15 Breweries with Amazing Outdoor Spaces

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Blue Tea House (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is one of Amsterdam’s largest craft breweries. The original brewpub resides in an old municipal bathhouse adjacent to De Gooyer windmill. In 2018, Brouwerij ‘t IJ opened a tasting room in Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most beautiful parks. Known mostly by locals, Vondelpark provides an oasis of calm and natural beauty away from the city’s hustle. A 1937 modernist architecture building known as Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) with spacious outdoor seating houses the brewery’s tasting room. During good weather, people congregate here to relax, enjoy the surrounding park, eat and drink a wide range of craft beers.

In de Vrede (Westvleteren, Belgium)

The Trappist ales brewed by the monks of Saint-Sixtus Abbey of rural Westvleteren consistently rank among the highest-rated beers on the planet. To enjoy these delightfully complex and soulful beers without paying the inflated prices of unauthorized resellers, beer lovers must drive to the idyllic cafe In de Vrede, located just across the lane from the abbey. The cafe and gift shop work in partnership with the monks to serve Westvleteren Blond Ale, Westvleteren 8 and the extraordinary Westvleteren 12 to savor alongside simple sandwiches and small plates made from the abbey's own cheese. There's even an ice cream float made with Trappist ale. On a warm day, find a table on the cafe's comfortable and spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the tranquil farms, fields and biking trails of Westvleteren. Peaceful, heavenly vibes seem to emanate from the historic abbey, but that might be the strong ale talking. A visit to this bucolic corner of Flanders to enjoy some of the world's most coveted beers makes for an exquisite craft beer pilgrimage.

Jester King Brewery (Austin, Texas)

With 165 acres in the Texas Hill Country that feature natural surroundings and sustainable agriculture, Jester King Brewery epitomizes the expression “everything’s bigger in Texas!”. Inspired by the classic farmhouse breweries of Europe, this family-oriented and pet-friendly farmhouse brewery/restaurant offers a relaxing beer garden nestled under Southern live oak treeks, an event hall, hiking trails, a playground, farm and brewery tours, live music and more. Jester King began as a farmhouse brewery committed to mixed-culture and spontaneous fermentation, incorporating well water, local grains, fruits and vegetables, foraged plants and native yeast and bacteria. The solar-powered farm includes vegetable gardens, hop fields, a vineyard, an orchard and goats. Take a hike or tour and then return to enjoy Jester King’s food, beer, wine or cider in their scenic beer garden.

MAP Brewing (Bozeman, Montana)

Bozeman is a picturesque college town nestled between four mountain ranges and located 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. The area provides a paradise for world-class skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting and biking. This energetic community also offers arts, museums and a local symphony. MAP Brewing, started in 2015, perfectly reflects Bozeman’s culture. The brewery grounds and tasting room are teeming with local art. In addition, the outdoor patio provides stunning views of some of Montana’s tallest and most scenic mountain landscapes. Head Brewer Doug Child creates a wide range of award-winning craft beers and the kitchen offers delicious locally sourced food. Enjoy eating and drinking while soaking in the view.

New Glarus Brewing (New Glarus, Wisconsin)

New Glarus, Wisconsin (located about 25 miles south of Madison) is often called “America’s Little Switzerland.” New Glarus Brewing embraces their community not only by their name but also by their brewery and beer garden design. You’ll drive a winding road to the top of a steep hill to visit this award-winning brewery. The beer garden incorporates castle-like ruins to create both communal and seclusive, intimate seating areas. With a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, you can enjoy a wide range of excellent craft beers that are distributed only in Wisconsin, including their iconic Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale. Proscht!