Breweries housed in repurposed or refurbished former gas stations and auto repair shops, are a niche but fascinating trend in adaptive reuse architecture. These spaces often retain mid-century modern elements like canopies, signage, and bay doors, creating unique atmospheres for craft beer production and tasting. Below is a list of notable examples, primarily in the U.S., based on historic preservation records and brewery profiles. This isn’t exhaustive, as many conversions are local or ongoing, but it highlights confirmed cases.
Marker 48 Brewing – Brooksville, Florida
Nestled in the scenic Nature Coast of Weeki Wachee, Florida, Marker 48 Brewing Company exemplifies innovative revival, having transformed a former auto repair shop at 12147 Cortez Boulevard into a thriving craft beer hub since its November 2015 opening by homebrewing couple Maurice and Tina Ryman, alongside brewmaster John Myers. As Hernando County’s first full production microbrewery, the 7-barrel facility honors its roots with a rustic, industrial vibe featuring a spacious tasting room, expansive beer garden, and one of Florida’s rare barrel-aging cellars, drawing locals and tourists near the iconic Weeki Wachee Springs for live music, food trucks, and family-friendly gatherings. Beer aficionados savor the diverse, Florida-inspired lineup, including the malty and caramel-kissed Red Right Return Irish Red Ale (5.8% ABV) that earned a bronze at the Best Florida Beer Championships, the smooth and lactose-sweetened Mermaid’s Milk Sweet Stout (6.2% ABV) evoking the area’s legendary mermaids with its creamy chocolate notes, the tropical and hazy Hazy IPA (6.3% ABV) bursting with juicy citrus and pine, the crisp and refreshing Spring Water Lager (4.5% ABV) brewed to highlight local purity, and seasonal delights like the banana-forward Hefeweizen (5.2% ABV) perfect for warm coastal days—all crafted to foster community in this beloved Sunshine State destination.
Address: 12147 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613
Website: https://www.marker48.com/
Eudora Brewing – Kettering, Ohio
Ohio, Eudora Brewing Company stands as a testament to creative repurposing, having transformed a former Pep Boys auto shop into a vibrant craft beer haven since its grand opening in January 2019. Founded by homebrewing enthusiast Neil Chabut in 2013, the brewery expanded from its original Dayton taproom to this spacious 20,000-square-foot industrial space at 3022 Wilmington Pike, blending automotive history with modern brewing innovation to offer a unique brew-your-own experience alongside a full kitchen and expansive patio. Beer enthusiasts flock here for standout pours like the crisp Sundowner Blonde Ale with its light, refreshing profile, the tart and fruity Maniac Cherry Ale, the zesty Disco Lemonade Lemon-Ginger Kolsch, the robust Thunderball Oatmeal Stout boasting rich chocolate and coffee notes, and the hop-forward Bangarang IPA delivering bold citrus and pine flavors—all crafted on-site to pair perfectly with trivia nights, live music, and community vibes in this reimagined Ohio craft beer destination.
Address: 3022 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45429
Website: https://www.eudorabrewing.com
Narrow Path Brewing – Loveland, Ohio
Nestled in the charming downtown of Loveland, Ohio, Narrow Path Brewing Company embodies resourceful reinvention, transforming a 1950s-era auto repair shop into a welcoming craft beer destination since its 2016 founding by dedicated brewer Chad Powers. This compact 2,000-square-foot space at 106 Karl Brown Way buzzes with community spirit, where a nimble 5-barrel system crafts European- and American-style ales emphasizing meticulous care, bold innovation, and a philosophy of fostering connections through exceptional pints. Beer enthusiasts return for the taproom’s ever-evolving lineup, featuring gems like the velvety Brews Traveler Vietnamese Coffee Stout (7.8% ABV) with its robust, aromatic coffee kick; the vibrant P.O.G. Fruited Berliner Weisse (5.6% ABV), a tart tropical explosion of passion fruit, orange, and guava; the silky Coconut Porter (6.2% ABV) evoking creamy island escape; and the juicy, hazy Ghost Railroad New England IPA (6.8% ABV) bursting with hoppy citrus and pine—all poured alongside events that celebrate Loveland’s tight-knit vibe in this beloved Ohio brewery reborn from automotive roots.
