Eager to Sample Some of the Finest Craft Beer in the U.S.? Discover Asheville's Best Breweries

Despite what some in the Pacific Northwest might believe, craft beer isn’t exclusively a West Coast phenomenon. You can also uncover exceptional East Coast brews that showcase unique flavors, textures, and appearances reflective of their regional cultures.

One eastern beer city that truly shines is Asheville, North Carolina.

Asheville may be one of the newer craft beer towns in the U.S., but it certainly knows how to deliver quality brews. Similar to cities like Portland, San Diego, and Seattle, Asheville was once a beer wasteland during Prohibition, but the craft brewing movement transformed that landscape.

According to the library-supported initiative Well Crafted NC, North Carolina's brewing roots trace back to the 18th century. The state was the first to implement Prohibition in 1908, and it wasn't until 1935 that alcohol sales were legalized again.

In the ensuing decades, breweries that would later grow into national names, such as Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company (which became part of Pabst) and the still-thriving Miller Brewing Company, opened in other regions of North Carolina while Asheville remained dry.

Although the craft brewing movement began to flourish across the U.S. in the 1980s, Asheville's first craft brewery, Highland Brewing Company, didn't open until the mid-90s, sparking a beer revolution in the city. Shortly thereafter, Asheville Brewing Company and Green Man Brewery followed suit.

Today, Asheville boasts around 40 breweries, and here are some of the community's favorites.

Wicked Weed Brewing

While Wicked Weed is perhaps best known for its Funkatorium location (yes, that's a real place), the original brewpub is situated downtown. The Funkatorium, located in the South Slope Brewery District, specializes in sour and "funkier" brews that cater to adventurous beer enthusiasts.

Adjacent to the Funkatorium is Wicked Weed's other venue, Cultura, an upscale brewpub offering "new-agrarian cuisine," along with sour beers, wine, and cocktails. Recently, the franchise also launched a taproom at Wicked Weed West, providing a panoramic view of the production facility.

Highland Brewing

Founded in 1994, Highland was the first legal brewery to open in Asheville after Prohibition and has thrived ever since. Join a 50-minute tour to explore its history—most notably how its name honors the Scottish immigrants who settled in the region during the 18th century—while enjoying samples of their brews.

Today, Highland is renowned for its flavorful IPAs and offers an impressive taproom with a spacious meadow for large gatherings, as well as a second taproom located on the mezzanine of the S&W Market downtown.

Burial Beer Company

Burial Beer Company was the first nano-brewery in the downtown area, originally crafting its enticing brews with a single barrel. Since those early days, it has significantly grown, now operating with a 10-barrel system and multiple taprooms across the state—two in Asheville (South Slope and Forestry Camp), one in Charlotte, and another in Raleigh. Both Asheville locations feature a full-service kitchen that highlights local ingredients through comfortable American cuisine.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire focuses on achieving a perfect balance—yes, that's a pun! The brewery is dedicated to crafting approachable beers that appeal to everyone. While it offers a wide variety of options, its lagers have gained a dedicated following and won several awards at the Great American Beer Festival and NC Brewers Cup. You can find three Asheville taprooms (South Slope, Biltmore Village, and RAD Beer Garden), along with others in Charlotte, Durham, and Wilmington.

Catawba Brewing Company

Although the original Catawba brewery resides in Morganton, North Carolina, Asheville proudly hosts two of its locations—one in South Slope and another in Biltmore Village. Each spot features a selection of distinctive year-round and seasonal beers on tap, alongside a vibrant calendar of events like bar trivia, live music, and community fundraisers. At the Biltmore Village venue, you can even enjoy axe throwing on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m.

Pisgah Brewing Company

Nestled just outside Asheville in Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing has earned a warm welcome from locals, similar to Catawba. This certified-organic brewery is dedicated to using fresh, local ingredients, and it's a fantastic venue for enjoying live performances from local musicians.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating selection of food trucks at this brewery, offering a chance to explore new culinary delights. For those into yoga, be sure to check the events calendar for charity yoga sessions.

Green Man Brewery

Established in 1997, this European-style brewery ranks among the oldest in Asheville. Green Man features two venues: the original dive bar, Dirty Jack's, perfect for a laid-back pint, and the adjacent Green Mansion—a three-story space boasting a ground-floor "brewtique" for sipping beer and shopping, a packaging area, and a rooftop tasting room offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the production floor.

French Broad River Brewing Company

As one of the city's older breweries, French Broad River Brewery has been serving locals since 2001. Named after the French Broad River, this brewery is deeply committed to its Asheville roots. It even collaborated with French Broad Adventures, an outdoor travel company in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to create a special session beer called Poor Boaters Rations (its own take on PBR). Their year-round selections draw from European brewing traditions, offering kölsch, Scotch ale, ESB, and porter.

Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub

Visiting this brewery feels like a global beer expedition. With two levels, you can explore refreshing American craft beers upstairs while discovering rare Belgian and other European brews downstairs. The name Thirsty Monk pays homage to the Belgian monks of the Middle Ages who brewed beer. With around 30 beers on tap and over 100 bottles available, there's something to satisfy every palate here.

Besides its downtown venue, Thirsty Monk boasts a Biltmore location featuring over 20 beers on tap.

Bhramari Brewing Company

Inspired by the Hindu goddess of bees, Bhramari Brewing Company crafts some honey-infused beers while primarily focusing on bold and unexpected flavors like scuppernong, butterfly pea flower, and Makrut lime leaf.

Bhramari is known for its small-batch brews but also offers a selection of year-round beers and an intriguing cocktail menu at the bar.

Asheville Brewing Company

Nothing pairs better than pizza and beer, and Asheville Brewing Company offers three locations (North Asheville, South Asheville, and downtown) where you can enjoy a slice alongside your favorite brew. All pizzas and pub dishes are crafted with local ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With 15 beers on tap and regular movie screenings at the on-site theaters, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening.

New Belgium Brewing Company

Though the original New Belgium brewery resides in Fort Collins, Colorado, its second headquarters has found a home in Asheville. Since relocating its main facility to North Carolina, New Belgium has seamlessly integrated into the local scene, despite being a chain. Known for its Fat Tire Amber Ale, this eco-friendly brewery features a large green space for families to enjoy, plus outdoor food trucks and lawn games. Tours and tastings are offered daily, except on holidays.