OKC breweries are taking the city by storm! The craft beer scene in Oklahoma City has grown faster into a hub for enthusiasts. Beer lovers will find a vibrant brewery scene with options that match different priorities.
Bricktown Brewery stands out with a unique distinction – they received the very first license to make and sell craft beer in Oklahoma since prohibition! Local breweries in OKC have many more special qualities. The Big Friendly has won the American Beer Festival Brewery of the Year award twice. Prairie brings its trendy hipster vibe and sassy beer names. Each brewery offers something unique for every taste.
These amazing OKC breweries serve up more than great drinks. Your four-legged friends can join you at many locations! Angry Scotsman Brewing serves local favorites like “Gateway to Helles”. Anthem provides that classic working brewery experience. The biggest challenge might be picking where to start your beer tasting trip.
The city sees fantastic new breweries opening regularly. We’ve created a list of 17 best spots that Oklahoma City locals can’t stop talking about. Are you ready to find your new favorite brew?
Skydance Brewing Co.
Native American heritage flows through every pint at Skydance Brewing Co., Oklahoma City’s first fully Native American-owned brewery. Nestled in the lively Automobile Alley at 1 NE 7th Street, Skydance has quickly carved out a unique spot in OKC’s vibrant craft beer scene. More than just a brewery, it’s a cultural statement, blending tradition with modern entrepreneurship under one roof.
At the helm is Jacob Keyes, a registered member of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, whose vision brought Skydance Brewing to life in 2018. Since then, the brewery has grown steadily, gaining popularity across the state for its quality brews and meaningful mission. Skydance is not just about making great beer – it’s about sharing Native American stories and identities that often go untold in mainstream media. “We are using craft beer to tell our story,” Keyes explains, “to show the world that we are a people of today – not just the images they see in history books.”
This deep cultural purpose is evident throughout the brewery. From the eagle feather that adorns their logo to the thoughtfully chosen beer names, Skydance intertwines heritage and craftsmanship. The brewery’s 20 taps offer an impressive range of beverages: 19 are house-brewed beers, while one tap features OK Cider, a local gluten-free option. Beer lovers will find this diversity a must-try experience when exploring Oklahoma City’s craft beverage offerings.
Skydance’s signature beers each tell a unique story. Their cans are printed with narratives that educate drinkers about Native American culture, connecting the flavor in the glass to the history behind it. The flagship brew, Fancy Dance, pays homage to the most popular Native American dance style at powwows. This New England Style IPA, with an ABV of 6.8%, bursts with juicy, hazy notes and bold dry-hopping. Key hops like Citra, Krush, and HBC 638 lend it vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavors, making it both a tribute and a standout craft beer.
Other standout brews include:
- Wolf Girl: A session IPA named after the Native American superhero who embodies strength and empowerment.
- Repatriation: A robust porter honoring the reclaiming of cultural identity and ancestral roots.
- Red Corn: A nod to one of the oldest Native American crops, this amber ale balances malt sweetness with earthy undertones.
Each beer captures a different facet of indigenous life, blending stories with recipes that respect both tradition and innovation.
Skydance Brewing’s commitment extends beyond the brewery walls. They actively support Native artists, host cultural events, and promote community engagement. Their presence in Automobile Alley contributes to Oklahoma City’s economic diversity while celebrating Native heritage in a visible, modern way.
In a city where craft beer continues to grow, Skydance stands apart. It’s more than a place to grab a drink – it’s a space where heritage is alive, evolving, and proudly shared. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a visit to Skydance Brewing Co. offers a taste of Oklahoma’s indigenous spirit, poured fresh from the tap.
Prairie Artisan Ales
Prairie Artisan Ales has built its reputation on turning craft brewing into an art form, where every beer becomes a canvas for creative expression. Founded in 2012 by brothers Chase and Colin Healey in Oklahoma, the brewery began as a local passion project but has since evolved into a globally recognized name in the craft beer community. In just over a decade, Prairie has captured the imagination of beer lovers worldwide by blending bold flavors with equally bold visual artistry.
Brewery Highlights
From its earliest days, Prairie Artisan Ales has pushed the limits of traditional brewing. Known for daring experiments in fermentation, the brewery is unafraid to challenge flavor boundaries and play with unconventional ingredients. This fearless approach has earned them a place among RateBeer’s “Top 100 Breweries in the World,” a distinction that underscores both quality and creativity.
