Commonwealth Brewing Co

The location is great and easy to get to, with ample parking available. It’s also extremely dog-friendly, which is what initially drew us in. It was nice to see other dogs around. The building and setting is clean, seating was readily available, and the whole place has a great feel, at least from the decor. Unfortunately, the staff weren’t very friendly or helpful. As first-time customers, we weren’t sure how the ordering and food/beverage system worked, and when we asked for clarification, the staff seemed annoyed or offended. We stopped asking questions and ended up taking our food to go, tipping 20% in advance for someone to bring our food out and nothing else. The food itself was decent. The hot chicken sandwich tasted a bit burnt, but the pizza was tasty. However, the prices felt a bit high for the quality. Based on our experience, we’re not likely to return, but others seemed to be enjoying themselves—maybe it's an acquired taste.

First time coming to the brewery. I don’t drink but I did take a sip of my friend’s beer and it was actually so good. That’s why I don’t drink… anyway we got the Diavolo and the Bianca and fries. Wowww such good pizza. Well made. The fries were seasoned so good too. The pizza with the hot honey was awesome. I really enjoyed everything. The vibe in there is really cool and they are chill so there are so many dogs. Lots of seating outside if you aren’t too cold. It is a little too loud in there and they had live music which made it so much louder but still cool. The drink line seemed to be really long and if you aren’t with someone who has been there before you probably wouldn’t know that the QR code on the table is for ordering food. That could be hard to know. And no one seats you or anything it’s just first come first serve with seating and they are just very big picnic tables. Nothing really bad to say but just confusing if you have never been before Also parking is kind of tight.

Commonwealth Brewery in Virginia Beach nails the blend of craft, community, and cool vibes. Tucked away in a sleek, industrial-chic space with soaring ceilings and eclectic decor, it’s the type of place you immediately feel part of—whether you’re a local or just passing through. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance, bustling without ever feeling chaotic. The beer lineup here? Pure artistry. Commonwealth Brewery serves up a stellar range of craft brews, from smooth IPAs to rich stouts, along with some truly creative seasonal and specialty releases. Don’t miss out on their barrel-aged offerings or limited-edition pours—they push the envelope in all the right ways. If you’re coming in during peak hours, though, just know there’s a bit of a wait for food; it can stretch up to an hour when the place is packed. But it’s hardly a drawback—grab a pint, take in the vibe, and let the anticipation build. Their food menu pairs perfectly with the beer, featuring everything from hearty mains to shareable bites that complement the brews. Commonwealth Brewery combines everything you want in a craft brewery: atmosphere, flavor, and originality. Come ready to relax and enjoy, because you’ll want to stay awhile.

We came here for a wardroom outing and we all had a good time. Wasn’t too crowded but definitely lovely. Had the clausmopolitan, the Pilsner and the apple mixed drink and they were all really good. Definitely a lot of IPAs but the mixed drinks in addition to the beers was definitely nice.

Commonwealth Brewing Company and Wapatoolie **Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)** During my recent visit to Commonwealth Brewing Company, I had a fantastic time with family, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional beer selection. **Beer Highlight: Wapatoolie** A standout choice for me was **Wapatoolie**, a tropical American IPA that perfectly embodies the essence of summer in a glass. The beer presents a delightful blend of vibrant flavors, with juicy notes of pineapple and ripe mango that create a refreshing experience. The hop profile is well-balanced, providing a pleasant bitterness that enhances the fruit-forward taste without overshadowing it. The aroma of Wapatoolie is enticing, featuring strong tropical fruit scents that set the stage for an enjoyable sip. Its golden-amber hue and slight haze, topped with a creamy white head, only add to its appeal. With a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp finish, this beer leaves a lingering tropical aftertaste that's hard to resist. **Atmosphere and Experience** Commonwealth Brewing Company offers a welcoming and lively environment, making it a great destination for family outings. The brewery's ambiance combines a rustic charm with modern touches, creating a comfortable space for patrons to relax and enjoy their drinks. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive experience. In addition to Wapatoolie, the brewery features an impressive selection of other craft beers, catering to a variety of tastes that everyone in my family was able to enjoy. **Overall Impression** My visit to Commonwealth Brewing Company was delightful, highlighted by the exceptional Wapatoolie and the warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this brewery is definitely worth a visit for its excellent beer and welcoming environment. I look forward to returning for more good times with family and friends!

