Discover Top Craft Breweries in Asheville, NC: A Guide to the Best Beer

Contrary to what Pacific Northwesterners may think, craft beer isn’t just a West Coast thing. You can find some quality East Coast brews whose distinctive taste, feel, and look reflect the culture of their homelands.

And one eastern beer city that stands out is Asheville, North Carolina.

Asheville is perhaps one of the younger craft beer towns in the U.S., but it’s not exactly green when it comes to quality brews. Much like Portland, San Diego, and Seattle, Asheville was a bit of a beer ghost town due to Prohibition, but craft brewing changed all of that.

According to the library-funded project Well Crafted NC, the state’s brewing history goes back to the 18th century. North Carolina was the first state to enact Prohibition in 1908, and it wasn’t until 1935 that the selling of alcohol became legal.

Over the following few decades, breweries that would eventually expand to national brands, like Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company (later acquired by Pabst) and the still-popular Miller Brewing Company opened in other parts of North Carolina while Asheville remained dry.

Even though the craft brewing scene began to take off across the U.S. in the 1980s, it wasn’t until the mid-90s that Asheville’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing Company, opened its doors and effectively started a beer revolution in the city. Not long after, Asheville Brewing Company and Green Man Brewery followed suit.

Today, Asheville boasts about 40 breweries and is known for its rich craft beer culture. Here are some of the local favorites.

Wicked Weed Brewing

Wicked Weed is probably most famous for its Funkatorium location. While the original brewpub is located downtown, the Funkatorium in the South Slope Brewery District is dedicated to the company’s sours and “funkier” brews for beer lovers with a more adventurous palate.

Wicked Weed’s other property, Cultura, right next door to the Funkatorium, is an elevated brewpub featuring “new-agrarian cuisine,” sour beer, wine, and cocktails. Most recently, the franchise opened the taproom at Wicked Weed West, which overlooks the entire production facility.

Highland Brewing

Opening its doors in 1994, Highland was the first legal brewery in Asheville post-Prohibition and has been going strong ever since. During a 50-minute tour, you’ll learn all about its history—particularly how its name pays homage to the Scottish immigrants who came to the area in the 18th century—while tasting samples in the brewery.

Today, it is known for serving delicious IPAs to its community. Highland also has a second taproom downtown on the mezzanine of the S&W Market.

Burial Beer Company

Burial Beer Company was the downtown area’s first nano-brewery, using only one barrel to make its enticing beers. Since those humble beginnings, it has expanded significantly. Now, Burial boasts a 10-barrel system and multiple taprooms across the state — two in Asheville and others in Charlotte and Raleigh. Both Asheville locations have a full-service kitchen focusing on local American dishes.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire is all about balance — if you’ll forgive the pun — and the company aims to create approachable beer that anyone can enjoy. Although it has a diverse range of offerings, the company is best known for its lagers, many of which have earned accolades from the Great American Beer Festival and NC Brewers Cup. Notably, there are three Asheville taprooms, alongside others in Charlotte, Durham, and Wilmington.

Catawba Brewing Company

While the original Catawba brewery is located in Morganton, North Carolina, Asheville locals have claimed it as their own. Asheville is home to two Catawba locations — one in South Slope and the other in Biltmore Village. Both locations offer many distinctive year-round and seasonal beers on tap and host fun events like bar trivia nights, live music, and local fundraisers.

Pisgah Brewing Company

Although it’s technically just outside Asheville, in Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing has been embraced by local Ashevillians as Catawba has. This certified-organic brewery is committed to using fresh, local ingredients, making it a great venue for live music from local bands.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate that this brewery has a rotation of different food trucks, allowing patrons to indulge in new flavors. Additionally, there are charitable yoga events for those interested in wellness activities.

Green Man Brewery

Open since 1997, this European-style brewery is one of the oldest in Asheville. Green Man has two locations: the original dive bar, Dirty Jack’s, offers a casual pint, while the Green Mansion features a three-story venue that includes a “brewtique” for sipping and shopping, along with a rooftop tasting room with views of the production floor and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

French Broad River Brewing Company

One of the older breweries in the city, French Broad River Brewery has been serving the community since 2001. This brewery is deeply rooted in Asheville, even naming itself after the French Broad River. It once brewed a special-session beer called Poor Boaters Rations (its own PBR) in collaboration with French Broad Adventures, an outdoor adventure travel company based in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Year-round brews are “steeped in European traditions,” including kӧlsch, Scotch ale, ESB, and porter.

Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub

A visit to Thirsty Monk is akin to embarking on a global tour of beers. The establishment features two floors. On the upper level, you will find refreshing American craft beers, while the lower floor boasts some outstanding Belgian and rare European beers. This concept aligns perfectly with the brewery’s name, inspired by the Belgian monks who brewed beer centuries ago. With around 30 beers on tap and more than 100 bottled options, there is something for every beer enthusiast.

In addition to the downtown location, Thirsty Monk also has a Biltmore location with over 20 beers on tap.

Bhramari Brewing Company

Bhramari Brewing Company draws inspiration from the Hindu goddess of bees. While some of its creations are honey-infused, the company is primarily known for its bold and unique flavors, such as scuppernong, butterfly pea flower, and Makrut lime leaf.

Bhramari focuses on small-batch beers, but offers a few year-round selections alongside a compelling cocktail menu.

Asheville Brewing Company

Pizza and beer are a perfect match, and Asheville Brewing Company features three locations (North Asheville, South Asheville, and downtown) where you can enjoy a slice alongside your brew. All of its pizzas and pub fare use local ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

With 15 beers on tap and regular movie screenings at each location’s theater, it is an excellent venue for a casual night out.

New Belgium Brewing Company

While the original New Belgium brewery is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company’s second, and comparable, headquarters are in Asheville. Since relocating part of its operations to North Carolina, New Belgium has been embraced by the local culture, despite being a chain. Known for its sustainable practices and Fat Tire Amber Ale, it features a vast green space perfect for families to enjoy, complete with outdoor food trucks and lawn games. Tours and tastings are available every day except holidays.