Prairie operates from two primary locations. “The Big House,” their production facility in McAlester, Oklahoma, handles large-scale brewing and distribution. In 2017, they expanded into Oklahoma City with a dedicated taproom and 3.5-barrel brewhouse. This smaller setup allows the team to experiment constantly, developing and refining recipes before bringing them to wider production.
One of Prairie’s most defining features is its strong artistic identity. Each beer is wrapped in vibrant, eye-catching artwork designed by co-founder Colin Healey. These distinctive labels are more than packaging – they serve as an extension of the beer’s personality and help set Prairie apart in a crowded market.
The OKC taproom has become a hub for their most adventurous creations. Producing two to four new beers each week, the team thrives on playful innovation. They often explore flavor concepts that sound outrageous on paper but somehow work in the glass. Whether it’s testing the tangy punch of Gatorade in a sour ale or recreating the taste of a sandwich in liquid form, Prairie embraces experimentation with enthusiasm.
Beyond novelty, this creative process encourages conversation and community among their patrons. Visitors can experience flavors they’ve never imagined while seeing firsthand how an idea moves from concept to pint. Prairie’s blend of artistry, risk-taking, and craftsmanship has made it a standout not just in Oklahoma, but across the international beer scene.
Signature Beers at Prairie Artisan Ales
Bomb! put Prairie on the map. This cult-favorite imperial stout rules the craft beer world. The 13% ABV imperial stout ages with espresso coffee, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, and lightly toasted chili peppers. You’ll taste sweet coffee and vanilla first, then dark chocolate and caramel, ending with a gentle chili warmth.
Prairie’s other notable beers include:
- Prairie Ale: Their first brew, a Belgian-style farmhouse saison at 8-9% ABV
- Funky Gold Series: Bright farmhouse ales with different hop varieties and sharp citrus flavors
- Dave’s Pils: A clean German pilsner that honors tradition
- Slush: A year-round kettle-soured beer at 6.1% ABV
- Okie: An imperial brown ale at 12% ABV and 60 IBUs
- Tiny Esses: A playful sour ale made with Skittles
Their willingness to try new things leads to creative brews like Rainbow Sherbet Sour Ale (5.2% ABV) and stouts “that would make Baskin-Robbins jealous”. Beer lovers travel far just to taste Prairie’s creations.
Atmosphere and Ambiance at Prairie Artisan Ales
Prairie’s OKC taproom lives in the 8th Street Market near downtown. This open-air building houses the brewery along with a restaurant, yoga studio, coffee shop, and other businesses. Bright windows and modern design create a welcoming vibe.
The space features an “L” shaped concrete-topped bar with a squared foot rail and high-topped colorful wood chairs. Black barback walls show off framed boxings with logo tulip glassware, while toy dinosaurs add fun touches up top. Industrial elements mix with playful design – concrete floors, pitched skylights, and I-beam supports create the perfect balance.
You’ll find plenty of seating options. The main floor has thirteen tables, with short squares angled in rows and high-tops along the sides. An upstairs mezzanine serves as an event space with extra seating and a great view of the brewery.
Dog lovers can bring their pets inside, making it a true pet-friendly spot. You can bring your own food since they don’t serve any. Free WiFi lets locals work remotely (though they joke, “we promise we won’t tell your boss that you’re pounding imperial stouts while filling out expense reports”).
[Continued in next sections with same natural style…]
[Note: I can continue with the remaining sections if needed, maintaining the same natural, conversational tone while preserving all factual information and formatting.]
Vanessa House Beer Company
A group of five beer-loving friends turned a casual weekend hobby into one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved breweries. Vanessa House Beer Company began as a series of relaxed homebrewing sessions where college buddies could reconnect after graduation. What started as a way to hang out, share laughs, and experiment with brewing recipes soon evolved into a full-time venture that captured the hearts of craft beer fans across OKC.
The name “Vanessa House” has its own bit of charm. You might assume a woman named Vanessa ran the operation, but the truth is more personal. The founders lived and spent much of their free time on Vanessa Drive in Norman, Oklahoma. It was on that street where they bonded over their first sips of craft beer and built the friendship that would later fuel the brewery’s spirit. That deep connection to their roots shaped both the company’s name and its welcoming personality.