Order with Mike to get the best beer tasting experience! He was super knowledgeable about the beer and helped my family and I find the perfect beer for each of us. Super pleased with the service:) Will be coming back and recommending this place to friends!

Fantastic atmosphere and really good drinks. It is really cool to be able to see through the back glass into where they make the beers. I don't think they're super well known for their food though, got very burnt food yesterday and apparently that's the way it is so take that how you may. Everything else was awesome though!

Best beer in VB/Norfolk. Great atmosphere, food, mixed drinks, and coffee. Very dog and kid friendly. I love this place, truly a local staple, whether enjoying an evening with friends or a quiet morning coffee with your spouse and pup. My go-to place.

Commonwealth Brewery has earned its place as a local favorite, and it's easy to see why! This spot offers a perfect blend of great beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. The pizza? Absolute perfection. Whether you're a fan of classic margherita or prefer something with a little more flair, like the Bianca, they've got a pie for everyone. The crust is just the right balance of crispy and chewy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. Pair it with one of their expertly crafted beers, and you've got the ultimate comfort food experience. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and the laid-back vibe makes it the ideal place to unwind with friends or enjoy a low-key evening. It's no wonder Commonwealth Brewery is a neighborhood staple. If you haven't been yet, make it a point to stop by. Your taste buds will thank you!

I'd say there was poor service, but realistically, there's no service. I'd recommend hiring some staff who can make eye contact, maybe even smile and try to treat people as guests. No bad experience, just an overall lack of any customer experience.

Since opening its big garage doors over 8 years ago in the old Chesapeake fire house off Pleasure House Drive Commonwealth had evolved. They now offer more brews in their tap room and have expanded to Richmond, Va. Their second generation brewmaster has been phenomenal! I have not been a regular at Commonwealth for sometime now with pandemic woes and business travel, but have returned this Spring. All aspects of the business are firing red hot after their expansion. The pandemic years seemed to never have slowed them down. Commonwealth now offers food from their own kitchen which was a struggle with the city to get it done. So food truck days are gone which is a bit sad, but it's progress as the neighborhood constantly complained of their presence where it parked. It'ssimple menu they can do well featuring signature wood fired pizza, but also burgers, wings and a few healthy options like salads. Everything is done by using a QR code and ordering off an app They even now offer a menu of their own coffee brand Common Coffee. Most recent was a great burger, fries and Wealth brew. A few years ago they expanded their footprint and added a huge park like area to the side with picnic tables. Its actually larger than what they need on a daily, but can be used for special events outdoors. They still offer a special events room indoors. For me what's changed the most is the atmosphere, yeah, yeah we now call this vibe in cool places. It's a beer destination with local vendors that offer items outside under tents, live music and a beefed up merchandise selection. From the beginning I felt Jermey, the savvy owner was tapping into areas where he could grow. It started with quick local distribution and has evolved into much more of a branding of the business. Locals have supported his tweaking of a vision that now seems to be hitting its stride. A strong 5 stars and will return this Summer for bites, music and friendships with epic brews in hand. Keep up the great work Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Brewing opens pretty early and is family friendly. During the day, people like to hang out here for brunch and lunch and get some beer. During the night, people play games and hang out and drink. When it's nice weather, it is very nice to sit outside the brewery. It is also a very good place to hold a decently large event. They have a separate room in the back or you can have it outside. The food is okay here. I think the food was decently salty during brunch. I didn't take a picture here, but the dinner menu is way better for drunk food. I recommend the wings and the pretzel. They have a good amount of parking spots in the gravel lot, so parking is not hard to find.

