Best 11 Breweries in Raleigh NC: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots
Raleigh, North Carolina, is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, and it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the best breweries in the state. With dozens of breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for a pint. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this article will guide you through the best breweries in Raleigh.
From classic IPAs to experimental sours, Raleigh’s breweries offer a wide range of beer styles to suit every taste. Many breweries also have taprooms where you can enjoy a pint or two in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Some of the breweries also offer tours and tastings, giving you an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process and the history of beer in Raleigh.
The Beer Scene in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a city with a thriving beer scene. With over 30 breweries scattered throughout the city, Raleigh is a beer lover’s paradise. The breweries in Raleigh offer unique and delicious beer options for all palates, from traditional European-style beers to hoppy IPAs.
Craft beer is a big deal in Raleigh, and the city’s beer scene is constantly evolving. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help beer enthusiasts navigate the scene.
Many beer enthusiasts regard Burial as having the best beer in Raleigh for IPAs, stouts, and sours. This brewery, which has its roots in Asheville, offers 24 taps that serve their latest small-batch beers. The knowledgeable staff at Burial can help visitors choose the perfect beer for their taste.
Other popular breweries in Raleigh include Bhavana Brewing, which is known for its Belgian-style beers, and Crank Arm Brewing Company, which has a taproom in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Visitors to Crank Arm can enjoy a variety of beers, including the Glean Mango Peppercorn Saison, the Joy Rice Lager, and the Rosette Rose Ale.
Raleigh’s craft beer scene is not just limited to breweries. The city also has a number of craft beer bars and bottle shops where visitors can sample a variety of beers from around the world. Some popular options include State of Beer, which has over 400 beers available, and Tasty Beverage Co., which offers a wide selection of local and international beers.
Top Breweries in Raleigh
Trophy Brewing
Trophy Brewing is a local favorite, known for its delicious pizza and diverse beer selection. They have two locations in Raleigh, one on Maywood Avenue and the other on Morgan Street. The Maywood location has a large outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day. Trophy Brewing offers a variety of beer styles, from IPAs to stouts, and even sour beers. They also have a rotating selection of seasonal beers.
Website: http://www.trophybrewing.com/
Address: 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States
Clouds Brewing
Clouds Brewing is a popular spot for beer lovers in Raleigh. They have two locations, one in downtown Raleigh and the other in North Raleigh. The downtown location has a rooftop bar with great views of the city. Clouds Brewing offers a wide variety of beers, including their signature Clouds Hefeweizen and a rotating selection of seasonal beers. They also have a full food menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Website: http://www.cloudsbrewing.com/
Address: 126 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States
Neuse River Brewing
Neuse River Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the Five Points neighborhood of Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Neuse River Brewing has a large outdoor patio and a taproom with plenty of seating. They also have a food truck on site serving up delicious snacks and meals.
Website: http://www.neuseriverbrewing.com/
Address: 518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, United States
Crank Arm Brewing
Crank Arm Brewing is a downtown Raleigh brewery known for its bike-themed beers. They have a large taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. Crank Arm Brewing offers a variety of beers, including their signature Rickshaw Rye IPA and a rotating selection of seasonal beers. They also have a full food menu with items like tacos, sandwiches, and salads.
Website: http://www.crankarmbrewing.com/
Address: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Brewery Bhavana
Brewery Bhavana is a unique brewery and restaurant located in downtown Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including Belgian-style beers, IPAs, and sours. Brewery Bhavana also has a full food menu with items like dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. In addition to their brewery and restaurant, they also have a bookstore and flower shop on site.
Website: http://brewerybhavana.com/
Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Raleigh Brewing Company
Raleigh Brewing Company is a local brewery located in West Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Raleigh Brewing Company has a large taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a food truck on site serving up delicious snacks and meals.
Website: https://www.raleighbrewing.com/
Address: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
Funguys Brewing
Funguys Brewing is a small brewery located in North Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Funguys Brewing has a taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a food truck on site serving up tasty bites.
Website: https://funguysbrewing.com/
Address: 2408 Paula St, Raleigh, NC 27608, United States
Lynnwood Brewing Concern
Lynnwood Brewing Concern is a local brewery with two locations in Raleigh, one in Five Points and the other in North Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Lynnwood Brewing Concern has a large taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a full food menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Website: http://lynnwoodbrewing.beer/
Address: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604, United States
Lonerider Brewing Company
Lonerider Brewing Company is a Raleigh brewery known for its western-themed beers. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Lonerider Brewing Company has a taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a full food menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Website: http://www.loneriderbeer.com/
Address: 8816 Gulf Ct #100, Raleigh, NC 27617, United States
Gizmo Brew Works
Gizmo Brew Works is a local brewery located in North Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Gizmo Brew Works has a taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a food truck on site serving up delicious snacks and meals.
Website: http://gizmobrewworks.com/
Address: 5907 Triangle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617, United States
White Street Brewing Company
White Street Brewing Company is a Wake Forest brewery with a taproom in downtown Raleigh. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. White Street Brewing Company has a taproom with plenty of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. They also have a full food menu with items like pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
Website: http://www.whitestreetbrewing.com/
Address: 218 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, United States
Unique Beer Styles and Flavors
Raleigh, NC is home to many breweries that offer a variety of unique beer styles and flavors. From IPAs to lagers, ales to stouts, sours to hefeweizens, there is something for every beer lover in Raleigh.
One unique beer style that can be found in some Raleigh breweries is the amber lager. This beer style is known for its rich, caramel-like flavor and is often brewed with a combination of malted barley and hops. Some breweries in Raleigh also offer unfiltered beer, which has a cloudy appearance and a more complex flavor profile.
When it comes to flavors, Raleigh breweries have a wide selection to choose from. Some breweries offer fruity flavors like mango or peach, while others offer more traditional flavors like chocolate or coffee. Some breweries even experiment with unique flavor combinations like peppercorn or rose.
In addition to traditional beer styles, Raleigh breweries also offer different styles of beer that are unique to their establishment. For example, some breweries offer a rotating selection of seasonal beers, while others specialize in barrel-aged beers that have been aged in oak barrels.
Food and Breweries
Raleigh, NC is known for its thriving brewery scene, and many of these breweries also offer delicious food options to complement their craft beers. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, dim sum, amazing food, food trucks, or burgers, there’s a brewery in Raleigh that has you covered.
One of the best breweries in Raleigh for food is Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing. This brewery offers American-style cuisine with a Southern twist, and its menu features dishes such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and burgers. They also have a great selection of craft beers on tap, including their popular Wye Hill IPA.
Another brewery in Raleigh that is known for its food is Neuse River Brewing. They offer a unique breakfast and brunch menu, including dishes such as breakfast burritos and avocado toast. They also have a rotating selection of food trucks on-site, so you can always try something new while enjoying their craft beers.
For those in the mood for pizza, Trophy Brewing Company is a must-visit. They offer a variety of delicious pizzas, including their popular “Big Kahuna” pizza with pineapple and bacon. They also have a great selection of craft beers, including their award-winning Trophy Wife IPA.
If you’re looking for dim sum, head over to Brewery Bhavana. This brewery offers a unique dining experience, with a combination of craft beer, dim sum, and a bookstore. Their menu features traditional dim sum dishes such as pork buns and dumplings, as well as a variety of craft beers, brewed in-house.
Finally, for those who love food trucks, Lynnwood Brewing Concern is the perfect spot. They have a rotating selection of food trucks on-site, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. They also have a great selection of craft beers, including their popular Hop Sauce IPA.
Brewery Ambience and Facilities
Raleigh, NC is home to a diverse range of breweries, each with its unique ambiance and facilities. Whether you’re looking for a taproom with a welcoming atmosphere or a hip spot with art installations, Raleigh has something to offer.
Many of the breweries in Raleigh boast outdoor spaces, making them perfect for enjoying a pint in the sunshine. Some breweries even have dog-friendly outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for the experience.
When it comes to the atmosphere, Raleigh breweries do not disappoint. Many of them offer a nice atmosphere with a variety of seating options, from communal tables to cozy booths. Some breweries have even taken it a step further, incorporating art installations and murals into their spaces to create a unique and memorable experience.
In terms of neighborhoods, Raleigh has a range of breweries scattered throughout the city, each with its own distinct vibe. From the trendy Warehouse District to the historic Glenwood South, visitors can find a brewery to suit their preferences.
Special Features of Raleigh Breweries
Raleigh is home to some of the best breweries in North Carolina, offering a unique and exciting experience for beer lovers. Each brewery has its own special features that make it stand out from the rest. Here are some of the noteworthy features of Raleigh breweries:
Trophy Wife Brewing
Trophy Wife Brewing is a local brewery that offers a variety of beers, including their famous Hazy IPA. The brewery is known for its cycling theme, with bike racks and cycling jerseys decorating the taproom. They also have a pet-friendly policy, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for a drink.
Compass Rose Brewery
Compass Rose Brewery is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The brewery has a nautical theme, with a compass rose design on the floor and a ship’s wheel behind the bar. They also have a trivia night every Wednesday, which is a great way to test your knowledge while enjoying a cold beer.
Mordecai Beverage Company
Mordecai Beverage Company is located in the historic Mordecai neighborhood of Raleigh. The brewery has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with a cocktail hour every Friday and Saturday evening. They also have a variety of beers on tap, including their Wake County Wheat and Maywood Ave. Pale Ale.
Hop on Top Brewing
Hop on Top Brewing is a rooftop brewery located in the heart of Raleigh’s City of Oaks. The brewery offers stunning views of the city skyline and a variety of beers on tap. They also have a rotating selection of food trucks, making it a great spot for a casual night out.
Triangle Brewing Company
Triangle Brewing Company is a popular destination for beer lovers in Raleigh. The brewery has a spacious taproom and a variety of beers on tap, including their award-winning Belgian Golden Ale. They also have a strong commitment to sustainability, using solar panels to power their brewery and using eco-friendly packaging for their beers.
Overall, Raleigh breweries offer a unique and exciting experience for beer lovers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a drink or a lively atmosphere for a night out, there’s a brewery in Raleigh that will fit your needs.