Top QC Brewery Patios
We have officially entered patio season 2021. Local breweries are an easy choice when trying to decide where to spend your time outdoors. From food trucks to live music and so many other events, there's no better way to enjoy them on a summer day than with a handcrafted beer! Here's a list of a few of the best brewery patios in the Quad Cities and the best beer to enjoy while there.
Green Tree Brewery
Located right on the Mississippi River in LeClaire, this brewery may just have the best view of any local brewery. They often showcase local live music talent and host many events which benefit local community organizations. When it comes to the beer, they often have quite the variety of styles and flavors on tap. So grab a flight and enjoy the breeze while watching the boats pass up and down the river.
Beer suggestion: Peach Wheat
Crawford Brew Works
Crawford has a very spacious tap room but their patio is equally as inviting. They have one of the most consistent schedules when it comes to food trucks and the cuisine variety to appeal to everyone. This is a great place to plan a cycling day around with many light and refreshing beers on their menu. If you're looking for entertainment, Crawford is definitely one to check out. They have live music every Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 1pm. Check out yoga on the patio every Sunday as well.
Beer suggestion: Bavarian Sun Hefeweizen
Great Revivalist Brew Lab
Not many places are dog friendly these days. Great Revivalist Brew Lab goes a little beyond just “friendly” with their dog focused beer garden. Bring your furry friend, sit among their homegrown hop vines, and play a game of cornhole/bags. The food here is always top notch and so are the small batch experimental brews. If you're not a beer drinker, try their several handcrafted hard seltzers and non-alcoholic handcrafted soda all made in house.
Beer suggestion: Raspberry & Meyer Lemon Hard Seltzer
Bent River Brewing
While both Bent River locations offer great patio experiences, the Rock Island taproom is the hub for summer outdoor hangs. On Wednesday nights, The Channel Cats host a variety other local musical artists for Open Jam Night. If you're stopping by during a weekday afternoon you may get a peek into the production brewery as the brewers and packaging team hustle around brewing up more delicious goodness. This is also a dog friendly patio and the new home of Cool Beanz Coffeehouse.
Beer suggestion: DeSoto Lager
Five Cities Brewing
Another great spot in Bettendorf for drinking outside. This patio is great for those cooler summer nights. Get cozy by the fire pits and catch a baseball game on one of the several outdoor TVs. Order food from Central Standard next door or stop by when a food truck makes a guest appearance. Bring a group and test your pop culture skills with their weekly themed trivia nights.
Beer suggestion: Grip N' Sip Fruited Sour
About the Author:
Charlie Cole is a professional brewer and multimedia beer promoter. He is a graduate of St. Louis University in Brewing Science and Operations & University of Vermont in Business of Craft Beer. He has been a previous brewer at three different Quad Cities breweries and hosts the What’s Tappening weekly local beer segment on 97X FM.