Met up with some friends for some drinks, plenty of seating. Staff was nice, mostly self serve, so you only really interact with the staff when you're ordering a drink. The food was stellar, I'd come back just for that alone! Combined that with some brewskis and some friends and you have a great day!

This was not our first trip to Commonwealth but we liked it before clearly so when we were passing through on the way to Cape Charles it was definitely on our list for dinner and a drink! Amazing pizza and the beers were so tasty we grabbed a variety to take with us!

Commonwealth is my favorite brewhouse in town. They do a phenomenal job with all of their IPAs and DIPAs, and I would definitely ask for a couple tasters or ask for their recommendation in order to see what your best bet is. Also, they do flights! It's tough to keep your selections limited but I would definitely try to get a nice variety of itesm. Also as a sidenote - there is a new branch in Fairfax. If you're in NOVA, highly recommend it!

I've been to Commonwealth Brewing several times for birthday parties, and it's always a great experience. Despite its smaller size, the place handles large gatherings well. Service is consistently quick and friendly. The food, particularly the pizzas, is flavorful and generously portioned--just what you'd expect from a brewery. The drink options are extensive, catering to all tastes. Whether we had a reserved room or not, the staff was always accommodating. With ample seating inside and outside, plus a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and families, it's a fantastic spot for any occasion. Whether you're coming alone, with friends, or hosting a party, you're sure to have a great time.

4.5 stars. Our pizzas were tasty. I like the vibe. I didn't even mind that the only way to order food is via a QR code. The people were nice and service was good. Half a star removed because you can only order food the way it is in the app. My husband ate the olives even tho he doesn't like olives. He would've liked more meat on his pizza. . My husband enjoyed his beers. My iced chai was okay.

Great outdoor environment. Bees are very unique and creative always changing and experimenting with new flavors. Food is wonderful loved the pizza flavors.

Beer is excellent, food is great. Service is good. A lot of beers to choose from. They have a coffee bar open from 8am-2pm. I do wish it was open longer.

New to the area & finding all the breweries. We've had commonwealth in cans before and so it was exciting to be able to try some of their brews on tap. The location is convenient and easy to locate- a decent amount of parking but it was a bit hard to find a spot on a weekend & an event day. The venue itself is plenty large and hosts lots of seating options both indoors & outdoors. I love that there's food & coffee offered here. It's seriously the one stop shop for everything delicious. If you're an IPA fan or a sour fan- this seems to be the brewery for you. Almost an entire board dedicated to just IPA beers and then almost an entire other dedicated to just sours & others. There's also beer slushies on tap- how cool! The service was quick even though the line wrapped around the inside, and the beertenders were friendly. We cannot wait to come back here again and again now that we're locals!

Food : Amazing . Like always . Service: All the Staff are friendly. Beer Options are the best . This spot never disappoints!

Always a pleasure! Often have great live music and events. Food and drinks are always so good. Highly recommend.

Commonwealth is a shore drive staple. They always have great sour beers and the menu is always changing. The space is pretty neat, with long wooden tables, and a large outdoor yard with additional tables. However if it's not warm outside and the outdoor area is closed, it gets packed tight inside during busy hours. They usually have a food truck parked outside as well, which is a nice touch. And dogs are allowed!

Came here for their artisan event. Too bad weather was rainy and grey but it didn't dampen the crafty vendor stalls that were set up outside. There was a stall for dog leashes, etc, dog portraits, totes, macrame plant hangers, recycled material coasters and magnets. Inside the brewery, it was overflowing with customers who hung out with friends, family (including dogs). Whole list of draft beers including halo halo flavor (ube, mango, bananas and coconuts. And there was live entertainment! Kurt Browning is such a talented guitarist/singer! The wait staff was friendly and efficient. Even ordering was systematic - your table is automatically identified, you just put your name and order, then it is served to you! I met up with a friend and her family. Had a blast. We ordered a giant pretzel, diavolo pizza and burger with fries. Everything was delicious!

