With so many breweries in Asheville, NC, how do you choose which ones to visit? As Asheville locals, we’ll share the best Asheville breweries. Find details about location, beer flavor, and the best ambiance.

Unlike other massive Asheville beer guides, you’ll experience Asheville like a local from locals — with a great brew in hand.

The Asheville breweries have a little bit of something for everyone. Do you want to sit by the French Broad River with a sour Saison on a gorgeous day? What about specialty gluten-free ginger beer in a variety of flavors?

If you crave those experimental oddball brews, we have just the AVL brewery for you. Not to mention breweries ensconced in street art, hidden in basements, and ones known across the world.

With so many breweries in Asheville, how do you choose? We’ll share our favorites as locals and then break down the best breweries in Asheville by neighborhood. Please remember that ‘best’ is subjective.

We won’t mention every single Asheville brewery, but we’ll give you quite a few to choose from.

If you need to fill your belly first, don’t miss our Guide To Asheville’s Famous Restaurants.

Best Breweries In Asheville NC and Downtown Asheville Breweries with beer flight — What are the best breweries in Asheville, NC? We’ll break down the AVL beer scene for you. See which Asheville breweries we love as locals. Then, we’ll share the most popular destination breweries in and around downtown. Lastly, we’ll chat about the massive AVL breweries and a few lesser-known ones.

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See our Top Places To Stay in Asheville.

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Our Go-To Asheville Breweries As Locals

Some of the best breweries in Asheville are the well-known ones along with a few that are less frequented by tourists. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to pick our favorites since we truly love them all. However, if I had to share the Asheville breweries we pick first to visit on a weekday, it would be these:

Best Breweries In Asheville NC and downtown Asheville NC Breweries Pinterest pin with mural from Ginger's Revenge — Looking for a local’s guide to the best breweries in Asheville? Save this post for later on Pinterest, and never be thirsty on your Asheville vacation again.

Zillicoah Beer Company

Zillicoah is our go-to Asheville brewery as locals. Technically, Zillicoah is in Woodfin, which is basically the intersection of North and West Asheville. They also have a delicious Mexican food truck that lives on-site.

Zillicoah Beer Company sits along the French Broad River, and you can find both covered and uncovered picnic tables alongside the brewery and river. It’s scenic AF.

Out of all of the breweries in Asheville, this one is the most relaxing. Because Zillicoah is farther away from downtown (about 10-15-minutes), it stays a lot quieter with a local vibe.

Lately, they’ve been brewing more seasonals and sours. I love it when they offer a smokey concoction, and you can also grab lighter beers, ciders, and wine. This AVL brewery is dog-friendly, especially with endless acres of land to romp around on.

Zillicoah Address: 870 Riverside Drive; Woodfin, NC 28804
Phone Number: (828) 424-7929

Asheville Brewing Company

One of our favorite breweries in Asheville for pizza, don’t miss Asheville Brewing Company. There are multiple locations including Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville, Merrimon Ave. in North Asheville, and Hendersonville Road in South Asheville.

The Merrimon Ave. location also has a movie theater and a small arcade.

We love Asheville Pizza and Brewing for their pizza and beer. They also offer a gluten-free crust and vegan cheese. Plus, you can grab the best bar food like burgers and tater tots.

Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company Pizza — Gluten-free pizza with vegan cheese? Yes, please!

Asheville Brewing takeout King Kong Wings — Don’t skip out on Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company’s King Kong wings.

For beers, I love their darker brews with chocolate and coconut. They usually have a local cider on tap with a little of everything else. The Coxe Ave. location has a wings mural with hops, perfect for picture-taking.

Asheville Brewing Locations

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company North Asheville Address: 675 Merrimon Avenue; Asheville, NC 28804
Phone Number: 828-254-1281

Asheville Brewing Company Downtown Address: 77 Coxe Avenue; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-255-4077

Asheville Brewing Company South Asheville Address: 1850 Hendersonville Road Suite A; Asheville, NC 28803
Phone Number: 828-277-5775

Do you have a wine drinker in the family? Don’t miss the Best Asheville Wineries.

