Craft beer flows deep in the Carolinas, where North and South Carolina brewers turn hops into gold. From mountain taprooms to coastal patios, these spots stand out for their pints and vibes. Grab a flight—these are the best breweries to sip your way through.
1. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Mills River, NC
Near Asheville, Sierra Nevada’s sprawling campus is a beer lover’s shrine. The taproom pours classics like Pale Ale alongside small-batch sours, with a 200-acre backdrop of forest and gardens. The food—think duck fat fries—pairs perfectly. Tours show off their eco-friendly setup (solar panels galore). Best for: big-name craft with a view.
2. Holy City Brewing – North Charleston, SC
This Charleston gem churns out bold brews like Pluff Mud Porter, a rich, chocolatey nod to Lowcountry marshes. Housed in a former warehouse, the picnic-table patio overlooks Noisette Creek. Food trucks roll in daily, and the vibe’s pure laid-back SC. Best for: gritty charm and dark beers.
3. Birdsong Brewing Co. – Charlotte, NC
Charlotte’s Birdsong keeps it small and mighty. Jalapeño Pale Ale packs a spicy punch, while Higher Ground IPA balances citrus and pine. The NoDa district taproom’s industrial-cool, with live music and a dog-friendly patio. It’s a local fave since 2011. Best for: quirky flavors and city buzz.
4. New Belgium Brewing – Asheville, NC
Another Asheville titan, New Belgium’s riverside brewery slings Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger IPA. The Liquid Center offers skyline views of the French Broad River, plus free tours of their massive setup. Outdoor games and food trucks make it a hangout hub. Best for: hoppy staples and river chills.
Why They Stand Out
Sierra’s scale, Holy City’s swampy soul, Birdsong’s oddball brews, and New Belgium’s riverside polish cover every beer craving. The Carolinas’ craft scene—over 300 breweries strong—shines here.
Sip Them
Start at Sierra Nevada (20 minutes from Asheville), hit New Belgium (same city), roll to Birdsong in Charlotte (2 hours east), then finish at Holy City (3 hours south). Most are free to enter—tastings run $10-15.
Got a brewery we skipped? Shout it out below!
