Introduction to North Carolina Breweries
North Carolina has been developing a sizable brewery scene and reputation. The state is home to over 300 craft breweries and brewpubs, more than any other state in the South.
Described as creative and inspired, the brews available in the state are typically sourced from locally produced ingredients and artisanal products. The impressive selection of craft beers brought to life by the experienced brewmasters has garnered national and international acclaim. You should definitely stop by the breweries in Beer Haven, North Carolina.
RELATED: The Best Breweries in Asheville, North Carolina.
Boojum Brewing Company – Waynesville
Boojum Brewing is as well-known in the Waynesville area as the Balsam Mountains Boojum, the legendary creature that inspired this brewery. In addition to an excellent selection of craft beers, they have surprisingly good pub eats.
Must-Try Beers: Try any of their small-batch brews on tap, if you’re lucky. You can’t go wrong with Hop Fiend, an IPA that’s a refreshing blend of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine.
Features & Facilities: Full food menu, upstairs lounge bar, dog-friendly outdoor seating, and rotating seasonal brews.
Boojum Brewing Company Taproom
50 N Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786, United States
Oskar Blues – Brevard
Oskar Blues is an institution in the craft beer scene. This is especially true in the Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, where it first ran its taps on December 12, 2012, for the East Coast. The taproom offers free tours of the breweries and an outdoor patio bar to have a pint after the tour. The CHUBwagon on site also offers delicious burgers and fries that go perfectly with your brew.
Must-Try Beer: Dale’s Pale Ale – a strong yet balanced flavor profile of pale malts and citrusy floral hops.
Features & Facilities: Free brewery tours, CHUBwagon food truck, outdoor stage, bike-friendly location, live music venue.
Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom – Brevard
342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard, NC 28712, United States
Brown Truck Brewery – High Point
Brown Truck Brewery is a hotspot in Uptown High Point. The famed brewery has a taproom and a gorgeous courtyard, where it regularly hosts live music events, run clubs, and yoga classes with the local community. On Saturdays, a food truck is on-site where you can grab grub to go with your pint.
Must-Try Beers: No. 10 American Light Lager and Fruition Barrel-Aged Imperial Sour Ale.
Features & Facilities: Covered patio, beer garden, rotating food trucks, event space, and indoor/outdoor seating.
Brown Truck Brewery
1234 N Main St, High Point, NC 27262, United States
Lazy Hiker – Franklin
Named after a nearby Appalachian Trail, the Lazy Hiker has been serving cold brews to hikers, locals, and visitors since 2015. Its beers are inspired by the close-knit local community, passionate about the outdoors. Located in the former town hall and fire department, the spacious brewery has a taproom, an outdoor patio, and outdoor event space.
Must-Try Beer: Trail Mate Golden Ale – a refreshing choice after a hike.
Features & Facilities: Historic building location, outdoor seating, food trucks, Sylva taproom, pet-friendly.
Insider Tip: Check out their Sylva taproom for a cool vibe and more beer selections.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, United States
Wooden Robot Brewery – Charlotte
Wooden Robot in Charlotte is a brewery embracing the farmhouse aesthetic. The brewery has two locations in the city, inspired by the traditional Belgian farmhouse.
This brewery focuses on experimental and innovative beers. They’re known for their sour beers, IPAs, and stouts. Wooden Robot Brewery also has a fantastic taproom and outdoor patio where you can enjoy their beers and listen to live music.
Must-Try Beer: Good Morning Vietnam – a robust coffee vanilla blonde ale.
Features & Facilities: Two locations (South End and NoDa), rooftop bar, barrel-aging program, on-site food vendor.
Insider Tip: Visit the NoDa location for barrel-aged beers and a rooftop experience.
Wooden Robot
1440 S Tryon St UNIT 110, Charlotte, NC 28203
Four Saints Brewing Company – Asheboro
Inspired by the Four Saints of Beer, the Four Saints Brewing Company has a simple mission: giving great beer to great people. The brewery in quiet Asheboro offers excellent sudsy beverages in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery is constantly exploring various styles and flavors to excite its clientele.
Must-Try Beer: Genesis Belgian-style Dubbel – a blend of caramel and fruity flavors.
Features & Facilities: Taproom with board games, community events, outdoor seating, rotating beer releases, merchandise shop.
Insider Tip: Follow them on their socials for pop-up beer releases and events.
Four Saints Brewing Company
218 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203, United States
Free Range Brewing – Charlotte
“Let your taste buds roam” adorns the wall of Free Range Brewing, a tiny brewery in Charlotte. While small in size, the place is brimming with creativity. Visit this brewery with an open mind and a curious palate and let it excite you with brews of innovative flavors and styles, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Beer: My Fair Lady – a bold 9.5% American Imperial IPA.
