Best 9 Breweries in Wilmington NC: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Wilmington, North Carolina is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. But it’s also home to some of the best breweries in the state. With over 15 breweries in Port City, there’s no shortage of great beer to be found. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, exploring Wilmington’s ale trail is a must-do activity.

From the award-winning Wilmington Brewing Company to the community-focused Wrightsville Beach Brewery, there’s something for everyone. Many of the breweries offer outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer on a hot summer day. And with a variety of beer styles and flavors, you’re sure to find your new favorite brew. So grab a pint and discover why Wilmington is quickly becoming a top destination for beer lovers.

Popular Breweries in Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, is home to several popular breweries that attract locals and tourists alike. Each brewery has its own unique charm and offers a variety of beers that cater to different tastes. Here are some of the most popular breweries in Wilmington:

Flytrap Brewing

Flytrap Brewing is a small, family-owned brewery located in the Brooklyn Arts District of Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They also have a small outdoor seating area where visitors can enjoy their beer while taking in the view of the surrounding neighborhood.

Website: http://www.flytrapbrewing.com/

Address: 319 Walnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Wrightsville Beach Brewery

Wrightsville Beach Brewery is a popular brewery located just a few minutes away from the beach. The brewery has a large indoor and outdoor seating area and offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts. They also have a full kitchen that serves a variety of food items, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: http://wbbeer.com/

Address: 6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Flying Machine Brewing Company

Flying Machine Brewing Company is a brewery that prides itself on its unique and creative beers. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts, and has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a food truck that serves a variety of food items, including tacos and burgers.

Website: https://www.flyingmachine.beer/

Address: 3130 Randall Pkwy, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Mad Mole Brewing

Mad Mole Brewing is a brewery that focuses on using sustainable practices in its brewing process. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, and has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a full kitchen that serves a variety of food items, including pizza and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.madmolebrewing.com/

Address: 6309 Boathouse Rd unit c, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Waterline Brewing

Waterline Brewing is a brewery that is located in a renovated warehouse in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts, and has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a food truck that serves a variety of food items, including tacos and sandwiches.

Website: https://www.waterlinebrewing.com/

Address: 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Edward Teach Brewery

Edward Teach Brewery is a brewery that is named after the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who was known as Edward Teach. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, and has a small indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a food truck that serves a variety of food items, including burgers and sandwiches.

Website: http://edwardteachbrewery.com/

Address: 604 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Good Hops Brewing

Good Hops Brewing is a brewery that is located just a few minutes away from the beach. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, and has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a full kitchen that serves a variety of food items, including pizza and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.goodhopsbrewing.com/

Address: 811 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States

Ironclad Brewery

Ironclad Brewery is a brewery that is located in a historic building in downtown Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, and has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a full kitchen that serves a variety of food items, including burgers and sandwiches.

Website: http://www.ironcladbrewery.com/

Address: 115 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Bill’s Brewing

Bill’s Brewing is a small, family-owned brewery located in Wilmington. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, and has a small indoor and outdoor seating area. They also have a food truck that serves a variety of food items, including tacos and sandwiches.

Website: http://billsbrewing.com/

Address: 4238 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Notable Beers of Wilmington

Scallywag Session IPA

One of the most popular beers in Wilmington is the Scallywag Session IPA. This hoppy beer has a light body and is perfect for those who love a good IPA but don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy beer. The Scallywag Session IPA is brewed by the Wilmington Brewing Company and has an ABV of 4.5%. It has a citrusy aroma and a crisp, clean finish that makes it perfect for a hot summer day.

Black Spot Black Lager

For those who prefer a darker beer, the Black Spot Black Lager is a must-try. This dark beer has a smooth, malty flavor with a hint of chocolate and coffee. It is brewed by the Edward Teach Brewery and has an ABV of 5.2%. The Black Spot Black Lager is perfect for those who want a beer with a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Coastal Kolsch

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing beer, the Coastal Kolsch is a great option. This beer is brewed by the Wrightsville Beach Brewery and has an ABV of 4.8%. It has a light, crisp flavor with a hint of fruitiness. The Coastal Kolsch is perfect for those who want a beer that is easy to drink and perfect for a day at the beach.

Wilmywood Wit

The Wilmywood Wit is a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed by the Front Street Brewery. It has an ABV of 4.5% and has a light, refreshing flavor with a hint of citrus and coriander. This beer is perfect for those who want a beer that is easy to drink and perfect for a hot summer day.

Unique Features of Wilmington Breweries

Ship-Shaped Bar

One of the unique features of Wilmington Breweries is its ship-shaped bar. The Ironclad Brewery, located at 115 N. 2nd Street, has a bar shaped like a ship. This bar is not only unique but also functional. It provides ample space for patrons to sit and enjoy their beer while admiring the beautiful decor. The ship-shaped bar is a great conversation starter and adds to the overall ambiance of the brewery.

Sour Barn

Another unique feature of Wilmington Brewery is the sour barn. The sour barn is a separate area in the brewery where sour beers are brewed and aged. The sour barn at Broomtail Craft Brewery is a great example of this. Located at 6404 Amsterdam Way, the sour barn is a great place to try unique sour beers that are not available elsewhere. The sour barn is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts who are looking for something different.

Beer Gardens

Wilmington breweries also have beautiful beer gardens where patrons can enjoy their beer while appreciating the great outdoors. The beer garden at Waterline Brewing Company, located under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in downtown Wilmington, is a great example of this. The beer garden is a beautiful space with plenty of seating and greenery. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a cold beer on a warm day.

Disc Golf Course

Some Wilmington breweries have disc golf courses on their premises. The disc golf course at Flytrap Brewing, located at 319 Walnut St, is a great example of this. The course is well-maintained and provides a fun activity for patrons who want to do more than just drink beer. The disc golf course is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends while enjoying a cold beer.

Brewery Events and Activities

Wilmington NC has a thriving brewery scene, and many of these breweries offer events and activities to enhance the experience of their patrons. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, there is something for everyone.

Social Media

Many of the breweries in Wilmington NC have a strong social media presence, which can be a great way to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities. Following your favorite breweries on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can also give you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and the people behind the beer.

Event Space

Several breweries in Wilmington NC have event spaces that can be rented for private parties, corporate events, and other special occasions. These spaces often include access to the brewery’s beer selection and may offer catering options as well. Some popular event spaces include:

  • Waterline Brewing Co. offers a private event space with room for up to 150 guests, complete with a stage and sound system for live music.
  • Flytrap Brewing has a private event space that can accommodate up to 75 guests, with access to their full beer selection and catering options available.
  • Wilmington Brewing Company offers a private event space with room for up to 100 guests, with catering options and access to their beer selection.