Twin Leaf Brewery

For downtown Asheville breweries, we enjoy Twin Leaf Brewery. Although busy, I feel like many tourists skip over this AVL brewery opting for Wicked Weed and its nearby Funkatorium.

Personally, I love Twin Leaf beer and feel like I am sitting in a greenhouse.

I’m not going to lie, I’m a little more biased on my beer because I don’t usually drink IPAs. Gasp; I know. You will see that reflected in my beer recs. I will get trolled. It is what it is.

Twin Leaf, to me, is IPA-heavier — which is fantastic for you IPA-lovers. I usually order a Pilsner or Stout. I love their attitude, ambiance, and vibes.

If you are beer-hopping across Asheville, the Funkatorium, Catawba, Green Man, Asheville Brewing – Coxe Ave, and Hi-Wire South Slope are all nearby.

Twin Leaf Brewery Address: 144 Coxe Avenue Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-774-5000

Catawba Brewing Co.

One of the most popular breweries in Asheville, Catawba won’t disappoint. I love the chic warehouse-feel with hanging chandeliers at the South Slope location. Find food trucks, too. They also have a set up at Asheville’s Biltmore Village.

What’s not to love about Catawba? They make delicious white ales and play with flavors like orange, pumpkin, coffee, coconut, peach, and lime.

Of course, find Stouts, IPAs, Porters, Browns, Ambers, Sours, Saisons, and even Cream Ales. I pretty much always need to order a beer flight here because I can just never pick one beer.

Catawba Locations

Catawba Brewing South Slope: 32 Banks Ave; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-552-3934

Catawba Brewing Biltmore Village: 63 Brook St.; Asheville, NC 28803
Phone Number: 828-424-7290

Looking for some grub to soak up all of the beer? Head to our Asheville Restaurants Guide.

Hi-Wire Brewing

I might also be a little biased toward the Asheville breweries around South Slope…which I am realizing as I write this.

Hi-Wire has breweries across North Carolina, including in Durham and Wilmington. They also have a Knoxville location — a great day trip from Asheville. In Asheville, find Hi-Wire Brewing at South Slope and Big Top/Biltmore Village.

We love Hi-Wire’s South Slope taproom for its rainbow murals and ideal location for a day of beer-hopping. Hi-Wire is most known for its Lagers and Sour beers.

They usually have a Brown Ale and IPA or two, too. Don’t miss some of the Pack library archive pictures in the restrooms featuring some interesting Asheville history.

Hi-Wire Brewing Asheville Locations

Hi-Wire Brewing Big Top Address: 2A Huntsman Pl; Asheville, NC
Phone Number: 828-738-2451

Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope Address: 197 Hilliard Ave; Asheville, NC
Phone Number: 828-738-2452

Most Well-Known & Popular Breweries In Asheville, NC

OK, we’ve shared our favorite Asheville breweries as locals, but we also always get asked with are the most popular and best breweries that tourists and locals love.

Below are what many consider to be downtown Asheville brewery musts, although remember that all of the Asheville breweries on this list are the best for different reasons.

Green Man Brewery

For one of the biggest breweries in Asheville, don’t pass up Green Man. Find three levels of beer heaven — Zen rock garden included. You can also head to Dirty Jack’s (bottom right), which is right next door.

Green Man is one of North Carolina’s and Asheville’s original breweries popping up in 1997. Their massive main location is three stories high with multiple bars, rooftop seating, a zen garden, and views of their brewing process.

Dirty Jack’s is located right next door, which is a pull-up bar and equally as fun.

I prefer Green Man’s lagers, but you can also grab IPAs, Ambers, Porters, and Sours while stocking up on their endless schwag. Green Man has a modern and sleek taproom along with the iconic Green Man logo that guards all brews.

