Best Breweries in Concord, NC
Exploring the diverse and flavorful world of breweries in Concord, North Carolina, is a craft beer lover’s dream. From historical establishments to trendy newcomers, Concord breweries, NC, are drawing in locals and travelers alike with their unique brews, lively atmospheres, and genuine commitment to quality.
In the thriving brewing scene of Concord, NC, you’ll taste some of the best North Carolina beers, like Unicorns & Lollipops – American IPA, Raisin’ The Roof – Belgian strong dark ale similar to Leffe Brune, and amazing porters with notes of vanilla and chocolate. There’s a craft beer for every palate in this city!
Nestled in the heart of Cabarrus County, with a relatively small population of just over 100,000, Concord is home to some of North Carolina’s top tourist attractions, like the NASCAR Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills Mall (the biggest shopping mall in North Carolina).
Plus, waterparks, Golf courses, indoor skydiving, a Speedpark, and much more. Though Concord’s history was once known for its Gibson Mill that churned out tons of textiles throughout America from 1899 until 2003, the Mill nowadays is a bustling place for locals and tourists, with farmers markets, AutoBarn, The Depot, Axe throwing, food courts, and entertainment awaiting them.
Put simply, Concord is fun a place for everyone! There’s not much to not love about this city. It has one of the highest average salaries in states, good schools, low crime rates, and is close to many hospitals.
The city attracts many families and kids, which has opened the door for craft breweries. Many of which have been brewing outrageously refreshing craft beers for over a decade.
Breweries like Cabarrus Brewing Company and High Branch Brewing Company started the brewing trend here, which evolved into a thriving craft beer culture and paved the way for craft beer festivals like Keep NH Brewing Festival and Spring Brews Festival.
Whether you’re visiting for the speedways, shopping, or the beers, Concord, NC welcomes you warmly. Stay tuned as we dive into a detailed exploration of the best breweries in Concord, NC.
Readers Favorite: Pharr Mill Brewing & BBQ
It’s hard to find a brewery that combines top class craft ales with mouthwatering food. The BBQ at this joint is out-of-this-world. From smoked wings, burnt ends, ribs, burgers, loaded nachos, pizzas, and more, the choices are endless – and they have many rotating craft beers on draft. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the staff their make your stay memorable.
Best Breweries
Cabarrus Brewing Company
Cabarrus Brewing Company is one of the city’s most well-known breweries that prides itself on producing high-quality, fresh, and flavorful beers using locally sourced ingredients.
The brewery creates a range of traditional beers, seasonal specialties, and experimental brews to cater to all beer enthusiasts. Besides brewing, it hosts community events like live music, trivia nights, a run club, and yoga events.
It also supports local charities through various initiatives. The taproom provides a welcoming environment where patrons can enjoy a pint in the beer garden while eating delicious from the food trucks.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Cabarrus Cotton Blonde Ale
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company
This family-friendly brewery boasts a large, comfortable taproom that invites patrons to explore an extensive beer menu.
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company offers a diverse range of brews, from hop-forward IPAs to intricate stouts. Their rich history, local ingredients, and master brewers create a unique brewery experience.
Ensuring an enjoyable atmosphere, their taproom features a large communal space, an outdoor seating area, and an ambiance reflecting Concord’s historical roots. Plus, with entertainment like trivia nights and live music to enjoy while tasting their exclusive craft beers and delicious food from rotating food trucks, it’s no wonder this brewery is a favorite hang-out spot among locals.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Industrious People Ale IPA
Southern Strain Beer Company
Creativity, craft, and a deep appreciation for brewing make the heart of Southern Strain. With a spacious dining room and patio, perfect for hosting private or corporate events, they serve a rotating menu of uniquely crafted beers and delicious food pairings.
Their Hot Box Next Level Kitchen serves up the most tantalizing food dishes that make every evening at Southern Strain with friends and family all the more enjoyable. And to make it even better, they frequently warm up their friendly atmosphere with Music Bingo, Trivia Nights, Jazz brunch, and more.
It’s the perfect place to grab a drink from their extensive tap list and kick back with friends!
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Warm Up Pils
High Branch Brewing Co
High Branch is a family-run artisanal brewery situated at Gibson Mill Market in Concord, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a seasonal rotation of craft beers.
Mostly known for their Hazy IPAs, their bar and taproom also offers everything from Mexican lagers to sour ales and Saison beer. Their cozy taproom and closed outdoor seating area are the perfect place to relax and socialize while drinking great beer.
