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Asheville‘s love affair with beer started in 1994 with the founding of Highland Brewing Company. Since then, the city‘s beer scene has exploded, with dozens of breweries calling Asheville home; each has a unique style and has won numerous awards. The city also hosts several beer festivals annually, including the Brewgrass Festival and the Winter Warmer Fest making it the “Best City for Beer Drinkers” for two consecutive years.
So whether you‘re a local looking for a new place to grab a pint or a visitor looking to explore Asheville‘s beer culture, you‘ll be sure to find something to your taste in this beer-loving city. With over 30 breweries, Asheville truly is a beer lover‘s paradise. Here are just a few of our favorites:
1. Burial Beer Co.
Burial Brewing Co. has expanded dramatically as the demand for craft beer continues to rise in Asheville, North Carolina. The firm hopes to bring people together through immersive and reflective experiences that encourage celebrating life and individuality. Burial also builds lasting relationships via community, cooperation, and storytelling. The company values courage, adaptability, inclusion, honesty, and connectedness.
The brewery features plenty of shade and seats, making it a great place to enjoy a beer with friends, both two and four-legged. The food menu features several alternatives for smaller dishes, and the organic wine is excellent and worth trying. So if you‘re looking for a pleasant, dog-friendly brewery with a great outdoor area, check out Burial Brewing Co.!
- Crowd Favorite: Surf Wax IPA. An American IPA with 6.8% ABV, packed with lots of barley and hints of wheat, hopped with Citra, Mosaic, Centennial, and Columbus hops.
- Highly Recommended: Skillet Donut Stout
- Hop-py Note: Bike Parking. Heated and covered outdoor seating. Dog-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Child-friendly. Accepts takeout orders. Street parking. Offers vegan choices.
- Fun fact: Burial Beer Company hosts an annual music and beer festival, locally known as the ‘Burnpile.’
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 12pm-11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-12am
Address: 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)475-2739 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, is a great place to enjoy delicious craft beer. Founded in 2012, Wicked Weed has grown to four locations in Asheville, including three taprooms and a fine dining restaurant. The incredible vibe and mountain view from the brewing company‘s taprooms are not to be missed.
They also have friendly waitstaff. The beers are top-notch, and the menu features traditional and innovative pub fare. So if you‘re a beer lover or just looking for a great place to grab a bite to eat, Wicked Weed Brewing is worth checking out!
- Crowd Favorite: Pernicious. A flagship American IPA with 7.3% ABV, a fruit-forward hop character, and minimum hop complexity, packed with juicy tropical aromas.
- Highly Recommended: Freak of Nature
- Hop-py Note: Street parking. Accepts takeout and delivery orders. Variety of vegan options. Child-friendly. Military Discount. Covered and heated outdoor seating. Bike parking. Wheelchair accessible. Drive-thru. Environment-friendly packaging. Gender-neutral restrooms.
- Fun fact: Wicked Weed Brewing is one of the finest breweries in town, receiving numerous awards from different award-giving bodies since 2013.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-12am
Address: 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)575-9599 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Highland Brewing Company
Highland Brewing Company, located in East Asheville, is the city‘s first brewery and offers a taproom with a view of the manufacturing floor and plenty of outdoor seating. All of the beer at this place is excellent, but its location sets it apart. Nestled in the mountains, Highland Brewing Company is the perfect spot for solo visitors or groups looking to enjoy live music, limited-edition beers, and outdoor activities like volleyball and disc golf.
With hiking trails nearby, it‘s easy to make a day of it. So whether you‘re looking to relax with a cold beer or explore all Asheville offers, Highland Brewing Company is the perfect place to start.
- Crowd Favorite: Gaelic Ale. A flagship American-style red ale with extraordinarily balanced flavors of malty sweetness and bitter hops. 5.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Oatmeal Porter
- Hop-py Note: Private lot parking. Child-friendly. Accepts takeout orders. Vegetarian options. Bike parking. Covered outdoor seating.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 2pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-7pm
Address: 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200, Asheville, NC 28803
Contact: (828)299-3370 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Hi-Wire Brewing
In the summer of 2013, Hi-Wire opened its 2,700-square-foot South Slope Brewery in the center of Asheville‘s South Slope Brewery District. The original Hi-Wire brewhouse, next to their Biltmore Village Production Brewery & Taproom and RAD Beer Garden, is now focused on producing award-winning sour and wild ales, unique small-batch beers, and taproom-only brews.
