Maryland’s magic can be felt in different ways—part coastal charm, part history, and part hops.
I’ve always had a soft spot for this corner of the East Coast, where charming small towns meet bold, innovative brewing. Friends and fellow travelers had long sung the praises of the breweries in Maryland, but it wasn’t until I packed up my car and hit the road that I truly understood the hype.
Over a long weekend, I zigzagged across the state, pint by pint, from small-batch farm breweries to bustling city taprooms.
If you’re considering a journey through the MD breweries, let me be your guide. After all, what better person than someone who loves to discover the best wineries and breweries?
A Personal Journey Through Maryland Breweries
When planning my trip through Maryland, I didn’t expect beer to be the highlight. However, as a travel writer, I’ve learned to listen closely when multiple people—from locals to fellow road-trippers—mention the same spots with that unmistakable sparkle in their eyes.
That’s how I came to map a trail through some of the best breweries in Maryland, crafting a route that would take me from the quiet shores of St. Michaels to the urban heartbeat of Baltimore.
Getting there was easy: I flew into Baltimore-Washington International Airport, rented a car, and hit the road with a playlist full of indie rock and a handwritten list of breweries that came highly recommended.
As someone who appreciates new-school experimentation and old-world brewing methods alike, the breweries MD offers have proven to be an unexpected treasure trove.
1. Burley Oak Brewing Company (Berlin)
With free parking and a laid-back, welcoming vibe, it didn’t take long for me to settle into the rhythm of this small-town gem.
What struck me most was the sheer variety. Typically, I find one or two beers I enjoy at a given brewery. At Burley, I fell in love with at least half a dozen as I sampled a flight.
The carrot, white chocolate, and ginger sour was an unexpected revelation: tart, creamy, and warming in a way that felt like a hug from an eccentric friend. The IPA was beautifully balanced, delivering hops without overwhelming the palate.
Even better, the staff knew their stuff and were happy to chat about brewing methods and flavor profiles.
The atmosphere was relaxed but buzzing with conversation; locals and travelers mingling over flights and sharing recommendations. This one is a must when considering any tour of a brewery Maryland has to offer.
2. Crooked Crab Brewing Company (Odenton)
Crooked Crab Brewing Company, a Maryland brewery in Odenton, surprised me in the best way. I’d heard about their beer, but I had no idea they also served incredible brick oven pizza. The scent hit me before I even walked in, and from that moment, I was hooked.
The space has plenty of seating for small groups, though it can be tight for larger ones, especially during peak hours.
I started with a flight of rotating brews, each bold, fresh, and memorable. Paired with a perfectly crisp Margherita pizza, I’d stumbled into one of Maryland’s best-kept secrets.
The atmosphere was buzzing yet relaxed, the kind of place that welcomes you back before you’ve even left. Between the quality beers, excellent food, and warm service, this brewery in Maryland has earned a top spot on my list.
I’m already looking forward to the next visit!
3. Eastern Shore Brewing (St. Michaels)
Driving into St. Michaels felt like arriving in a storybook. Cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and historic homes set the scene for Eastern Shore Brewing, a cozy, eclectic taproom with an old-world charm that matches the town perfectly.
The decor leans toward nautical and vintage, while the crowd is a mix of locals who know their beer and curious visitors like me.
I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a pint of Situation Critical, a crisp and assertive West Coast IPA that danced between pine and citrus.
The bartender, quick with beer facts and dry humor, made me feel like I was part of the community within minutes.
Eastern Shore is one of those breweries in Maryland that doesn’t try to be flashy because it doesn’t need to. Its charm lies in consistency, atmosphere, and craftsmanship that speaks for itself.
4. Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co. (Gaithersburg)
Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co., nestled in Gaithersburg, is unlike any brewery I’ve ever visited. With indoor seating, a patio, and a secluded pine forest tap area, this place offers a variety of ways to unwind.
I opted for a flight of four unique and well-crafted beers, ranging from crisp and citrusy to dark and malty. The standout wasn’t just the beer, but the general ambiance of the location.
I grabbed a soft pretzel and a Two Story Chimney Braised pork sandwich from the food truck; both were delicious and quickly prepared.
The pine forest area set Elder Pine apart: tables scattered among tall trees, sunlight filtering through the branches—it felt like sipping beer at a forest retreat. Inside, the tasting room was cozy, with a clean, modern aesthetic and friendly bartenders.
This spot checks every box, whether you’re looking for relaxation, good conversation, or great beer (or all three). Elder Pine blends nature, craftsmanship, and hospitality into an unforgettable brewery experience.
5. Evolution Craft Brewing Company (Salisbury)
Salisbury surprised me. It’s a university town with an artsy streak and, as I learned, home to one of the strongest contenders for the best breweries in Maryland: Evolution Craft Brewing Company.