In many cultures, the Green Man is a symbol of rebirth, and it’s fair to say that Asheville has grown into quite the destination.

Green Man Brewery Address: 27 Buxton Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828.252.5502

Do you love a good distilled bevie? Be sure to check out these Asheville Distilleries.

Wicked Weed Brewing

Best Downtown Asheville NC Breweries Wicked Weed and Funkatorium Wicked Weed bar with beer, Funkatorium building with sign, and Wicked Weed building with sunset — One of the most popular and well-known breweries in Asheville, Wicked Weed is a must. Don’t miss their Funkatorium, too, which boasts of the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom.

I’m pretty sure that Wicked Weed is one of the most popular and sought out breweries in Asheville, NC. We love them, but as locals, we also stay away during peak seasons. Wicked Weed gets packed — and rightfully so.

With cozy indoor seating — we usually squeeze in at the bar — and an outdoor, dog-friendly patio with firepits that overlook bustling Asheville, Wicked Weed is an Asheville hot spot.

You can grab a full menu of food, including sandwiches, burgers, and heavier entrees like salmon and steak. Of course, you can snack on a pretzel or hummus while trying one of their foamy beers.

The drink selection at Wicked Weed is impressive with cocktails, red and white wine, ciders, and beer, beer, beer. I’m always a fan of their fall seasonal brews, and like Catawba, they love to play with flavors, including lavender, cherries, chocolate, and chai. They’ll also have the hops.

Wicked Weed Address: 91 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-575-9599

Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium

Closer to Twin Leaf, a rad art space with beer, and Chemist Distillery in the South Slope, if you love sour beers, you’ll want to head to the Funkatorium – owned by Wicked Weed. This is the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom.

The Funkatorium has an outdoor Biergarten to enjoy Rose and sours on tap. Find a bunch of flavors to zap your taste buds with including elderflower, raspberries, grapefruit, tropical fruit, vanilla, and cherries. You can also taste a few of these selections at Wicked Weed.

Funkatorium Address: 147 Coxe Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-552-3203

Burial Beer Company

Lager at Burial Brewing Co Asheville with Sloth and Tom Selleck mural — Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to Sloth and Tom Selleck at Burial Beer Company.

Like Hi-Wire, Burial Beer Company has breweries across North Carolina, including South Slope in Asheville and Raleigh. They also run the Forestry Camp Bar and Restaurant, which highlights locally-sourced Appalachian cuisine.

True to their namesake, Burial beers have pretty spooky and ominous names like ‘A Guillotine of Contemplation’ and “The Shattered Remains of Nothingness.” Here, you can grab food and an Imperial Stout, Barrel-Aged Sour, or India Pale Ale.

Burial Beer Company Address: 40 Collier Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-475-2739

Don’t skip these Fantastic Breweries In Brevard, too.

Bhramari Brewing Company

Before we moved to AVL, Bhramari was one of the first breweries in Asheville, NC that we ever visited. Why? Because we heard that they made the wildest beer concoctions. And YES, they most definitely lived up to this reputation.

With beehive-like Edison lights and what I can only describe as tree discs stuck to the walls, Bhramari feels a little smaller than all of the Asheville, NC breweries but packs a whole lot of heart.

You can dine on weekly food specials as well as burgers, pizza, peanuts, and/or nachos while sipping on one of their experimental beers. They usually play with a few Goses, add some magic to India Pale Ales, fruit up some Berliner Weisses, and add something rich to their Stouts.

The beers change often, and you’ll want to try as many as possible. If traditional beers are your jam, though, I’m not sure you appreciate this beer selection.

Bhramari Brewing Address: 101 S. Lexington Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828.214.7981

Highland Brewing

One of the Asheville breweries not located downtown, Highland Brewing started a little before Green Man in 1994. Highland offers year-round brews as well as small-batch rotating flavors. Find a little of everything with White, Wheat, Pilsner, IPA, Red Ale, and Stout beers.