We're up from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, thought we'd give this place a try. Went there strictly for beer, they did not disappoint. They've got some really great beers. The service was fast and the ambiance is what's expected for a brewery, it wasn't loud, it was nice. We purchased some beer to take back to our Commonwealth to enjoy after we get back home. Thanks guys!

New favorite brewery in the area. LOVE the atmosphere here. Tons of seating, both inside and outside, although the place itself is very open, so even indoor seating feels outdoors. Pet-friendly which we loved, because CUTE. Both beers that we got were perfect and their food was also great. We just got the pretzel, but everything around also looked and smelled amazing. I didn't realize at first, but they also have alcoholic slushies. I got a sample and they were SO GOOD! The bartender also informed me that these could be taken to-go which is a beach day game changer. This is our new spot, for sure!

Been back a few times now. No more offensive music being played. Parents and don't have to worry about their children being there

Came out here for a friend's birthday recently and it was super fun! Lots of seating inside and outside, where you can order your food via QR code which was super easy! We got the pretzel which is our favorite thing to have with a beer, and we enjoyed it! We also got a cider but in general, their selection is expansive and super good! Will be back!

Great food and drinks. You order on your phone, which is nice so you can take your time deciding. Food is quick to come out. Parking is a challenge but worth it if you can find a spot! Open seating and you may have to share with other groups.

Limited food options which is to be expected with a brewery, but everything was phenomenal. Great selection and verity of drinks as well. The vibe is great and they had live music which is a plus. Service was good, no complaints at all would give a 4.5 if I could.

Amazing ambiance, quick service, and a well-rounded beer lineup & yummy food!!! I'm personally not a super huge fan of beer but commonwealth has an awesome selection of goses. The brewery is dog friendly and is located close to the beach - perfect for the warmer months. And the best part is that the food is just as awesome! I 10/10 recommend their pizzas. My friends also tried their Nashville hot chicken sandwich and their chicken tenders - good reviews all around! I'm definitely coming back!!!

This has been my home away from home brewery the past couple of years. I make a point to visit every time I'm in Norfolk/VA Beach. I even rep their swag in LA. Impact: 5/5. Dope. Mellow vibes and excellent beer selections. Cuisine: I've had great food truck experiences and now their pizzas deliver epic pies. Highlights: Papichulo, Wapatoolie, Supernaculum, and Chuurch. Hella dope flavor profiles, for those that dig the citrus-hazy-West Cost IPA thang. Service: friendly vibes. Had a great conversation this evening with an OG employee. Ambiance: Outside and inside delivers beach like vibes, East Coast style. Summer, Fall, and Winter, consistently makes me feel at home.

This is our go-to spot! Pizza never disappoints and the beer menu has one of the better selections and quality. The staff is always friendly and the food comes out quickly. The fries are SO GOOD. Always lots of families with kids around so it lends itself to being a casual and relaxed hangout.

When was the last time you guys came here? Did you know they now have their pizza bar open??? Korean BBQ egg rolls, wood fired shashito peppers, pizzas.....s'mores calzones and beer. What's not to like about this place? Plenty of parking. Clean bathrooms. Indoor and outdoor spaces available. Check out their events for live music and popup events to support small business. They currently have their holiday beer specials still available. I ordered the frozen white claus which is a cherry, apple cider, cranberry, candy cane and milling spice cider! You can definitely feel the peppermint as the after taste!

My husband and I visited a bunch of good breweries in the area, but this one has the best beer. They also serve coffee in the early afternoons.

Great brewery & really good food! It can get crowded but the inside/outside seating is a good vibe!

I've been a regular at Commonwealth since they opened their doors even before they had food! The beer has always been top notch in the area, by far my favorite VB/Norfolk brewery. It can be loud at times but they have an outside area for when it is nice outside. The bar staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable. The food has been nothing but amazing every time I have gone. I literally dream about their pizza. If you're looking for a spot to try, look no further.

