Known as "Beer City USA" (a title we officially won in 2009), Asheville is the perfect place to head out on a brewery tour. But wait! With so many breweries to choose from, how can you possibly narrow down all the options? Don't worry, that's where we come in. At Greybeard Rentals, we're experts in all things Asheville--and that includes the craft brewing scene.
Asheville’s roots as a beer town began around 1994 with Highland Brewing Company. Highland’s founder, Oscar Wong, lauded as the godfather of Asheville Craft Beer, laid a foundation for a city that is now bustling with over 50 breweries, about half of which are central to downtown Asheville. Asheville’s beer scene has also paved the way for a variety of ways to experience Beer City USA, including beer tours and experiences, so that you can enjoy the flavors of the city while being chauffeured around town. Even if beer isn't your drink of choice, the city is home to several cideries, kombucha brewers, and other craft beverage makers. In this guide, we will be highlighting some of the best breweries around Asheville that are sure to delight both beer connoisseurs and novices alike.
Here are some of our favorite craft breweries, both in Asheville and Black Mountain (about 20 minutes east of Asheville).
Asheville Craft Breweries:
Highland Brewing
It's only appropriate to begin an Asheville brewery list with Asheville’s original brewery! Now the largest independent, family-owned brewery in town, Highland Brewing’s flagship brewery is located in East Asheville. They also have a downtown location in the S&W Market. While you're here, check out the sand volleyball courts, 18-hole disc golf course, play area for kids, corn hole, stage for live music, and more. Food trucks are also present on a rotating basis!
Try These Beers - Highland Gaelic Ale, AVL IPA, Cold Mountain Spice Winter Ale (available seasonally), Clawhammer Oktoberfest.
Pet Friendly? Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed at the brewery location as long as they are on leash.
Good for Kids? Yes! The East Asheville location has an outdoor area with sand, a seesaw, and an open field that is perfect for kids.
Burial Beer Company
Lovingly self-referred to as “our little dive in the alley,” Burial Beer Company is a top pick in the area. The South Slope location has two bars with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food here is incredible, too! Burial Beer also owns several other great spots around Asheville, including Forestry Camp Taproom, Visuals Rooftop Wine Bar, and Eulogy for live music. Don't forget to try a boozy slushie to cool you down on a hot day, and be sure to check out the several events and live music happening throughout the year!
Try These Beers: Shadowclock Pilsner, Surf Wax IPA, Innertube Lager, All Evidence to the Contrary Notwithstanding Imperial Stout
Pet Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed!
Good for Kids? Yes, kids are allowed and will love hanging out in the hollowed-out cars around the property.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Established in 2012, Wicked Weed Brewing is a staple of Asheville. It revolutionized the local craft beer scene! They’ve had countless IPAs, sours, and dark beers win awards in the Festival of Wood & Barrel Aged Beer, U.S. Open Beer Championship, the World Beer Cup, and the Great American Beer Festival. Wicked Weed Brewing’s brewpub location has a full food menu, a downstairs tap room, and a beer garden. They also offer free tours that include three samples, a complimentary WW tasting glass, a discount for the bottle shop, and a personalized behind-the-scenes look at the origin of WW Brewing.
Try These Beers: Coastal Love Hazy IPA, Black Angel Sour, Pernicious IPA, Milk and Cookies Imperial Stout
Pet Friendly? Yes. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the brewpub, there is an outdoor area where they are welcome. Wicked Weed West is also dog-friendly.
Good for Kids? Yes, they are kid-friendly and host a special Family Night every Tuesday after 5 PM, which includes a free kids' meal with each purchase of an adult meal for ages 12 and under. They also have a coloring menu that the kiddos will love!
Wedge Brewing Company
If you want to get the feel for an authentically Asheville brewery, Wedge Brewing (Studios location) is a great place to start. Located in the heart of the River Arts District and founded by metal artist John Payne, it's a vibrant part of the local community! Wedge Brewing is open 7 days a week and has delicious rotating food trucks onsite, too. Wedge Studios mostly has outdoor seating, so it’s perfect for bringing your pups and kiddos along. The building is home to 25 working artist studios, so you can browse local art and find a beautiful handmade keepsake while you sip on local brews! Wedge Studios has also been host to Asheville on Bikes’ Annual Spring Out event, so it’s a favorite haunt for bike enthusiasts.