The brewery has a colorful interior and outdoor murals and is pet-friendly and family-friendly. They have 24 taps of distinctive Hi-Wire beers, including non-alcoholic selections and seasonal, specialty, sour, and wild ales (non-alcoholic beer & local sodas). They also welcome outside food (no drinks). So whether you‘re a beer lover or just looking for a fun place to hang out, check out Hi-Wire Brewing‘s South Slope location.
- Crowd Favorite: Bed of Nails. A traditional English brown ale with 5.5% ABV packed with dark fruit flavors and toffee. It has a delicate body, a light hop profile, and a dry finish.
- Highly Recommended: Hi-Pitch Mosaic
- Hop-py Note: Bike parking. Gender-neutral restrooms. Outdoor seating. Dog-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Vegan choices. Street parking.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon 3pm-10pm, Tue Closed
Address: 197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)738-2452 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Green Man Brewery
The Green Man has been brewing award-winning ales in Asheville since 1997, despite its centuries-old folklore. Green Man is one of North Carolina‘s oldest breweries and makes some of the scene‘s most famous ales. In 2022, Green Man commemorates its 25th anniversary by bringing back small batches of historic retiring types modified for the current palate and introducing new kinds in its taprooms.
The taprooms have great indoor/outdoor seating and winter fireplaces, providing a cozy environment for enjoying good beer. The Green Man is a great place to relax with friends, family, or even yourself. So if you‘re ever in Asheville, check it out!
- Crowd Favorite: IPA. A straightforward English IPA with 6.2% ABV, dry finish, packed with solid bitterness that complements the distinct malt sweetness.
- Highly Recommended: ESB
- Hop-py Note: Street and private lot parking. Accepts takeout and delivery orders. Dog-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Vegetarian options are available. Bike parking.
- Fun fact: Green Man Brewery is known for its ‘all-natural’ brewing process, from the hops to the clarifying agent they use in production.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 12pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm
Address: 27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)252-5502 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company is a craft brewery founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2016, the company opened a new brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. The Asheville brewery has a production capacity of 500,000 barrels per year and employs 135 workers. The company chose Asheville due to its proximity to interstate highways, vast talent pool, and progressive community climate.
The brewery is open for tours. When you visit, you‘ll see they have a vast space with a covered patio, lawn, indoor dining, riverside tables, and ample outdoor space. They are also dog-friendly! There are two food trucks on-site and a souvenir shop as well. This is a great place to come if you‘re looking for good beer and a good time!
- Crowd Favorite: Fat Tire. An easy-drinking American red ale with 5.2% ABV, hopped with Goldings, Nugget, and Willamette hops.
- Highly Recommended: Voodoo Ranger
- Hop-py Note: Accepts takeout orders. Child-friendly. Street and private lot parking. Dog-friendly. Bicycle parking. Outdoor seating.
Hours: Open Daily 12pm-8pm
Address: 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806
Contact: (828)333-6900 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Asheville Brewing Company
As one of the first breweries in North Carolina, Asheville Brewing Company has been a pioneer in the state‘s craft beer scene. Founded in 1998, the brewery has three establishments in Asheville: a downtown brewery, a South Asheville brewpub, and a pizza and beer delivery and pick-up restaurant.
It strives to provide premium cuisine, fantastic craft beer, the best service, and fun for all ages. With a lovely ambiance, indoor and outdoor dining, an extensive range of beer on tap, strong rock cider, and even frozen drinks, the brewery is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of craft beer.
