When the Raleigh summer breeze is about as cooling as a hairdryer in a crematorium, one often to seeks refuge between the four walls of an air-conditioned brewery. So gather ’round for the tale of the curious world of Raleigh breweries, a landscape as varied and occasionally unsettling as a shelf filled with unlabeled jars.
Breweries in Raleigh
- City Market
- Warehouse District
- Glenwood South
- Hillsborough Street
- Morgan West
- Person Street and Seaboard Station
- Boylan Heights
- Five Points
- Midtown East
- Midtown Far East
- Iron District
- ITB South
- North Raleigh
- East Raleigh
I have personally been to all but three of these breweries, though I have had beer from all of them. That said, the information I’m sharing is from a combination of personal experience, Google reviews, Reddit discussions, and recommendations from friends. Be prepared to encounter descriptions of spaces, observations of patrons, and perhaps even a lament or two regarding the inherent unpredictability of fermented beverages.
City Market
These are breweries in the area east of Fayetteville Street, around City Market, Moore Square, and Transfer Food Hall.
A curious tidbit, which you may or may not find interesting: The modern craft beer era in Raleigh began with Greenshields Brewing Company, which opened its doors in City Market in 1989. This long shuttered brewpub holds a significant place in the recollections of many Raleigh residents as the forerunner of the city’s current vibrant brewery scene.
Brewery Bhavana – A brewery, of course, where they concoct various ales and lagers, but it is also a dim sum restaurant, where one can partake in small, steamed buns and other such morsels. It is a bright and vast and cozy location that seems to defy simple categorization. The Brewery Bhavana brewers, it is said, gathered ideas from years of wandering and rigorous study, much like a particularly diligent, if slightly eccentric, scholar. Their creations are often Belgian-inspired and they emphasize a particular dryness, with a lack of lingering sweetness. Among their offerings, one might find a delicate American Blonde Ale, a chocolatey but dry American Stout, numerous IPAs, a funky American Wild Ale, and a few well-executed Belgian styles.
Burial Beer Co. Raleigh Taproom – Burial Beer is a name that, at first blush, might conjure images of solemn occasions and perhaps a faint whiff of damp earth. But it is meant, rather, to embody at culture of celebrating life’s fleeting moments with mindfulness, introspection, and beer.
Technically this is only a taproom, with their brewing taking place at their brewery in Asheville where they craft a range of beers with a focus on hoppy American IPA’s to bold Imperial Stouts. The taproom sits adjacent to Transfer Co. Food Hall, with brick walls covered in large, framed, darkly whimsical artwork. It’s a place where you can drink excellent beer and discuss the existential implications of a stout named “Where Everything Was Perfect in the Pits of Aimless Dissatisfaction” while surrounded by equally intriguing visuals.
Warehouse District
This is the area directly west of the Fayetteville Street District. It is defined by Dawson Street to the east, the train tracks to the south and west and Edenton Street to the North. It seems like an area that should be full of breweries but currently there is only one.
Crank Arm Brewing Company – Crank Arm is a bicycle themed brewery with indoor and outdoor seating, including a massive fire pit and lots of board games. They regularly host group bike rides, a run club, and other events. Their repertoire of beers includes a hoppy Pale Ale, a Hazy IPA, an Imperial Milk Stout, a Irish Dry Stout, and a rotating selection of Sours as well as the occasional Lager. The names of their beers, unsurprisingly hint at the world of cycling.
Glenwood South
Glenwood South is Raleigh’s main nightlife district and generally includes a couple blocks east and west of Glenwood Ave between Morgan Street and Peace Street. There are plenty of bars in this part of Raleigh but not a ton of breweries.
Incendiary Brewing Company – Here, one can sample beers of varying hues and flavors and perhaps engage in conversation with fellow imbibers. There is a certain camaraderie, a shared understanding that, while the world outside may be filled with perplexing conundrums and unfortunate occurrences, within these walls, at least for a brief and fleeting moment, one can find a temporary respite. In addition to beer, Incendiary brews their own N/A beer and a THC seltzer.
Tobacco Road – This brewery and sports bar offers a broad selection of house-brewed beers, often using local ingredients, as well as guest taps from other local and regional breweries. They also offer a peculiar blend of culinary delights and athletic spectacles. Within its walls, one can indulge in an array of updated American pub grub, while simultaneously observing a multitude of sporting events on screens of various sizes.
