Vero Beach & Area Trip Report [2025]

Hello everyone! As you may remember from last year, I'm often visiting this part of Florida and am always happy to share my experiences here. I'll most likely eventually add this stuff to Beerfly, but I don't think anyone reads that anymore.

In Vero, I've already covered most places in last year's post and will only update if there's significant news:

Hogan Yards: It sounds like this collaboration between the returning Orchid Island Brewing and the hipster BBQ joint Pepper & Salt is moving along as a snail's pace. In the 6+ months since my last visit there has been no progress or website updates. Even industry folks don't seem to know what is going on.

Smokin Bungalow: Understand the Sebastian location has changed ownership, but it supposedly hasn't made a big difference. If you haven't been, it's a pretty decent patio-focused hangout spot with 15 or so very basic craft beer draft options served in plastic cups. Had a Hop Life Jim Frost on tap. Clean lines.

Walking Tree/Salvador Deli: Probably the best change since my last visit is the expansion of hours (earlier opening most days) and addition of food at Walking Tree. I've eaten there three times now and the food really is exceptional. While it's not the most original, it all seems very fresh and from-scratch. There are also a good deal of manageable sized and priced items. I've enjoyed the loaded tots, the hummus platter, and the ratatoiulle bowl and it's now easily the best brewery food in town. They were pouring a phenomenal belgian dubbel as well that had me going back for multiple pours.

ABC on 20th: St. Bernardus Xmas 4packs on sale for $12

Also checked out some spots in the vicinity...

Sailfish (Ft. Pierce): They recently changed their fish dip provider to some local farmers market guy. It's definitely a bit drier and more feathery, but the fish itself is an improvement and it's smokey as all get-out if that's your speed.

Intracoastal (Melbourne): This place was quite a disappointment. Uncomfortable seating (short stools, high bar?!? and i'm not short) and mediocre beers. To boot, pours at the bar were in plastic cups. The place felt more like a dive bar or local music venue. I had dedicated some time to hanging here which I instead ended up spending at Hell n Blazes

Hell n Blazes (Melbourne): The polar opposite of Intracoastal. More of a family-friendly, well-lit, solid beers type of place. It was busy for a weekday early afternoon, and I was impressed at the cleanliness of my belgian blonde and amber lager. Another place which lacks character but in the opposite direction as IC. Beers were better though, still not a place I'd rush back to. Didn't eat

Old Coast Ales (St. Augustine): Reviews made this place sound like a bit of a hipster IPA spot. Yes, the taplist was 50+% hop bombs, but I chose an ESB off the rip which was to-style and craveable. Ended up drinking a few of these supplemented with the outstanding (yet greasy) tacos from next door. The patio set-up was very cool and the bartender was informed and helpful. It's also just far enough away from downtown to escape the touristy vibe that St. Augustine really exudes.

The BOG Brewing (St. Augustine): BEST beers of the trip, although their website was not updated and the selection was very different than what was listed. Bartender had a great knowledge of the beers and process, and was very excited to show off their properly-glasswared pils. Another great 'just far enough away from downtown' location and supposedly more great tacos next door (did not try).. Also enjoyed a golden trappist style ale, also very well done. Other than the space being a little small/cramped, I can not recommend these clean, well-made beers enough and great service too.

Another wonderful trip to the Treasure Coast... will be back again this fall and will let you know if anything changes.

 

Part 2.. just returned and had the opportunity to check out a couple of new (to me) places south of town

Bearded Brothers Taphouse & Eatery (Ft. Pierce) - This is definitely an eatery moreso than it is a taphouse. The bar itself is a small feature in an otherwise expansive dining room. I think they had around 20 beers on tap, mostly crowd-pleasing local or regional brews which is nice to see all in one place. Nothing too adventurous.. if you want to know the craziest thing on the list it was Florida Man double IPA. The owners were really kind and friendly and are really trying to foster a laid-back local pub type atmosphere. It's not going to blow the boobs off any well-traveled beer geek, but I'm sure the area's aficionados are happy to have this local option. Cannot speak on the food but there was a full menu.

Southpaw Brewing Company (Port St. Lucie) - First off, the decor is terrible. Neon blue bar backsplash showcases a vast array of liquor bottles. Countering the obnoxious blue glow are edison bulbs strewn about haphazardly. The chairs don't match, neither does the artwork. And nothing about the place has any brewery vibe at all. I understand why, the beer was horrible. Mediocre red ale and unrecognizable belgian tripel. I'd try to forget I was a brewery too. Not recommended unless you're looking for an espresso martini or your college roommate.