This is where quality meets creativity. Housed in a modern brewpub, Evolution serves up tried-and-true classics with fun twists.
The vibe was hip without being pretentious, and I appreciated the attention to detail. My server was prompt and knowledgeable, and the food menu made it hard to choose just one dish. I eventually settled on a locally sourced burger with housemade aioli.
Beer? A hazy pale ale that paired beautifully.
Their lineup features well-known favorites and unique offerings like wine and inventive cocktails (think elderflower old-fashioned and fruit-forward crushes).
For anyone seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed brewery experience, this is your place. Plus, the fact that Evolution doubles as a full-service restaurant makes it ideal for groups with mixed tastes in drinks.
6. Fin City Brewing Company (Ocean City)
Located inside Hooper’s Crab House, Fin City Brewing Company feels like a true seaside brewery, casual and full of character. It’s Ocean City’s oldest brewery, and it wears that badge with pride.
While many of their beers are available in kegs, I was excited to try some limited-batch canned releases. My pick was the cleverly named ‘Pier Pressure,’ a light, easy-drinking ale perfect for sipping while overlooking the water.
The staff here were some of the friendliest I met on the trip; they were genuinely excited to talk about beer and Ocean City tips. The brewery also sells a wide range of branded merchandise and offers to-go options, which I took full advantage of before heading to the boardwalk.
It’s a brewery Maryland visitors shouldn’t skip, especially if you’re heading to the beach and want a casual, flavorful pit stop.
7. Heavy Seas Beer (Halethorpe)
Heavy Seas Beer lives up to its name. This brewery just outside Baltimore is adventurous, a little wild, and full of personality.
It’s also incredibly well-organized, with amenities galore—ADA accessible, pet and kid-friendly, and offers guided tours for those who like to dig into the brewing process.
I joined one of those tours and was impressed by the scale and innovation of their operation. Afterwards, I posted up in their game room with a cask ale and soaked in the atmosphere.
There’s a mischievous, playful energy here, as it’s pirate-themed but not gimmicky. They rotate food trucks regularly and even allow pop-up vendors to bring in additional eats, making it a social hotspot.
Whether you’re there to try their flagship Loose Cannon IPA or explore their Uncharted Waters series, you’ll leave satisfied (and maybe a little bit tipsy).
8. Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm (Mount Airy)
Out in the rolling countryside of Mount Airy, Milkhouse Brewery is where beer meets the land. Maryland’s first farm brewery is located on the beautiful Stillpoint Farm, which also supplies many of the ingredients used in their microbrews.
The taproom is in a charming farmhouse, and the outdoor space is sprawling: picnic tables under shady trees, kids running around, and food trucks dishing out local eats.
I arrived on a Saturday afternoon to hear live music and smelled the scent of freshly baked pretzels in the air.
I tried a flight of four beers, all brewed with hops grown onsite. The standout for me was the rye pale ale, which was earthy, spicy, and unlike anything I’d tasted before.
Between the natural setting, local art for sale, and the welcoming staff, Milkhouse felt like a true escape from city life.
9. Union Craft Brewing Co. (Baltimore)
Union Craft Brewing Co. is urban brewing at its finest. It combines sleek industrial aesthetics with warm community vibes in the Woodberry neighborhood along Jones Falls. Think exposed brick, long communal tables, and lush outdoor seating.
I joined a free tour of the brewery and was struck by how modern and efficient their operation was. Their guide was passionate, funny, and impressively knowledgeable.
Post-tour, I sipped a crisp pilsner while snacking on spicy fries from a food stall steps away.
This is a great brewery to visit if you want to feel the pulse of Baltimore. It’s sociable, vibrant, and an ideal stop for anyone exploring the city’s artsy side.
10. Bonus Stop: The Good Beer Festival (Salisbury)
If you can time your Maryland beer adventure for October, the Good Beer Festival in Salisbury is worth it. It’s the only nighttime beer fest on the Eastern Shore and offers unlimited tastings of MD beer, music, lawn games, and more.
I loved the variety of breweries, from the big names to the up-and-coming players.
It’s an unbeatable opportunity to sample a vast range of Maryland beer in one spot, all while dancing under the stars with a pint in hand.
Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
This road trip through Maryland’s breweries was more than just a tasting tour—it was a journey into the heart of a state that knows how to balance tradition with innovation.
Each stop had its own rhythm, flavors, and community of people who were passionate about what they brewed and why they did it.
What I expected to be a casual beer-themed weekend became a full-sensory adventure.
I can’t recommend this trip enough if you enjoy exploring a place through its local flavors. There’s a reason Maryland is increasingly gaining a reputation for its vibrant beer scene. It’s not just about the drinks, but also the stories behind the beers, the people who pour them, and the settings that make you want to linger a little longer.
