Ocelot Brewing Company — Restaurant in Virginia

“It’s Just Beer” says a lot about this place.

They would never say it themselves, but I consider this the center of the beer universe and everything that is right in the world of craft beer. That’s the first thing about Ocelot to understand: all of the beers are great. That’s really the foundation of a great brewery, you have to start with great, we’ll done beer. They take it very seriously, but they don’t take themselves too seriously. They take their customers very seriously.

They always have numerous different IPAs on tap. Various hop varieties, double, triple, you name it. And just like their philosophy, with their IPAs it’s all about the hops. The flavor and aroma not the bracing bitterness that other breweries might use.

Then there is the Big Beers, like barrel aged stouts and barrel aged barleywines and Baltic porters. A wide variety of Pilsner styles from hoppy lagers, to helles and IPLs. They also have some kettle sours and an occasional barrel aged sour. If you’re looking for a Pumpkin beer or a “Brute IPA” you probably want to go somewhere else, this place isn’t for you.

Cans to go, growlers to go, and an occasional special release bottle. Food trucks are a regular fixture and they have out door seating as well.

Beyond the beer, this is a place designed around a gathering of the vibes. Music and Art are the underlying threads (every beer name is based on obscure song lyrics) live music and a strong community setting. You’ll always bump into one of the brewers or the owner just hanging out, having a beer and being part of the crowd.

The employees behind the bar and back of the house know everyone that comes in by name (even when there’s 500 people in the...

UPDATE: My second trip proved to be was worse than the report below. Another pot luck meal going on, pizza delivery boxes stacked everywhere. Kids playing cornhole at the front door, pretty much blocking it. What is with all of the children in this place?! NTR

Great beers, but not worth the chaotic atmosphere!

While consuming some solid beers, I was less than impressed with the absolute nut roll taking place around me. There was some sort of pot luck dinner birthday party happening in the middle of the seating area, directly in front of the bar nonetheless. That fiasco was accentuated by a flock of 3-5 year old children running around, which could perhaps lead one to mistake this place for a daycare center instead. "No, I am not your daddy" I replied after one of these little guys grasped my hand and made inquiry.

Then there were the groups of millennials strewn about dressed in outfits that may or may not have been pajamas, huddled around piles of cards and board games assuming to be in the comfort of their living rooms, not paying attention or courtesy to anyone around them.

All three rings of this circus made it quite difficult to get to the bar to order a beer. Not exactly what I find becoming of an establishment where grown-ups go to consume alcohol and enjoy themselves.

What are the best days/times of the week one might visit this place to enjoy the great beers...

Cool brewery with 3 things that are very rare in this part of Virginia.... #1 the beer was actually really good and not just a cash grab, #2 the environment inside is not a copy paste "cheap industrial facility that won't be here in 2 years" vibe, but feels genuine and like a place I could hangout and don't need to own a jaguar or be wearing my prada fur coat and boots made of others hopes and dreams, it's very comforting and welcoming, #3 they have a pinball arcade that has WELL SERVICED machines with an ATM and coin machine right there(great assortment of new and old, some even brand new just released, maybe around 15 machines), many breweries are getting in on the pinball game just to steal your change when you have had 1 or 2 barrel aged stouts too many, these guys are in it for all the right reasons. I'll be back...