Route 50 Brewery Tour
The Route 50 Brewery Tour was first published in June 2023, on Deep Beer Journal. Since then, several changes have occurred in the beer scene along this scenic trip from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Ocean City, Maryland. Here is the revised brewery scene from the Bay Bridge to Ocean City for August 2026.
The original concept for this lengthy brewery tour came up while I was working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. I noticed a number of learning and teaching opportunities about my trade while driving from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge east to the Atlantic Ocean. The idea of a Route 50 Forestry Tour, one taken from your car as you traveled the busy corridor to the beaches, I thought, was interesting. Alas, it was a good idea, but never went further than that.
Then the idea reemerged, this time as a brewery tour. As I pondered the idea more, my excitement grew as I realized there is a wealth of notable beery diversions not far off US Route 50. If you'd rather sit in a taproom than traffic, then one (or more) of these drive-ersions may be exactly what you need. Let’s go on a little journey, shall we?
For this “Tour” we will begin on Kent Island at the eastern shore side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with the final destination of Ocean City, MD. Of course, we can reverse the tour for the trip back from the beach. And, as with big city tour buses, you can hop on and off at your leisure.
Bay to Cambridge
(42 miles)
Cult Classic Brewing
At just 2.9 miles after crossing the bridge, looking to your left, you can see Cult Classic Brewing. The building once housed an Acme grocery store and became a brewery in 2019. Music, food, movies, games, and beer. The brewery takes its name from the cult classic movie genre. It may be easier to catch this brewery on your way back since it’s an easy exit. A restaurant is on the premises serving pizza, wings, and more.
Cult Classic Brewing
1169 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD
cultclassicbrewing.com
Big Truck Brewing
This is the Big Truck Queenstown Brewhouse and Farm. Big Truck Brewing originated in Parkton MD, in northern Baltimore County. At the time of this writing (August 2026), this facility doesn't have a taproom, but you are able to take out crowlers. Hours are subject to change, currently open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12-8pm.
Big Truck Queenstown Brewhouse and Farm
148 Cooper Farm Lane, Queenstown MD 21658
btfbeer.com/queenstown-production-facility
Bull & Goat Brewing
Bull & Goat Brewing is is nestled a tiny corner of Centreville, Maryland. Owned and operated by Jake (Bull) and Jeff (Goat). It also houses the Old Court Distilling, so look for some nice spirits as well. A short 8 mile drive from the Rt. 50 / US 301 split. You can hit Ten Eyck Brewing on your way back to Rt. 50.
Bull and Goat Brewery and Old Courthouse Distilling
204 Banjo Lane - Suite E, Centreville MD
bullandgoatbrewery.com
Ten Eyck Brewing
Ten Eyck is an easy one-minute diversion from Rt 50 at the intersection of Rt 213. Locally owned and operated by women veterans and first responders. Food trucks on the weekend — check for their schedule. Try their great selection of oak foedre-aged beers on tap.
Ten Eyck Brewing
205 Grange Hall Rd Queenstown, MD
teneyckbrewing.com
4 Dogs Brewing Co. & Pub
4 Dogs Brewing Co. & Pub is a brewpub and restaurant in Easton, founded by four friends. They brew a rotating selection of beers on site and pair them with a full menu of pub-style food in an inviting, dog-friendly atmosphere, often featuring live music, trivia, and other events.
4 Dogs Brewing
10 East Ave. Easton, MD 21601
4dogsbrew.com
Cambridge to Salisbury
(32 miles)
RAR Brewing
RAR, now more commonly known as RAR, started as Real Ale Revival. Chessie Burger restaurant is described as a “nostalgic 80’s baby taproom & kitchen”. Also, check out “The LabRaRtory” next door for “off-the-wall flavors of our beers in cocktail form”.
RAR Brewing
504 Poplar St
Cambridge MD 21613
rarbrewing.com /
Burnish Beer Co
Burnish Beer Co. is a short drive (less than one mile) off the Salisbury bypass. Full food menu. pizza, pretzel, salads and more. They are known for their IPAs and fruited sours.
Burnish Beer
2305 Northwood Dr., Suite E, Salisbury, MD
burnishbeerco.com
Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public House
Evolution (Evo to friends) is a full food sit down restaurant and a notable craft brewery. Known for pairing their food menu with food-friendly beer. Brewery tours available on the weekends.
Evolution Brewing
201 E Vine St, Salisbury, MD
evolutioncraftbrewing.com
Salisbury to Ocean
(32 miles)
Burley Oak Brewing
Burley Oak offers some iconic IPAs and sour beers. Food trucks on site - check their website for schedules. Check out their annual Sour Fest and other festivals. They also have an outdoor music venue.
Burley Oak Brewing
10016 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, MD
burleyoak.com
Berlin Beer Company
Berlin Beer Company is a craft brewery located in the historic downtown of Berlin, Maryland, housed in a restored 1930s freight train station. Opened in 2024, the brewery offers a distinctive mix of modern brewing and local heritage. The on-site Street Kitchen provides elevated pub fare.
Berlin Beer Company
115 Broad St, Berlin, MD 21811
berlinbeerco.com
Sinepuxent Brewing
Sinepuxent is a farm brewery with plenty of outdoor sitting and fire pits to keep you warm during cooler seasons. A great place to hang out for a break from the beach.
Sinepuxent Brewing
8816 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin MD
sinbrewing.com
Fin City Brewing
Fin City Brewing Company, founded in 2011, is Ocean City’s oldest brewery and proudly Maryland-made. Inspired by the area’s rich fishing heritage, it crafts beers that celebrate coastal life and local traditions. The new taproom offers a casual, nautical-themed space with food service from nearby restaurants, creating a relaxed environment for locals and visitors alike.
Fin City Brewing
12911 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842
fincitybrewing.com
Other Worthy Driversions
You have to stop somewhere! How far off the main route can you take a Rt 50 Brewery Tour? That depends on how far do you want to go? So here are a few other stops worth considering along the way.
Eastern Shore Brewing
If you are looking for a leisurely stop with time to walk, shop, eat and drink, St. Michaels MD is a beautiful small town poised along the St. Michaels River. The town is worth the diversion on its own. Among its destination worthy stops is Eastern Shore Brewing. This small brewery has graced the Maryland beer scene since 2006. From the same parking place you can also visit Lyons Rum and Windon Distilling (which also produces Gray Wolf Spirits, and St. Michaels Winery tasting room. The town also has many shops and fine-dining options.
Patriots Acres Farm Brewery
A great stop for those with kids, Patriots Acres Farm Brewing is nestled in Sudlersville MD. It is a farm with a brewery. It is a bit out of your way if traveling along 50, about 27 miles away, taking US 301 North. It could be a great stop for folks with kids, since it hosts some farm animals. Occasional food trucks are on site.