Hillsborough Street
This includes a couple blocks on either side of Hillsborough Street from Park Dr on the east to I-440 on the west. Because it runs alongside NC State campus and Meredith College campus, the breweries and other businesses in this part of Raleigh are very popular with students.
Raleigh Brewing – Patrons here, some with beards of impressive, if somewhat haphazard, length, and others with an air of quiet contemplation, gather to partake in the consumption of beers of varying hues and strengths.
Morgan West
This is a small area that connects east of the Hillsborough Street District, south of Glenwood South, and west of the Warehouse District. It is home to a few restaurants, bars, and breweries.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza – At Trophy, one may encounter pizzas adorned with the most unexpected and delightful combinations of toppings. Accompanying these gastronomic marvels is a veritable menagerie of house-brewed beers, each a testament to the brewer’s artful hand. This is one of the best breweries in Raleigh, if only because they used to be brave enough to make beer that contained actual peanut butter and banana. And should one find themselves on the expansive patio, blessed with the warmth of artificial heat, a most agreeable atmosphere of relaxation is sure to envelop them.
Person Street and Seaboard Station
This small district is bounded by train tracks / Capital Blvd to the west and Peace Street to the south. It includes businesses along Person Street and Blount Street, Seaboard Station, and William Peace University.
Standard Beer + Food (Person Street) – This is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a huge amount of covered and uncovered outdoor seating. They have a rotating selection of craft beers brewed onsite, craft cocktails, and natural wines. If you decide to stay for food, expect tacos, elevated bar snacks, salads, and fancy sandwiches.
Boylan Heights
This area includes Boylan Heights proper as well as anything north of MLK, west of the train tracks that cut off the west side of downtown, and east of the prison.
Wye Hill – Cool spot with a lively atmosphere and a patio that boasts sweet views of the Raleigh skyline. They brew their own beer onsite to serve with a menu of small and large plates. In addition to craft cocktails, they offer a zero proof cocktail menu featuring kombucha, tea, ginger beer, and the What’s Up Doc, made with carrot juice, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and apple cider.
Five Points
Five Points is made up of the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Glenwood Avenue with Whitaker Mill and Fairview roads. I’m including the old industrial area west of Wake Forest Road that now includes a number of breweries and restaurants.
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie – Casual and inviting brewery focused on Belgian-inspired beers and IPAs alongside a varied food menu. It is a space that manages to be both relaxed and, at the same time, somewhat refined. There are communal tables, encouraging interaction, and a patio for those who prefer to contemplate their beverage al fresco.
Nickelpoint Brewing Company – Located just up the road from Neuse River Brewing, Nickelpoint offers a variety of beer styles but I’m particularly fond of their Belgian Golden. They offer beer flights so you can sample a few and they have wine as well. They also have a number of board games and yard games to keep you entertained in the taproom or on the patio.
R&D Brewing – Seven Saturdays Taproom – This is a place where the usual constraints of Monday through Friday hold less sway. One might approach such an establishment with a mixture of hope for a respite from routine and a slight suspicion that such perpetual weekend-ness might be too good to be entirely true. The vibe tends towards the bright and airy with large windows that often permit the intrusion of sunlight, a phenomenon that can be either welcome or mildly intrusive, depending on the events of the preceding evening. The atmosphere is generally lively and convivial and the beer offerings often span a diverse range of styles. One might encounter a perfectly acceptable IPA alongside a Saison brewed with a peculiar ingredient or a Stout that hints at flavors one might not typically associate with fermented grains.
Midtown East
This area is defined by I-440 to the north, Capital Blvd to the east, and then it zigzags along the edges of the Five Points District to the south and west. It includes the Midtown East development (Wegmans), Holly Park (Trader Joe’s), McNeill Point, and a number of businesses around Atlantic Ave and Wake Forest Road.
Clouds Brewing Taproom – The vibe here tends towards the stark, modern and somewhat spacious and the atmosphere often strikes a balance between energetic and relaxed, a place where conversations can flow freely without descending into utter cacophony. As far as the beer here, one encounters a selection that often demonstrates a commitment to both tradition and a touch of playful experimentation. Look for adequately executed classic European styles alongside brews infused with an unusual botanical or aged in a manner that adds a layer of intriguing complexity. They offer a refreshingly limited number of IPAs.
