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Although Raleigh is known for its museums and even earned the nickname “Smithsonian of the South,” its beer scene is also a reason to visit this city. In fact, out of the 200+ breweries in North Carolina, you can find more than 20 breweries in Raleigh. So, visiting the city’s many breweries is definitely a great way to learn more about beer and explore various beer styles.
Here are 13 of Raleigh’s most popular breweries that craft fresh, unique beers. These listed breweries are the ones that are most certainly worth touring, so keep them on your list if you are having a vacation in North Carolina.
1. Brewery Bhavana
Brewery Bhavana is a four-in-one concept brewery. Unlike standard breweries in Downtown Raleigh, you can find an in-house flower shop and book store and a kitchen serving dim sum in Brewery Bhavana. It is the only brewery with such a unique concept in the area.
Brewery Bhavana boasts a wonderful marble bar, a fashionable interior, and outstanding lighting, making the entire place look aesthetically modern. Moreover, Brewery Bhavana isn’t a brewery for nothing. It serves premium beers that only use ingredients of the highest quality. You can also find the beer’s name to be derived from plants like Larkspur and Rosette.
- Crowd Favorite: Grove. A bright, fresh, and citrusy double IPA with 8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Pithy
- Hop-py note: Offers reservations for dining. Private event rentals.
- Fun Fact: Brewery Bhavana earned the title of one of Forbes’s “10 Coolest Places to Eat in the World” in 2018.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 11:30pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 11:30pm – 11pm, Sun 11:30pm – 9pm, Mon & Tues Closed.
Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Contact: (919)829-9998 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Trophy Brewing – Brewery & Pizza
Trophy Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Raleigh with four active locations, including a distillery. Trophy Brewing & Pizza, its flagship location in Downtown Raleigh, offers a revolving cocktail menu, 17 drafts of distinct beers, wines, and of course, pizzas. All of its pizza, beverages, and appetizers are made in-house using the freshest ingredients available in the local community.
Trophy Brewing is exceptionally well-known for its beers. It has earned several titles, like Best Brewery in Wake County 2021 by IndyWeek and World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations of 2019 by Vine Pair. Trophy Brewing has also been honored as among the Best Breweries in the Triangle 2018 WRAL.
- Crowd Favorite: Trophy Wife. A light and clean Session IPA with 4.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Cloud Surfer
- Hop-py Note: Pet and kid-friendly. Free Wi-Fi. Covered outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Trophy’s Young Hearts Distilling is Downtown Raleigh’s first distillery and restaurant.
Hours: Open Mon – Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat & Sun 12pm – 10pm.
Address: 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Contact: (919) 803-4849 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Raleigh Brewing Company
Known as the third-largest production brewery in Wake County, Raleigh Brewing is a must-visit brewery in North Carolina. It is currently operating on a 20bbl and 3bbl brew house, producing an average of 8,000 barrels per year. Moreover, Raleigh Brewing also operates in Terminals 1 and 2 of the Raleigh Durham International Airport.
Raleigh Brewing is very faithful and proud of its community. You can find murals of the capital city on its taproom walls. The brewery also actively gives back to the community by supporting local non-profit organizations.
- Crowd Favorite: Hell Yes Ma’am. A fruity and spicy Belgian Golden with 9.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Hidden Pipe
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Live music. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Kristie Nystedt, the owner of Raleigh Brewing, is the first woman in the state of North Carolina to establish a brewery
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 3pm – 10pm, Thur & Fri 3pm – 11pm, Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 7pm.
Address: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Contact: (919)400-9086 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Burial Beer Co – The Exhibit
One of Asheville’s favorites, Burial Beer, has opened a taproom and bottle shop, also known as The Exhibit, in Downtown Raleigh. The brewery is committed to creating bold American brews crafted with innovation, creativity, and respect for tradition. And you can see this commitment as Burial Beer earned America’s Best IPA award from Draft Magazine in 2017.
The Exhibit is probably one of the most astonishing taprooms you can visit in Raleigh because of its amazing murals and aesthetically pleasing interior design. The taproom also features 24 of Burial Beer’s signature and seasonal crafts and several wines and ciders. And you can also grab some in-house snacks while drinking and watching sports on its wide television screen.
- Crowd Favorite: Surf Wax IPA. A heavy hopped American IPA with 6.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Skillet Donut Stout
- Hop-py Note: Free wifi. Offers takeout. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: Burial Beer has earned the #1 Saison award from Paste Magazine.
