Hidden along Route 29 in Lovingston, Outback Brewhouse brings a refreshingly relaxed vibe to the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail. This family-owned microbrewery combines the charm of a neighborhood pub with the quality of craft brewing, creating an authentic experience that perfectly captures the laid-back spirit of Virginia’s Blue Ridge country.
A Quiet Oasis for Beer Lovers
Outback Brewhouse proudly describes itself as “Nelson County’s newest microbrewery. A quiet place to enjoy good craft beer.” And that’s exactly what you’ll find—a serene setting where beer enthusiasts can savor finely crafted brews in a laid-back atmosphere, far from the crowds and rush of bigger destinations.
The brewery’s welcoming atmosphere starts the moment you walk through the door. Superb craft beers, delicious food, beautiful wood interior, charming back deck, and delightful people! describe the experience perfectly. This is the kind of place where conversations flow as smoothly as the beer, and every visit feels like catching up with old friends.
Twelve Rotating Taps of House-Brewed Excellence
What sets Outback Brewhouse apart is their impressive selection of 12 rotating taps of house-brewed beer—including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal brews. With such variety, there’s genuinely something for every beer lover, from hop-forward IPA enthusiasts to those who prefer smooth, malty stouts.
Beer Highlights to Try:
- Crickey DIPA
- Down Under Lager
- Dingo Red
- Small-batch Brews – Always new small-batch beers on tap made in house!
The Food Experience: Fresh, Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Outback Brewhouse goes beyond just great beer with their fresh, authentic Mexican food offerings.
What’s on the Menu:
- Pizza – made with local ingredients
- Mexican-inspired Food – Delicious Mexican-inspired food with fresh, local ingredients
- Fresh Homemade Salsa – Local ingredients done right
The Perfect Outdoor Experience
One of Outback Brewhouse’s greatest assets is their pet-friendly outdoor patio with stunning mountain views. The outdoor seating area provides the perfect setting to enjoy a cold beer while taking in the natural beauty of Nelson County.
Outdoor Highlights:
- Charming Back Deck – Charming back deck perfect for relaxing with friends
- Creek-side Seating – Picnic tables along the creek for a peaceful dining experience
- Mountain Views – Stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas as your backdrop
- Pet-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends along
- Local Wildlife – Keep an eye out for the friendly groundhog that adds to the natural charm, including their birdfeeders on site to watch birds while enjoying a cold beer
Live Music and Community Events
Outback Brewhouse regularly hosts live music, local events that bring the community together.
Regular Events:
- Friday & Saturday Live Music – Local musicians perform regularly on Friday or Saturday nights
- Community Gatherings – A true neighborhood gathering spot
- Seasonal Celebrations – Special events throughout the year
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Unlike many breweries that cater primarily to adults, Outback Brewhouse creates a genuinely welcoming environment for families. The relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, and pet-friendly policies make it easy to bring the whole family along on your Nelson 29 adventure.
Visit Information
Hours:
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday-Wednesday: Closed
What to Expect:
- 12 rotating taps of house-brewed beer
- Food truck with authentic fresh Mexican food
- Pet-friendly outdoor seating
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Live music on Friday & Saturday nights
- Mountain views and creek-side seating
- Payment options including cash and cards
Why Outback Brewhouse Belongs on Your Nelson 29 Itinerary
In a world of flashy, Instagram-focused destinations, Outback Brewhouse offers something increasingly rare—genuine authenticity. This is your go-to spot for cold beer, great food, and laid-back vibes that perfectly captures the spirit of Virginia’s craft beer scene.
What Makes It Special:
Authentic Experience: No pretense, no gimmicks—just quality beer and genuine hospitality in a beautiful setting.
Perfect for Groups: The combination of diverse beer selection, good food, and comfortable outdoor seating makes it ideal for friends and families.
Local Flavor: Truly embedded in the Nelson County community, offering an insider’s perspective on local craft beer culture.
Relaxed Pace: A quiet place to enjoy good craft beer where you can actually have a conversation and take your time.
Value: Quality beer and food at reasonable prices with generous portions and friendly service.
The Perfect Nelson 29 Stop
Whether you’re road-tripping through the Blue Ridge or exploring Virginia’s craft beer scene, Outback Brewhouse provides the perfect counterpoint to more formal tasting experiences. Here, you can settle in with a flight of beers, enjoy some fresh food, and watch the world go by from their creek-side deck.
The beauty of Outback Brewhouse lies in its unpretentious approach to craft beer. This is neighborhood brewing at its finest—where the focus is on creating great beer, serving good food, and fostering the kind of community atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Ready to experience the laid-back charm of Outback Brewhouse? Check their social media for current tap lists, live music schedules, and special events. With their weekend hours and Friday night music, it’s the perfect place to unwind on your Nelson 29 adventure.
