Craft beer has been booming recently; Greensboro, North Carolina, is no exception. With a rich history in manufacturing, Greensboro has become a hub for innovative and unique breweries, each with its take on craft beer. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a good time, exploring the Greensboro brewery scene is a must.
As a language model trained by OpenAI, I’ve researched and analyzed the best breweries in Greensboro to provide you with the top 10. We’ve scoured online reviews, talked to locals, and sampled some of the finest brews in the area to bring you this comprehensive list.
One of the most interesting findings we discovered during our research is the story behind Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. Founded in 2004; the brewery is named after Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place just outside of Greensboro. The brewery’s flagship beer, the Buckshot Amber Ale, is a nod to Greene’s military background and has won multiple awards at national competitions.
So, grab a pint and join us on a tour of the best breweries in Greensboro, where you’re sure to discover your new favorite beer and make memories to last a lifetime.
Here is a list of the top 10 breweries in Greensboro, NC:
- Cabarrus Brewing Company
- The Good Hops Brewery
- Highland Brewing Company
- Mountain Layers Brewing Company
- Boojum Brewing
- New Belgium Brewing Company
- Flat Top Brewing Company
- The Blowing Rock Brewery
- Booneshine Brewing Company
- Carolina Brewery
The Top 10 Breweries In Greensboro, NC
1. Cabarrus Brewing Company
The former textile mill in Concord now houses a brewery, preserving the area’s industrial heritage while offering an array of beers. From light lagers to dark stouts, as well as seasonal and specialty brews, this brewing company will satisfy any beer lover’s thirst.
Their taproom features a bar, tables, couches, and an outdoor area with picnic tables, fire pits, and games. You can indulge in events such as live music, trivia night, and yoga class without worrying about food as they welcome outside snacks and food trucks.
Dog owners and families will love dining at this brewery! They have some amazing drinks on the menu, such as their Blonde Ale and Sew Juicy IPA. Plus, their welcoming atmosphere is great for all ages.
Image credit: cabarrusbrewing.com
2. The Good Hops Brewery
Using local water from the Cape Fear River and ingredients, Carolina Beach’s first brewery offers an upbeat atmosphere with a cozy taproom. They serve a range of craft beer styles – from porters to pale ales – making it a great spot to relax and enjoy some quality brews.
In the tasting room, patrons can sample a variety of brews with flights, pints, half-pints, or takeout growlers, all available from their eight taps.
The parlor also offers a range of drinks, such as wine and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, they have both indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and a dart board so you can get your game on.
The Flip Flop IPA and the Good Hops Pale Ale are recommended beers at this establishment that welcome pets, children, and those who want to bring in or order food from nearby restaurants.
3. Highland Brewing Company
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, this brewery is one of the oldest and largest in the state. It produces over 46,000 barrels of beer annually, crafting American-style beers such as pale ales, IPAs, and seasonal and experimental varieties.
The taproom of this venue offers a bar, seating, and tables set on the premises as well as a breathtaking view of the mountains from their rooftop bar. Further out in the meadow is a stage suitable for hosting concerts and festivals.
Family- and dog-friendly, Highlands Brewing Company specializes in award-winning brews like their Gaelic Ale, the Oatmeal Porter, and Cold Mountain Winter Ale. Great food is also offered — you can find local vendors and food trucks catering to your sense of taste.
4. Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Craft beers brewed with the help of local ingredients and mountain water are what you can expect to find at this Smoky Mountain brewery. With its breathtaking scenery and a menu that ranges from refreshing lagers to hoppy IPAs, it’s the perfect spot for a delicious snack or an enjoyable pint.
The taproom at this establishment is a two-story affair featuring a bar, tables, and chairs and offering views of the river and surrounding hills from their deck. The kitchen serves up sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and other items.
Paradise is a renowned brewery offering its customers family- and dog-friendly events like live music, trivia, and comedy nights. Not to be missed are their signature beers; the Almond Joy Porter, Sunburst Saison, and Nantahala Pale Ale.
5. Boojum Brewing
This quirky brewery, named after a mythical creature found in the mountains, is a great place for an enjoyable drinking and dining experience. Visitors can enjoy their brews, including light ales, dark stouts, ciders, and seltzers.
Boojum Brewing Co. offers both flights, pints, growlers, and cans and has two locations – one in Waynesville and the other in Maggie Valley. Along with these taprooms, they also have restaurants serving burgers, tacos, wings, and more.
Also read: Comparing Dark Ale Vs Stout: A Comprehensive Guide
Paradise City offers to seat indoor and outdoor seating, TVs, games, a gift shop, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Notable beers from their brewery include the King of the Mountain Double IPA, the Boojum Kolsch, and their popular Graveyard Fields Blueberry Coffee Porter.
6. New Belgium Brewing Company
This brewery, known and respected all over, started in Colorado and now has a facility in Asheville, producing more than 500,000 barrels of beer annually. Originating from Colorado, this brewery is a widely-known and highly-regarded one.
The taproom of a sustainable and organic brewery offers a unique experience to drinkers, with a bar, tables, and chairs. Tours, tastings, and events are held at the liquid center. Having a wide variety of Belgian-style ales to sours beers, it has something for everyone regarding beer taste.
The facilities at Jacksonville Public Library feature a bike park, garden, and mural wall. They support local vendors and food trucks from which visitors can purchase meals.
Families and their four-legged friends are welcome at New Belgium Brewing, a popular spot for craft beer. Some of their most sought-after brews include Voodoo Ranger IPA, the Fat Tire Amber Ale, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale.
Image credit:romanticasheville.com
7. Flat Top Brewing Company
In Banner Elk, you can find a small and inviting brewery. Perfect after a day of skiing or hiking, this spot offers craft beers ranging from wheat beer to brown truck brewery- all made with natural ingredients. Relax and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this unique brewery!
