When I first moved to Miami just over a decade ago, beer had a minor presence. That has changed. While Miami is widely known for its cocktail scene, many quality breweries have sprung up in the area. Combining creative brewing with vibrant taprooms and bars, the craft breweries of Miami are ready to show you a good time. Here are Miami’s top five craft breweries. Enjoy one of these breweries the next time you are in the Miami area.

M.I.A. Beer Company
M.I.A. Brewery, a taproom and restaurant in west Doral, serves its own beers along with selected local microbrews. The styles range from a Tourist Trappe Belgian-Style Tripel to a Big in Japan sake beer. The restaurant serves bar food favorites from Mexican and American cuisines.

J Wakefield Brewing
One of my favorite spots for sour beers in Wynwood, J Wakefield Brewing’s taproom features graffitti as good as its brews.

Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Company
Lincoln’s Beard prides itself on being “weird at the Beard.” It has a fun assortment of beer styles and a variety of live entertainment, including weekly karaoke. Recently, it gained a permanent kitchen when the Westchester opened in back. When you’re in the mood for something different, visit Lincoln’s Beard in the Bird Road Warehouse District. I’m a member of their Railsplitters Club.

Tank
Squeezed between the airport and Doral you will find a large warehouse with a gorgeous tap room and great beer housing the Tank Brewing Company. Tank is relatively new to the Miami scene, but if you can’t find your way to their taproom, you will likely find one of their beers on tap at bar in Miami near you.

Wynwood Brewing Company
Wynwood Brewing Company takes the top spot on the list of best breweries in Miami. With 5 stars from Time Out Miami, this brewery has an impressive range of styles from Pop’s Porter to its most talked-about beer, La Rubia Blonde Ale. The brewery does not sell food, but a food truck is often parked outside, giving hungry visitors a place to fill up. There’s a good chance that a visit to their taproom will allow you to meet the Pop behind Pop’s Porter. I’ve been a member of the Wynwood Brewery’s Vine Club since the taproom opened.

Break away from the cocktail scene in Miami and try one of these five breweries. They will welcome you with a friendly atmosphere and a great pint of beer.