About Big Ugly Brewing

About Big Ugly Brewing


Big Ugly has it’s roots in home brewing

Jim Lantry became interested when his wife gave him a Mr. Beer kit for Christmas more than 12 years ago. He moved on to brewing with malt extract before switching entirely to grain.

Brewing was a social event in the neighborhood, and Jim and Shawn Childers began formulating different beer concepts for future brews. After an understandable learning curve – and also having the experience of collectively sampling more than 4,000 different beers through a neighborhood tasting club – improvements started to show in the beers to the point the two idealized about opening a brewery.

In February of 2015 their ideas came to fruition, and they opened Chesapeake’s first brewery, which is garage-centric due to Jim and Shawn’s collection of vintage vehicles. The brewery’s namesake comes from Shawn’s 1955 Chevy panel truck. The space was designed with exposed equipment so guests know they are in a working brewery.

Shawn’s British motorcycles are scattered about, including two mounted to the floor as seating. Jim’s Volkswagon bus serves as a private-seating area with a custom-made tabletop made by a neighborhood friend. Most nights there are as many as 10 “Big, Bold, Beers” guaranteed to please on tap, including a number of popular sour beers.

They have also started barrel-aging beer and look to release more than 10 different varieties during the upcoming year.

Brewery Hours

Limited Inside & Patio Seating

Kids and dogs are welcome inside and out on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The taproom is 21+ on Friday and Saturday. Kids and dogs are welcome outside on the patio and in the tent only.


Mon: Closed
Tue – Fri: 3pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm

Big Ugly Brewing

845 S Battlefield Blvd
Chesapeake, VA 23322

(757) 609-2739
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Brewery Hours

Starting 11/30/2021 - Children and dogs are welcome Tues-Sun! Mezzanine seating is 21+ and pet free.

Children must remain with an adult at all times and dogs must be on a 6ft leash.


Mon: Closed
Tue - Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat: 12pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 6pm

© Big Ugly Brewing