About Troubled Waters Brewing
Troubled Waters Brewing is a small brewery on Main Street in Safety Harbor, Florida. Its website says it runs a 3 bbl system and offers a wide range of constantly rotating beers. Father and son Steve and Kevin Shanks founded it.
Steve is a firefighter turned brewer. He retired as a fire chief, then worked as a tour guide and brewer for Cigar City in Tampa. Kevin worked in bars and restaurants in Chicago before joining the Cigar City tasting room.
The name comes from the Simon and Garfunkel song Bridge over Troubled Waters. The owners say it also plays well against the town name, Safety Harbor. Google lists the place as a brewery, bar and live music venue.
Its FAQ says leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome, and so are well behaved kids. You can take beer home too, since it fills standard growlers and seals 32oz Crowlers on site. It is one of the most reviewed beer spots in Safety Harbor on this site.
From Troubled Waters Brewing's own website and its Google listing, read October 26, 2026.
Been here? Write the first Brewery.fyi review.
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Map
Questions people ask
Where does the name Troubled Waters come from?
It comes from the Simon and Garfunkel song Bridge over Troubled Waters. The owner says he wanted a Florida or nautical feel without being gimmicky, and liked how it contrasts with the town name, Safety Harbor.
Are dogs allowed in the taproom?
Yes, as long as they are on a leash and well behaved. The FAQ says the staff reserve the right to ask a dog that is barking or causing a disturbance to leave.
Can I fill a growler or take beer home?
Yes. The brewery fills any standard size growler. It also has a Crowler machine and sells 32oz Crowlers to go.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, if they are well behaved. The website says the taproom is primarily an environment for adults with no huge space, and it suggests bringing kids earlier in the day.
Which breweries are close by?
Crooked Thumb Brewery is 0.4 miles away in Safety Harbor. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Clearwater is 3.1 miles away, Southern Lights Brewing Company is 3.5 miles away, and Grindhaus Brew Lab is 3.9 miles away.
Answers come from Troubled Waters Brewing's website and its Google listing, read October 26, 2026.
Breweries near Troubled Waters Brewing
Before you visit Troubled Waters
Expect a small taproom. The website says it is primarily an environment for adults and does not have a huge space.
Check troubledwatersbeer.com before you go, because the beers rotate constantly. Google lists a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot and restroom.
Crooked Thumb Brewery is 0.4 miles away. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Clearwater is 3.1 miles away, so it is easy to add a second stop.