We would be remiss if we didn’t spotlight one of our favorite breweries in town: Ivanhoe Park Brewing in Orlando. Located in the heart of the historic Ivanhoe District, this independent craft brewery and tasting room opened in the summer of 2018.
As they note on their website, the company “[connects] Orlando’s historic past to [the] brewery’s commitment to community, education and the use of quality ingredients.” With a mission of making craft beer accessible to everyone, this brewery is a gem of the community.
The Drinks
Ivanhoe Park Brewing in Orlando offers an expanding number of beers year-round, as well as some delightful seasonal selections and the occasional guest tap. They primarily focus on producing lighter beers, including a golden pilsner, Belgian Witbier and blonde ale, but show versatility with some exciting alternatives:
- Named after a historic amusement park on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe, the Joyland IPA is crafted with American malt and hops and has a slightly dry finish.
- Arguably one of their easiest beers to drink, the Guavacation is a Berliner Weisse with a vibrantly tart guava flavor. If you’re lucky, you may have the opportunity to try their variation of this sour that tastes like cotton candy!
- And finally, we must mention the Tupac Shaporter American porter that won a gold medal at Florida Best Beer Fest in 2019. This creamy beer has notes of grains, chocolate and even a little coffee.
This brewery offers many discounts throughout the week. From specials on cases and growler fills to industry discounts and several happy hours, you’re sure to get a great deal. Beer not your thing? This may not be the place for you. However, they do offer a few wines, a cider and some nonalcoholic selections if you want to enjoy the space.
The Food
Although the brewery itself doesn’t sell a ton of snacks, you will almost always see a food truck parked next to the back patio. They keep their event calendar up-to-date with all the delicious options so you can plan your visit accordingly. You can’t go wrong with their extensive range of cuisines, from lobster rolls to pizza, to tacos. Honorable mention goes to one of our favorites: Itzayana Fluffy Tacos. Beyond the usual food trucks, you’ll see foodie events like Halftoberfest and 407 Food Fair popping up in their parking lot.
The Environment
Ivanhoe Park Brewing in Orlando is great for every occasion. They have plenty of parking in their lot and on the rooftop lot next door, as well as ample street parking. The brewery is on the corner of Virginia Drive and North Orange Avenue, where you’ll find several restaurants, bars and boutique stores.
On the inside, they have huge wooden tables, plenty of bar space and counters along the walls. It’s a great place to get some work done during the day, meet some friends for a casual hangout or play some of their board games. While it’s pleasant inside, many people opt to sit out on their covered patio near the visiting food truck. They are also very family-friendly and dog-friendly! They host a monthly Dog Day Afternoon with a few pup-loving vendors and a Family Day with activities for young children.
Speaking of events, there is always something happening in the taproom. Every week, you can expect a trivia night, movie night and even a run club. They also host less frequent but equally exciting events like the artisan market, Bazaar Botanica, and volunteer clean-ups of Lake Ivanhoe.
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
1300 Alden Road
Orlando, FL 32803
www.ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
(407) 270-6749
Hours:
Monday through Thursday – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday – 4 pm to 10 pm
Friday and Saturday – Noon to Midnight
Sunday – Noon to 8 p.m.
