According to a 2022 report by the Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association, the beer industry has a $12.8 billion economic impact in North Carolina, generates $1.8 billion in tax revenue, and employees more than 75,000 people in a range of roles.

The Triangle has become a craft brewing hub of its own. We have a plethora of breweries to choose from, each with its own unique flavors and atmosphere. Many have large outdoor areas and are great places to bring the whole family. These are some of our favorites:

Trophy Brewing

Raleigh

Trophy has two taprooms in Raleigh. Their flagship location is on Morgan St. in Downtown Raleigh and serves up great pizza to go with great beers. The other location houses their production brewery and is located on Maywood Ave., near the NC Farmers Market and NC State’s campus. Trophy is known for creating both traditional and more experimental beers, including their much sought after Milky Way Salted Caramel Stout.

Lonerider

Raleigh, Wake Forest, Oak Island

Lonerider opened in 2009 and has evolved into a staple of the Triangle beer scene. The brewery leans into the outlaw theme and has won several awards over the years. Along the way, it has expanded, opening more “hideouts” in Wake Forest and coastal Oak Island. The Raleigh location is expansive with plenty of indoor space and a massive outdoor patio. It’s a pet and family friendly space with live music on the weekends.

Brewery Bhavana

Raleigh

Bhavana is an upscale restaurant, bar, bookshop and flower store. The sleek venue has more than a dozen of its own beers on tap that channel the flavors of Belgium and Southeast Asia. Foodwise, they specialize in dim sum, sticky buns, and dumplings. The establishment is a great place for a date or a nice dinner and a few specialty beers.

Gizmo Brew Works

Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill

Gizmo Brew Works is all about experimentation and making unique beers. They have a mix of beers that are available all year, seasonal brews, and limited time beers. Many of their brews are available for purchase in locations throughout the area but several of their most experimental ones are only available on draft at their taprooms. The brewery itself is in Raleigh, near Umstead Park, and there are taprooms in Durham and Chapel Hill.

Fullsteam Brewery

Durham

Fullsteam aims to “craft the southern beer economy,” buying their brewing ingredients from farmers in the South. They have a range of classic beers with a uniquely North Carolina taste, plus some more experimental limited releases. Their primary taproom and brewery is in downtown Durham, and they have another taproom at Boxyard RTP. Both places also serve up a full menu of locally sourced food.

Steel String Brewery

Carrboro

Steel String was founded in 2011 and pumps out great beers with quirky branding. The brewery taps into the local flair of Carrboro and also keeps its ingredients local. You can visit their taproom in central Carrboro or head out to Pluck Farm, where they have their production facility.

Bond Brothers Beer Co.

Cary

Bond Brothers is Downtown Cary’s staple, known for excellent beers and a relaxed environment. They produce a wide range of beers, with 19 of their own currently on tap. They claim to specialize in ales, lagers and sours, but everything they make is top notch. Besides being a great place to hangout, they also put on events, including a large Spring festival filled with live music, food, and great beer. They have a second location on the eastern edge of Downtown Cary that serves as a bar and live music venue.

White Street Brewing Company

Wake Forest

White Street Brewing is located in a restored Service Chevrolet building from the 1920s. The historic structure makes for a fun and elegant atmosphere. They keep around 10 beers on tap, and have a mix of traditional and unique beers. The beautiful taproom and brewery sits in Downtown Wake Forest on White Street.

Bearded Bee Brewing Co.

Wendell

Beaded Bee Brewing was WRAL’s 2022 Voters’ Choice Award winner for best local brewery. Only 20 minutes from Raleigh, the brewery is a short journey for those looking to get out of the city and a great local spot for those who live nearby. The brewers create high-quality beer in small batches using their unique micro-brew system.

Ponysaurus

Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington

With the tagline “the beer beer would drink if beer could drink beer,” Ponysaurus certainly brings a lot of character to the brewing world. They also bring some fantastic beers and great spaces. They have their brewery and taproom in Durham, a beer garden and pizzeria in Wilmington, and a barrel room and restaurant in Raleigh. They specialize in America, Belgian and European style beers and strive to constantly evolve and push the envelope