If you’re searching on your phone for “craft beer near me” and thinking of checking out a few local Raleigh breweries, you’re in luck as the city of Raleigh is home to a whopping 20+ breweries (there are many more when you consider the whole of Wake County and surrounding towns).
One of the things we love about living in Raleigh is the thriving craft beer scene, it’s not just the food scene that has grown in prominence, and I can personally vouch that the Raleigh beer scene is up there with the best in the nation, at least in the Southeast.
Through my extensive travels, I have personally tasted beers in the top ranked beer cities across the USA, and in my opinion some of the best breweries in Raleigh are rivaling the likes of those in Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, and Asheville.
And there is a brewery here for everyone, with all styles of beer catered for! And whether you are looking for Raleigh breweries with outdoor seating, live music, food trucks, dog and kid friendly, on-site kitchens, trivia nights, run clubs, this list has you covered.
We also have exciting beer festivals in Raleigh too. Brewgaloo in downtown is the 2nd largest craft beer festival in the country. I’ll drink to that!
Down below is a directory list of all the Raleigh breweries, in alphabetical order (not by my preference), including what style of beer each brewery has on offer, and what other services they have.
We have also recorded a podcast episode sharing the uniquely Raleigh bucket list. You’ll find it at the bottom of the post.
I don’t believe I’ve missed any, but if I have, let me know in the comments at the bottom, and share with me your favorite brewery or beer. And once you’re full of beer, be sure to check out our list of 11 cocktail bars in Raleigh the locals love!
Brewery Bhavana
Probably the most unique of the downtown Raleigh breweries considering it’s a four-in-one concept of Beer + Dim Sum + Flowers + Bookstore creating an unprecedented space. On paper it sounds like a misfit, but whoever said a microbrewery + fine dining can’t coexist, were wrong,
This place has an amazingly stylish interior with great modern lighting and decor, an interesting bookstore and flower shop, and a great marble bar. All this backed up with award-winning beer and amazing food (especially their dim sum).
Over a dozen beers on tap, plus rotating selections, and beers to go.
Style of beers: Ales, IPA’s, Pale Ales, Stout, Pilsner, Sours, Saisons
More details:
- Outdoor seating: no
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: no
- Dog-friendly: no
- Games: no
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: BreweryBhvana.com
Burial Beer Co – The Exhibit
No, not local to Raleigh, but because they are local to North Carolina (Asheville) and they have such fantastic beers in their downtown Raleigh taproom, they are being added to this list.
The name Burial is inspired by the city of New Orleans, where the founders were once living, and their Raleigh space is affectionately referred to as “The Exhibit”, a unique exploration of the Burial art world located in Downtown Raleigh’s Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Many beer enthusiasts regard Burial as having the best beer in Raleigh for IPAs, stouts, and sours, and if you know the reputation of Asheville breweries it’s hard to argue. 24 taps serve their latest small-batch beers and knowledgeable staff. Cool and interesting artwork on the wall inside with ample seating but can get cramped when busy, and a few seats on the sidewalk.
Relaxed neighborhood environment, and you have all the food you could ever want next door at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Bottle shop connected to take the Burial experience with you!
Style of beers: IPAs, Ales, Sour, Stouts, Porter, Saison, Cider, Barleywine.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: no (food hall attached)
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: (somewhat)
- Dog-friendly: yes (outdoors)
- Games: no
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 500 E Davie St #170, Raleigh
- Website: BurialBeer.com
Clouds Brewing
Clouds Brewing operates two locations, a brewhouse in North Raleigh just inside the beltline, plus an industrial-chic Raleigh Pub in the Glenwood South District near downtown Raleigh.
Originally founded as “German Inspired, American Made” beer, at their brewery/taproom, Clouds keeps its roots with a focus on European inspired lagers and ales, including seasonal releases to their year-round varieties. There are 18 beers on tap and wine/ciders available as well.
At their pub downtown, they’ve got 40+ rotating taps with local & craft beer, including our own German-inspired brews. Join them every First Friday at their taproom for Beats & Brews and select Saturdays for monthly Cause for Paws adoption events!
Style of beers: Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Amber Lager, Amber Ale, German-American lager, Doppelbock, Belgian Dark, Belgian Golden, Porters, Sour, Milk Stout Nitro, and seasonal offerings.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: at their downtown location
- Food trucks: yes (taproom)
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: yes
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Taproom: 1233 Front St. Raleigh, Raleigh Pub: 126 N West St, Raleigh
- Website: CloudsBrewing.com
Compass Rose Brewery
This independently owned Raleigh brewery was founded in 2015 with a passion for exploration and a love of fresh craft beer and is the first brewery to be in Northeast Raleigh.
