproom is a welcoming space that is perfect for trying out new beers or catching up with friends and features food trucks that serve food daily. The brewery hosts regular events, including live music and trivia nights, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Bike Rack Brewing
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Bike Rack Brewing in Bentonville is a popular brewery located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The brewery was founded in 2014 by two cycling enthusiasts, Jeff Charlson and Evan McDonald, with a mission to create high-quality craft beer that is accessible to all.
Bike Rack Brewing has a variety of flagship and seasonal beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes. One of their most popular beers is the Slaughter Pen IPA, which is named after the nearby mountain bike trail system. This beer is a well-balanced IPA with a hop-forward flavor profile that is perfect for any outdoor adventure.
In addition to their IPAs, Bike Rack Brewing also offers a range of other styles, including stouts, wheat beers, and sours. Their Base Camp Blonde Ale is a light, crisp beer that is perfect for enjoying on a hot day, while their Dinos & Unicorns hazy IPA is a unique taste that’s sure to satisfy.
Bentonville Brewing Company
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Bentonville Brewing Company, located in the heart of Bentonville, is a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the region. The brewery is housed in a spacious, modern taproom and offers a wide range of delicious brews, as well as tasty food options.
The brewery’s focus is on creating flavorful and unique beers that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. One of their specialties is their Homewrecker IPA. Another standout is the Barrel-Aged Deliverance Stout. Bentonville Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-release beers, such as their WinterWrecker Black IPA, perfect for the colder months, and their SpringWrecker White IPA.
In addition to its impressive beer menu, the brewery also serves up a variety of tasty bites through food trucks, including hibachi, beignets, and New-Orleans inspired pub fare.
Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Co.
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Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Co. is a family-owned organic farm, brewery, and restaurant located just east of Paris, Arkansas, that combines a love of farming, brewing, and food to create an unforgettable experience. The brewery is located on a 40-acre farm, where they grow their own hops, fruits, and vegetables, which they use in their restaurant and brewing process.
Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Co. offers a wide variety of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and saisons. They also have a selection of seasonal beers, such as pepper stouts and saisons brewed with locally grown and harvested seasonal products such as trifoliate oranges, peppers from their farm, locally roasted coffee, and many more. Some of their most popular beers include the Blue Centennial, a single malt, single hop brow-pale hybrid ale and Heritage Pale, an American Pale ale brewed with Heritage grains and Cascade Kolsch.
One of the most unique things about Prestonrose is they’re the only Craft Malt Certified brewery in the state, using 100% craft malt in their brewing process. This means all grains used in their beers are grown by small farms in America, and malted by artisan-level craftsmen and women, then shipped directly to the farm.
Besides the beer, they offer an extensive menu, all unique and flavorful options. The menu typically changes by week, so be sure to visit their Facebook page to see what’s in store. From Thai enchiladas to emu lumpia, you’re sure to experience a meal you’ve never tasted before!
Ozark Beer Company
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Ozark Beer Company is one of the top breweries in Arkansas, located in the city of Rogers. Founded in 2013, Ozark Beer Company has quickly become a favorite among beer enthusiasts for their high-quality brews. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, from traditional German-style lagers to more experimental IPAs and stouts.
One of the specialties of Ozark Beer Company is their award-winning American Pale Ale, known as the Ozark APA. This beer has won multiple awards at various beer competitions, and it’s easy to see why. The Ozark APA is a perfect balance of hoppy bitterness and smooth maltiness, with a crisp and refreshing finish that makes it a go-to beer for any occasion.
Another popular beer from Ozark Beer Company is their Cream Stout, a rich and creamy dark beer with notes of chocolate and coffee. This beer is perfect for those who love a full-bodied, decadent beer with a sweet finish. For those who prefer something lighter, the brewery also offers a beer called the Onyx Coffee Stout, which is a collaboration with Onyx Coffee Labs.
The taproom features a rotating selection of beers, including limited-edition seasonal brews. Ozark Beer Company is a must-visit for anyone looking for exceptional beer and a unique experience in Arkansas.
Central Arkansas
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
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Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a unique brewery located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The brewery is housed in a historic bathhouse that was built in 1916 and has been beautifully restored. This makes it the only brewery in the world that is located inside a national park and a historic bathhouse. The brewery has a rich history and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the specialties of Superior Bathhouse Brewery is their use of thermal spring water in their brewing process. They are the only brewery in the world to utilize thermal spring water in their beer. The brewery offers a variety of delicious beers—from original to outlandish; 18 on tap. They also offer a variety of food options that are made with locally sourced ingredients, including paninis, burgers, and salads.
