You guys know that I absolutely love Raleigh. IMO, it’s the foodie capital of the South. Not only is the food incredible in Raleigh, but like the rest of North Carolina, it has a booming craft beer scene.
Before my cross-state trip to NC last year, I only found a handful of beers that I really enjoyed. That all changed as soon as I stepped foot in the Tar Heel State. The craft beer here is exceptional, and folks are really experimenting with new and funky ingredients here. I’m now a firm believer that anyone can be a beer lover. If you’re headed to Raleigh soon, here are five breweries in Raleigh that I absolutely think should be on your radar.
5 Breweries in Raleigh You Need to Visit:
Brewery Bhavana
Brewery Bhavana was voted the 10th Best Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit in 2017, and their beer is just as amazing as their food is. They have more than a dozen beers to choose from, and even if you aren’t the biggest beer drinker, you’re likely to find one beer on their list that will impress you. From sours to saisons to IPAs, there’s a beer for every palate.
The ambiance of Brewery Bhavana is one of a kind: they have a restaurant, a bar, a bookshop and a flower shop all in one location. We spent hours in this one location browsing the incredible book selection, having an incredible meal, and taking some beers to go. Hands down, this is my favorite spot for date night in Raleigh.
Crank Arm Brewing
What I loved the most about Crank Arm is their unique interpretations of classic beer styles. All of their beers are unfiltered, and you can tell that they spend extra time crafting quality beers. It has a fantastic indoor and outdoor space, and it is a great place to go with groups. You’re allowed to bring outside food into the brewery, and you can also have food delivered right to the brewery.
Another thing that makes Crank Arm so special? They’ve combined their love of beer and bicycling, and like to give back to the community. They’re actively involved with Oaks & Spokes and the Triangle Spokes Group, both of which work to promote bicycling culture in the Triangle area.
Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary)
Bond Brothers was named the Best New Brewery by USA Today back in 2016. They produce high-quality ales, lagers, and sours, and offer 14 beers on tap. Located in Downtown Cary, Bond Brothers has a lively taproom with ample outdoor seating and incredible customer service. It’s also family-friendly and dog-friendly (the dog watching was pretty incredible!)
The Glass Jug Beer Lab (Durham)
The Glass Jug produces one-off small batch experimental beers. Their lineup of experimental beers is always changing, and some of the beers we tried were very funky — in the best way possible!
In addition to their experimental beers, The Glass Jug offers an incredible selection of local and craft beers. They also partner with other breweries on a regular basis and will feature one “Brewery of the Month” (you can check their website to see what this month’s pick is!)
Barrel Culture Brewing and Blending (Durham)
Barrel Culture was unlike any other brewery I’ve ever visited: each beer is oak-aged and made with fresh fruit, which gives each beer a unique color and taste. They also offer beer slushies, which at first I was hesitant to try, but they ended up being delicious. If you’re a fan of sour beers, Barrel Culture needs to be one of the breweries in Raleigh on your radar.