Their beers are influenced by the international travels of the owners, and currently offer more than 15 different styles. Their extremely large 5,500 sq ft taproom features reclaimed wood and industrial design details, a mix of high-top tables and normal tables, plus multiple picnic tables outside.
Weekly events include Trivia, live music, and a rotation of food trucks, along with games for the kids
Style of beers: West Coast IPA, NE Hazy, Lager, Pilsner, Pale wheat, Stouts, Porter, Sours
More info:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: No
- Food trucks: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: Yes
- Live music: Yes
Find them:
- Address: 3201 Northside Dr #101, Raleigh
- Website: CompassRoseBrewery.com
Crank Arm Brewing Company
Crank Arm started in 2013 with the dream of combining their two passions: bikes and beer, and that dream became a reality at their Raleigh brewery in the heart of the Warehouse District in downtown.
This locally owned craft brewery offers a popular array of brews, and all Crank Arm’s beers are unfiltered, including a dynamite double hazy. And they are big into cultivating an active lifestyle in the community – they do a run club on Tuesdays and a cycling club on Wednesdays.
Here you’ll find a relaxed and friendly vibe for all ages, TVs for those into sports, free popcorn, lots of games including Jenga, ample indoor and outdoor seating with a large fire pit in winter.
Got kids? They’re a couple of doors down from the popular Videri Chocolate Factory for great chocolates and soft-serve ice cream.
Style of beers: Ales, IPAs, Lager, Stout, Porter, Sour, Seltzer
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: no
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: yes
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: CrankArmBrewing.com
Funguys Brewing
Another one of the most popular Raleigh breweries in terms of beer, Funguys is a real mom-and-pop craft brewery focused on flavor forward ales, lagers, IPA’s and their fruit forward smoothie style sours.
Don’t expect amazing ambience as the location is rather industrial, but regulars love the quirky atmosphere, classic Rock & Roll music, and some of the best beer in Raleigh, if not NC!
16 taps total, limited indoor and outdoor seating, but just a no frills brewery with tasty beers and a raving local fan base!
Style of beers: Hazy IPAs, Lagers, Stouts, Sessions, Smoothies style Sours, Weizenbock, Seltzer.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: No
- Food trucks: Check their social media
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: No
- Live music: No
Find them:
- Address: 2408 Paula St, Raleigh
- Website: FunGuysBrewing.com
Gizmo Brew Works – Brewery & Taproom
Founded in 2013, Gizmo Brew Works serves up 20 beers on tap of different varieties and some unique options (try one of their flights) and 12 cans.
Their stouts are popular, and each month they release a different fruited gose.
Also on offer is ample indoor seating, a large outdoor seating area, TVs to watch the game, live music including open mic sessions and food trucks on Saturdays, board games, and non-alcoholic drink options for those that don’t like beer.
Very welcoming, and kid and dog friendly in their outdoor-patio area. Tucked away in an industrial park with limited parking. It might be hard to find especially at night.
Style of beers: Pilsner, Ales, NEIPA, Honey wheat, Stout, Strawberry Gose.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: No
- Food trucks: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: Yes
- Live music: YEs
Find them:
- Address: 5907 Triangle Dr, Raleigh
- Website: GizMoBrewworks.com
Heyday Brewing
Located a 15-minute drive north-east of downtown, Heyday is a brewery and restaurant with a distinctly southern accent and equal parts North Carolina and Louisiana and believe deeply in southern hospitality and in brewing beer that’s accessible to everyone.
Good variety of beer with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating right within a community providing for a nice atmosphere. Check their website for live music and trivia nights.
Their kitchen offers great food including pizzas, burgers, fish & chips and a kid’s menu.
Style of beers: Vienna lager, IPAs, Ales, Witbier, Stout, Zwickelbier, Sours
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: yes
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 5301 Tin Roof Way, Raleigh
- Website: HeydayBrewing.com
Little City Brewing & Provisions Co.
This industrial-chic bar is not your typical brewery, more like a cool hipster bar downtown, but this small brewery serves up beer brewed on-site plus specialty cocktails and unique wines.
Typically, about eight beers on tap with a full bar. No on-site food is served but often they have a food truck outside. Plus, there’s a handful of board games to play with, and a casual atmosphere.
Style of beers: Lager, IPAs, Witbier, Stout, Seltzer.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: no
- On-site kitchen: no
- Food trucks: yes
- Kid-friendly: no
- Dog-friendly:
- Games: yes
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 400 W North St Suite 120, Raleigh
- Website: LittleCityBrewing.com
Related Post – 15 best sports bars in Raleigh
Lonerider Brewing Company
Lonerider opened its doors in 2009 with a beer and a dream, and today Lonerider is distributed in nine states and considered amongst the top 150 breweries in the USA and a mainstay of the breweries in Raleigh.