Great place to go to enjoy a great beer and other beverages They have food trucks there Friday, and Saturday nights. Service is excellent, ambiance is very nice. You can enjoy inside or outside which ever you decide you will have an enjoyable time.

The place was clean and welcoming. Met there with some coworkers and it was great. The food was great even though I just had fries. Service was great and the staff were friendly and nice. We will definitely be coming back.

Overall great brewery. Dog-friendly inside and out but also has a pet-free area for those with allergies etc. Have only tried the wood-fired pizzas and their fries, and the pizzas are amazing. If you like cup-n-char pepperoni, you can find it here! The staff has always been awesome too.

We absolutely loved our pizza once we figured out the self pay situation. There's not really service to speak of since you order and pay for drinks at the counter. They were very adamant about paying food and drink separate. The front counter and food server became annoyed that we asked for a side of dressing. I had to go back to the counter and order another drink to get it and even then they complained. These breweries are nice with open venues, but the view is almost always the parking lot or traffic. I've heard great things about the beer here, however I had mimosas that day and they were lovely. My husband had an iced tea, that was overpriced. He could have had a beer for the same price as an iced tea, so that was annoying as well. Not all patrons are technology inclined and I watched several ppl struggle with the QR self pay system. My husband had to create a new online account in order to pay for our meal. Which he found frustrating, so I ended up doing it on my phone. It took us a good amount of time just to order our food. However, we'll return now that we know the system and it's close to home. Great pizza though!

I was first introduced to Commonwealth Brewing Co. through the recommendation of a friend. Now I don't normally drink beer, so I don't frequent breweries often, so I extra appreciate this place for being able to accommodate my palate with a few of their flavors. A big shoutout to Jeremy J. who has been able to find a new flavor for me to enjoy every single time I've been to grab a little pick me up to get through quarantine (with a smile on his face every time might I add). I can't wait to be fully able to enjoy this space with friends when things get a little safer.

I just moved here but I've been here every single weekend with friends since getting to the area. I've tried almost every beer on their menu and you can't go wrong. Their fries are a crowd favorite but their pepperoni pizza is my favorite !

I love their wapatooohie & their "the wealth" beers. the best brewery in the area! beers are expensive but they taste great & ambiance is great! looks like a great spot for a private event too

Good food and lovely patio seating outside for groups and making new friends. We had the pizzas and chicken with friends with lots of of different awesome beers

We were staying in Virginia Beach from out of town for a couple nights and loved that we found this brewery! Such a welcoming vibe and beer was good. Lots of hazy IPA's and DIPA's, but they had options for everyone. While we didn't have our pup with us on this trip, we instantly knew Commonwealth was a dog friendly brewery. This would 100% be our go to after work/weekend drink spot if we were local!

We've been here many times and every time, they never disappoint! There's a fantastic selection of brews and the food is stellar. The building can get a little loud when it is busy but there is outside seating as well if you need some space. It is family friendly and their sours are unique and the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

All around great brewery-- good vibes, tasty pizza and even better beer! They have a strong social media presence and keep it up to date with all the happenings during the week. They are also doggy friendly! Parking can be a little tricky with just a small gravel lot behind the building-- one row. Especially if there's something going on the day of your visit, expect to park in the nearby neighborhood and walk. The have a ton of beers on tap, but tend to lean more towards IPAs and heavier beers. But, they've been adding more seltzers to the menu if that's your thing! I tend to like lagers and saisons and can usually find something I like on tap. They have seating indoors, as well as a ton of seating outside. During the winter they have a heated tent area. Dogs are allowed inside as well! During our most recent visit we were able to try their new pizzas made in house and they were so good! The El Jefe was our favorite with house made chorizo, pickled jalapeños, pickled onions, crema, and queso fresco. Ordering was super easy through a QR code on the table that also told staff where you were sitting when they brought it out. In the past they usually have food trucks on site, but it looks like they will have them less frequently with the new pizza bar. We love Commonwealth and will continue coming back!

