Swan Brewing — Restaurant in Lakeland

Where to begin...I have lived in Lakeland for going on 5 years now and when I heard we were getting another brewery after Lakeland brewing closed I was excited. Have gone a few times in the time since they have been open, all I can say is what a disappointment. I have been to hundreds of breweries all over Florida and other states and love craft beer. The environment and setup is the best thing about this place which is why it gets a 2 star. Other than that the beer is mediocre at best and watch yourself when buying guest tap beers. The guest tap pours are half pours and almost double the price. Read the small print on the screens because it’s hard to see and easily missed and you will end up with a hefty tab in a hurry. If you want full pours of great craft beer from all over the world at a reasonable price visit Craft+Kitchen that is right up the road from there. You will not be disappointed. I am also in agreement with many other reviews that the customer service is weak and never get greeted with a smile or how’s it’s going or even let me tell you what’s new especially if you have not been here. It’s what do you want so I can go back to what I was doing. I really hate not being able to support and be a patron at a local brewery, but with underwhelming beer every time you go, many other local craft beer options, and the poor customer service, the answer is very clear that my business will...

Cannot recommend Swan enough for folks living in and visiting Central Florida. It's a very small brewery with a lot of character and heart that is evident in all their brews.

Quick tidbits: over 2 dozen beers on tap, about 10 brewed on site (fluctuates), incredibly dog and kid friendly, offers growler/crowler fills for beers brewed on site.

Highlights include Straight Outta Lakeland (solid, slammable IPA), Old Murph (really tasty Porter), and The Bean (formerly Bean Flicker... A coconut coffee blonde... You gotta try it)

Swan also brings great food and entertainment. Different food trucks every few days (Highly recommend Cuban B's and Salt & Fire) and some really diverse music options... Including an open mic night once a week.

The inside area is small, so I worry how strong business will be in the oppressive summer heat & humidity, but Swan is well worth a sweaty brow and sticky shirt. I cannot wait to see the fall brews and how ownership continues to develop this location along with new brews.

I get it, craft beer is the new fad, but Swan goes above that and is the start of something exciting for Lakeland. Development in the downtown area is starting to boom, and Swan will become a home base for the next generation of Lakelanders to latch onto as "home".

Very much looking forward to the future of this small brewery and tasting the awesomeness...

Top recommendation is the Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout if they have it on tap. My brother loves the Cliff Claven but I’m a bit particular about beer, especially IPAs 🤷‍♀️ I’m also strange and enjoy sours. I 100% go here for Nick, he does the Trivia night once a month and my family specifically goes for the StarWars trivia. We scored high both times and the Funko Pop prizes are awesome. I tend to socialize less with the main crowd here but that could be attributed to the fact that I only ever go here with my siblings and parents. The covered outside seating is great and they usually have food trucks at the events I’ve been to.

One time they had that one barber-in-a-truck thing and my sister won hair wax which was neat. We actually have a certificate for $25 off beer so I’ll probably have to remind the related humans of that.

Best places to park are around the lake or near the post office. The road is usually slow and the view is enjoyable. Imo it has the best view of a bar/brewery in Lakeland. It’s lower volume with less thru traffic. If you like dogs, people like bringing their dogs here. If you own dogs, the venue definitely has accommodates for your outdoor-residing, four-footed...