Veterans United Craft Brewery | Jacksonville, FL
Beer Trip: Veterans United Craft Brewery in Jacksonville, Florida
Morgan here, reporting from Jacksonville! On a recent trip for work (Yes, I have a day job) I was able to make a couple of pit stops at local breweries. Although my actual stop at Veterans United Craft Brewery was a quick one, I was able to try a few of their brews at various locations throughout the trip!
Views from behind the bar
The Brewery
Located in the depths of an industrial park area, Veterans United (also known as VU Brew!) is a veteran-owned, veteran-managed microbrewery located in Jacksonville. If their respectable beginnings aren’t enough to draw you here, their countless beer choices and military memorabilia should.
Driving up to Veterans United, parking is plentiful and you’re immediately greeted by a beautiful outdoor area. The weather was unfortunately cold during my stay, so I headed in instead.
Beautiful outdoor area that I wish I could have enjoyed during my visit!
Once inside, you’ll find that VU Brew is HUGE - there are two large areas with more high-top tables than you can count and a large bar. The brewery had a decent number of patrons for a Tuesday night and the brewtender was kind and friendly.
One of the two large seating areas
Another large room suitable for groups
Although the building’s interior/exterior is nothing special in itself, VU Brew makes their facility unique by what’s on the walls - countless military photos, badges, and signs! On my way to the restroom I was pleasantly surprised to find a display with a variety of grains/hops, as well as a large window where you could view the packaging area and fermenting tanks.
Fun display of different grains, malts, & hops
The Beer
VU Brew has 5 flagship beers year-round, and another 10+ seasonal/rotating brews! With this impressive lineup, you’re sure to find something you’ll like here. Although I only had one drink onsite, I actually tried 3 of their beers throughout my trip - so it’s clear that they distribute widely in the local area!
I tried the Raging Blonde - a pretty solid, not-too-hoppy, blonde that was medium in color and actually reminded me more of an amber; the Fish Camp Pils - an easy-drinking, yet typical pilsner; and the Buzzin’ Bee Honey Rye Wheat - a nice, honey-reminiscent beer that reminded me of the Blood & Honey by Revolver Brewing out of Texas! This beer won a bronze medal at the 2021 National Honey Beer Competition.
Food & Merch
There didn’t appear to be a merch section here and there is no food sold onsite; however, it does appear that they host food trucks and other events on a monthly basis.
I wouldn’t describe this venue as a go-to destination while in Jacksonville on vacation, but more as the local haunt where you become a regular with your friends. A chill evening and a good beer can both be found here!
Cheers!