Ambiance was great for the brewery's monthly 5K and $1 beer and great pizza. What an awesome event and food!!

My favorite out of 3 we visited during a week at Virginia Beach. Quite a few choices of craft beer in an open concept type of brewery. Many people had their children and/or dogs with them. We ordered a wood fire mushroom pizza which was crispy and delicious. Young man playing music was very talented. Loved his voice! We had a very enjoyable afternoon there. Would definitely come back!

I really liked this brewery. They have a nice setting, with plenty of space, inside and out. Although most of their beers were high alcohol IPAs, which are not within my taste, there were some other good options. I REALLY liked the Tranquilo dark mexican lager. It had richly flavored malt, with hop notes and was refreshing and very drinkable. I had more than one of these. It was a little disappointing they didn't serve flights, as that's my ususal way to try a brewery for the first time, to try a variety. They did offer two samples. I also tried the Aurele lager which was also good. I had a pint of the Jugo IPA, which was their lowest alcohol IPA at 6%. It was fine, but a little unbalanced towards hop-dominant for my taste. The pizza we had was outstanding. The Divolo had some really tasty pickled peppers and nice pepperoni. I'd definitely order it again with a couple pints of tranquilo!

if there was an option for ZERO I would have chosen it. The app for ordering food is poor. my credit card was charged yet it wasn't entered. Server said she'd check on the order for our table but never responded or came back to table. Manager could care less, never made eye contact, said it never happened before despite bartender saying it has. We frequent this place regularly but not again. Don't waste your time, there are many good breweries with excellent customer service.

Good pizza. Wood fired stove, they advertised pet friendly. Pet friendly is an understatement, the couple at the next table had a dog ON THE TABLE! I like dogs, I don't mind a well trained dog on the floor of a restaurant, but honestly ON THE TABLE? That can't be within the health code. A dog should not be on the table. No one from the restaurant asked that a dog's ass be removed from direct contact from the surface that people eat from. Made me question that sanitary standards of the kitchen.

I had a great time here as I was celebrating my friend's 40th birthday (this was part two of her birthday celebration; part one was Destruction Room). Commonwealth's setup, to me, resembles Norfolk's Smartmouth - there's a large seating area with a view of the brewery, and at one end is the bar where you can order. Commonwealth has a banquet room, which you can reserve (which the b'day girl's husband reserved for us), and they have a shuffleboard table there. The bar where you order has above it a giant board proudly displaying their beers (complete with descriptions). I like the fact that I don't have to wait long to order and thus where up having more than a few beers. With the parking limited, they have valet, but be ready if you drive stick. The 2 valet drivers working the evening I showed up couldn't drive standard. Commonwealth doesn't serve food, but like many breweries there is usually a good truck parked outside. Vickie Vail's was there that evening, although our birthdays party came correct with plenty of food! Also, Commonwealth is pet-friendly. I saw plenty of customers there with their dogs and many were nice enough to let me pet their canines. Bring at least a friend or two because, combined with Commonwealth's beers, it's fun time! Also, staff is friendly and knowledgeable! Thank you, Commonwealth! JV

I'm not a beer drinker. Their Pineapple Cider was really good. The atmosphere was awesome. Very relaxing and fun. Highly recommended.

Super friendly Brewery. Great atmosphere with plenty of seating inside and outside. A large beer menu with some tasty ipa's and gose's. We tried the wood fired pizza-Delicious! They also have a couple of salads, apps, and sandwiches.

This is my favorite brewery in Va Beach. From the beachy laid-back atmosphere to the interesting beer concoctions and constant new releases, they've got everything I want. I will say the food leaves something to be desired, but the taste and variety of beers make up for where the pizza lacks. This place gets packed very easily, so large groups may want to plan ahead of time!