Florida basics (in Miami & Orlando)

Idk where in Miami you are going to be, (north Miami or south Miami) but Funky Buddha is in Oakland Park which is not too far north of Miami. The Mac House (Holy Mackerel) is close as well.

 

Besides Cigar City, when in Miami look out for the following local breweries on tap at various bars around town. You may have to go to a craft beer bar to see most of these. A lot of bars won't have them.

Funky Buddha
Due South (Category 3 IPA, Category 5 IPA and UXO Strong Ale can be purchased at Total Wine, ABC Spirits, etc)
Wynwood Brewing
Miami Brewing Company (Big Rod Coconut Ale can be purchased at Total Wine, ABC, Spirits, etc)
Tequesta

The Abbey Brewing Company is also located in Miami Beach

Enjoy your trip!

 

On the drive up to Orlando, you could stop at Funky Buddha (take Oakland Park Blvd exit) and pick up growlers. Just an idea.

 

FTFY.

 

They only fill theirs but they have the really nice 32oz swingtop growlers

 

And the glass is only five bucks.

 

Swamp Head has some good stuff. I don't know if you can get their beers outside of FL.

 

The only good brewery in Orlando is Cask and Larder, although dinner might break the bank. I would suggest going for some beers and appetizers. Orlando has lots of kick ass bars; Redlight, Oblivion, Gnarly Barley, etc. just lacking breweries. Don't fall into the Orlando Brewing trap, beers aren't that good and the owner is a real dick.

 

There's good pizza and Cuban everywhere. I don't know Miami as well as Ft. Lauderdale. But you shouldn't have a hard time finding either of those. If there's one thing South Florida is not in short supply of, it's awesome food.

 

I think you said you're staying in Miami Beach. Lots of choices there.

Cuban: Puerto Sagua
Peruvian: Chalan on the Beach OR Mixtura Peruvian Restaurant

There are tons of pizza places over there and since I haven't tried very many, I can't make a recommendation on that, but I'm sure it won't be hard to find good pizza. I'm also from Fort Lauderdale so I will let a Miami-based BA chime in with more suggestions.

 

I know you're looking for FL beers, but if you want to try some good GA stuff look for Terrapin and Sweetwater products.

 

Lokal in coconut grove is by far my favorite place to eat in the Miami area.

 

Here is what you do:
On your way out of Miami, stop at Funky Buddha in Oakland Park (Oakland Park exit?). After that, head north and stop at Due South in Boynton Beach (Gateway exit on 95). Next, stop in Jupiter/Tequesta for Tequesta Brewing (Indiantown Rd exit). After that, get on the turnpike and head North to Orlando. When you get there, purchase a gun or take some pills because you will be miserable for beer. Whatever you do, don't go here for the food :http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/34121/

 

Orlando is bar scene only. Do not look for a place with tanks. (Unless it's Cask & Larder and you've got some coin to drop. Well, there's an exception at happy hour. Their happy hour is great.)

 

You may want to take a chance at stop at Saltwater Brewery in Delray(Atlantic Ave exit) but they just opened at the beginning of the year and the immediate reception has been less than stellar.

 

Just a reminder, if you do bring your own growlers, 64oz are not allowed to be filled in Florida by law. Just 32 and 128oz.