Fishweir Brewing Company Profile

On a breezy spring Wednesday evening, the backyard at Fishweir Brewing Company in the Murray Hill neighborhood buzzes with energy. Local vendors line the gravel parking lot and the taproom for the weekly Murray Hill Farmer’s Market, offering everything from fresh produce and sourdough bread to handmade housewares and small-batch spices. Kids dart between tables playing games, while parents sip hazy IPAs or kombucha, chatting with neighbors and soaking in the golden-hour sun. It doesn’t feel like just another night at a brewery; it feels like home.

Fishweir Brewing Company, nestled in one of Jacksonville’s most beloved historic neighborhoods, has become more than just a place to grab a pint since it first opened its doors in 2018. It’s a community hub, where regulars know the bartenders by name and new faces are welcomed with a smile and a beer recommendation. The secret to its charm? A clear vision from its founders, Broc and Stacey Flores, and a team that values connection over clout.

“It’s definitely a family brewery, and I don’t just mean family-owned,” says Bethany LaRoche, Fishweir Brewing’s taproom manager. “It’s a neighborhood brewery. People walk here with their kids. Parents meet up with friends; their kids play in the backyard, and then everyone walks home together. Dog owners are able to enjoy a beer on our covered front porch. I think it’s that intentional family-friendly vibe that really sets us apart from the other awesome Jacksonville breweries.”

That sense of neighborhood ease permeates everything Fishweir Brewing does. It’s common to see toddlers clutching Honest Kids juice boxes or patrons decompressing after taking a Sunday yoga class—free pint included. With book clubs, Puzzled Pint, a Jacksonville puzzle club, The Language Party, a celebration of languages and cultures, and even a regular run club, there’s an event for nearly every type of community member. And for those patrons who prefer to drink something nonalcoholic, Fishweir offers a variety of booze-free options, including house-made hop water, house-made sparkling water, locally brewed Black Cat kombucha on tap, and Paco’s Cold Brew on nitro, reflecting the brewery’s inclusive approach to hospitality.

“The clientele here tends to be really laid-back,” Bethany shares. “And we love that. We want people to feel like they can come hang out here, whether they want to have a beer or not. It’s a place where everyone fits in.”

The beer menu balances consistency with creativity. Flagship pours like King of the Hill, a juicy fruit-forward hazy IPA, and Lazy River, a crisp, refreshing pilsner, and Bait and Switch, a coffee blond, keep the regulars happy. But there’s also room for fun. Seasonal and rotating taps include styles like Key Lime Telegraph, a margarita sour, and Bethany’s current fave. Bethany also says that Fishweir has some great darker beer options, such as Camp Fire, a smoked porter. Patrons can also look forward to No Probllama, a Mexican-style lager that will launch at the beginning of May in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Collaborations, like the recent hazy IPA treated with terpenes brewed with the Jacksonville Brewing Alliance, keep the brewery plugged into the broader Jacksonville craft beer scene.

Still, beer is only part of the story.

Each Wednesday, the Murray Hill Farmer’s Market transforms Fishweir’s space into a vibrant celebration of local businesses. “It goes from the taproom through the backyard and into the back gravel lot,” Bethany explains. “You might see the Smash Burger guy, Wanda, the sourdough girl, or other produce and spice vendors. Clover Farm is here selling 100% grass-fed beef. Harmony Mushrooms sells the best mushrooms ever! It’s amazing. These people are so proud of their neighborhood.”

Fishweir Brewing’s commitment to local is also evident in its partnerships and sustainable practices. The beautiful tap handles that spell out Fishweir were crafted by a local welder.  An oak tree that had fallen in Fishweir Park during Hurricane Irma was milled to build the restroom’s vanity tops. Whether hosting fundraisers or promoting other local businesses, the brewery consistently acts on its belief that strong communities grow from collaboration. “We believe small businesses should support small businesses,” says Bethany.

That commitment to community is also what makes working at Fishweir Brewing Company a joy, Bethany says. “Since I’ve started working here, I haven’t dreaded coming in a single day. It’s just a great place to be. From the staff to the patrons, there’s a laid-back vibe that makes everything truly enjoyable.”

When asked to describe Fishweir Brewing if it were a person, Bethany doesn’t hesitate: “It’s your fun uncle. He puts on his business casual when he needs to, but when it’s time to relax, he loosens his tie and hangs out in the backyard.”

That backyard is more than just a feature—it’s a whole vibe. It’s what makes Fishweir Brewing not just a stop on the Jax Ale Trail (although it is! Pick up your Jax Ale Trail passport at any of the twenty-plus participating local breweries or download the Visit Jax app for a digital version.), but also a staple in the lives of Murray Hill families. It’s a place where beer lovers, juice-box sippers, and kombucha fans can all find a seat at the table.