
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery
A historic brewpub and distillery in Hampton, VA, offering house-made beers & spirits, American-style bar food, and live entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic brewpub and distillery in Hampton, VA, offering house-made beers & spirits, American-style bar food, and live entertainment.
Wednesday Fun Night
Visit on Wednesdays for cornhole tournaments and live bands for an extra dose of fun.
Weekday Visits for Calm
Consider weekdays for a potentially quieter experience and to avoid crowds or slower service.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Brewpub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Building & Live Entertainment
Experience a vibrant atmosphere in a gorgeous historic building with live bands and entertainment.

House-Made Brews & Spirits
Savor a wide selection of delicious house-made beers and unique spirits, including their own brands.

American-Style Bar Food Favorites
Indulge in phenomenal entrees and outstanding desserts, like the chocolate bread pudding and 'The GOAT' burger.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wednesday Fun Night
Visit on Wednesdays for cornhole tournaments and live bands for an extra dose of fun.
Weekday Visits for Calm
Consider weekdays for a potentially quieter experience and to avoid crowds or slower service.
Unique Cocktail Creations
Try unique cocktails made with their own brand of spirits, like 'The Goat' burger.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wednesday Fun Night
Visit on Wednesdays for cornhole tournaments and live bands for an extra dose of fun.
Weekday Visits for Calm
Consider weekdays for a potentially quieter experience and to avoid crowds or slower service.
Unique Cocktail Creations
Try unique cocktails made with their own brand of spirits, like 'The Goat' burger.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery is praised for its unique historic venue, live entertainment, and wide selection of house-made beers and spirits. While many enjoy the atmosphere and creative cocktails, some reviews mention slow service, particularly with larger groups, and inconsistent food quality, with occasional complaints about dishes being lukewarm or lacking flavor.
"Good atmosphere. Gouda steak mac and cheese was awesome. It can be very loud when the band is playing. You may need a light to see the menu at night. No smoke inside . Great! A decent size dance floor. There was a DJ when the band went on break, decent! Check it out!"
Mr. Ross
"First time going. I thought the food was good. The grilled cheese rib sandwich was good. I think it could have been better with a sauce to dip in for more flavor, otherwise the rib was tender and cheese was melted perfectly. The service was alright. The server did the best she could with about 20 people, but it did take some time."
Nicole Burnt
"Service was exceptional. sat at the bar. ordered GOAT, mushroom swiss, and Vanguard burgers. All were amazing but the GOAT was a standout with the blueberry jalepeno BBQ sauce. Also had red ale and stout. stout was on the sweeter side with plenty of chocolate and coffee notes. the red ale is balanced and smooth. Enjoyed the caiseal bourbon and the single malt whiskey . Will be back!"
Wisterialayne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Vanguard hosts live music, cornhole tournaments on Wednesdays, and is a popular venue for weddings and special occasions.
Yes, The Vanguard is a brewpub and distillery, brewing its own beer and distilling its own vodka, gin, and whiskey.
The 'GOAT' burger, chocolate bread pudding, chicken sandwich, and grilled shrimp salad are frequently mentioned.
Weekdays may offer a quieter experience, as weekends and event nights can be quite lively and loud.
The restaurant is housed in a historic building and is known for its 'super chill' atmosphere with live entertainment.
While not explicitly stated, large groups might benefit from reservations. For regular dining, consider weekdays for potentially easier seating.
Mentioned in
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit