Opening Memorial Day weekend 2024, Vitamin Sea’s newest location in Plymouth quickly became THE waterfront hotspot. At 98 Water Street, its address is smack dab in the heart of Plymouth. And this place has everything–superb beer, an amazing view, gargantuan and mouth-watering sandwiches, the best in merch, and a vibe that entices everyone to get their daily dose of Vitamin Sea.
Greetings From Weymouth
Vitamin Sea opened its Weymouth brewery doors in 2019 to much fanfare. Quickly, their juicy IPAs and delicious stouts put them on the national beer scene. Their Weymouth taproom is located in an industrial area without much walkability (except to their neighbor, Barrel House Z). Step inside the brewery, though, and see how a warehouse facility has been transformed into a super cool seaside sanctuary. Surf movies on the TV, a wide array of merch, and of course, excellent beer marked the Weymouth brewery.
What their Weymouth brewery lacks in walkability is completely reversed in their Plymouth taproom. Close to nearly everything downtown, the Plymouth location reinvents the idea of a taproom. On a warm day, bask in the sun while sipping a Station 4 or Just Another T-Shirt Shop or try their ever-popular seltzer cocktails. When the sun sets, stay warm sitting by the gas fireplaces that are spread throughout the patio. Still chilly? Head inside to the taproom OR pick up a Vitamin Sea sweatshirt to keep you toasty.
More than just a brewery, Vitamin Sea has become a lifestyle brand. On a recent trip to Seattle, I saw someone wearing a trucker hat emblazoned with the iconic Vitamin Sea logo. Seattle seemed far to me from the South Shore, but owner Dino Funari told me that he’s heard about Vitamin Sea merch being seen everywhere from Bali to Costa Rica! Speaking of that logo, take a look, it’s ingenious. Notice the ocean waves, the sun above, and also the citrus slice in the middle of the rising sun, a nod to their juicy beers.
Four the Shore
The story of Vitamin Sea is a fun one. Dino has always been into surfing and surf culture, and this not only comes through in his branding but also in Vitamin Sea’s beer can labels, the brewery’s decor, and the merch. He used the name originally for a business he had to create for a project as a high school student. He designed a surf shop with the moniker Vitamin Sea.
Another Vitamin Sea mainstay is the duck. When asking Dino about the duck association, he told me a story about a container ship (the Ever Laurel) that lost a container out at sea that held thousands of rubber ducks. These ducks began showing up on shores from Asia to the Atlantic, even though it was lost in the Pacific Ocean. The story always stuck with him. A duck made it onto a beer can and voilà–a VSB mascot was born!
Greetings From Plymouth
Let’s head inside for a beer. The taproom is simply stunning! Minute details are put into every inch of the space. Even though I have been a frequent visitor since their opening, only recently did I notice such intricacies as nautical rope spun around columns and used as chandeliers that dangle from the ceiling. Looking for the duck design here, from a window panel to napkin holders, is like finding Waldo. For seating inside, there are a few options, including high tops and picnic-style tables.
With 24 taps, there’s going to be something that you’ll enjoy. Although Vitamin Sea is well known for its delicious, juicy IPAs, they brew so much more, and every visit will yield new beers on tap. From a hoppy lager to a heavy stout, from Pool Water malt beverage to a West Coast IPA, their selection runs the full gamut.
Not drinking? No problem! Although they don’t brew their own NA beers, they do sell them, and they also make a mean mocktail. And guess what? Since Dino honed his beer brewing skills making wine, look for their own line of wines in the future! Dino muses fondly about sitting on the patio with the sun slipping below the horizon while sipping a glass of wine. Another big seller at the brewery is their seltzer cocktails. Since they don’t distill their spirits, they use their hard seltzer as a base. And you’ll find plenty of beer to take home with you.
Just Another T-Shirt Shop
With a multi-pronged approach, another Vitamin Sea staple is its merch. They’ve got so many hats that the hat wall resembles a mini-Lids store! Hats, shirts, and sweats come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties, from the traditional to the funky. Think of an STP motor oil logo with the letters morphed into VSB. Over the years, there have been hundreds of hat styles. Or take home a cooler bag or even a button-down shirt! Dino calls Vitamin Sea the “King Kong of merch.” He has a hand in designing all of it, as branding is a true passion of his.
Hungry? You gotta try one of their massive sandwiches! Their paninis are simply among the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Their mainstay menu includes a tuna melt, a grilled cheese, and a Cuban. But do try a special. These have included such delicious creations as the Roni Pizza panini–a pepperoni pizza in a sandwich, the Italian Chop Chop, and the SeaDragon–made with SeaDragon sauce in collaboration with nearby Speedwell Tavern. Dino enjoys a good sandwich wherever he goes, as Vitamin Sea has even made their versions of regional classics such as Primanti Bros. of Pittsburgh’s sandwich with french fries inside, a New Orleans muffuletta, or DiNic’s roast pork sandwich from Philly. Secret–their D’ino roast pork sandwich is even better than the original…!
Whether you’re thirsty, hungry, in need of new swag, or some patio sun, Vitamin Sea is in place in Plymouth that you just have to check out this year! Sure, it gets busy on the weekends, but it’s got a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. I see babies and dogs, I see friends of all ages hanging out, and I see families. For example, I took my dad here last year, and he just loved it. An avowed “non-IPA guy,” he relished Vitamin Sea’s juicy take on the style and the communal feel of the taproom. The Plymouth location has many events, including a Run Club and Sunday brunch. (Make sure to try a breakfast panini with a Bloody Mary made with their homemade mix and hard seltzer instead of vodka.) There is also room to host your private gathering.
Vitamin Sea in Plymouth is located in the heart of the waterfront at 98 Water Street. “Sea” you there!