Highland Brewing Address: 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200; Asheville, North Carolina 28803
Phone Number: 828-299-3370

A Notable Asheville Brewery Mention:

Biltmore Brewing Co. — Biltmore Estate House Brews — Although not a brewery, Biltmore makes their own in-house brews that you can order at Cedric’s Tavern. They are delicious, and Cedric’s — named after the beloved Biltmore pooch — is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Best Breweries In Asheville NC From Locals with Wedge Brewing Pinterest Pin — Too many amazing breweries in Asheville to choose from? Save this list for later on Pinterest, and try a few new Asheville breweries every time you visit.

More Downtown Asheville Breweries

Are you looking for more breweries in the heart of downtown? Many of the best breweries in Asheville, NC mentioned above are around or close to South Slope, including Bhramari, Burial, Green Man, Wicked Weed, and the Funkatorium.

Below are a few more of our personal favorite downtown Asheville breweries near restaurants like Tupelo, Red Ginger, and Farm Burger.

Thirsty Monk

Thirsty Monk is one of our personal favorite breweries in Asheville, and there are a few hidden secrets here at the downtown location.

Downstairs in their basement level, you can order a Belgian beer flight. You’ll also find sours. The middle level is full of a variety of modern Ales like IPAs and Ambers with food options. Then, if you are looking for a rooftop bar with cocktails, head upstairs to Top of the Monk.

Thirsty Monk is near Tupelo Honey — one of Asheville’s most popular restaurants — and Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas, which is of my personal lunch and dinner favorite for dumplings. Nothing pairs better with a day of beer-drinking than Asian tapas…

Thirsty Monk Locations

Thirsty Monk Brewery Downtown Address: 92 Patton Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-254-5470

Thirsty Monk Brewery Biltmore Park Address: 2 Town Square Blvd #170; Asheville, NC, 28803
Phone Number: 828-687-3873

One World Brewing

One World Brewing is one of the downtown Asheville breweries that is a little quieter. They also have a location over on Haywood Road, too.

We enjoy the downtown taproom, which sits underground near Farm Burger and is decorated with A Christmas Story leg lamp and other funky colored lights. Of course, there are alien vibes, too.

For beers, they have a little bit of everything, and if you are looking to escape on a rainy day or hide from the crowds, One World is the chill and fun place to be.

One World Brewing Locations

One World Brewing Downtown AVL Address: 10 Patton Ave #002; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-785-5580

One World Brewing West Address: 520 Haywood Road; Asheville, NC 28806
Phone Number: 828-575-9992

Urban Orchard Cider Company

Tom has Celiac Disease, which means that he is either ordering cider, mead, or wine at many of these downtown Asheville breweries. Sometimes, the breweries will have a reduced-gluten beer on tap, too.

However, Urban Orchard Cider Company is for him — and last year, I was stoked to see Gluhwein on the menu. Although technically a cidery, I’m including Urban Orchard on this list. It’s still an Asheville must.

Urban Orchard Cider Co West Asheville NC with red cider in front of tree in city mural and brown fence — Don’t miss Urban Orchard Cider Co. in West Asheville. They have a fabulous outdoor patio.

Urban Orchard Cider Co. West AVL with red and yellow cider on a patio table — For my Celiac hubby, Urban Orchard is the perfect solution.

Urban Orchard South Slope is a gorgeous building near Catawba Brewing. You cannot miss its vibrant street art out front. Head inside to an open and modern taproom. Here, you can try a variety of apple ciders with hops, ginger, fruits, or spices.

Cider isn’t for everyone, but give it a try at least once. You never know!