- Crowd Favorite: Shiva IPA. A Crisp American-style IPA with intense floral flavors, hints of grapefruit, and a slightly bitter finish. 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Ninja Porter
- Hop-py Note: Bike parking. Heated and covered outdoor seating. Handicapped accessible. Child-friendly. Accepts takeout orders. Vegan choices are available. Street parking.
Hours: Open Tue & Wed 3pm-9pm, Thur & Fri 3pm-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 1pm-7pm, Mon Closed
Address: 77 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)255-4077 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Bhramari Brewing Company
Bhramari Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in Asheville, North Carolina. It opened its doors in January 2016 and quickly became a favorite destination for craft beer lovers. The brewery focuses on culinary-inspired, locally and globally-infused, experimental beers. Bhramari aims to be a destination for all things craft beer, focusing on brewing in Asheville‘s history and the industry‘s newest trends.
In addition to excellent beer, the brewery also offers a dog-friendly patio and delicious food. The decorations are contemporary, and the extended outside sitting area is perfect for enjoying a beer on a sunny day. If you‘re looking for a new brewery to try, Bhramari is worth a visit.
- Crowd Favorite: Lorelai. A New England-style hazy IPA with 6.9% ABV, generously hopped with Citra, Huell Melon, and Mandarina Bavaria hops.
- Highly Recommended: Neon Ghosts
- Hop-py Note: Accepts takeout and delivery orders. Vegan options. Great for children. Free WiFi. Dog-friendly. Military discount. Covered outdoor seating. Handicapped accessible. Full bar. Serves lunch and dinner.
Hours: Open Mon-Wed 12pm-9pm, Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Address: 101 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)214-7981 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Wedge Brewing Company
From its humble beginnings in a dubious structure beside the trains on a mud parking lot, The Wedge Brewery has come a long way. Founded by Carl, John, and Tim, The Wedge has become a neighborhood staple known for its delicious beer and laid-back atmosphere.
The Wedge prides itself on producing accessible, delightful, and simple-to-drink beer. Plenty of sitting outside makes it a great place to bring your dog. With an ever-changing selection of brews on tap, there‘s something for everyone at The Wedge. So swing by this local favorite next time you‘re in the mood for a cold one.
- Crowd Favorite: Iron Rail IPA. A hop-forward English-style IPA with 7.2% ABV, hopped with Cascade, Centennial, and Kent Golding hops.
- Highly Recommended: Payne‘s Pale Ale
- Hop-py Note: Accepts takeout and delivery orders. Street and private lot parking. Good for children. Free WiFi. Dog-friendly. Gender-neutral restrooms. Handicapped accessible. Outdoor seating. Bicycle parking.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 3pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Address: 37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)505-2792 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Twin Leaf Brewery
Tim Weber‘s love of fermentation led him to spend eight years perfecting the craft of brewing, and in 2011 he finally received his diploma from the American Brewers Guild. He then created Twin Leaf Brewery in Asheville, North Carolina.
This mountainside brewery specializes in traditional Belgian, English, and American-style ales. They‘re also dog-friendly, which is always a bonus! In addition to being ecologically conscientious, the brewery also encourages STEM education. They‘re an independent craft brewery located in Asheville‘s south slope. If you‘re ever in the area, check them out! They also offer a brewery tour, outdoor sports like corn hole, and other fun activities.
- Crowd Favorite: Juicy Fruit (144). A West Coast-style IPA with 7.2% ABV, packed with hoppy citrus flavors, with a crisp, dry finish.
- Highly Recommended: Luminosity
- Hop-py Note: Covered outdoor seating. Bike parking. Gender-neutral restrooms. Dog-friendly. Street parking. Handicapped accessible. Vegetarian alternatives are available.
Hours: Open Mon-Wed 2pm-9pm, Thur 2pm-11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-9pm
Address: 144 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)774-5000 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. One World Brewing
One World Brewing started in 2014 when Jason and Lisa Schutz founded it in Asheville, North Carolina. The brewery began in a small location underneath Farmburger but quickly realized that it needed to expand owing to the tremendous demand for its beer. They later relocated to an abandoned building in West Asheville and worked hard to bring the place back to life.
