Another Manatee brewery closes. Here’s where you can still find local craft beer

Manatee County lost one of its original craft beer makers with the closure of 3 Keys Brewing — the latest of several recent brewery closures for the Bradenton area.

Another local spot for craft beer closed in September, when Good Liquid Brewing Company shuttered its new downtown Bradenton taproom and restaurant after only six months in business. Its locations in Lakewood Ranch and Parrish remain open.

In October, Sarasota’s Big Top Brewing closed its Lakewood Ranch location at 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Big Top had acquired the space from Naughty Monk Brewery in 2021.

And in 2024, Tampa-based Magnanimous Brewing pulled out of its Bradenton taproom at 803 17th Ave W. before Miami-based Sun Lab Brewing moved in.

Meanwhile, Motorworks Brewing, the oldest and largest in Bradenton, was recently named in a $1.9 million foreclosure lawsuit that threatened the business with eviction. However, owners say the business is resolving its debt issues and is “here to stay.”

How is the craft beer industry changing?

The local closures come as the craft beer industry faces a moderate decline nationwide, with brewery closings outpacing openings and sales of craft beer trending down over the last two years, according to the Brewers Association, a nonprofit trade organization.

Even so, many breweries are finding creative ways to adapt to changing business trends and consumer tastes, the association said in its 2025 report.

What breweries are still open in Manatee County?

In the Bradenton area, the drinks are still flowing at more than a half-dozen local breweries.

Here’s a list of local breweries that are still serving up their passion for craft beer in Manatee County:

3 Car Garage Brewing, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Suite 110, Bradenton (Combined taproom with Loaded Cannon Distillery)

Corporate Ladder Brewing Company, 4935 96th St. E., Palmetto

Flamingo Bay Brewing Co., 1910 14th St. W., Bradenton

Good Liquid Brewing Company, 8980 U.S. 301 Unit 138, Parrish and 1570 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota (Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch location)

Inner Compass Brewing Company, 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton

Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

Sun Lab Brewing, 803 17th Ave. W., Bradenton