Funguys Brewing – Funguys possesses a vibe that might best be described as unassumingly quirky. Here, one finds a selection of beers that often lean towards the experimental and the less conventional, in addition to a fine selection of hazy IPAs. The names of these concoctions, too, often hint at a playful, almost mischievous sensibility. Names like “Frozen Pizza,” and “Balloon Knees” evoke a sense of the whimsical or perhaps even a touch of the absurd, causing one to ponder the brewer’s intentions with a mixture of curiosity and mild apprehension.
Midtown Far East
This is the area directly north of Oakwood. It is defined by Raleigh Blvd to the east, Glascock Street to the south, and Capital Blvd to the west. It includes Gateway Plaza, the businesses on Automotive Way, and Lions Park.
Mordecai Beverage Company – This is a place that fosters a sense of quiet appreciation for the liquid arts. The atmosphere often feels welcoming and unpretentious, suggesting that both the seasoned beer aficionado and the curious newcomer might find themselves equally at ease. Here, one discovers a beer selection that often reflects a dedication to quality and a nuanced understanding of brewing principles. One might encounter a well-balanced Pale Ale, a meticulously crafted Lager, or a Stout that hints at layers of carefully considered flavors. They also have wine, cider, and cocktails available.
Iron District
This small but dense previously industrial district includes Iron Works, Salvage Yard, Dock 1053, and East End Market.
Lynnwood Brewing Concern – This newer location of Lynnwood Brewing is a dedicated production facility with a taproom, where the brewing takes center stage. The very essence of their brewing philosophy, much like a seasoned culinary artist, is a dedication to quality and consistent flavor. Their liquid offerings, which are constantly changing, include a diverse range of styles such as IPAs, classic styles, and more unique offerings. The vibe here is very casual, with an expansive patio shared with neighboring restaurant, Wilson’s Eatery.
Ponysaurus Brewing – Enjoy 18 beers on tap alongside specialty pizzas, tempting bites, and refreshing frozen cocktails in this Raleigh brewery. Despite its whimsical name, Ponysaurus takes the serious business of fermented beverages with a surprising and commendable gravity. Their beers are quite varied. In addition to ubiquitous IPAs, one might choose their Bière de Garde, a malty Baltic Porter, a hearty Export Stout, or shockingly tart Sours. The building itself boasts high ceilings, large windows, communal tables, and a flying ponysaurus skeleton, obviously.
ITB South
This area is defined by MLK / Western Blvd to the north, Rock Quarry Road to the east, I-40 to the south, and Centennial Pky to the west (more or less). It includes Dorothea Dix Park, the NC State Farmers Market, and areas along the southern gateway to downtown.
Trophy Brewing & Taproom – Here, one encounters a beer selection that often demonstrates a willingness to experiment alongside a solid foundation in classic styles. Their offerings are not always predictable, so one might stumble upon a brew infused with unexpected ingredients or a familiar style given a curious twist, much like encountering a familiar street that suddenly takes an unforeseen turn. Alongside these more adventurous concoctions, one can typically find well-crafted examples of more traditional beers. They have a huge patio and outdoor space to enjoy and the atmosphere at Trophy feels lively and engaged – it’s a place where the enjoyment of both fermented beverages and human interaction are given due consideration.
North Raleigh
This is pretty much everything north of the beltline, aside from North Hills and Crabtree Valley Mall. What North Raleigh lacks in character, it makes up in the sheer quantity of breweries.
Altered State Brewing Company – At this nano brewery, the brewers invent and reinvent their liquid offerings with a frequency that would make a less ambitious brewery dizzy with exhaustion. Here, one finds hoppy and hazy IPAs, heavily fruited Sours, decadent Stouts, and even the seemingly ordinary classic lagers that are brewed to perfection. The vibe is very relaxed and welcoming – this is a place where small, often sticky-fingered, humans are not only tolerated but welcomed, much like a well-behaved dog, for whom bowls of water are provided as a small kindness. And one is permitted, even encouraged, to bring one’s own sustenance as they do not serve food. This is, in my humble opinion, one of the best breweries in Raleigh.
Compass Rose Brewery – Possibly the first brewery in Northeast Raleigh, Compass Rose is dedicated to globally inspired, locally produced ales. This means that the brewers scour the four corners of the brewing world for intriguing styles and peculiar ingredients. This dedication to variety unfortunately ensures there is always something new to discover. Offerings might include West Coast IPAs, Scottish Export Ales, Pilsners, Coffee Porters, Fruited Sours, and more. The vibe of this generous taproom is that of a not particularly ornate German beer hall. The presence of young human beings and their four-legged canine companions is a common occurrence here. They do not serve food but food trucks are a regular fixture.
