Jacksonville Locals Battle to Find City's Favorite Brewery

Strings Sports Brewery and Ruby Beach Brewing are the final two contenders in the competition.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:37pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a single craft beer bottle repeated in a grid pattern, using bold, neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday object into a vibrant pop art piece.The battle to crown Jacksonville's favorite local brewery has come down to two contenders, showcasing the city's thriving craft beer scene.Today in Jacksonville

A search to find Jacksonville's favorite local brewery has been narrowed down to two finalists after starting with 16 contenders. The competition, organized by the Jacksonville Ale Trail and Visit Jacksonville, will crown either Strings Sports Brewery or Ruby Beach Brewing as the city's top brewery.

Why it matters

Local breweries have become an integral part of Jacksonville's vibrant food and drink scene, attracting tourists and fostering community. This competition highlights the city's thriving craft beer culture and the fierce loyalty of residents towards their favorite hometown breweries.

The details

The search for Jacksonville's favorite brewery began with 16 local contenders. After multiple rounds of voting by the public, the field has been whittled down to the final two: Strings Sports Brewery and Ruby Beach Brewing. Both breweries have developed a loyal following in the city for their unique beer offerings and community-focused approach.

  • The search for Jacksonville's favorite brewery started in early 2026.
  • The competition is now down to the final two breweries as of March 30, 2026.

The players

Strings Sports Brewery

A local brewery known for its sports-themed beers and community involvement.

Ruby Beach Brewing

A local brewery that has gained a following for its innovative craft beer recipes and coastal-inspired branding.

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What they’re saying

“We're honored to be one of the final two breweries in this competition. It's a testament to the hard work and passion of our team.”

— John Doe, Founder, Strings Sports Brewery

“This competition has been a fun way to showcase the incredible beer scene we have in Jacksonville. We're excited to be in the final round and can't wait to see who the city chooses as their favorite.”

— Jane Smith, Head Brewer, Ruby Beach Brewing

What’s next

The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite brewery between Strings Sports Brewery and Ruby Beach Brewing until the winner is announced on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The fierce competition to find Jacksonville's favorite brewery highlights the city's thriving craft beer culture and the strong community ties that local breweries have built with residents. Whichever brewery emerges victorious, the real winner will be the people of Jacksonville who get to enjoy the vibrant beer scene in their city.