Best Brews & Bites in Lynchburg, Virginia

By: TLP's Partners

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Lynchburg, Virginia offers plenty of opportunities to pair craft beer with fine fare. The historic city offers a growing and lively scene of taprooms, local breweries, and specialized beer menus at a variety of independent restaurants. Here are the top picks for brews and bites.

The Water Dog

Situated on the James River, The Water Dog is a scenic stop to share a few pints and plates with friends. The restaurant offers 36 beers on tap, with many of them sourced from Virginia. Breweries include Old Bust Head Brewing Company from Vint Hill and Devils Backbone Brewing Company from Roseland. The food is designed to go with beer, with selections like local oysters, pretzel bites, garlic bread-flavored cheese curds, tacos, and po’ boys.

Trailhead

Trailhead is a casual stop for beer after a day of outdoor adventures in downtown Lynchburg. The menu is family friendly, with selections from hot dogs to pizza. The bar offers over 60 choices of beer, wine, or specialty cocktails.

Depot Grille

Located in a former train station, Depot Grille serves up Lynchburg history along with its fare. Try a Virginia beer flight for $8, featuring brews from Beale’s, Devils Backbone, Blue Mountain, and Old Bust Head. The food menu is all-encompassing, with selections ranging from barbecue ribs to blackened mahi-mahi to chicken wings.

Bootleggers

Located on the Bluffwalk, Bootleggers specializes in the three Bs: beer, bourbon, and burgers. Build your own smash burger or choose a specialty variety, like the Southern Belle with pimento cheese, fried jalapeños, garlic aioli, and bacon. Pair it with a local Three Roads lager.

Rivermont Pizza

Best known for its wood-fired pies, Rivermont Pizza is the place to visit when you are craving pineapple or pulled pork on your pizza. The restaurant is above Ned’s Beer Shop, so stop by to check out the wide selection of craft brews.

Iron & Ale

Cornerstone restaurant Iron & Ale offers over 30 beers and a substantial menu of burgers, steaks, seafood, and shareables. The space works for a special night out or a casual stop to watch the big game with a cold beer in hand.

Starr Hill On Main

Starr Hill Brewery is one of the largest independent and locally owned breweries in Virginia, and it has a satellite location on Main Street. It offers a wide variety on draft, from lagers to IPAs to sours and seltzers. Food is limited to a large soft pretzel, but customers can bring in outside food.

Three Roads Brewing

Located in a former Ford dealership, Three Roads Brewing offers plenty of space to enjoy seasonal brews like the Beeline honey brown ale or the year-round selections of lagers and double IPAs. Locals like to gather here for live music, trivia, and bingo.

Beer 88

Beer 88 gets particularly creative with its burger menu. The Caribbean Cruise comes with pineapple, bacon, and jerk sauce; the Crabby Patty is stacked with crab rangoon spread, crispy wonton noodles, and sweet chile sauce; and the Gurberburger comes with peanut butter, smoked mayo, bacon, and cheddar. Plenty of beer is on tap to pair with those bold flavors.

Hill City Pub

Hill City Pub features an extensive beer list of local, imported, and domestic brews. Menu categories nod to the region, with Blue Ridge starters, Hollins Mill sides, and Riverside rolls (a selection of burgers). Expect comforting pub fare.