Edit Beer Co. – The beers here a constantly evolving menu featuring crisp Lagers, bold hoppy styles, and a thoughtful mix of rotating options to ensure a balanced composition, including Fruited Wheat Beers and rich Stouts. Wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options are also available. The vibe is one of spacious, unpretentious welcome. The taproom is ample, and both small human beings (with free arcade games to occupy them) and their leashed canine companions are readily accommodated. While they do not prepare their own food, one may conveniently order from the neighboring Scooter’s Grill and Bar.
Gizmo Brew Works – Brewery & Taproom – This brewery offers a library of numerous and varied beers with evocative names. One might encounter the Beekeeper Honey Wheat, the Dad Jokes Pilsner, the Black Stiletto Stout, a multitude of IPAs, and experimental “Brewer’s Whim” concoctions. Located in an unassuming industrial park, it possesses and inherent lack of pretension. It is a laid-back space where patrons, some accompanied by canine companions or precocious offspring, can gather. There are tables and outdoor spaces and food trucks often appear.
Lonerider Brewing Company – Lonerider endeavors to brew beers that, in their own words, “tap into our inner wanderer; strong, uncompromising, for the beer drinker who doesn’t cater to the whims of the trendy.” Their flagship beers include an American Brown Ale, a Germain Hefeweizen, a Porter, and an American Pale Ale, but they also have a constantly shifting array of other styles. The space itself is said to cary a subtle, rugged charm. It is a place where one might imagine weary travelers, after a long journey, finding a moment of respite and camaraderie. While they do not possess an on-site kitchen for prepared meals, they frequently play host to food trucks, providing a rotating feast for the hungry.
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern – This original location of Lynnwwood Brewing is a full-fledged brewpub, a curious blend of a bustling neighborhood grill and a purveyor of house-brewed libations. It is a lively spot with a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, where, it is said, the staff and customers might even know your name. It boasts multiple televisions for sports enthusiasts, a roof deck for those who prefer dining under the open sky, and a patio for more relaxed enjoyment. The very essence of their brewing philosophy, much like a seasoned culinary artist, is a dedication to quality and consistent flavor. Their liquid offerings, which are constantly changing, include a diverse range of styles such as IPAs, classic styles, and more unique offerings. The food menu is expansive, offering pub grub classics, including a variety of specialty pizzas, wings, sandwiches, and salads.
Salty Turtle Beer Co: Raleigh – The very essence of this craft brewery, as one might surmise from its evocative name, is a commitment to brewing beers that evoke the spirit of the seaside, even when miles from the ocean. Their 14 beers on draft aim to bring that coastal vibe to your glass so you might find crips and refreshing Lagers, Kölsches, Hazy IPAs, and Red Ales, along with darker, more comforting brews. They also offer wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options. The vibe is an intentional blend of coastal relaxation and city convenience (no sand in your shoes). The tasting room and beer garden offer ample space and they are surrounded by neighboring restaurants, ensuring that sustenance is never far away.
Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company – Despite its somewhat hidden location in a shopping center, this Raleigh brewery has quite the memorable name and an equally memorable charm. The very essence of Sneaky Penguin is a dedication to experimenting and brewing a variety of styles. You might encounter a wide selection of IPAs, some Sours, Porters, Stouts, Lagers, Wheat Beers, Brown Ales, and various seasonal delights. They also offer wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options. The vibe is one of welcoming openness, much like a friendly, albeit somewhat industrious, warehouse, yet situated conveniently within a shopping plaza. There is outdoor seating available, and it’s a family and dog-friendly establishment. While they do not possess their own kitchen for prepared meals, they are known to have a selection of snacks on hand, and, crucially, they encourage patrons to order food from nearby restaurants.
East Raleigh
This includes anything east of I-40 and I-440, and south of 401.
Heyday Brewing – Within its walls, one finds a curious assortment of individuals, each with their own untold stories and perhaps a lingering suspicion that they’ve misplaced their car keys. They gather amidst the low murmur of adult conversation, children’s birthday parties, and TV’s that can’t be turned off. Look for a variety of beers such bright golden liquids with a flavor that could remind one of biting into a fruit that promised sweetness but delivered only sourness. Or darker concoctions offering a whisper of something akin to burnt caramel – a flavor profile that is neither entirely comforting nor wholly unsettling. They also have an extensive menu of bar food, often fried to a suspicious crispness or served with a sauce of indeterminate origin.
What’s your favorite Brewery in Raleigh?
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