Land O' Lakes isn't exactly where you'd expect to find a massive waterfront craft beer destination, but that's precisely what happened when In The Loop Brewing set up shop on the shores of Lake Padgett. It's a vibe. Honestly, the first time you walk into that converted house-turned-brewery, you realize this isn't your standard industrial park taproom with cold metal chairs and echoey acoustics. It feels like your rich friend’s backyard, provided that friend has twenty-plus taps of high-quality craft beer.
When people search for the In The Loop Brewing menu, they’re usually looking for two distinct things: the liquid menu and the food situation. Let's be real—nothing ruins a brewery trip faster than showing up hungry only to find out they only serve pretzels.
The Beer: Where the "Loop" Begins
The tap list at In The Loop is surprisingly diverse. It changes constantly. You’ve got the staples, sure, but the rotation is what keeps the locals coming back. They lean heavily into the Florida lifestyle, which means you’re going to see a lot of "Crushable" beers. Think light, crisp, and high-carbonation.
The Loop Light is basically the gateway drug for people who think they don't like craft beer. It’s an American Light Lager that doesn't try too hard. It’s clean. It’s cold. It makes sense when it’s 95 degrees outside and 90% humidity. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, they often play around with heavy hitters. Their Gose offerings—often featuring fruit like prickly pear or passionfruit—provide that sharp, acidic snap that cuts through the Florida heat.
IPA fans aren't left behind, obviously. It’s a brewery in America; you have to have IPAs. But they don't just do the "burn your throat off" West Coast style. You’ll find hazy, New England-style IPAs that are juicy and soft on the palate. If you see their Hazy IPA variants on the board, grab a flight.
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Wait, What About the Food?
Here is the thing most people get wrong about the In The Loop Brewing menu. The brewery itself doesn't have a massive industrial kitchen pumping out five-course meals. They are a brewery first. However, they solved the "I'm starving" problem with a very specific, high-quality solution: The Pizza Forth.
Situated right there on the property, The Pizza Forth handles the heavy lifting for the food menu. This isn't your greasy, cardboard-crust delivery pizza. We’re talking wood-fired, artisanal pies. The crust has that beautiful leopard-spotting char that only comes from high-heat wood ovens.
The menu at The Pizza Forth typically includes:
- The Margherita: Simple, classic, with fresh basil and mozzarella.
- The Pepperoni: A staple, but elevated by the smoky flavor of the oven.
- Specialty White Pies: Often featuring garlic, ricotta, and herbs.
- Weekly Specials: This is where they get weird. Sometimes it's a BBQ chicken vibe; other times it’s loaded with seasonal veggies.
Because they operate somewhat independently but in total harmony, you order your beer at the bar and your pizza at the window. It works. It’s seamless. You sit outside under the Spanish moss, watch the sunset over Lake Padgett, and eat fire-kissed dough while sipping a double dry-hopped IPA.
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The Atmosphere Factor
You can't talk about the menu without talking about the "Third Space" feel of the grounds. They have a massive outdoor area. Dogs are everywhere. Kids are running around (usually safely tucked away from the water). It's a community hub.
If you aren't a beer person, don't panic. The In The Loop Brewing menu usually extends to ciders and wines. They understand that not everyone wants a 7% ABV hop bomb. They often carry guest taps or cans of local ciders to make sure the gluten-free crowd or the "I just like apples" crowd feels included.
Why This Specific Menu Matters for Land O' Lakes
Land O' Lakes was a "food desert" for craft culture for a long time. You had your chain restaurants and your dive bars. In The Loop changed the math. By focusing on a rotating tap list rather than a static one, they forced the local palate to evolve.
People who used to drink macro-lagers are now debating the merits of a Milk Stout versus an Oatmeal Stout. That’s the power of a well-curated menu. It’s educational without being pretentious.
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Understanding the Rotating Tap Strategy
Most people don't realize that a brewery's menu is a logistical nightmare. In The Loop manages this by keeping a core group of "always available" beers while cycling through experimental batches.
- The Core Four: These are the beers that are almost always on tap. Usually a Lager, an IPA, a Wheat beer, and something dark like a Porter or Stout.
- The Seasonals: This is where you see the Pumpkin ales in October or the heavy, barrel-aged stuff in the (very brief) Florida winter.
- The Pilot Batches: These are small, five-gallon kegs of something crazy. Maybe a Jalapeño Cream Ale? If it sells out in two hours, they know they have a hit.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're heading there this weekend, keep a few things in mind. The parking lot can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours—it’s a popular spot, and for good reason.
- Check the Digital Board: They usually keep an updated tap list on screens behind the bar. Read it. Don't be that person who asks "what do you have that's light?" while standing under a sign that says "LIGHT BEER."
- Flight First: If the In The Loop Brewing menu looks overwhelming, get a flight. It’s four 5oz pours. It’s the best way to explore without committing to a full pint of something you might find too bitter or too sour.
- Water is Free: They usually have a big self-serve water station. Use it. Florida heat and craft beer can lead to a headache real fast if you aren't hydrating.
- Pizza Timing: On Friday and Saturday nights, the pizza oven can get backed up. If you're hungry, put your food order in before you're starving.
The Verdict on the Experience
Is it the most complex beer in the world? Maybe not compared to some of the "whales" you'd find in Vermont or California. But that's not the point. The In The Loop Brewing menu is designed for the environment. It’s designed for sitting outside, talking to neighbors, and enjoying the lake.
The beer is technically sound—no off-flavors, consistent carbonation, and true-to-style profiles. The pizza is genuinely some of the best in Pasco County. When you combine those two things with one of the best views in the area, you've got a winner.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to In The Loop, follow this sequence:
- Check Untappd: They usually keep their live menu updated on the Untappd app. Check it before you drive over to see if your favorite style is currently pouring.
- Arrive Early: If you want a seat by the water, aim for 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM on a Saturday. By 6:00 PM, it's standing room only.
- Bring the Dog: It’s one of the most dog-friendly spots in the area. Just keep them on a leash and bring a bowl, though they usually have some scattered around.
- Mix and Match: Don't feel pressured to stick to one thing. Start with a light Lager, move to a fruity Gose, and finish with a slice of pepperoni pizza.
The beauty of a place like this is that it doesn't require a plan. You just show up, look at the chalkboard, and let your taste buds decide. Whether you're a hardcore hophead or just someone looking for a cold drink by the water, the menu here has enough depth to keep you interested without being intimidating.