The “hideout” taproom offers a wide selection of different styles of beer to choose from, plus cider, seltzer and wine options for non-beer drinkers.
Whilst there’s limited seating inside with a mix of high top and regular tables, there’s lots of space outdoors in their beer garden area with covered seating making it pet and kid friendly.
No kitchen but they often have a food truck onsite on weekends, and occasionally have music.
Style of beers: Pilsner, Kolsch, German Hefeweizen, Vienna lager, Sour Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, IPAs, Brown ale, Porter
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: no
- Food trucks: yes
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games:
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 8816 Gulf Ct #100, Raleigh
- Website: LoneRiderBeer.com
Lynnwood Brewing Concern
Lynwood is regarded as one of the best breweries in Raleigh with a loyal following, and would be one of the most kid friendly breweries in Raleigh as well. Located close to downtown and North Hills, this is just a great spot to hang out with a true neighborhood feel.
Inside is an industrial feel and good amount of space and seating, whilst their large outdoor beer garden space is very inviting with plenty of tables and seating options and perfect for families and pets.
The beer is top notch and award-winning (both year-round and seasonal) and there’s a restaurant attached across the parking lot, Wilson’s Eatery who offer fantastic burgers, fries and other bites and deliver right to your table.
Style of beers: Ales, Pilsner, Amber, Belgian blonde, English brown, IPA, Stout
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes (on leashes)
- Games: yes
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh
- Website: LynwoodBrewing
Mordecai Beverage Co.
Located in the Gateway Plaza a short drive north-east of downtown Raleigh, you’ll find a small but comfortable industrial indoor space with ample outdoor seating, a nice, relaxed atmosphere and good selection of beer (plus guest taps) and ciders too.
Games for all ages, and often have live music in the parking lot on the weekends.
Style of beers: IPAs, Cream ales, Sour, Saison, Ale, Porter, Brown ale, Stout
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: no
- Food trucks: yes
- Kid-friendly: outdoors
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: yes
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 2425 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh
- Website: Mordecaibev.co
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
Located near the awesome Five Points neighborhood, Neuse River Brewing Company focuses on Belgian ales and IPAs but also experiments with contemporary and experimental styles, offering a wide selection and something for everyone.
There’s a nice outdoor patio area (uncovered), and a more formal indoor seating area and kitchen. The beer is good, the ambiance is nice, and the food is upscale for a brewery (a popular brunch spot).
They also serve wine and cocktails and are dog friendly!
Style of beers: Belgian Witbier, Belgian brown, Hazy IPAs, Sours, Saison
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: no
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh
- Website: NeuseRiverBrewing.com
Nickelpoint Brewing Co.
This brewery located in the Five Points neighborhood just north of downtown was founded by two home-brewing brothers with a dedication to craft and quality and a reverence for historical styles and a nice selection of beers.
Nickelpoint is a laid-back Raleigh brewery with a small but cozy and climate-controlled brewery tap room, but a big and unique shaded patio area and covered indoor space complete with a big red double decker bus.
Welcoming, pet friendly, they have live music (Fri and Sat), and lots of games like foosball, ping pong and cornhole in their biergarten space, all while watching sports on a huge projector screen.
Style of beers: Vienna Lager, Czech Pilsner, Ales (Blonde, Belgian), IPAs (English & West Coast), Nut brown, Stout, Saison
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: no
- Food trucks: yes
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: yes
- Live music: yes
Find them:
- Address: 506 Pershing Rd, Raleigh
- Website: NickelPointBrewing.com
Raleigh Brewing Company
Raleigh Brewing’s mission with every beer brewed is to embrace the City of Oaks (Raleigh), and from the murals of the capital city on the taproom walls, to their beer names and their involvement with local community organizations and nonprofits, this is what they do.
There’s 20+ beers on tap with a wide selection of styles (including the famous Hell Yes Ma’am). This brewery is very spacious, with a large outdoor patio area (often with a food truck), and a nice casual atmosphere and pet friendly.
Got kids? It’s an easy walk to a Ben & Jerry’s.
Style of beers: Ales (Belgian, Scottish, Pale, Wheat,, Czech Pilsner, IPAs, Stout, American Lager plus seasonal beers.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: No
- Food trucks: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: no
- Live music: check their website
Find them:
- Address: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh
- Website: RaleighBrewing.com
Learn more about Raleigh Brewing in our post highlighting Hillsborough Street local businesses.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Whilst not a brewery so to speak, this blog post is about beer in Raleigh and I can’t not mention the famous Raleigh Beer Garden in the popular Glenwood South neighborhood.