Urban Orchard Locations

Urban Orchard South Slope Address: 24 Buxton Ave; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-505-7243

Urban Orchard West Asheville Location: 210 Haywood Rd; Asheville, NC 28806
Phone Number: 828-774-5151

Best Breweries Around North Asheville, Woodfin & River Arts District (Rad)

Ginger’s Revenge

One of the most unique breweries in Asheville, Ginger’s Revenge offers alcoholic ginger beer. This is perfect for gluten-free drinkers or those looking for unique flavors.

Along the lines of Asheville cideries and gluten-free beer, Ginger’s Revenge is another hot spot for us. Their Friday food truck is our favorite for plantation fries.

Although ginger beer takes a little getting used to, you have to try it. It’s good for your stomach, right?

I love Ginger’s Revenge’s warehouse vibes where you can hear the ginger beer brewing. Their ‘ginger’ mural is the backdrop for live music. You can order ginger beer flavored with fruits and spices. I love when their fall pumpkin releases and anything with lavender is for me.

All of their ginger beers are naturally gluten-free and are made with 95% organic ingredients. And YES, they have alcohol!

Don’t forget that if you head north, Zillicoach is nearby. If you head south, you’ll hit the River Arts District (RAD), passing the famous AVL silo, Wedge Brewing (both locations), and pleb urban winery.

Ginger’s Revenge Address: 829 Riverside Dr #100; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-505-2462

Wedge At Foundation

Wedge Brewing At Foundation in River Arts District Asheville NC blue building covered with street art — As locals, Wedge at Foundation is another one of our favorite breweries in Asheville. Located in the River Arts District, you’ll find a great beer selection, endless street art, and artist studios.

For the best breweries in Asheville, Wedge Brewing is another one that we always recommend to travelers. There are two locations: Foundation — deeper into the River Arts District with pleb urban winery — and Studios — closer to the Asheville silo.

We love the Foundation location because you are in the heart of RAD. Sip beer on their outside patio surrounded by urban street art, a skate park, shops, cafes, pleb urban winery, and artist studios.

Inside is pretty cozy, too, and we usually pull up a stool and vacation plan here.

Visitors can drink IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Lagers, Golden Ales, Cream Ales, and even Sours. For ambiance and location, Wedge Brewing has it all.

Wedge Brewery Locations:

Wedge At Foundation Address: 5 Foundy Street; Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-253-7152

Wedge Brewery Studio Location: 129 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-505-2792

Riverside Rhapsody Brewery

Riverside Rhapsody is one of the most hidden breweries in Asheville/Woodfin. Just across the street from the French Broad River, find a little wooden structure filled with Saisons and lighter beers.

You can sit at a covered picnic table or grab a bar stool and sit in the sun at a wine barrel. Their selection is a little smaller than the downtown Asheville breweries, but you’ll enjoy the quiet at this more local joint.

Riverside Rhapsody Address: 995 Riverside Drive; Woodfin, NC 28804
Phone Number: 828-575-2370

Mentioned above, Zillicoah Brewing and one Asheville Pizza and Brewing location are out this way as well.

Not-To-Miss West Asheville Breweries

Don’t miss the breweries in West Asheville – a hipster Asheville neighborhood filled with gorgeous murals, great food, and a more laid-back, hipster scene.

Dolly Parton Mural West Asheville Neighborhood with white brunette woman running up to Dolly Parton face on a street mural — Don’t forget to say hi to Dolly Parton while you are touring the West Asheville beer scene.

West Asheville is home to the famous Dolly mural, Hole Doughnuts, and Urban Orchard Cider Co. West.

Archetype Brewing

One of the best breweries in West Asheville, don’t skip Archetype Brewing. This brewery is guarded by a Joan of Arc mural created by Ian the Painter. Honestly, we get some GOT vibes from it, too.

Archetype has a gorgeous new rooftop that overlooks downtown. You can also sit on two different patios and enjoy a quieter ambiance than Central AVL.

The beers are named after their actual archetype, and this Asheville beer company believes in clean and mindful bevies. I love their lighter beers. Find quirky Saisons with sour hints and Belgians.