Address: 106 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140
Website: https://www.narrowpathbrewing.com
Ravenna Brewing Co. – Seattle, Washington
Located in the vibrant Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, Ravenna Brewing Company showcases resourceful transformation, having revitalized a former auto repair shop at 5408 26th Ave NE into a family-owned craft beer haven since its 2016 founding by Latino entrepreneurs Tommy and Elise Ransom, along with her brother Bud. This 7-barrel brewery, one of Seattle’s few Latino-operated establishments, honors its industrial past with a cozy, whitewashed warehouse vibe featuring a spacious taproom, picnic tables, and a pet- and kid-friendly outdoor patio across from Ravenna Park, drawing crowds for rotating food trucks, live music, and community events in the Emerald City’s thriving beer scene. Beer aficionados flock here for the diverse, handcrafted lineup of around 15 taps, including the bold and citrus-driven Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV) bursting with Nelson Sauvin, Enigma, and Nectaron hops; the crisp and herbaceous Bohemian Pilsner, a Washington Beer Awards gold medal winner evoking fresh Northwest breezes; the malty and caramel-infused English Amber Ale with earthy floral notes from East Kent Goldings and Fuggle hops; the smooth Thunder Hoof American Lager (5.0% ABV) blending tradition with everyday refreshment; and indulgent standouts like the bourbon-vanilla laced Lion Tamer Porter and spicy jalapeño Kolsch (5.6% ABV)—all brewed to celebrate innovation, diversity, and Seattle’s craft beer legacy in this beloved neighborhood gem.
Address: 5408 26th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Website: https://www.ravennabrewing.com/
Off The Chain Brewstillery – Grand Haven Michigan
Nestled in the vibrant East End of Grand Haven, Michigan, Off The Chain Brewstillery represents a masterful fusion of family passion and industrial revival, having transformed a long-vacant 1960s-era auto repair shop and scrapyard at 1434 Colfax Avenue into a modern 3,500-square-foot haven for craft beer and spirits since its 2024 opening by homebrewing duo Kurt and Wendy Knoth. After sitting idle for two decades, the building underwent a $1.3 million ground-up renovation to create Grand Haven’s fourth brewery and first purpose-built distillery since Prohibition, now sharing space with the adjacent Loose Spokes Bicycle Shop run by their daughter and son-in-law, fostering a cyclist-friendly vibe with an inviting taproom, production area, and pet-friendly outdoor patio perfect for cornhole and summer evenings. Beer lovers pedal over for the innovative, handcrafted lineup, including the spicy and intriguing There’s A Pepper In My Beer! with its bold chili-infused twist, the smooth and malty Czech Dark Lager offering rich, toasty notes ideal for extended summer sips, and the refreshing Rollin’ Down the Street ale that captures easygoing adventure in every hoppy pour—all brewed on-site to complement creative cocktails and community events in this reborn Michigan craft destination.
Address: 1434 Colfax Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Website: https://offthechainbrewstillery.com
Breweries in Refurbished Gas Stations
Hop Atomica – Savannah, Georgia
Hop Atomica Brewery transformed a historic 1950s mid-century modern gas station in the vibrant Baldwin Park neighborhood into a buzzing microbrewery, gastropub, and distillery that opened its doors in 2020. Owners Pratt and Smith Matthews breathed new life into the abandoned structure—once a relic of the Atomic Age—preserving its exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and industrial charm while adding sleek gold beer taps, colorful murals, and an inviting taproom that nods to scientific exploration and craft innovation. This thoughtful restoration not only honors Savannah’s automotive heritage but also creates a welcoming space for locals and tourists to gather over wood-fired pizzas and house-distilled spirits, turning a faded fueling stop into a cornerstone of the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Beer enthusiasts flock to Hop Atomica for its bold, small-batch brews like the super dank Yummy Bear Hazy IPA (6-7% ABV), bursting with tropical pineapple and mango notes, alongside dessert-inspired fruited sours such as Peach Pie A La Mode and crisp classic lagers that deliver a flavorful adventure with every pour.
Address: 1317 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: https://hopatomica.com
Upright Brewing – Portland, Oregon
Upright Brewing brings craft beer excellence to a beautifully restored former filling station, blending vintage charm with modern brewing artistry. Known for its farmhouse-inspired saisons, crisp Engelberg Pilsner, hoppy IPAs, and complex barrel-aged wild ales, this innovative brewery, founded by Alex Ganum, uses local ingredients and open fermentation to create small-batch brews bursting with character. The cozy taproom invites beer enthusiasts to relax in a welcoming atmosphere, complete with a Czech-style side-pour system and occasional live music, fostering a true sense of community. Perfect for savoring unique, sustainable pours, Upright Brewing’s Prescott location offers a taste of Portland’s rich craft beer culture in a historic, thoughtfully restored setting.