Features & Facilities: Camp North End location, small batch brews, ample parking, artsy neighborhood, pet-friendly taproom.
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Raleigh Beer Garden – Raleigh
Though not a brewery exactly, for a rustic-chic atmosphere, check out Raleigh Beer Garden. People flock to this beer garden because of its four bars and record-breaking 366 kinds of beer on tap. There’s something for everyone in this outdoor beer haven.
The four bars on-site have plenty of options to quench your thirst. On the lower ground, Spiritual offers high-end spirits, and the other bar offers 144-tap North Carolina’s pride brews. The upper bar offers 222-tap domestic and imported craft beers, and the rooftop provides over a dozen beers on tap, with a fantastic rooftop view.
Must-Try Beer: Any of the 144 North Carolina draft taps on the first floor.
Features & Facilities: Three floors, rooftop bar, private rooms, restaurant-style food menu, indoor and outdoor seating.
Raleigh Beer Garden
614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States
Wicked Weed Brewing – Asheville
Wicked Weed Brewing is another popular Asheville brewery. They’re known for their innovative and experimental beers, such as Pernicious IPA and Dark Age Russian Imperial Stout. Wicked Weed Brewing also has a sour beer program that’s one of the best in the country.
Must-Try Beer: Pernicious IPA – a standout in their diverse offerings.
Features & Facilities: Pet-friendly patio, full-service restaurant, community tables, flagship Funkatorium location for sour ales.
Wicked Weed Brewing
91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Appalachian Mountain Brewery – Boone
Appalachian Mountain Brewery is a Boone institution. They’re known for their classic American-style beers, such as Boone Creek IPA and Big Hoppy. Appalachian Mountain Brewery also has a fantastic taproom and outdoor patio where you can enjoy their beers and the beautiful mountain scenery.
Must-Try Beer: Boone Creek IPA – a classic with a local touch.
Features & Facilities: Spacious outdoor patio, fire pits, live music stage, food trucks, family- and dog-friendly.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Blowing Rock Brewing Company – Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock Brewing Company is a small brewery in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They’re known for their German-style beers, such as Blowing Rock Pilsner and Oktoberfest. Blowing Rock Brewing Company also has a fantastic taproom and beer garden where you can enjoy their beers and the mountain views.
Must-Try Beer: Blowing Rock Pilsner – crisp and traditional.
Features & Facilities: On-site restaurant (Ale House), boutique inn, cozy taproom, seasonal menu, and beer-to-go options.
Blowing Rock Brewing Company
152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Fullsteam Brewery – Durham
Fullsteam Brewery is a Durham brewery that uses local ingredients in its beers. They’re known for their farmhouse ales and saisons, such as Pinstripe Ale and Mothering. Fullsteam Brewery also has a fantastic taproom and restaurant where you can sample their beers and enjoy delicious food.
Must-Try Beer: Cackalacky Ginger Pale Ale – with local ginger and a spicy bite.
Features & Facilities: Two taprooms (Durham & Boxyard RTP), food menu with local ingredients, indoor/outdoor seating, family-friendly spaces.
Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701
Booneshine Brewing Co. – Boone
Booneshine Brewing Co. is a Boone brewery known for its hazy IPAs and stouts. They’re also known for their unique and creative beer names, such as Funky Gold IPA and Dayman Saison. Booneshine Brewing Co. also has a great taproom and outdoor patio where you can enjoy their beers and listen to live music.
Must-Try Beer: Funky Gold IPA – a hazy, citrus-forward brew.
Features & Facilities: Full-service restaurant, beer garden, food truck, stage for live music, trailside location.
Booneshine Brewing Co.
465 Industrial Park Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Sycamore Brewing – Charlotte
Sycamore Brewing is a Charlotte brewery that focuses on Belgian-style beers. They’re known for their saisons, tripels, and quads. Sycamore Brewing also has a great taproom and outdoor patio where you can sample their beers and enjoy some delicious food.
Must-Try Beer: Mountain Candy IPA – smooth and hoppy.
Features & Facilities: 21,000 sq. ft. taproom, stage for live events, food truck lot, rooftop deck, indoor/outdoor bar areas.
Sycamore Brewing
2151 Hawkins Street, Charlotte, NC 28203
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great breweries in North Carolina. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a brewery that you’ll love. If you are visiting North Carolina and love craft beer, the breweries on this list are definitely worth visiting.