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 2pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 500 E Davie St #170, Raleigh, NC 27601
Contact: (919) 617-1314 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Crank Arm Brewing Company
Crank Arm is a microbrewery in the local community of Raleigh that boasts a passion for the bicycling culture. The brewery has a cycling and running club weekly to encourage community members to lead more physically active lifestyles. Crank Arm even has its own racing team competing in various disciplines, such as BMX, Cyclocross, and C Mountain Biking.
Crank Arm Brewing is also one of the most community-driven breweries in Raleigh. The brewery actively joins arms with organizations such as Oaks & Spokes and Triangle Spokes Group that promote the bicycling culture in the city. And Crank Arm also volunteers in various charitable work to give back to the community.
- Crowd Favorite: Rickshaw. An American Style IPA with balanced malty sweetness and spiciness with 7.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Whitewall Wheat
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music.
- Fun Fact: Crank Arm partners with Saturday’s Gravy, a local service design firm, to design its awesome and witty cans.
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 2pm – 12am, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 10pm.
Address: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Contact: (919)324-3529 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Lonerider Brewing Company
From its humble beginning in 2009, Lonerider has expanded to become a leading brewery in North Carolina, actively distributing its beers to nine states. Lonerider has also been recognized at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival for its Sweet Josie as it took home a gold medal. Moreover, Lonerider Brewing has also been featured in a variety of magazines, such as Triangle Business Journal, WRAL, and Port City Daily.
Today, Lonerider Brewing’s taproom, also known as The Hideout, has its own bar area offering six year-round ales and a variety of seasonal brews. Additionally, you can enjoy some entertainment, such as bingo games, sports matches, and live music, while drinking your favorite Lonerider brew.
- Crowd Favorite: Sweet Josie. A well-balanced American brown ale with chocolate and aromatic malts and contains 7.1% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Shotgun Betty
- Hop-py Note: Wheelchair accessible. Indoor and outdoor seating. Offers takeout.
- Fun Fact: Sweet Josie won bronze in the 2018 World Beer Cup.
Hours: Open Tues – Thur 3pm – 10pm, Fri 3pm – 11pm, Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 8816 Gulf Ct #100, Raleigh, NC 27617
Contact: (919)246-1820 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
Neuse River, both a brewery and a brasserie, is well-known for its excellent food and beer. It has mastered the art of fusing Belgian style with Carolina culture to produce a menu of original and intriguing brews and fare. In fact, Neuse River features hand-made pasta and tasty sauce made from fresh local ingredients.
Neuse River’s location is just outside the Five Points neighborhood. Its taproom has an eclectic ambiance; it’s like coming home to a place where the old and the new coexist. Moreover, the breathtaking view of the city skyline, the unique handcrafted tables, and the on-site herb garden makes the taproom’s atmosphere pleasing.
- Crowd Favorite: Saturday Morning. A tropical and hoppy hazy IPA with 5.4% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Bobbi Brune
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Free wifi. Bike and street parking.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 5pm – 9pm, Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 11am – 9pm, Mon & Tues Closed.
Address: 518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Contact: (984)232-8479 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern
Founded in 2004, Lynnwood is proud of being a local favorite in the Five Points district. It started as Lynnwood Grill, but after some success, a small brewery behind the grill was born, known as Lynnwood Brewing Concern. Today, this brewery is serving the people with award-winning brews made with the freshest ingredients possible.
Moreover, as one of the most successful breweries in Raleigh, Lynwood is also known for being one of the most comfortable places for beer lovers. It has a spacious outdoor patio, an inviting indoor area with a big television, and food trucks on-site for tasty bites.
- Crowd Favorite: Hop On Top. An aromatic and citrusy West Coast Style IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Mosaic Pale Ale
- Hop-py Note: Kid-friendly. Free wifi. Vegetarian food options. Offers takeout.
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 4pm – 11pm, Fri 3pm – 1am, Sat 12pm – 1am, Sun 12pm – 10pm.
Address: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Contact: (919)785-0043 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Gizmo Brew Works – Brewery & Taproom
Here at Gizmo Brew Works, you can choose between standard brews and unusually limited batches that are exclusively distributed in-house. For a bit of history, the brewery began with a modest two-barrel brewhouse. And because of its continuous success, it has now expanded to four times its previous capacity, and Gizmo even opened a satellite taproom in Chapel Hill.
Today, Gizmo is devoted to its trade and is constantly experimenting and coming up with new and exciting concoctions to offer its devoted and loyal patrons. Furthermore, its beer garden is spacious and provides the perfect atmosphere for mingling with like-minded beer enthusiasts while enjoying the warm weather.
