Cleveland's brewing scene is one of the strongest things about the city, and this guided tour is the easiest way to taste it without sorting out rides or a designated driver. The outing runs about five hours and visits several breweries by air-conditioned vehicle, with roughly 50 minutes at each stop. Visitors taste around 16 beers in total and have either lunch or dinner at a brewpub along the way. The itinerary shown on the booking page lists Brick and Barrel, Terrestrial Brewing Company, Collision Bend Brewing Company and Great Lakes Brewing Company, and notes that stops can vary and may include others such as Market Garden and Goldhorn. Groups are capped at 14, which keeps it conversational rather than a pub crawl, and the tour has a 4.7 rating from 43 reviews on its product page.
What the tour is like
You are collected curbside outside the DoubleTree by Hilton on Lakeside Avenue East, and hotel pickup and drop-off is also listed as included, so confirm the arrangement for your own hotel when you book. The guide moves the group between breweries by vehicle, introduces each brewery and its beers, and keeps the pace steady.
Because each stop is about 50 minutes, there is time to taste properly, ask questions and eat, but not to linger over a second round. Arrive at least ten minutes early, and eat a light breakfast or snack beforehand, since about 16 samples add up over five hours.
Booking and policies
The tour is small and subject to minimum numbers, with confirmation arriving within 48 hours of booking depending on availability. Bookings of four or more carry an additional fee, and group discounts are available. Pay attention to the cancellation terms before you buy, because the booking page states that the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, although you are offered an alternative or a full refund if the operator cancels because of weather or too few passengers.
Start times are not listed on the page, so check the available slots when you select a date.
Who it suits
This is a good fit for couples, friends and small groups who like beer and want a sampler of the city's craft scene with food included. It is not a good fit for children, for anyone avoiding alcohol, or for travelers who want a flexible schedule, since the itinerary and timing are set. Pair it with a food tour earlier in the trip if you want to cover the city's drinking and eating traditions across two days, and treat it as the main event of an afternoon rather than something to squeeze between museums.
If you prefer to visit a single brewery on your own, Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City is the best-known name in town and a short ride from downtown.
What to expect
The experience
A guided, small-group outing by vehicle to several Cleveland breweries, with about 16 samples and a brewpub lunch or dinner.
Best time
An afternoon outing on a day with no other fixed plans, since the tour runs about five hours.
How long
About five hours including travel between stops.
Tips
Arrive ten minutes early, eat something light beforehand, and read the non-refundable terms before booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Craft beer fans and small groups of friends who want a ride and a meal included.
- Families
- Not suited to children, since the whole outing is built around beer tasting.
- Couples
- A relaxed way to share an afternoon, with food and a small group of up to 14.
- Pair with
- A visit to the West Side Market or an evening show at Playhouse Square.
- Time needed
- Five hours, plus pickup and drop-off.
Good questions
How long is the Original Cleveland Brew Tour?+
It lasts about five hours, with around 50 minutes at each brewery stop.
Which breweries are on the tour?+
The booking page lists Brick and Barrel, Terrestrial Brewing Company, Collision Bend Brewing Company and Great Lakes Brewing Company, and notes that the itinerary can vary and may include others.
Is food included?+
Yes. The tour includes lunch or dinner at a brewpub, along with about 16 beer samples.
How big are the groups?+
Groups are limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, with minimum numbers required for the tour to run.
Can I cancel or change my booking?+
The booking page says the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, but you are offered an alternative or a full refund if the operator cancels for weather or insufficient numbers.