Archetype Brewing West Asheville with white brunette female wearing flowered shirt, jeans, and sunglasses holding a white ale in front of street art on a rooftop seating area — Opened in the fall of 2020, don’t miss Archetype’s gorgeous rooftop seating area.

Archetype Brewing Locations

West Asheville: 265 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone Number: 828-505-4177

Downtown Asheville: 174 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone Number: 828-505-8305

UpCountry Brewing

With locations in West Asheville and Brevard, UpCountry is a delicious brewery in Asheville for pizza and beer. Although located on busy Haywood Road, you feel like you are sitting in your best friend’s backyard with a brew and delicious bites.

Grata Pizzeria UpCountry Brewing West Asheville sliced pizza with mushrooms — No one can resist the smell of pizza paired with Asheville craft beer.

UpCountry Brewing epitomizes West Asheville with its stellar murals, a super chill vibe, and delicious food. Order the Gratta Pizzeria pizza — you can smell it before you even walk in. And yes, they have gluten-free crust and vegan cheese from Darë.

UpCountry Brewing Asheville Address: 1042 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone Number: 828-575-2400

Larger & Nationally-Known Breweries In Asheville

I saved the biggest breweries in Asheville, NC for last because they are a little more tourist-geared but also fun to tour and taste test.

Technically, Sierra Nevada is in Fletcher/Mills River, but it’s literally next to the airport so it counts…

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada Brewery NC building — If you are famished after your flight into Asheville, don’t miss Sierra Nevada, which is minutes from the airport.

As mentioned above, Sierra Nevada is conveniently located next to the Asheville airport, and we tend to stop here before boarding a flight or right when we get back. If family is flying into town and hungry for lunch, we head over here, too.

We have yet to take a tour, but we love their taproom menu and dropping in for some beer. Order duck fries and try one of Sierra Nevada’s famous brews.

To me, they are hoppy. Sierra Nevada Brewing has a shop and rather impressive grounds.

Sierra Nevada Address: 100 Sierra Nevada Way; Fletcher, NC 28732
Phone Number: 828-681-5300

New Belgium Brewing Asheville

New Belgium is another one of the largest brewing facilities and breweries in Asheville. Enjoy a beer and some food truck grub along the French Broad River.

What I consider to be the most touristy of breweries in Asheville, New Belgium is an icon for Fat Tire. Should you head here? Yes! And make reservations on Open Table…

Situated next to the French Broad River, enjoy a meal from their rotating food trucks, sit outside along the river, and sip one of their famous brews.

Like Sierra Nevada, we haven’t taken a tour, but you’ll find a little bit of everything, including a shop and tons of photo ops.

New Belgium Address: 21 Craven St.; Asheville, North Carolina
Phone Number: 828-333-6900

Beer-Hopping In Asheville? Where Can You Stay?

Asheville, NC Hotels

Hotels and B&Bs tend to book up fast in Asheville, especially in the fall, spring, and around holidays. Make dinner reservations wherever you can, too. A few hotels to consider that either we, our friends, or others highly recommend include:

Downtown Asheville
The Foundry Hotel
AC Hotel By Marriott Downtown Asheville
Hotel Indigo
Aloft – Downtown Asheville *One of our top picks; they renovated in 2020

Near The Asheville Outlets/Biltmore
Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area *Our second favorite pick. We stayed here before we moved.
DoubleTree By Hilton Biltmore/Asheville
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

North Asheville/Montford
The Omni Grove Park Inn *We frequently stop by the Grove Park Inn for sunsets, drinks, and food.
1900 Inn On Montford

Don’t miss our Top Asheville Hotel, Resort & B&B Picks Here.

What are your favorite breweries in Asheville, NC?

What are your favorite Asheville breweries? What are your favorite local Asheville beer flavors? We’d love to hear about your Asheville experiences. Tell us all in the comments.

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