Best Breweries in Raleigh, NC
If you love the refreshing taste of cold craft beer, then stick with us as we take you on an extravagant tour through Raleigh’s best breweries. The Cities brewmasters have a long-standing tradition of making unbeatable beers, and with every creation, there’s a story behind it!
Welcome to Raleigh, a city that has cemented its place in the world of craft brewing with some of the Best North Carolina Beer. Whether you’re an aficionado of Saison Beer, Sour Beer, or the stronger brews of Imperial IPA and IPA, Raleigh’s breweries have it all!
Raleigh, North Carolina, vibrantly blends urban culture with city appeal in Wake County. Around 470,000 people call this bustling capital city home, making it a lively hub for craft breweries and diverse culinary restaurants.
The city is rich in history and has many iconic landmarks, like the North Carolina Museum of History, Pullen Park, and the Historic Oakwood neighborhood.
Moreover, they have highly respected colleges and universities in Raleigh that bring an influx of students and young professionals to the city, which is great for the local breweries.
To help the community and local businesses thrive, Raleigh hosts an annual craft beer festival, Brewgaloo, featuring North Carolina’s finest breweries, food trucks, live bands, and a wonderful crowd of beer enthusiasts.
Whether you’re drawn to Raleigh for its historic charm or dynamic beer scene – you will be heartily welcomed. Join us on a journey to discover the best breweries Raleigh has to offer and what makes them special.
Readers Favorite: Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
Like most people – after one, two, or a dozen beers, the hunger creeps in, and you start searching for the food menu. Well, the food at this brewery is top-notch and on par with their world-class craft beer. Combine that with the buzzing atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and fun-loving entertainment – and you have a world-class craft brewery in Neuse River Brewing that is waiting for you!
Best Breweries
Trophy Brewing Company
From its flagship location on Maywood Avenue to its brewery and pizza on Morgan Street in Downtown Raleigh, Trophy Brewing is quickly becoming one of the most celebrated breweries in North Carolina.
Their impressive beer lineup features everything from IPAs to sours, porters to lagers, and stouts to pilsners. In addition to its delicious beer selection, Trophy Brewing also offers an extensive food menu across its four locations in Raleigh, NC.
With daily events, private event hosting, pop-ups, food trucks, and more, it’s no wonder Trophy Brewing Company is quickly becoming the go-to spot for all beer lovers.
Location details
Recommended beer: Trophy Wife IPA
Compass Rose Brewery
Established in 2019, Compass Rose Brewery is the newest brewery in Raleigh. Located in the bustling downtown area, Compass Rose Brewery provides an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a cold pint.
The brewery’s beer selection includes a variety of beer styles and tastes, including their award-winning brew, Tidal Wave. A fruity hop-forward ale perfect for any occasion!
Compass Rose Brewery also offers a variety of tasty food options to accompany their amazing brews, such as steak and cheese, chili con carne, and the popular Compass nachos. And if it’s entertainment you’re looking for, this Raleigh brewery has you covered with live music, trivia nights, bingo nights, and even Sunday yoga classes.
Location details
Recommended beers: Up & At ‘Em! and Lagerhead Light
Lonerider Brewing Company
Located in the heart of Northeast Raleigh is a renowned local brewery known for its excellent lineup of craft brews and commitment to sustainable practices. Lonerider Brewing Company features a taproom, outdoor area, cove, and event space, making it the perfect stop for a unique beer experience.
Their beer menu is always evolving, but patrons can always expect to find delicious staples like their award-winning Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen, Gold Dust IPA, or the Sweet Josie Brown Ale.
The brewery also hosts live music events, trivia nights, and other engaging events, making it the ideal spot for an after-work beer with friends. Plus, with daily food trucks on the premises, you can grab a bite to eat too!
Location details
Recommended beer: Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen
Deep River Brewing Company
Deep River Brewing Company is yet another hidden gem in the Raleigh beerscape. With its religious shrine-inspired taproom and outdoor patio area, Deep River Brewing Company offers a unique and relaxing spot for beer lovers to enjoy their craft brews.
From year-round beers, like the crisp and refreshing Cottontown Lager to the seasonal beers of Pumpkin Pie Porter, Deep River Brewing Company’s selection of beers is geared towards a variety of palates.
Apart from over a dozen beers to choose from, customers are also treated to live music, music bingo, run club meetups, and rotational food trucks near the beer garden to curb the hunger.
Location details
Recommended beer: Mango Tango Foxtrot IPA
Nickelpoint Brewing Co.
Nestled in the North Raleigh area on Pershing Road, Nickelpoint Brewing Co. is a favorite hot spot serving up great beers and family entertainment. This family-owned production brewery is renowned for its inventive beer lineup and cozy taproom, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Their beer menu features a variety of styles, from light and sessionable lagers to hop-forward IPAs and complex stouts. Notable beers include Curly Tail Blonde Ale, Bohemian Tap City Pilsner, and Vienna Lager.
Besides their great beer, they also cater for corporate events, birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, holiday parties, and fundraisers. Plus, live music, monthly comedy shows, and games for the kids to enjoy, like foosball, sidewalk chalk, giant Jenga, and cornhole. So you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands at Nickelpoint Brewing Co.!
