Breweries in Downtown Asheville, NC
One of the more popular things to do in town is visit the many breweries in downtown Asheville, NC. The craft brewery scene is one that is growing and makes for a fun social activity and a way to experience our local flavor.
High gravity beer is a term used to label brews that exceed the standard 6% alcohol by volume for (most beer) brewed and served in the state of North Carolina. Breweries, taprooms and brew pubs indicate the exact amount of alcohol contained in a beer on menus or display boards. Some establishments will even serve high gravity beer in smaller glasses than the standard pint glass, encouraging beer lovers to consume high gravity beer in smaller servings.
Twin Leaf Brewery
This small brewery is a perfect example of an Asheville brewery – carefully curated unique flavor and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you enjoy darker beers or juicy IPAs, there will be something on tap that will wow you with its flavor profile.
Sierra Nevada Brewery
This California brewery opened this east coast location in 2014, using sustainable practices to help maintain the beauty of Mill’s River. The location holds the expansive brewery, a gift shop, and a taproom. The taproom offers creative twists on pub food made with local ingredients, as well as a large green space outside that is a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon beer. There is also an outdoor live music stage. You may also tour the brewery 10 am – 5pm Monday through Saturday, Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm. The taproom is open Monday through Thursday 11 am – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm.
Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company
This popular brewery and pizza place offers three locations: one on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville, another in Downtown Asheville at Coxe Avenue, and a carry out/delivery location on Hendersonville Rd. near Gerber Village (only a 6 minute drive from us).
Some local favorite craft brews include Shiva, Ninja and Rocket Girl. Relax with a pitcher and watch the game at the Downtown location; or see a movie in the theater while you eat at the North Asheville location. The Merrimon Avenue location is open from 11 am – Midnight every day and the Downtown Coxe Avenue location is open from Mon-Thurs. 11 am – midnight; Fri. 11 am – 2 am; Sat. Noon-2 am and Sunday from noon-midnight.
French Broad Brewing Company
Located in the Fairview (East) section of Asheville, this brewery is known for showcasing local musicians. The tasting room is open from 1- 8 pm Monday through Saturday. French Broad Beer most popular with locals includes the IPA and the Wee Heavy-er Scotch Style Ale (7%). Hours are 1-8 pm Mon. – Sat.
Highland Brewing Company
Also located in East Asheville, near Haw Creek, Highland Brewing Company is Asheville’s first local brewery. Every beer on Highland’s list is excellent. The brewery is known mainly for the Gaelic Ale and Saint Terese’s Pale Ale. Tasgall Ale (8%) is Highland’s high gravity beer and Cold Mountain is the best-known seasonal brew. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from 4-8 pm.
Green Man Brewery
Green Man Ale was originally a brew pub: Jack of the Wood, on Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville. In 2010, new ownership spurred growth in the list of handcrafted brews, while maintaining the Green Man label. Green man is known for producing IPA, ESB, Pale and Porter beers of excellent quality. Jack of the Wood opens at 4 pm and closes at 2 pm.
Pisgah Brewing Company
Located in nearby Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing Company taps are in many Asheville establishments. Pisgah’s IPA and Pale Ale have been popular choices for locals for years. The taproom is open Mon., Tues, & Wed. 4-9 p.m.; Thurs. &Fri. 2 pm – Midnight; Sat. 12 pm.– midnight and Sunday 2-9 pm. Pisgah Brewing Company also features a selection of local and regional musicians inside the taproom and off-site.
Thirsty Monk Pub & Brewery
Though the Thirsty Monk was designed to be Asheville’s first Belgian Beer Bar, the list of beers on tap now includes American handcrafted beer, too. Thirsty Monk serves food, tap and bottled beer. The Pub boasts of 62 taps with a New Belgium Dig and Avery Karma as the current selections of Belgium Beer. Thirsty Monk also serves high gravity brews and features performances by local musicians. It’s located in Downtown Asheville, on the corner of Coxe and Patton Avenues. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 4 pm – midnight; Friday, 3 pm – 2 am; Saturday 2 pm.– 2 am and Sunday 3-10 pm.
Oyster House Brewing
Opened in 2009, this new microbrewery operates out of The Lobster Trap restaurant. The intention of the brew master, Billy Klingel, was to create a brew that was complementary to oysters. The emphasis in this type of brew is roasted barley and chocolate-malts. Beer lovers will find the Upside Down Brown is a good example of this, along with the Moonstone Stout, which is brewed with oysters. The Lobster Trap is open every day at 5 pm and is located at 35 Patton Avenue, in Downtown Asheville.
Wedge Brewing Company
Located in the heart of the River Arts District, downstairs in the Wedge Building, this notorious brewery is also known as the art bar. It is open from Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 pm, Friday 3-10 pm and Sunday 2 – 10 pm. The Wedge offers local artists, visitors and neighbors a place to have a pint and talk. The Wedge’s indoor tasting room is tiny. Most guests sit on the large front porch or the patio adorned with hand wrought iron sculpture and fencing. Eat some complimentary peanuts and catch some local music on the patio. Popular microbrews include Belgian Abbey Ale (7.2%), Iron Rail IPA (7.3%) and Russian Imperial Stout (9.3%). The Wedge serves a long and changing list of high gravity brews.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Relatively new on the scene Wicked Weed has taken Asheville in force with its Belgian and West Coast style IPA’s. Most recently Wicked Weed just had their Serenity beer win gold at the 2013 GABF for American Style Brett. Serenity will be their first beer that they will be bottling.
Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire aims to embraces their craft and be independent and authentic as possible. They have a tasting and found in the heart of Asheville’s “Brewing District” which puts them right in the middle of it all.
Burial Beer Company
Burial Beer opened in June 2013. With a traditional German lager and Belgian ales style along with a creative bold American style makes this a brewery to try. Watch the historical way these beers are brewed. They add a modern touch with new materials and brewing techniques while keeping the traditional taste.
Bruisin’ Ales
Bruisin’ Ales is a beer only store with a stock of over 1000 brews from all over the world. This shop is in the heart of downtown and is a treasure trove for any beer lover. You can find any beer you would want. From rare beers you have never seen to exceptional seasonal beers. If you are looking to try a couple different beers, then the mix-a-six pack would be the choice for you.
Oskar Blues Brewery
Oskar Blues Brewery is in Brevard, North Carolina which is a great fit for them since they were founded in the small town of Lyons, CO. With a down home vibe, great music and wonderful food it makes a great spot to stop in if in the area. Oskar Blues has made a name for themselves by combining craft beer with canned beer creating favorites such as Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils and Old Chub.
Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub
Blue Mountain Pizza restaurant is a true treasure in the quaint town of Weaverville, NC just about 5 miles north of Asheville. Very friendly staff, and a great menu to choose from. Tables outside let you watch Main Street’s foot traffic. Live music every night except Sunday. So, looking for a bar with the feel of WNC make a ride out to Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub.
Catawba Brewing
Catawba is just off the Biltmore grounds in a somewhat industrial area. The tap room is open with ample seating, and there were roughly a dozen beers on tap. The staff is attentive and pleasant conversationalists. There are eateries in the same complex, across the street, just down the road, etc. This was a fun and pleasant stop on anyone’s tour de Asheville.