Also read: Kolsch vs Pilsner: Which Beer Is Right for You?
With a bar, tables, and chairs inside their taproom, as well as heaters and fire pits outside on the patio, guests at this location can enjoy more than just its beverages. Their menu also features sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
Music, trivia nights, bingo, and other events can all be enjoyed at this family- and dog-friendly establishment. Visitors can also sample some delightful beer varieties, such as the Frosty Blonde Ale, Black Frost Stout, and Blue Ridge Harvest Ale.
8. The Blowing Rock Brewery
The quaint town of Blowing Rock is home to a brewery inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains, their natural beauty, and history.
Also read: Comparing Dark Ale Vs Stout: A Comprehensive Guide
Parliament Brewing uses local ingredients and fresh mountain water to create a range of beers from lagers to IPAs. In their taproom, visitors can relax with a cold one at the bar or sit down at one of the tables and chairs available while enjoying pub fares such as burgers, pizzas, salads, and more.
The Blowing Rock Brewery offers award-winning beers such as their High Country Ale, Cloud Rise Hazy IPA, and the namesake Blowing Rock IPA. Along with various drinks, they have a family-friendly and dog-friendly lodge, providing cozy rooms and suites for guests seeking to stay overnight.
9. Booneshine Brewing Company
Based in Boone and serving the High Country region, this brewery is devoted to producing quality beer while positively contributing to the community.
They offer an extensive selection of beers made with high-quality ingredients, including pilsners and porters. Their cozy taproom features a bar, seating areas, and an outdoor patio with umbrellas and cornhole boards.
Parq Central’s kitchen is open for snacks, like sandwiches, tacos, and nachos. They also entertain, including live music, trivia nights, and yoga classes.
Paradise Park Brewing Co. offers a pleasant beer experience for the whole family, including dogs. Some of their most popular brews include Booneshine Pale Ale, East Boone Pilsner, and the Soulshine Kolsch.
10. Carolina Brewery
Chapel Hill-based, with a second location in Pittsboro, this respected and long-established brewery is renowned in the state for brewing beer via traditional and inventive techniques. The selection of ales and lagers that they produce is remarkable.
Also read: Too Much Foam From Keg: Causes and Remedies
Paragon Tap & Table provides a welcoming atmosphere, with seating including bar stools and tables and a restaurant that offers American fare like burgers, ribs, and wings. Catering options are available, plus join their beer club for special treats. Families and even pets are welcome!
Flagship IPA, Copperline Amber Ale, and Sky Blue Golden Ale are the brewery’s three classic beers. The Flagship IPA is a prime example of their line of beers, as is the Copperline Amber Ale and Sky Blue Golden Ale.
11. Green Man Brewing
Known for its legendary ales and eco-friendly practices, Asheville’s original craft brewery stands out in the town’s history. This brewery is none other than the world-renowned Highland Brewing Company.
The original Green Man Brewery in Asheville and the two locations of The Green Mansion and Dirty Jack’s Taproom all produce a variety of beer using organic malts and hops. This range includes English-style ales to sour beers.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting a Headache from Non-Alcoholic Beer
The Wayfarer IPA, ESB, and Porter are some of the iconic beers produced by this family- and dog-friendly brewery, with a retail shop and beer garden. This is a great place to take friends or family out for an enjoyable time.
Image credit:exploreasheville.com
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Greensboro
Tap Hopper Tours
A company that offers guided tours of the local breweries and distilleries in Greensboro and surrounding areas. They provide transportation, tastings, snacks, and water on their tours, which last about 3 hours, and visit three stops.
They also offer private tours and custom tours for groups and special occasions. They have different tour options, such as the Greensboro Brews Cruise, the Triad Spirits Tour, and the Winston-Salem Brews Cruise. The tour times vary depending on the day and the option, but they usually start in the afternoon or evening.
The tour costs range from $55 to $65 per person, depending on the option and the number of people. They also have special events and offers, such as trivia nights, beer festivals, and discounts for veterans and first responders.
Pig Pounder Brewery
A brewery specializing in English-style beers, such as bitters, porters, and stouts. They offer free tours of their production facility every Saturday at 3:30 pm, where visitors can learn about their brewing process, ingredients, and history.
They also offer tastings of their beers on tap at their taproom, which has a bar, a lounge area, and a game room. They also have an event space for private parties and weddings.
They host live music, comedy nights, trivia nights, and other weekly events. They also have a food truck that serves burgers, fries, wings, and more.
Little Brother Brewing
A boutique brewery that brews small batches of beer on-site, emphasizing experimentation and creative usage of ingredients. They also feature a resident brewer program that allows homebrewers to share their craft with the community.
They offer tours of their brewery by appointment only, where visitors can see their equipment, ingredients, and techniques. They also offer tastings of their beers on tap at their taproom, which has a bar, tables, and chairs.
They host live music, trivia nights, bingo nights, and other events throughout the week. They also have a food menu that features sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
Conclusion
After extensive research and consideration of factors such as taste, atmosphere, and reputation, we have compiled a list of the top 10 breweries in Greensboro. From established favorites like Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. to up-and-coming hotspots like Little Brother Brewing, there is something for every beer lover in this North Carolina gate city blvd.
Whether you prefer traditional ales or experimental IPAs, the breweries on this list offer a wide range of flavors and styles. And with many of them featuring outdoor seating areas and food trucks, they provide a perfect destination for a casual night out with friends or a weekend afternoon with family.
The breweries on our list represent the best of Greensboro’s craft beer scene, showcasing the city’s creativity, diversity, and passion for brewing. So grab a pint, sit back, and enjoy the unique and delicious offerings of these top 10 Greensboro breweries. Cheers!
