The Best Breweries in North Carolina

North Carolina, popular as the “Tar Heel State,” has a lot to offer travelers. You will see some of the most incredible panoramas on your North Carolina vacation.

Be it lovely coastal beaches to majestic mountains. The state is rich in history, culture, and tourist attractions and has something for everyone. If you enjoy beer, North Carolina has some world-class breweries. Here is a list of some of the best breweries in North Carolina to visit while on your vacation for a fun-filled evening.

If you’re looking for something more local, you can check out our other North Carolina brewery articles below.

You can also look at our best breweries in America article if you are looking for something in a different city or state.

Did you know that North Carolina is home to more than 380 breweries? The state has the highest number of craft brewers in the American South. Let’s look at some of the best breweries in North Carolina.

• Cabarrus Brewing Company
• The Good Hops Brewery
• High Land Brewing Company
• Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
• New Belgium Brewing Company
• Mountain Layers Brewing Company
• Boojum Brewing
• Booneshine Brewing Company
• Flat Top Brewery
• The Blowing Rock Brewery

Cabarrus Brewing Company

The Cabarrus Brewing Company has a sizable indoor and outdoor space where you may relax and play games, etc. The brewery doesn’t offer food, although there are food trucks nearby, and you’re welcome to bring your snacks. The brewery is excellent for family and friends to unwind, and dogs are welcome.

Customers strongly prefer the Blonde Ale and Sew Juicy varieties. If you’re unsure of what you want, talk to the friendly bartenders, and they’ll mix up something that will satisfy your taste.

The Good Hops Brewery

The Good Hops brewery, the first brewery in the area, has a lively atmosphere, live music, and an indoor and outdoor seating area. You can try different flavors from eight taps in the tasting room, and the brewery offers flights, grumblers, pints, and half-pints for takeout.

Visitors can plan a fun-filled day at the brewery by taking lunch with them or placing a takeout order from a nearby restaurant. The brewery has a laid-back atmosphere and is pet and family-friendly, which is a plus point.

Customers highly recommend the flip-flop IPA and the Good hops pale ale. The brewery also serves wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

High Land Brewing Company

The High Land Brewing company is one of the biggest independent family-owned breweries in the Southeast. Highland was established in a refurbished factory on a mountaintop. The dog-friendly venue welcomes thousands of guests year-round and features unique edition beers, live music, and entertaining outdoor activities.

A 40-acre property has a lot to offer, from a sizable outdoor meadow and bar to hiking trails, volleyball courts, food trucks, and much more, making Highland the ideal spot to experience Asheville. You can also organize private parties at the rooftop and event center.

The porter and stouts come highly recommended for beer lovers, and people who don’t drink beer can indulge in the wine and cider options.

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

Camping and hiking enthusiasts can take a break and enjoy some excellent beer at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin. Hikers and campers mostly stop by the brewery to cool down and take in the beauty of nature while relaxing in the pet-friendly outside area.

The nearby Appalachian Trail has inspired the brewery’s name. It has become a popular destination where visitors stop by to reconnect with old friends while enjoying the sunset, sipping some fresh beer, and taking in the tranquility of the mountains.

The food truck outside the brewery offers old-school comfort meals, and you can sip on the smooth Trail Mate Golden Ale or take your pick from a wide selection of beer. The brewery also has a fire pit outside, and the live music is like a cherry on top.

New Belgium Brewing Company

The New Belgium Brewing Company is located near the River Arts District in Ashville. It is a must-visit location where you can enjoy a light-hearted evening and sample various beers from the brewery, including some limited-edition seasonal options. The brewery makes for a family-friendly spot where you can bond with friends and family while sitting outside overlooking the grassy space and a breathtaking view of the French Broad River.

Every Friday at the brewery is “Fat Tire Friday,” when various food trucks provide delicious food to guests enjoying the brewery tours. You can find more information on the brewery’s official website, where they also offer a hassle-free method for customers to reserve tickets and inform them of upcoming events, live music schedules, and private room rentals. The Fat Tire Amber Ale is one of the top favorites of regular visitors at the new Belgium brewing company. While at it, you can also indulge in other popular beer options like La Folie Sour Brown Ale and Dominga Mimosa Sour.

Mountain Layers Brewing Company

The mountain layers brewing company is an absolute delight and a must-visit family and pet-friendly location. The brewery and taproom feature two bars; one is located on the main level, and a second is located upstairs, where you can unwind after a long day by watching the sunset while sipping excellent craft beer on the outdoor terrace overlooking downtown and the river.

After a 30-year career in public service, the brewery’s owner opened this facility, and an Honor and Remember Wall has been built to pay tribute to all veterans. Tasty cuisine is offered by the Hawaiian food truck parked outside the bar, which is a customer favorite. The Big Little Town Brown Ale and Kicking Asphalt Black Lager seem to be one of the top customers picked at the mountain layers brewing company, which is a must-vis for craft beer lovers.

Boojum Brewing

Dubbed Haywood County’s best brewery five years in a row makes Boojum Brewing a highly recommended destination for beer enthusiasts visiting North Carolina. The brewery has a one-of-a-kind tap room with 16 taps of exquisite cocktails, wines, and Boojum beers for guests to enjoy.

Situated in the heart of the mountains, this brewery offers a calm ambiance, some of the most majestic views, mouth-watering meals, and an incredible beer and wine selection. Nature lovers may also spend their nights watching the sunset in the dog-friendly outdoor area. At night, guests over 21 can enjoy a speakeasy-style Gem Bar situated underneath the restaurant. Their Hazy beer is a hit with visitors, and you can pair it with tasty meals like fish and chips or burgers to quench your hunger before venturing out to explore the state.

Booneshine Brewing Company

East Boone is home to the Booneshine Brewing Company, a brewery, tasting room, and restaurant. The recently finished tasting facility has well-furnished inside sitting and dog-friendly outside seating areas. The kitchen offers delectable dishes produced with locally sourced ingredients.

The burgers are highly recommended, and you can wash your meal down with the White IPA or stout that customer favorites.

Flat Top Brewery

The flat-top brewery in Banner Elk, North Carolina, offers premium craft beer created with premium mountain spring water. Visitors can enjoy quality time with friends and family and spend a fun evening while laying a few rounds at the pool table. The brewery offers multiple snack options, and pizza and wings are popular among customers.

The brewery offers a variety of beers, making it the perfect spot to rest and unwind while sipping Heffiweisen and eating a slice of pizza.

The Blowing Rock Brewery

The Blowing Rock Brewery is a modern, custom-built boutique brewing establishment in Blowing Rock. It is the first brewery in Blowing Rock and can produce both regular and high-gravity ales and lagers. The food bar serves delicious bar food, and there is also a food truck situated outside that sells delicious gluten-free pizza.

Customers highly suggest the Kolsch, which goes well with various foods, including burgers or salads.