Their menu features a rotating selection of beers that are brewed on-site, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. One of their most popular beers is Space Force, which is a hazy IPA with hints of blood orange and tropical fruits. Another favorite is the Northwoods (West Coast-style IPA) which is named after the local world-class mountain bike trail system. Northwoods IPA has piney notes and a fruity finish, perfect for sipping after a long bike ride or hike. You can also order a Beer Bath for $40, which is a sample of all 18 beers they have on tap.
Diamond Bear Brewing Company
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Diamond Bear Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in North Little Rock. Founded in 2000, it was the first production brewery in the state since prohibition. The brewery has a reputation for producing high-quality craft beers that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
One of Diamond Bear Brewing Company’s specialties is its award-winning Victory Pale Ale. This beer has a light, hoppy flavor with a smooth finish and is often described as the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. Other notable beers from Diamond Bear include their seasonal Irish Red Ale, a bold and smooth Irish red ale with blends of caramel and roasted malts, and their Pig Trail Porter, a dark, silky-smooth beer with coffee and chocolate flavors.
In addition to their beer offerings, Diamond Bear Brewing Company also provides an extensive food menu, including BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The brewery’s taproom is a popular spot for locals to hang out and enjoy a beer or two. The taproom offers a variety of seating options, including a large outdoor patio, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
Flyway Brewing
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Flyway Brewing is a craft brewery located in North Little Rock. Established in 2013, it has quickly gained popularity among beer enthusiasts in the area. The brewery’s name comes from the taproom’s location on the awe-inspiring Mississippi Flyway, the largest bird migratory route in the Americas. Flyway lovers rejoice—two more locations are opening soon in Fayetteville and West Little Rock!
One of Flyway Brewing’s specialties is its Bluewing Berry Wheat ale, infused with tasty blueberries. The ale has become an iconic brand in Arkansas (possibly the most iconic), available statewide and served in over 300 restaurants and bars. The Early Bird IPA is another popular choice, voted best IPA three years in a row and counting.
Flyway Brewing’s taproom is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The taproom features a rustic and industrial aesthetic with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beers on tap, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal brews. Flyway Brewing also offers a menu of “food truck-style food with a wild game flair.” With options like the Venison Goat Cheese Slider and Food Network-featured Gina’s Gumbo Cheese Fries, you won’t remember what you came for—the beer or the food!
Lost Forty Brewing
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Lost Forty Brewing is one of the top breweries in Arkansas, located in Little Rock. It was founded in 2014 and has quickly become a beloved spot for beer lovers in the area. The brewery takes its name from the Lost Forty, a plot of land in the Ozark National Forest that was mistakenly spared from logging in the early 20th century. The founders of the brewery chose the name as a tribute to the natural beauty of Arkansas and the importance of preserving it.
Lost Forty Brewing offers a wide range of beers, including year-round, seasonal, and limited-edition varieties. Some of their most popular year-round beers include Love Honey Bock, Easy Tiger Mexican Lager, and Snake Party IPA. They also have a rotating selection of seasonal and limited edition beers, such as Moon Jelly IPA and Burton’s ESB. In addition to their beer, they also offer a menu of delicious food, including smoked meats and artisanal pizzas.
North Central Arkansas
Gravity BrewWorks
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Gravity BrewWorks is a small craft brewery located in the Ozark Mountains of Big Flat, Arkansas. Opening in 2013, the brewery specializes in producing handcrafted, small-batch beers that are made with locally-sourced ingredients. The brewery’s rustic taproom is nestled in the hills and offers visitors a cozy and comfortable atmosphere to relax and enjoy a cold brew.
Gravity BrewWorks has gained a reputation for its unique and innovative approach to brewing. The brewery uses a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques to create beers that are both familiar and unexpected. Some of the specialties that Gravity BrewWorks is known for include their Wham Bam Five Minute Hazy IPA, in which they add all the hops within the last five minutes of the boil; Kolsch from the Cold, a lighter German Kolsch-style ale; and Brown-Eyed Girl, an easy-to-drink American brown ale.
Their website states that they “usually have twelve beers on tap, plus seasonals that vary with the time of year and whatever strikes our creative fancy.” While they don’t offer food services, the brewery invites you to bring your own chow to your beer-tasting adventure. Because they create such small batches of beer, they recommend calling ahead to check availability if you have a specific drink in mind.