When it came time to open a public space, they chose the vibrant Automobile Alley district. Known for its energy and character, the area gave Vanessa House the perfect backdrop to stand out. The taproom became an instant hit – not just for its beer but for its personality. Stepping inside felt like traveling back to the late ’80s and ’90s. Neon colors splashed across the walls, old-school records lined shelves, and video game consoles sat ready for a friendly round of Mario Kart. Comic books and action figures added to the nostalgic vibe, leading one guest to describe the place as looking “just like Nickelodeon.”
The founders didn’t just want a taproom; they wanted a community hub. Seating options ranged from cozy lounge corners to long tables for larger groups, making it easy for anyone – from solo visitors to birthday parties – to feel at home. Dogs were welcome too, giving the space a laid-back, neighborhood feel. Their commitment to giving back was just as important as brewing great beer. The team regularly hosted fundraisers for local schools, nonprofits, and causes close to their customers’ hearts. As one loyal patron summed it up, “I love this place! The guys who run it have a heart for helping the community.”
Of course, no brewery story is complete without a signature beer. For Vanessa House, that’s the 401(k) Cream Ale. At 5.1% ABV and 21 IBU, it’s a smooth, approachable brew that appeals to a wide range of palates. Its name comes from a bold move – the founders actually invested their personal retirement savings to create it. What could have been a risky gamble turned into one of their smartest decisions. The beer became a customer favorite and a symbol of the dedication and risk-taking spirit that built the company.
From humble beginnings on a quiet street to becoming a cornerstone of OKC’s craft beer scene, Vanessa House Beer Company embodies friendship, creativity, and community spirit. Every pint poured carries a little of that original magic from Vanessa Drive – along with a reminder that sometimes, the best ideas start over a beer with friends.
This cream ale became their biggest hit and helped put them on the map among OKC breweries.
Vanessa House’s beer lineup had something for everyone:
| Beer Name | Style | ABV | IBU |
| 401k | Cream Ale | 5.1% | 21 |
| 11:09 | Berliner Weisse | 4.5% | 5 |
| Garage Fire | American Pale Ale | 5.1% | 57 |
| Broken Tile | Double IPA | 8.4% | – |
| Through Being Cool | German Pils | 5.3% | – |
| 5th Keg | American Brown Ale | 8.0% | – |
Beer lovers could find everything from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers and experimental sours. New visitors loved that they could get half pours of any beer, making it easy to try everything on tap.
The brewery made history in 2021 as Oklahoma’s first solar-powered brewery. They worked with a local company to install a 60.8 kW, 135-panel solar array on their roof. The setup cut carbon emissions by nearly 53,000 pounds in just six months – like planting 395 full-grown trees.
Their green practices went beyond solar power. Local farmers got their spent grain – the leftover stuff from brewing. Earth Day became a yearly celebration, with 2022 featuring “Always Sunny In Rad City,” a beer they literally made using solar power.
People kept coming back for more than just beer. Monday nights meant streaming video game leagues, while Tuesdays brought trivia nights. The laid-back vibe worked for quick drinks or long evenings out. One customer said it perfectly: “Great spot to have a couple drinks or spend your evening”.
The brewery’s community spirit really resonated with OKC locals. “The guys who run it have a heart for helping the community through fundraisers for local schools and other nonprofits,” one regular mentioned. This local focus earned them a loyal following who appreciated businesses that gave back.
Sadly, Vanessa House Beer Company shut down in 2023. They faced tough challenges – pandemic problems, broken equipment, and infrastructure issues including a road closure that led to a lawsuit in 2022. They tried to stay open, posting on social media in December 2023: “We are not ready to leave yet, and in these trying times we need your help to keep our doors open”. They kept brewing for nine more months before finally closing.
Vanessa House might be gone, but it left its mark on OKC’s brewing scene. The brewery showed what makes local beer special – community spirit, creative brewing, and spaces where people connect over great craft drinks. New OKC breweries still draw inspiration from their legacy.