Address: 7151 NE Prescott St, Portland, OR 97218
Website: https://www.uprightbrewing.com
Chambers Creek Brewing – Maypearl, Texas
Tucked away in the heart of Maypearl, Texas, Chambers Creek Brewing is a hidden gem for craft beer lovers seeking authentic, locally inspired brews. This family-run microbrewery prides itself on small-batch beers, blending traditional techniques with fresh, regional ingredients to create a rotating selection of flavorful IPAs, smooth stouts, and crisp lagers. The taproom, housed in a beautifully restored historic 1940s gas station, exudes rustic charm with its warm ambiance, making it an ideal spot for unwinding with friends or enjoying live local music. Committed to sustainability and community, Chambers Creek Brewing offers a welcoming patio and a menu of hearty, beer-paired bites, inviting visitors to savor the taste of Texas in every pint.
Address: 101 E 2nd St, Maypearl, TX 76064
Website: https://chamberscreekbrewing.com
Breweries in Old Car Dealerships
Wild Leap Brew Co. – LaGrange, Georgia
In historic downtown LaGrange, Georgia, Wild Leap Brew Co occupies the old LaGrange Chrysler Motors, transforming it into a vibrant craft beer haven since opening its flagship location in 2017. Named America’s Best New Brewery by USA Today in 2018, this innovative brewery crafts an eclectic lineup of small-batch beers, from the bold Citrus Hoppy Wheat and smooth Georgia Hazy IPA to adventurous sours, barrel-aged stouts, and seasonal specials made with fresh, local ingredients, emphasizing creativity and quality in every pour. The spacious taproom exudes industrial charm with exposed beams, a cozy fireplace, and a welcoming atmosphere, featuring live music, trivia nights, a pet-friendly outdoor courtyard, and a menu of hearty pub fare like gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with the brews. Committed to community and sustainability, Wild Leap Brew Co invites beer enthusiasts to leap into bold flavors in a thoughtfully restored landmark that celebrates Georgia’s craft beer renaissance.
Address: 308 Main St, LaGrange, GA 30240
Website: https://wildleap.com
Fort George Brewery + Public House – Astoria, Oregon
Fort George Brewery + Public House occupies a beautifully restored 1924 Ford dealership and auto repair shop, and transformed it into a vibrant craft beer destination since 2007. This award-winning brewery crafts an impressive lineup of small-batch beers, including the flagship Vortex IPA, crisp lagers, robust stouts, and innovative seasonal brews made with fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. The expansive public house exudes coastal charm with its exposed brick, high ceilings, and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a spacious patio overlooking the Columbia River, live music, and a menu of hearty pub fare like wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood that perfectly complement the pints. Whether you’re exploring Astoria’s rich history or seeking bold flavors, Fort George Brewery + Public House invites you to savor the essence of Oregon’s craft beer scene in a thoughtfully restored landmark.
Address: 1483 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103
Website: https://fortgeorgebrewery.com
Uptown Garage Brewing Co. – Ankeny, Iowa
Located in a former Ford showroom, Uptown Garage boasts the longest bar in the Des Moines metro and a family-friendly setup with games and a kids’ area. Its 30+ rotating beers, ciders, and cocktails are popular locally, but it lacks the national awards or deep historic narrative of higher-ranked breweries. The industrial-chic rehab and community focus are strong, though.
Key Features: Longest bar in Des Moines, family-friendly, diverse drink menu.
Beer Highlight: Rotating IPAs, house ciders.
Address: 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Website: https://uptowngaragebrewing.com
Harbor Brewing – Lake Villa, Illinois
Converted from a vacant Chrysler dealership, Harbor’s taproom offers 20 craft beers with a view of the brewhouse, revitalizing downtown Lake Villa. While the rehab is functional and community-focused, it’s less distinctive in terms of preserved historic elements or beer accolades compared to others. It’s a solid local spot but ranks lower due to limited national profile.
Key Features: Downtown revitalization, brewhouse-view taproom, approachable beers.
Beer Highlight: House IPAs, seasonal stouts.
Address: 65 S Milwaukee Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046
Website: https://harborbrewing.com