Check out their rotating schedule of events and food trucks offering delicious local food and entertainment. High Branch Brewing hosts some of the best beer events in town, with local musicians strumming their beats, creating a lively vibe for patrons to kick back and relax.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Peach Dayz Wheat Beer
Buzzed Viking Brewing Co. & Meadery
The first meadery in Concord, Buzzed Viking, offers a unique twist on the city’s brewing scene with their signature honey wines and craft beers. Their eclectic Viking-themed taproom often hosts entertaining events, like National IPA Day and National Drink Beer Day.
Apart from their honey-infused alcoholic beverages, focusing on using high-quality ingredients and promoting sustainable practices, they also produce craft ales and serve a wide range of food on weekends, such as pizzas, nachos, and spicy wings.
For large gatherings, Buzzed Viking offers a private events room, perfect for hosting baby showers, birthday parties, and engagements.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Lyle the Viking
Pharr Mill Brewing & BBQ
Pharr Mill provides the perfect union of craft brewing and mouthwatering barbeque. Their range of artisanal brews pairs perfectly with their sumptuous BBQ offerings of brisket, pork belly, and wings – all smoked using hickory wood on their offset pit.
Their family-friendly atmosphere invites patrons to enjoy activities like corn hole and live music performances while sipping on a pint of their genuine North Carolina craft beer.
They also have a private events space that can seat up to 70 guests in their beautiful, historic location that can be closed from the public if needed and have several event packages available for different types of gatherings.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Night Out Milk Chocolate Stout
Carolina Ale House
More than just a brewery, Carolina Ale House is a sports bar that brings together lovers of good beer, food, and sports.
Offering handcrafted ales, lagers, and bottled beers, like Modelo Beer and Bud Light, alongside an extensive menu of pub-style food, this place is a popular favorite among locals and tourists. They also offer an extensive list of cocktails and wine.
Its breezy patios and vibrant scheduled events make it an inviting place for a casual meet-up or a family dinner.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: White Street Kölsch
Lil Robert’s Place
An institution in downtown Concord, this micro-pub is famous for its extensive selection of craft beers and wines, representing local and international breweries.
This funky joint started its journey as a bottle shop and soon turned into a bar and restaurant to keep its local customers happy.
Their cozy taproom is littered with memorabilia from the 60’s and 70s and has since become a bustling hub for beer enthusiasts offering frequent special events, live music performances, art shows, and relaxed socializing.
Location details:
Recommended Beer: Hefewiessen
Expert Tip
When in Concord, you should definitely visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Known as the home track of NASCAR and offers various activities for car lovers. Besides the regular races, such as the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500, they also offer behind-the-scenes tours of the facilities, which include a drag racing strip and a dirt track for different motorsport events.
The immense scale of the venue, the high-speed races, and the thrilling atmosphere make it a must-visit place for all the family.
FAQs
What types of beer can I expect in Concord, NC, breweries?
Breweries in Concord, NC, offer a wide variety of beer types – including various ales, lagers, stouts, porters, and even mead. From dark rich tones of stouts to the tart and fruity flavors of sours, there’s a brew to satisfy every palate.
Are Concord, NC breweries involved in community works?
Yes, many local breweries participate in community activities and support charitable causes. For example, Old Armor Beer Company, located on the outskirts of Concord in Kannapolis, is a non-profit brewery dedicated to helping Veterans.
Which Concord, NC, brewery has the most award-winning craft beers? And what are they?
The Cabarrus Brewing Company has won several awards for their craft beers, including Mule Spinner Stout: runner up at the 2019 Can Can Awards, Reed’s Gold Ale: Bonze at the 2017 Can Can Awards, and Cotton Blonde Ale: runner in the 2021 US Open Beer Championship.
Related Articles
After exploring the diverse spectrum of breweries in Concord, NC, it’s worth venturing out to discover the craft beer scene in other North Carolina locations. Reviews of the Best breweries in Wilmington, the Best Breweries in High Point, and the Best Breweries in Durham offer an in-depth look at the state’s thriving craft beer culture.
Wrapping Up – Best Breweries in Concord, NC
Explore these top breweries in Concord on your next visit, and witness the remarkable craft beers and vibrant atmospheres. We look forward to hearing about your experiences, so feel free to share them with us after your visit.
