Best 16 Breweries in Wilmington DE: A Comprehensive Guide

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Wilmington, Delaware, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. One of the most exciting aspects of the city is its thriving craft beer scene. With a wide variety of breweries and taprooms, Wilmington is quickly becoming a destination for beer lovers from around the country.

Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, you’re sure to find a brewery in Wilmington that suits your tastes. From established favorites like Wilmington Brew Works to up-and-coming newcomers like Stitch House Brewery, there’s no shortage of great beer to be found in this city. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore Wilmington, why not plan a brewery tour? You’ll get to sample some of the best beer in the state while enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Wilmington Brew Scene

Wilmington, Delaware has a thriving craft beer scene that has been gaining recognition in recent years. With a variety of breweries and brewpubs, the city has become a destination for beer lovers looking for unique and flavorful brews.

The Wilmington brew scene offers a diverse range of craft beers, from traditional styles like IPAs and stouts to experimental brews using local ingredients and innovative techniques. Many of the breweries in the area have a strong focus on community, hosting events, and partnering with local businesses to provide a unique experience for visitors.

One of the best ways to discover the best breweries in Wilmington is through the popular beer rating app, Untappd. With over 10,000 ratings of Wilmington breweries, users can get a sense of which breweries are most popular and highly rated.

Some of the most highly-rated breweries in Wilmington include Stitch House Brewery, Wilmington Brew Works, and Liquid Alchemy Beverages. Each of these breweries offers a unique experience for visitors, from live music and food trucks to outdoor seating and tours.

Top Wilmington Breweries

Iron Hill Brewery

Iron Hill Brewery has been a staple in Wilmington since 1996. The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. Iron Hill offers a wide variety of beer styles, from German-style lagers to American IPAs. The brewery also has a full menu of food, including burgers, pizzas, and salads.

Website: https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/wilmington-de

Address: 620 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States

Stitch House Brewery

Stitch House Brewery is a cozy brewpub located in the heart of Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and Belgian-style ales. The food menu at Stitch House is also worth checking out, with dishes like beer-battered fish and chips and a Philly cheesesteak.

Website: http://stitchhousebrewery.com/

Address: 829 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States

Bellefonte Brewing

Bellefonte Brewing is a small brewery located in the Bellefonte neighborhood of Wilmington. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Bellefonte also has a food menu, with items like loaded fries and pulled pork sandwiches.

Website: https://bellefontebrewingcompany.com/

Address: 3605 Old Capitol Trl c8, Wilmington, DE 19808, United States

Wilmington Brew Works

Wilmington Brew Works is a newer brewery in Wilmington, having opened in 2018. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Wilmington Brew Works also has a large outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a beer on a sunny day.

Website: https://wilmingtonbrewworks.com/

Address: 3129 Miller Rd, Wilmington, DE 19802, United States

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Crooked Hammock Brewery is a Delaware-based brewery with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and sours. The food menu at Crooked Hammock is also worth checking out, with dishes like crab cakes and pulled pork sandwiches.

Website: https://www.crookedhammockbrewery.com/

Address: 316 Auto Park Dr, Middletown, DE 19709, United States

Midnight Oil Brewing

Midnight Oil Brewing is a small brewery located in the historic Oliver B. Evans House in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Midnight Oil also has a food menu, with items like soft pretzels and charcuterie boards.

Website: http://www.midnightoilbrewing.com/

Address: 674 Pencader Dr, Newark, DE 19702, United States

Dew Point Brewing Company

Dew Point Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Yorklyn, just outside of Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Dew Point also has a food menu, with items like flatbreads and tacos.

Website: http://www.dewpointbrewing.com/

Address: 2878 Creek Rd, Yorklyn, DE 19736, United States

Revelation Craft Brewing

Revelation Craft Brewing is a brewery located in Rehoboth Beach, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Revelation also has a food menu, with items like burgers and sandwiches.

Website: https://revbeer.com/

Address: 413 S Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, United States

Mispillion River Brewing

Mispillion River Brewing is a brewery located in Milford, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and sours. Mispillion River also has a food menu, with items like tacos and mac and cheese.

Website: http://www.mispillionriverbrewing.com/

Address: 255 Mullett Run St, Milford, DE 19963, United States

Blue Earl Brewing Company

Blue Earl Brewing Company is a brewery located in Smyrna, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Blue Earl also has a food menu, with items like pizzas and sandwiches.

Website: https://blueearlbrewing.com/

Address: 210 Artisan Dr, Smyrna, DE 19977, United States

Brick Works Brewing and Eats

Brick Works Brewing and Eats is a brewery located in Smyrna, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Brick Works also has a food menu, with items like burgers and tacos.

Website: http://brickworksde.com/

Address: 230 S Dupont Blvd, Smyrna, DE 19977, United States

Argilla Brewing Co

Argilla Brewing Co. is a brewery located in Newark, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Argilla also has a food menu, with items like flatbreads and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.argillabrewing.com/

Address: 2667 Kirkwood Hwy, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Hangman Brewing

Hangman Brewing is a small brewery located in Newark, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Hangman also has a food menu, with items like pizzas and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.hangmanbrewing.com/

Address: 2703 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, United States

Big Oyster Brewery

Big Oyster Brewery is a brewery located in Lewes, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Big Oyster also has a food menu, with items like oysters and seafood.

Website: http://www.bigfishriverfront.com/

Address: 720 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States

Autumn Arch Beer Project

Autumn Arch Beer Project is a brewery located in Newark, with a location in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Autumn Arch also has a food menu, with items like tacos and sandwiches.

Website: https://www.autumnarch.com/

Address: 810 Pencader Dr C, Newark, DE 19702, United States

Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company

Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company, based in Dover with a location in Wilmington, offers a variety of beer styles, including IPAs, lagers, and sours. Their flagship Copperhead Ale, Double D IPA, and Cherry Blossom Lager are notable favorites among beer enthusiasts in Delaware.

Website: http://www.fordhamanddominion.com/

Address: 1284 McD Dr, Dover, DE 19901, United States

Food and Beer Pairings

When it comes to enjoying a good beer, having the right food to go with it can make all the difference. Wilmington DE has some great breweries that offer delicious food options to pair with their beers. Here are some great food and beer pairings to try out:

  • IPA and Spicy Foods: IPAs are known for their hoppy bitterness, which pairs well with spicy foods. Try out an IPA from Wilmington Brew Works or Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant with some spicy wings or tacos.
  • Stouts and Chocolate Desserts: Stouts are dark, rich, and often have a chocolate or coffee flavor. Pair a stout from Bellefonte Brewing or Midnight Oil Brewing Company with a chocolate dessert for a decadent treat.
  • Belgian Ales and Mussels: Belgian ales are known for their fruity and spicy notes, which pair well with seafood. Try out a Belgian ale from Twin Lakes Brewing Co. or Braeloch Brewing with a bowl of mussels for a delicious combination.
  • Wheat Beers and Salads: Wheat beers are light and refreshing, with a citrusy and wheaty flavor. Pair a wheat beer from Hangman Brewing Company or Dew Point Brewing Company with a fresh salad for a healthy and tasty meal.
  • Porters and BBQ: Porters are dark and smoky, with a roasted flavor that pairs well with BBQ. Try out a porter from Stewart’s Brewing Company or Wilmington Brew Works with some BBQ ribs or brisket for a flavorful meal.

Overall, there are plenty of great food and beer pairings to try out in Wilmington DE. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, there’s sure to be a brewery in town that has the perfect pairing for you.