With 350+ beers on tap, at time of opening they became the world record-holder for largest selection of draft beer (verified by the folks at Guinness World Records).
As mentioned, the craft beer scene in Raleigh is unlike any other in the Southeast and at the Raleigh Beer Garden you can sample many local NC brews, plus beers from other states and internationally.
This is a massive 8,500-square-foot venue with 3 levels, tons of outdoor space, a back beer garden patio (family-friendly), a rooftop bar, and ever-changing selection of beers!
Style of beers: Anything and everything!
More details:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: Yes
- Food trucks: No
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: Yes
- Live music: check their website
Find them:
- Address: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: TheRaleighBeerGarden.com
Standard Beer + Food
A fantastic neighborhood brewery located in the excellent North Person Street adjacent to the downtown Raleigh neighborhoods of Oakwood and Mordecai.
Standard Beer + Food offers unique craft brews plus wine and cocktails, tasty food, and a friendly and casual atmosphere close to downtown Raleigh.
There’s comfortable inside seating and a large and pleasant outdoor space that’s dog friendly and for the kids to move around.
On the food menu are tasty tacos, wings, and salads, and it’s only a couple of doors down from the popular and local Two Roosters Ice Cream so the kids can grab a treat whilst you drink.
Style of beers: Lager, Ale, Coffee stout, WCIPA, Juicy IPA, Rose Biere, Gose. Plus cider & wines.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks:
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: no
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh
- Website: StandardBeerAndFood.com
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe & Brewery
Tobacco Road Brewing opened in the historic powerhouse building one block from the busy Glenwood South District and close to downtown Raleigh in 2016, and features a brewery, restaurant, game room and patio.
It’s a large space with good in-house beers and as the name says, a huge bar with multiple bartenders and ample TVs to watch the game whilst enjoying scratch-made food paired with their Tobacco Road beers brewed on-site.
There’s also a small games room in the back, and a second-floor events space.
Style of beers: Pale Ale’s, Pilsner, Kolsch, Belgian wheat, IPAs, Stouts, Gose, Wassail beer, Saison
Details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: no
- Games: yes
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 505 W Jones St, Raleigh
- Website: TobaccoRoadSportsCafe.com/raleigh
Trophy Brewing & Taproom
Trophy Brewing is one of the most popular Raleigh breweries in terms of beer, with frequently rotating taps in their taproom on Maywood Avenue, a short drive south of downtown Raleigh.
Their beers are highly regarded with a nice variety of styles on offer, and whilst their taproom is quite small, they have a large outdoor seating area that is dog and kid-friendly.
No food is served here (check out their Trophy Brewing + Pizza location), but at this taproom they usually have a food truck, as well as pop-up markets, and overall this is a good neighborhood brewery with a chill crowd.
Style of beers: IPAs, Witbier, Lagers, Stout, Sours, Saison
More details:
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- On-site kitchen: No
- Food trucks: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Games: No
- Live music: check their website
Find them:
- Address: 656 Maywood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: TrophyBrewing.com
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
This small batch craft brewery combines refreshing and flavorful beers with the best view of downtown Raleigh from their famous patio – as they say, come for the brews, stay for the views!
They have a nice rotation of beer styles throughout the year, and whilst Wye Hill is a Brewpub, there are some great signature cocktails and wine on the menu too!
There’s plenty of outdoor seating on the best patio in Raleigh, plus indoor seating. And, if you like breweries with kitchens that serve quality food, they have the best food at a brewery bar none with chef driven bar food and a focus on NC ingredients and unique twists on the familiar.
Perfect for grabbing some drinks with friends, or a date night.
Style of beers:Cream Ale, Pale Ale, Kolsch-Style-Ale, Sour AleI, PAs, Belgian Wit, Vienna Lager, Stout, Saison.
More details:
- Outdoor seating: yes
- On-site kitchen: yes
- Food trucks: no
- Kid-friendly: yes
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Games: no
- Live music: no
Find them:
- Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh
- Website: WyeHill.com
Raleigh Breweries Podcast Episode
For those who may prefer watching a video of us podcasting, we filmed that for you too, which you’ll find on YouTube each week.
There you have it. The full list of Raleigh breweries. I think it’s fair to say you won’t go thirsty in Raleigh anytime soon, and I can say with confidence that some of the best beers I’ve had have been right here in Raleigh. One thing is for sure, with all the local breweries you won’t go thirsty in Raleigh!
And if you need a Raleigh brewery map, click here. What Raleigh breweries do you love?
