Top Craft Beer Spots in Southeast Ohio: Where to Find the Best Local Brews

From downtown breweries to rural beer gardens, Southeast Ohio has a rich craft brewing culture. Fueled by a passion for sustainability, Ohio-grown hops, and hometown pride, many of the region’s craft breweries are family-owned and independent. From Ohio’s oldest operating brewery in Portsmouth to more modern establishments in Athens, there are lots of taprooms to explore and enjoy Ohio craft beer.

Read our guide for sipping your way through Ohio’s Southeast region.

Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery in Athens, Ohio

This family-owned, independent brewery has made a name for itself in the Athens area, and around the state, with its barrel-aged stouts and sours. Jackie O’s offers over 50 different beer varieties with one of the largest on-site bottle and draft catalogs in the country. The brewery has built strong roots in the Athens community and the operation has greatly expanded over the years with a new location in Columbus.

Jackie O’s beer production is a local team effort and an exercise in supporting sustainable communities. The brewery sources fruits and vegetables for oak-aged ales, and honey, maple syrup, and spices for barrel-aged stouts and barleywines directly from community providers. Partnership with Ohio farmers and artists, and the use of solar power generated on-site, ensure that quality products are made in an environmentally sound manner. Jackie O’s has become a mainstay of the Athens community by intentionally creating space for community members to gather.

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Little Fish Brewing Company in Athens, Ohio

The Little Fish Brewing Company opened in 2015 with a mission to brew world-class beer while sustainably supporting local economies. Before it was cool, Little Fish’s founders were excited about exclusively brewing their Ohio craft beer with Ohio-grown ingredients. In 2016, they brewed the first commercial batch of “100% Ohio-grown” beer since Prohibition. Today, Haus Malts in Cleveland provides Ohio-grown grains for their beers, and Ohio-grown hops are used for the 100% Ohio-grown offerings.

The Little Fish Taproom invites visitors into the entire brewing process. Brewing equipment is visible from the bar and seating areas, and those seated at the outside beer garden can enjoy a view of the hop arbor, fruit trees, and a bike path. Since 2017 the Little Fish Brewing Company has also been a farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating menu that complements the brews. Little Fish opened a Dayton location in 2022.

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The Portsmouth Brewing Company in Portsmouth, Ohio

Founded in 1843 by German immigrants, The Portsmouth Brewing Company is Ohio’s oldest operating brewery. Shut down by Prohibition in the early 1900s, it was used for different businesses including a Hudepohl distributorship and an arcade mall. The operation re-opened as a brewery in 1996 when it was purchased by Steven Mault. Since its original opening, the brewery has seen a lot of history. Standing near the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers, and just over the border from Kentucky, the brewery has survived the Civil War and years of industrial progress.

The Mault family created the recipes that visitors enjoy at the brewery today. Inspired by trips to Germany, their lagers and pilsners are crafted using old brewing methods and traditional ingredients. The team at Portsmouth Brewing care about their local community and want to “supply them with the best beer [they] can.”

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Sixth Sense Brewing and Taproom in Jackson, Ohio

Sixth Sense Brewing Company in Jackson, Ohio has been crafting beer since 2017. This nano-brewery and taproom is known for quality, innovation, and dedication to its patrons. Sixth Sense is known for its celebrated hazy ales, such as the “Murk Juice” IPA, but their offerings go well beyond ales with something for everyone. Sixth Sense also offers a diverse food menu including vegetarian options, burgers, sandwiches, shareable appetizers and more.

Due to their success, the Sixth Sense brewery is expanding to include 20 beer taps, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a dedicated game zone, and a golf simulator. The original space will become a private event area giving the local community a place to gather and celebrate with Ohio craft beer.

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Old Capitol Brewing in Chillicothe, Ohio

Located in a historic building in downtown Chillicothe, Old Capitol Brewing (OCB) is the first local brewery to open there in nearly 70 years. Old Capitol Brewing regularly hosts local musicians and serves as a place for community members to gather. Locals enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful taproom, the friendliness of the staff, and the refreshing drinks. With a menu that’s always changing, there’s usually something new to try.

OCB was born from a college hobby and its owner Seth’s love of his hometown. When Seth received a homebrewing kit as a gift during college, he discovered his love of the craft. Equally inspired by a speech from Chillicothe’s Mayor Luke Feeney about calls for revitalizing the downtown area, Seth knew how he wanted to contribute. Seth moved back to the area and spent hours brewing with friends and perfecting recipes. He eventually opened OCB, which has become a local staple.

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Brewery 33 in Logan, Ohio

Brewery 33, located in Logan, Ohio, is right in the heart of the Hocking Hills region. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly brewery thanks to its large outdoor beer garden and many seating areas. Perfect for a post-hike drink and bite to eat, this brewery is a favorite for state park visitors and locals alike.

Brewery 33’s founder Dave was an avid homebrewer long before opening the business. When the building became available, Dave knew he wanted to expand his hobby into a brewery. After some renovations, the building opened in 2017. Many of Brewery 33’s beers are named after famous people from the Hocking Hills area. Aside from beer, wine and cider are also available. Situated right along Route 33, the brewery is a great stop for bikers and tired travelers.

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Wooly Pig Farm Brewery in Frenso, Ohio

Wooly Pig Farm is located in east-central Ohio on 90 acres of land overlooking the Tuscarawas River. Situated on a 150-year-old farm, many of the original buildings are still standing today. In 2014, locals Kevin Ely and his wife, Jael Malenke, bought the property to open their dream craft brewery. They wanted to honor the German tradition of connecting beer with land, family, and community.

Today, water for Wooly Pig Farm Brewery beers are sourced from a farm well that was developed by the original owners for their animals and crops. A row of Saaz hops can be seen climbing 20-foot-tall trellises, and curly-haired mangalitsa pigs forage on the farm eating the leftover grain from the brewery. Visit to experience a “bit of Bavaria” in Fresno, Ohio. Visit Site