Flamingo Bay Brewing Co Brings Laid-Back, Family-Friendly Vibes to Bradenton
A longtime homebrewer’s dream finally sets sail just off Tamiami Trail
What started as a family joke about a light-up flamingo is now Bradenton’s newest brewery. Flamingo Bay Brewing Co, founded by Tom and Christine Fako, is now open at 1910 Tamiami Trail. The venue welcomes locals and visitors alike with fresh beer, shaded seating, and a come-as-you-are atmosphere.
A longtime homebrewer, Tom Fako first fell in love with traditional brewing styles during a trip to Germany. “I’ve always had a passion for history—and beer,” Tom said. “Being able to taste beers from breweries founded in the 1000s was incredible. When I got home, I started brewing my own because I couldn’t find anything like it.”
After nearly two decades brewing at home, a move to Florida gave Tom and Christine the perfect chance to pursue the dream. With three young boys in tow, the Fakos knew they wanted to create something welcoming, playful, and community-centered.
The name Flamingo Bay comes from a treasured family tradition: arriving by boat to Christine’s parents’ lake house, where a quirky mechanical flamingo greeted them from the deck. “Every time we came in, we’d say we were pulling into Flamingo Bay,” Tom said. “It became our little joke and eventually, our brewery name.”
Their space is bright, airy, and anchored by a large beer garden shaded by an old oak tree. With outdoor games, TVs, and space for birthday parties or casual afternoons, it’s designed to be family-friendly without feeling fussy.
Guests can expect six house-brewed beers, including a hazy IPA and a standout hefeweizen brewed entirely with German ingredients, down to the Munich-style water profile Tom painstakingly recreated using brewing salts and reverse osmosis water.
“I love making beers that match their origins, whether that’s using U.S. ingredients for an American-style IPA or German grains and hops for a traditional brew,” Tom said. “It’s a craft, and it’s deeply satisfying.” Tom even has a beer called “There’s No Flamingos in Florida,” in honor of a comment from their skeptical realtor.
The venue will host live music, bingo, and Trivia Nights (trivia is currently set for Thursdays). While the brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, food trucks will rotate through the beer garden, and guests are encouraged to support nearby spots like San Remo’s (next door) and Willy-Yums (across the street). “Bring your lunch, bring your friends! We want this to feel like your backyard,” Christine said.
Although the brewery is now open, mark your calendars for its grand opening celebration on July 12, 2025.
To stay updated on the beer list and event calendar, follow @FlamingoBayBrewing on Facebook and Instagram. As Tom puts it: “Come by, grab a beer, and make yourself at home. We’re ready to grow this brewery one good memory at a time.”
For musicians interested in playing live music or companies interested in hosting an event, please contact flamingobaybrewingco@gmail.com.
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About Flamingo Bay Brewing Co
Flamingo Bay Brewing Co is a family-owned brewery in Bradenton, Florida, founded by Tom and Christine Fako. Inspired by a love of traditional brewing styles and laid-back Florida living, the brewery offers house-made beers, shaded outdoor seating, and a welcoming space for families, friends, and neighbors to gather.