The brewery‘s tap rooms serve as meeting places for individuals from all walks of life, and the brewery tries to provide cultural experiences through art displays and live music. One World Brewing has an atmosphere reminiscent of a speakeasy, and they have games like darts to encourage people to interact with one another. If you‘re ever in Asheville, stop by One World Brewing for a pint.
- Crowd Favorite: Citra Bomb. A bright American IPA with 6.8% ABV hopped with Citra hops with distinct notes of lemon, grapefruit, and peach.
- Highly Recommended: Inner Thigh
- Hop-py Note: Offers a variety of vegan options. Garage and street parking. Dog-friendly. Gender-neutral restrooms. Bicycle parking.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-9pm
Address: 10 Patton Ave #002, Asheville, NC 28801
Contact: (828)785-5580 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. French Broad River Brewery
Beers, live music, and familial fun – what more could you want? The French Broad River Brewery has been a staple in the Asheville, North Carolina, beer scene since it was established in 2001. This makes it one of the oldest breweries in the area!
They pride themselves in sticking to European beer traditions with styles like Kolsch, Scotch Ale, ESB, and Porter. But they don‘t shy away from exploring new territory either. IPAs and Pale Ales are also available for those looking for something different. In addition to their core lineup, they produce seasonals and one-offs on a regular basis. So there‘s always something new to try! And if you need a break from all the beer-drinking, no worries – there are plenty of table games to keep you occupied. Plus, Original Papa Nicks is located next door, in case you get peckish.
- Crowd Favorite: Wee-Heavy-Er Scotch Ale. A rich scotch ale with 7% ABV, packed with malty goodness, perfect when paired with some of the best pub grub.
- Highly Recommended: Gateway Kölsch
- Hop-py Note: Private lot parking spaces are available. Dogs are allowed. Bicycle parking.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 1pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Address: 101 Fairview Rd D, Asheville, NC 28803
Contact: (828)277-0222 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. UpCountry Brewing Company
UpCountry Brewing Company was established in 2016 by John Cochran, a seasoned professional in the craft beer market. For over 20 years, John has worked in brewing in various capacities and is excited to return to his roots by opening a small brewery in his hometown. At UpCountry, the emphasis is on having a good time, good friends, and excellent beer.
The brewery has two giant projectors for watching games and a small gaming area with pinball and other games. In addition to great beer and pizza, UpCountry offers excellent service and friendly personnel in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you‘re looking to catch up with friends or watch the big game, UpCountry Brewing Company is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some delicious craft beer.
- Crowd Favorite: Black Currant Gose. A unique sour with infused gose and notes of deep berry. 4.8% ABV with a slightly dry finish.
- Highly Recommended: SCAMPer
- Hop-py Note: Accepts takeout and delivery. Vegan options. Dog-friendly. Heated and covered outdoor seating. Handicapped accessible. Private lot parking. Bike parking.
Hours: Open Tue 4pm-10pm, Wed & Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon Closed
Address: 1042 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Contact: (828)575-2400 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Oyster House Brewing Company
Billy Klingel, the leading brewer of Oyster House Brewing Company, created the brewery in West Asheville. In its recent relocation to 625 Haywood Rd, the brewery was renovated to a 5-barrel brewhouse, 12 taps, and two cask beer engines. The beers of Oyster House Brewing Company are also available only downtown at The Lobster Trap.
They regularly serve fantastic and dependably excellent cuisine, especially for the price. The service there is perhaps the greatest you‘ll find in Asheville. It‘s similar to Cheers but with oysters. If you‘re ever in downtown Asheville, swing by The Lobster Trap and try one of Oyster House Brewing Company‘s beers!
- Crowd Favorite: Moonstone Stout. A light-bodied dry Irish stout with 4.5% ABV with low calories and packed with a uniquely distinguishable flavor.
- Highly Recommended: Galaxy IPA
- Hop-py Note: Bicycle parking. Gender-neutral restrooms. Private lot parking. Accepts takeout orders. Child-friendly.
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-10pm
Address: 625 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Contact: (828)575-9370 | Instagram | Website