Try These Beers: Iron Rail IPA, Golem Belgian, Community Porter, and Julian Price Pilsner
Pet friendly? As stated in their FAQ, they welcome “dogs, pigs, large parrots, small children, and dinosaurs too” as long as everyone is well-behaved.
Good for kids? Yes, kids are welcome.
Hillman Beer
Hillman Beer’s flagship location in Biltmore Village was established in 2016. Enjoy sipping on a beer as you sit by Sweeten Creek! The food here is incredible, too. It's prepared fresh daily, using local ingredients! We recommend their rice bowls, falafel wrap, or signature burger.
If you are headed east, Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location, situated alongside Mill Creek, is also an excellent spot to visit and has previously earned the title of No. 1 brewery in the state. That location also hosts weekly trivia on Thursdays.
Try These Beers: Hazy Half-Back, Mommabeer Brown, Hiller Lite Gold, Double Back Asswards
Pet-friendly? Yes, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.
Good for kids? Yes, kids are welcome.
Sierra Nevada Asheville
Just 20 minutes south of Asheville, Sierra Nevada is a must-see stop on your Asheville brewery tour. Enjoy your beer from their gorgeous tree-lined taproom, or lounge on the lawn on a weekend night and listen to some live music--they have free entertainment every Saturday and Sunday!
Try These Beers: Hazy Little Thing, Torpedo, Summerfest Lager (Seasonal)
Pet-Friendly? Sort of! Only ADA Service animals are allowed inside the taproom, and all dogs are welcome outside. No pets besides dogs are welcome at the brewery.
Good For Kids? Yes! Sierra Nevada is family-friendly, but all brewery tours have a minimum age (either 12+ or 21+). Call ahead if you're looking to take a tour and traveling with kids to double check!
Black Mountain Breweries
There are incredible breweries in Black Mountain to choose from, too. Staying in one of our Black Mountain Cabin rentals? Check out these local breweries during your stay!
Lookout Brewery
Located steps away from the Greybeard Rentals office, Lookout Brewery has been around since 2013 experimenting with small-batch beers and providing a relaxing environment to sit down with some friends to sip a new beer...and they've got some delicious options to choose from.
Try These Beers: Mountain Hopshine IPA, Floyd’s Humor Raspberry Wit, Trail Supplies Golden Ale
Pet-friendly? Yes, they are very pet-friendly! Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome both inside and on the shaded patio.They even provide water bowls and treats for canine visitors!
Good for kids? Yes, it's a family-friendly spot!
Black Mountain Brewing
From the owners of the Black Mountain Ale House, Black Mountain Brewing is the area's newest brewery. It serves everything from a Honey Cream Ale to a rich Stout with coffee aromas. They also have a really sweet location in downtown Black Mountain.
Try These Beers: Pisgah Pale Ale, American Lager, Chocolatized, Blueberry Wheat
Pet-friendly? Yes, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on the patio!
Good for kids? Yes, kids are welcome.
Pisgah Brewing
Located just outside of downtown Black Mountain is Pisgah Brewing. Known for its amazing IPAs, Ales, and Lagers, their Blueberry Wheat is a fan favorite that we'd recommend trying. If you're visiting during the colder winter months, swing by their indoor tasting room/gift shop to imbibe. If you're here during warmer spring and summer months, enjoy their outdoor taproom/event space. This brewery is family-friendly and dog-friendly, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed at ticketed events.
Try These Beers: Hazy Half-Back, Mommabeer Brown, Hiller Lite Gold, Double Back Asswards
Pet-friendly? Yes, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.
Good for kids? Yes, kids are welcome.
FAQs About Craft Breweries in Asheville:
Are the breweries in Asheville dog-friendly?
Yes, most of the breweries in Asheville are dog-friendly! Many breweries in Asheville have nice outdoor spaces for you to enjoy a brew with your pup by your side. Check out the details on each individual brewery to be sure, though!
What are the best breweries in Asheville with food?
From this selection, we'd have to go with Wicked Weed's Brew Pub, and the yummy dive bar food you can find at Burial Ground! Other Asheville breweries like Highland Brewing and Wedge Brewing have a delicious rotation of food trucks onsite!
Where are the best Asheville brewery tours?
We actually have a page on our website highlighting the best Asheville beer tours and tastings! Several breweries are on the list, including Highland Brewing, Pisgah Brewing, and more from our list. Check out each brewery's website for information on tours!