The History of Breweries in Dunedin, Florida
From Florida’s first microbrewery to one of the most walkable beer districts in the state.
A Pioneer in Florida’s Craft Beer Scene
In 1995, Michael and Kandi Bryant founded Dunedin Brewery. By the time the first keg rolled into Skip’s Bar & Grille in 1996, they had already made history: Florida’s oldest distributing microbrewery was officially in operation. Since then, Dunedin Brewery has become both a community hub and a symbol of the city’s Scottish heritage, with its iconic claymore sword logo and a commitment to live music, good food, and inventive beer.
The Early Years (1996–2011)
For nearly two decades, Dunedin Brewery stood alone in the local beer scene. It cultivated a loyal following through approachable beers like Redhead Red Ale and Apricot Wheat Ale, and by hosting regular concerts and events that made the brewery as much a music venue as a taproom.
In February 2009, Dunedin House of Beer (HOB) was opened by locals Andy Polce & Rick Clemo as a craft beer taproom, pouring a rotating selection from other breweries and becoming an instant favorite for locals and visitors. This created the groundwork for a more diverse beer community.
The Expansion Era (2012–2017)
2012 – 7venth Sun Brewery opened a small Broadway Street taproom. Founded by Devon Kreps and Justin Stange, it quickly gained a reputation for bold IPAs, Belgian-style ales, and experimental sours. Though expanding into Seminole Heights after a few yeasr, Devon ultimately closed the second location to focus all efforts on her Downtown Dunedin location.
2016 – Woodwright Brewing Company (Grant & Eunice Painter) opened in a historic woodworking shop, specializing in classic German styles and hand-crafted ambiance.
2016 – Cueni Brewing Co. (Jon & Bren Cueni) debuted just off the Pinellas Trail, focusing on English and Belgian styles in a cozy, bike-friendly spot.
2017 – Caledonia Brewing opened in the historic Dunedin Times Building, with a beer list honoring the city’s Scottish roots.
2017 – Soggy Bottom Brewing Co. opened with a post-Prohibition speakeasy vibe and approachable beer lineup. Founded by three local bartenders, including alumni of HOB and the Chic-a-Boom Room, it quickly became a Main Street favorite.
2017 – House of Beer completed a major expansion, adding a brewhouse and warehouse behind its original taproom and transitioning into a full production brewery called HOB Brewing Co.
2017 – Antibrewery, a Sunday-only offshoot of Dunedin Brewery, launched as an experimental “punk” beer project with vinyl records and beers like “Horse Meat” and “The Internet”. It would close in early 2020.
By the end of 2017, Dunedin had seven breweries within walking distance—earning it a reputation as one of Florida’s most brewery-dense cities.
Recent Additions
2021 – Beach Island Brewery opened on Bayshore Blvd., later bought and rebranded as Truck & Ladder Brewing Company, which remains in operation today.
Moon Tower Expansion – Dunedin Brewery added The Moon Tower, a dedicated events space, further cementing its role as a hub for music and festivals.
Cultural & Tourism Impact
Dunedin’s brewery scene has transformed downtown into a lively, walkable destination. The Pinellas Trail runs through the heart of the city, making it easy for cyclists and pedestrians to hop between breweries, restaurants, and shops.
Live music is woven into the fabric of the brewery experience here—especially at Dunedin Brewery—helping attract visitors from across the state. Annual events like Oktobeerfest, Spring Beer Jam, and special releases during Tampa Bay Beer Week draw beer tourists and create valuable spillover business for local merchants.
The Legacy Continues
From a single brewery in 1996 to a nationally recognized beer district, Dunedin’s brewing history is a story of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for a pint of cask ale, a bike-to-brewery day on the trail, or one of the city’s many beer festivals, you’re part of the next chapter in a legacy nearly three decades in the making.