The visit to Funky Buddha Brewery was part of a press trip with Visit Lauderdaleand Air Canada , but as always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Before I step through the door of Funky Buddha Brewery, I hesitate for a moment—could it really be open? The dark, sun-protected windows conceal everything happening inside, and the small outdoor terrace is completely empty. But then it dawns on me: this is Florida, where palm trees sway in the warm breeze and the sun shines relentlessly. Naturally, people would rather sit indoors enjoying an ice-cold beer in the middle of the day than risk heading home with sunburned shoulders.
Funky Buddha Brewery is far from an ordinary brewery; it’s one that dares to take creative risks. It all began when passionate beer enthusiast Ryan Sentz wanted to create something new. Traditional beers felt boring to him, and he was always drawn to those that were a little more fun and unconventional. Beers that tell stories and evoke feelings and memories.
The history of the brewery began in 2007, when Ryan took over Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery – a small microbrewery with a lounge. This is where the brewery's first success was created - Maple Bacon Coffee Porter – a beer that is still a big seller. The beer tastes like a really lovely breakfast with pancakes, crispy bacon, maple syrup and freshly brewed coffee. What at first sounded like a crazy idea turned out to be a huge favorite. Word soon spread and beer lovers from all over Florida began making pilgrimages to the small brewery to get a taste of something truly unique.
By 2013, the brewery had outgrown its original premises and moved to a larger brewery just north of Fort Lauderdale. Here they could produce more beer and receive even more tourists. The name from the previous location was kept.
Funky Buddha brews a range of exciting beers, where the wheat beer with notes of mango, banana and citrus fits perfectly in tropical Florida. Another popular beer with a nice story was created when Ryan's daughter asked one morning if dad could make a beer that tasted like "peanut butter and jelly". The result was No Crust's Porter, a beer with clear notes of peanut butter and jam. And yes, the beer contains real peanuts, so for those with allergies, this masterpiece must remain an unattainable dream.
Funky Buddha is now South Florida's largest brewery and one of the most talked-about in the entire United States. Their beers are ordered by customers across the country, although the majority of production is consumed in Florida. After all, Funky Buddha is a local pride.
We are given a guided tour of the brewery, which now features automated machines for every step of the process. However, even though it's no longer a small brewery, it still maintains a relaxed and experimental vibe. The brewhouse scents strongly of hops and malt, as it should in the heart of a brewery. On the large whiteboard, the brewers keep track of the status of each batch being brewed—monitoring which tanks are in use, which yeast has been selected, and when the next step in the brewing process should take place. To ensure consistent beer quality, careful and exacting production is required, time after time.
We end our visit to Funky Buddha with lunch. The menu is classic American, with a focus on hearty dishes that pair perfectly with beer. Sliders, burgers, sandwiches, and substantial salads are on offer. I opt for a smashed burger with caramelized onions and bacon. It’s a great choice, delivering the juicy, fat-dripping burger experience you’d expect from Florida.
Choosing a beer, however, is not so easy. With over 20 beers on tap, it’s hard to know where to start. For indecisive souls like us, there’s a beer tray with 5 small samples of the brewery’s bestsellers, which seems like the perfect choice for a light lunch. We get small tastings of Floridian Wheat Beer, Red Dawn Ale, Hop Gun IPA, Vibin’ Lager, and Eternal Summer Blonde Ale—just enough to savor a sip of the brewery’s unique brews.
t’s quite an experience to try Funky Buddha’s beers, and none of their bestsellers are traditional—except perhaps Vibin’ Lager. The whole experience tastes like Florida—tropical winds, sun-ripened fruits, and a laid-back lifestyle. During our visit to Bonnet House just before, the guide had a favorite phrase: "Why not?" And that phrase fits perfectly here as well. A beer with peanut butter? Why not?
We end the visit to the brewery with a sip of the two bacon/maple syrup and peanut butter/jam flavored beers. Two dark beers that both offer bitterness, smokiness and sweetness at the same time. Definitely an experience and definitely good in small quantities, but as the traditional Swede that I am, I prefer a classic Guinness without jam and maple syrup in the long run.
How do I get to Funky Buddha Brewery?
Funky Buddha Brewery is located in Oakland Park in North Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There are plenty of Ubers and taxis to get here, as it is not walking distance from the beach.
Remember that the drinking age in Florida is 21.
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