The 203's Local Guide To The Best Breweries and Beer Gardens to visit in Connecticut This Summer-
We rounded up the best outdoor breweries and beer gardens across Connecticut that bring the vibes all season long. Whether you're looking for waterfront views, backyard beer gardens, or live music under the stars. From laid-back local gems to buzzworthy hot spots, these breweries are made for golden hour sipping, lawn game domination, and spontaneous Sunday Fundays.
Save this guide for your next brewery crawl—and get ready to tap into the best of summer in CT. 🌞🍻
Stony Creek Brewery: Branford, CT
Located right on the Branford River, Stony Creek Brewery is all about the waterfront views, laid-back energy, and brews that hit just right on a sunny day. Grab a cold one, snag a spot on the deck or lawn, and soak up those salty summer vibes-this is coastal Connecticut at its best. We love that boats can pull right up and dock!
Dockside Brewery: Milford, CT
Dockside Brewery sits right on the Housatonic River and checks every box: boat-up access, palm trees, waterfront views, live music, and a massive outdoor beer garden that was made for golden hour hangs. The craft beer lineup rotates with the seasons, the food hits, and yes-you can literally dock your boat out front. (Pro tip: snag a slip on the Dockwa app and make an entrance.)
314 Beer Garden: Norwalk, CT
Tucked just off the beaten path in Norwalk, this 10,000-square-foot beer garden is the ultimate summer hang. With picnic tables, fire pits, rotating food trucks, string lights, and live music, 314 delivers all the vibes. Bonus: it’s just steps from SpaceCat Brewing-perfect for a back-to-back brewery day.
The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing: Stamford, CT
Waterfront beers just hit different- and Shippan Beer Garden proves it. This open-air hangout has major summer energy with cornhole, live music, rotating food trucks, and front-row views of Stamford Harbor. It’s laid-back, dog-friendly, and built for those golden-hour moments when all you need is a cold beer and a good crew.
Nod Hill Brewery - Ridgefield, CT
Tucked away in the charming town of Ridgefield, Nod Hill Brewery brings serious backyard vibes with its lush outdoor biergarten, rotating food trucks, and small-batch brews. This spot is a local favorite for weekend hangs, live music under the trees, and sipping something hazy in the sunshine.
Spacecat Brewery, Norwalk CT
This funky Norwalk taproom is known for its creative small-batch brews, chill backyard beer garden, and live music lineup that always delivers. We love that it’s dog friendly! Even better? It’s just down the street from 314 Beer Garden, making it the perfect pre-game or after-party spot on your next Norwalk brewery crawl.
Two Roads Brewing Company: Stratford, CT
A pioneer in Connecticut’s craft beer scene, Two Roads is a must-visit. Their massive Hop Yard and beer garden are built for sunshine sipping-complete with food trucks, lawn games, and live music that turns a quick drink into an all-day vibe. From summer fests to rooftop views, this Stratford favorite brings the beer and the energy.
Don’t miss Area Two next door-their experimental sister brewery pouring wild ales, funky sours, and small-batch creations that push the limits.
Half Full Third Place: Stamford, CT
Located right in the heart of Stamford’s South End, Third Place isn’t just a brewery- it’s your weekday coworking spot, weekend hangout, and community hub all in one. With morning coffee service, kid-friendly vibes, and a dog-friendly outdoor space, it’s built for lingering (whether you’re on laptop duty or just lounging with a cold one). Add in rotating food trucks, live events, and plenty of local love, and this Half Full outpost lives up to its name- good energy, always.
NewSylum Brewery: Newtown, CT
Set on the grounds of a historic former asylum (yup, really), NewSylum Brewery brings big flavor and small-town charm to its spacious patio and inviting taproom. This hidden gem nails that perfect mix of laid-back atmosphere, top-tier brews, and scenic CT views.
Elicit Brewing: Fairfield, CT
Smack in the heart of Fairfield, Elicit Brewing is part beer hall, part arcade, and all about good vibes. With a sleek outdoor patio, rotating food vendors, and a lineup of craft brews, cocktails, and seltzers, it’s the kind of spot you roll into for happy hour and end up staying all night.
Rhythm Brewing Co: New Haven, CT
Founded by one of the first Black female brewery owners in the Northeast, Rhythm Brewing Co. brings soul to every sip. Known for its smooth, unfiltered lagers and bold brand energy, this New Haven-based brewery is all about community, culture, and good times in every pour.
The Hops Company: Derby, CT
Beergarden
The Hops Company is one of the largest beer gardens in the state-and it lives up to the hype with cozy fire pits, rustic picnic tables, and 40+ beers on tap. Whether you're catching up with friends or planning a weekend day trip, this Derby gem is built for outdoor hangs and good times.