Location details
Recommended beer: Blue-Blooded Blonde
Oak City Brewing Company
Oak City Brewing Company is relatively new to the Raleigh beer scene and crafts its beer in a beautiful location facing Knightdale Station Park. The park provides a beautiful themed playground for kids, two miles of paved hiking trails to walk around, and plenty of greenery and stunning views to enjoy while sippin on Oak City’s refreshing craft beers.
Their beer menu consists of several specialty rotating brews, such as their Mango Express Sour and Cosmic Fireworks IPA, and all beer from Oak City Brewing is fresh, flavorful, and made with the highest quality ingredients.
They also have a variety of rotational food trucks, live music, and run clubs available.
Location details
Recommended beer: Tripel
Neuse River Brewing Company
If Belgian-style beers are your thing, you can’t do better than Neuse River Brewing Company.
Founded by a North Carolinian with a passion for making beer, Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie specializes in delicious Belgian ales made with high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods.
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie also has a wine & cocktail bar for those who don’t fancy craft beer and a selection of top-shelf spirits. Their delectable food menu features Belgian favorites, like Steak Frites and Croque Monsieur, and their household classic half-pound burger.
Location details
Recommended beer: Neusiok Imperial Saison
Funguys Brewing
Situated in the lively downtown district of East Raleigh on Paula Street, Funguys Brewing is a unique and quirky brewery that stands out from the rest. Boasting psychedelic decor and abundant outdoor seating, Funguys Brewing pairs its vibrant atmosphere with a delicious selection of craft beers.
Brewed in small batches on the premises, their beer menu offers a variety of styles ranging from hazy IPAs to lagers and porters.
Notable beers include Aniello’s Hefe – a traditional German Hefeweizen style beer – and the ever-popular Milk’s Favorite Pastry Stout – a delicious pastry stout with chocolate sandwich cookies and marshmallows – perfect for after dinner.
Location details
Recommended beer: It’s An Illusion Michael!
Raleigh Brewing Company
With 32 beers on tap, Raleigh Brewing Company on Neil Street has become a permanent fixture in the city’s craft beer scene. Featuring a spacious taproom, outdoor seating area, and a wide selection of unique brews and seasonal beers, Raleigh Brewing offers a perfect setting for a leisurely beer.
From sweet and sessionable lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs, Raleigh Brewing’s beer menu is second to none. Combine their ever-expanding beer selection with quality trivia nights and food trucks serving up tacos, burgers, and fusion bites, and you’ve got a memorable evening.
The brewery also has a supplies shop, Atlantic Brew Supply, where visitors of the brewery can buy homebrew equipment and learn how to make craft beer from experienced brewmasters.
Location details
Recommended beer: Rye’d Or Die, Pale Ale,
Lynnwood Brewing Concern
Situated in North Raleigh’s bustling Seaboard Station district just a stone’s throw away from the Grove Barton Shopping Center, Lynnwood Brewing Concern is a small brewpub featuring an intimate atmosphere and a tantalizing beer menu.
Founded in 2014, Lynnwood Brewing Concern & Grill is committed to providing guests with delicious beers and food. They also support the local community of Raleigh, NC, by sponsoring local sports teams, fundraisers, and tournaments.
The brewery provides a huge private event area perfect for parties and business meetings, serving up a menu full of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and wraps to pair with their great beers. No matter your needs and requirements, Lynnwood Brewing Concern and Grill is your one-stop brewery for entertainment, great-tasting beer, catering, and amazing food.
Location details
Recommended beer: Hop On Top
Expert Tip
Before heading to one of these hop-tastic breweries – a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must! It’s the largest natural science museum in the Southeast and one of the top attractions in North Carolina.
There’s a wide range of exhibits to see, like dinosaurs, whale skeletons, a butterfly room, interactive experiences, and more. Plus, a three-story indoor rainforest, daily programs, films, and shows to keep all the family entertained for the whole day.
The museum is built inside a huge globe structure and is a great opportunity to learn about natural history in an engaging, hands-on way.
FAQs
Which Raleigh brewery has an open garden?
Several breweries in Raleigh offer outdoor garden or patio seating options. The Neuse River Brewing Company, Trophy Brewing Company, and Funguys Brewing, in particular, have popular outdoor spaces.
Which Raleigh brewery is best to take children?
Trophy Brewing Company is known for being family-friendly. They have a variety of games that children can enjoy, and they are also known for their delicious pizza, which is a plus for kids.
Where can I buy brewing supplies or see brewing processes in Raleigh breweries?
The main brewery for tours, classes, and supplies is Raleigh Brewing Company. They have a commercial store where you can buy absolutely everything to do with homebrewing, while also having a tour and demonstration of the brewing processes and best practices.
Related Local Breweries
If you love the Raleigh beer scene and want to know more about some of the best beers in NC, and its beer-cultured cities, check out our guides to the best breweries in Cary, the best breweries in Durham, best breweries in High Point, Concord Breweries and the best breweries in Fayetteville.
Wrapping Up
That’s it for this article on the best breweries in Raleigh, where warm hospitality, amazing food, and excellent craft beer combine to create everlasting memories. If you’ve had the chance to visit any of them, we would love to hear about your experience!
