To help you celebrate National Beer Day, we've rounded up a list of our favorite breweries and beer gardens to have a refreshing glass of beer in Connecticut! With the warmer weather approaching, we know you want to get out of the house to enjoy a nice cold beer and a belly full of delicious eats (especially a warm pretzel with beer cheese)! These are our top pics for Breweries and Beer Gardens in the 203 ... and we can't wait to hear what you think. If you have another recommendation, let us know so we can try it out!
Stony Creek Brewery: Branford, CT 
Stony Creek Brewery has one of our favorite outdoor brewery spaces in Connecticut. This spot is not to be missed this season! Enjoy waterfront views, fire pits, cornhole, food trucks, and craft beer overlooking the Long Island Sound. We love that boats can pull right up and dock Stony Creek and that their outdoor beer garden has white sand, fun music, and spring/summer vibes!
Stony Creek Brewery Website
Stony Creek Brewery Instagram
Cisco Brewers at The Village: Stamford, CT
Originally founded in Nantucket, MA, Cisco Brewers is now at The Village, located in Stamford’s South End. This large venue has a rooftop beer garden as well as an indoor/outdoor waterfront space that allows for the local community to come together. With over 133,000 square feet, and access to the 1,000 feet of the walkable marina, The Village offers coastally-inspired beer all year round!
Cisco Brewers Website
Cisco Brewers Instagram
Dockside Brewery: Milford, CT
At Dockside, they believe in keeping things exciting – they are more than just a beer bar. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River in Milford, CT, come lounge under the palm trees and enjoy delicious food and craft beers at their massive outdoor beer garden overlooking the water. Pro Tip-- if you have a boat (or better yet, a friend with a boat) you can pull right up to the dock outside of the brewery! Reserve your slip by heading to the "Dockwa" app **You can find Dockside's branded IG stickers by searching for "Dockside"
Dockside Brewery Website
Dockside Brewery Instagram
Two Roads Brewing Company: Stratford, CT 
At Two Roads, they believe in Taking the Road Less Traveled! This Connecticut brewery has endless options for an afternoon of fun.. Both inside and outside. In addition to their massive indoor tasting room, Two Roads offers a grassy outdoor hop yard with yard games, picnic tables and food trucks.
Two Roads Brewing Website
Two Roads Brewing Instagram
Half Full Third Place: Stamford, CT
Half Full Brewery’s ‘Third Place’ taproom combines local brewing with an amazing modern-rustic aesthetic. Their limited-edition beers and wine are accompanied by pet and family-friendly outdoor seating. Getting to see kids and dogs join in on the fun added great energy to the trip so be sure to bring the whole team when you visit! Also, if you’re like me, flights of beer are a must for a first-time brewery visit, but ordering them can be tricky! I really appreciated that they had various flight recommendations on the menu to take the stress out of picking the perfect combo!
Half Full Third Place Website
Half Full Third Place Instagram
Elicit Brewing: Manchester & Fairfield, CT
A brewery, beer garden, cocktail bar, lounge, arcade, and restaurant all in one… this spot has it all! The outdoor Biergarten offers ample seating with fire pits and a patio that won't disappoint. We are excited to have them closer to home too! Elicit Brewery is opening a new location in Fairfield right near the Fairfield Metro station!
Elicit Brewing Website
Elicit Brewing Instagram
Rhythm Brewing Co: New Haven, CT
Grounded in music, dance, and beer Rhythm Brewing is all about “Finding your Rhythm in Life”. Brewed with South African hops, Rhythm is unfiltered, flavorful, and has a slight bite that leaves you wanting more. Rhythm is the first black and female-owned brewery in Connecticut... and the 4th in the country (hell, yes!!). The owner Alisa Bowens-Mercado Encourages customers to 'find their rhythm with every sip" hopes to change the world and the beer industry, one sip at a time.
Rhythm Brewing Website
Rhythm Brewing Instagram
Beer Gardens:
314 Beer Garden: Norwalk, CT 
This new outdoor beer garden is changing the game and will make your wildest day drinking days come true. This massive patio bar is located off the beaten path and it is the perfect gathering place for a day of food, drinks, and yard games with your friends. Do NOT forget to check their live music schedule for the latest updates!
314 Beer Garden Website
314 Beer Garden Instagram
The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing: Stamford, CT
As stated on their website… The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing is an outdoor oasis located in Stamford, CT. With a rotating roster of craft beer, a variety of creative food trucks, live music, and special events, The Beer Garden is the perfect place to relax with friends or family by the water. *currently temporarily closed, but opens mid-spring*
The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing Website
The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing Instagram
The Hops Company: Derby, CT 
Voted BEST BAR in CT, The Hops Company or better known as “THC” has an outstanding indoor and outdoor beer garden with fireplaces and live music. THC has over 40 craft, domestic and international beers! If you don’t love beer, try their ciders, cocktails, and even wines! Not to mention, they have amazing food too… Go experience it for yourself!
The Hops Company Website
The Hops Company Instagram
Other Connecticut breweries we love…
CT Valley Brewing Company: South Windsor, CT
CT Valley Brewing Website
CT Valley Brewing Instagram
Urban Lodge Brewing Company: Manchester, CT
Urban Lodge Brewing Co. Website
Urban Lodge Brewing Co. Instagram
NewSylum Brewery: Newtown, CT
NewSylum Brewery Website
NewSylum Brewery Instagram