- Crowd Favorite: Beekeeper. A flavorful, dry, refreshing wheat beer with 5.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Fake News
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly patio. Bike and private lot parking. Live music.
- Fun Fact: Gizmo distributes over 20 packaged varieties of its beer in North Carolina.
Hours: Open Mon & Tues 4pm – 9pm, Wed & Thur 4pm – 11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 9pm.
Address: 5907 Triangle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617
Contact: (919)782-2099 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Little City Brewing + Provisions Co.
Little City Brewing is a chic brewpub downtown that offers beers brewed in-house in addition to premium cocktails and one-of-a-kind wines. Its taproom is a great, lively space that typically hosts live music and trivia nights for small laughs. In addition, there are a few board games available to play, and the environment is laid back, perfect for relaxing and drinking.
Little City’s taproom offers around ten different beers on tap and has a skilled bartender attending its full bar. Moreover, although there is nowhere on the premises to purchase food, Virgil’s Taco Truck is usually parked outside, where you can grab fresh and authentic tacos.
- Crowd Favorite: Mosaic Reprise. A citrusy and light session IPA with 4.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Koldbrew Kölsch
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Bike and street parking.
Hours: Open Tues – Thur 4pm – 11pm, Fri 4pm – 2am, Sat 12pm – 2am, Sun 12pm – 9pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 400 W North St Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27603
Contact: (919)502-7155 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. Funguys Brewing
To freshen things up, we are giving you one of Raleigh’s newer breweries, Funguys Brewing. Funguys was established in 2018 by a trio of friends passionate about crafting good brews and building great relationships with the community.
At Funguys, you can enjoy unconventional yet tasty sours and a delectable smoothie-style sour. But aside from its sours, Funguys is also serious about crafting flavor-forward ales and delicious lagers. You can find many great brews on its 15 taps, and various beers and sours are also available for can pours. But if a beer or two is not enough, you can go for a flight of four different brews.
- Crowd Favorite: The Spectrum. A hoppy hazy TIPA with 9.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Dapper Dinosaurs
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Street and private lot parking. Kid-friendly. Cans are available for to-go orders.
- Fun Fact: Funguys’ name is actually derived from fungi matched with the founders’ goofy personalities.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 4pm – 9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 9pm, Sun 1pm – 6pm, Mon & Tues Closed.
Address: 2408 Paula St, Raleigh, NC 27608
Contact: (984)289-3814 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Compass Rose Brewery
Compass Rose is an independently-owned brewery established in 2015 out of an enthusiasm for producing quality beers. It is the first brewery to operate in the Northeastern part of Raleigh. Furthermore, the founders’ extensive travels worldwide have left their mark on the company’s beers. Currently, Compass Rose has more than 15 distinct styles of beer available.
Compass Rose has an incredibly spacious taproom decorated with reclaimed wood and features industrial architecture. A combination of high-top tables, standard tables inside, and many picnic tables outdoors adds to its industrial vibe.
- Crowd Favorite: Tidal Break IPA. A piney, crisp and heavy hopped West-Coast Style IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Crema De Coa
- Hop-py Note: Live music. Free wifi. Wheelchair accessible. Bike parking.
- Fun Fact: Compass Rose’s Tidal Break won 1st place at the 2021 US Open Beer Championship.
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 3pm – 11pm, Thur & Fri 3pm – 12am, Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 10pm.
Address: 3201 Northside Dr #101, Raleigh, NC 27615
Contact: (919)875-5683 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. Nickelpoint Brewing Company
Two home-brewing brothers established Nickelpoint Brewing in the Five Points district with a commitment to creativity and authenticity. Nickelpoint boasts an appreciation for traditional beer styles and tried-and-true brews. However, Nickelpoint is also dedicated to brewing new and experimental beers, giving a twist to traditional brews.
Nickelpoint has a cozy taproom and spacious event space perfect for gatherings of up to 100 guests. The place features ten taps of different brews and offers a great selection of fine wines. And if you are not sure what to drink, you can try a flight of four 4oz unique brews. In addition, Nickelpoint’s taproom has several games, including giant and foosball, as well as a sidewalk chalk and a play table for the little ones.
- Crowd Favorite: IPA. An unbelievably smooth medium-bodied American IPA with 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Vienna Lager
- Hop-py Note: Dog-friendly. Live music every Friday and Saturday.
- Fun Fact: Nickelpoint hosts Zumba in its outdoor area every Sunday.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 5pm – 10pm, Fri 5pm – 11pm, Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 506 Pershing Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Contact: (919)916-5961 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