Comparison Table
| Attribute | Skydance Brewing Co. | Prairie Artisan Ales | Vanessa House Beer Company |
| Location | 1 NE 7th Street, Automobile Alley | 3 NE 8th Street, Automobile Alley | Automobile Alley District |
| Number of Taps | 20 (19 house beers + 1 cider) | 16 house-brewed beers | Not mentioned |
| Signature Beers | – Fancy Dance (6.8% ABV)- Rez Dog (4.9% ABV)- NDN Time (5.9% ABV)- Forty Nine (5.4% ABV) | – Bomb! (13% ABV)- Prairie Ale (8-9% ABV)- Dave’s Pils- Slush (6.1% ABV) | – 401(k) Cream Ale (5.1% ABV)- Garage Fire (5.1% ABV)- Broken Tile (8.4% ABV) |
| Special Features | – Oklahoma’s first Native American-owned brewery- Welcomes dogs inside and on patio- Shares cultural stories through beer | – Known worldwide- Features artistic beer labels- Releases 2-4 new beers weekly- Welcomes dogs | – Celebrates 80s/90s nostalgia- Oklahoma’s first solar-powered brewery- Welcomes dogs |
| Regular Events | – Sunday Trivia (4-6 PM)- Live music shows- Food gatherings | – Sunday Trivia (4:30 PM)- Wednesday themed trivia- New Beer Fridays | – Tuesday Trivia- Monday gaming league |
| Operating Status | Active | Active | Closed in 2023 |
Savour The Best OKC Breweries With Metropolitan Shuttle
Oklahoma City’s brewery scene is booming, with local favorites like Stonecloud, Anthem, and COOP Ale Works pouring everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. With Metropolitan Shuttle, your group can discover the best of OKC’s craft beer without worrying about parking, traffic, or who’s driving—just sit back, relax, and enjoy your Oklahoma City charter bus between every flavorful stop.
Key Takeaways
Oklahoma City’s craft beer scene offers diverse experiences that blend cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and community spirit across its top breweries.
• Skydance Brewing Co. stands as Oklahoma’s first Native American-owned brewery, using craft beer to tell indigenous stories while offering 20 taps and a welcoming dog-friendly atmosphere.
• Prairie Artisan Ales has achieved international recognition as one of RateBeer’s “Top 100 Breweries in the World,” creating 2-4 experimental beers weekly with distinctive artistic labels.
• OKC breweries prioritize community engagement through regular trivia nights, live music, fundraising events, and dog-friendly policies that create inclusive gathering spaces.
• The Automobile Alley district serves as the craft beer hub, with multiple top-rated breweries within walking distance, making it ideal for brewery hopping adventures.
• Innovation drives the local scene, from Vanessa House’s pioneering solar-powered operations to Prairie’s experimental flavors and Skydance’s cultural storytelling approach.
The best OKC breweries offer more than just exceptional beer – they create authentic community experiences where locals gather to celebrate craft, culture, and connection. Whether you’re drawn to heritage-inspired brews, artistic experimentation, or nostalgic atmospheres, Oklahoma City’s brewery scene delivers memorable experiences that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Oklahoma City’s brewery scene unique?
Oklahoma City’s brewery scene stands out for its diverse offerings, from Native American-owned breweries telling cultural stories through beer to internationally recognized breweries pushing flavor boundaries. Many OKC breweries also focus on community engagement and sustainability practices.
Q2. Which area in Oklahoma City is best for brewery hopping?
The Automobile Alley district is the craft beer hub of Oklahoma City. Several top-rated breweries, including Skydance Brewing Co. and Prairie Artisan Ales, are located within walking distance of each other in this area, making it ideal for brewery tours.
Q3. Are OKC breweries pet-friendly?
Many Oklahoma City breweries are pet-friendly. For example, Skydance Brewing Co. and Prairie Artisan Ales both welcome dogs in their taprooms and outdoor areas, allowing beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brews with their four-legged companions.
Q4. What types of events do OKC breweries typically host?
OKC breweries often host a variety of events to engage the community. Common events include weekly trivia nights, live music performances, themed beer releases, and fundraisers for local causes. Some breweries also feature unique offerings like video game leagues or cultural celebrations.
Q5. How often do OKC breweries introduce new beers?
The frequency of new beer introductions varies by brewery, but many are quite active in this regard. For instance, Prairie Artisan Ales creates 2-4 new beers every week at their OKC taproom, while others like Skydance Brewing Co. regularly release seasonal and special edition brews.
