28 Best Breweries in Asheville, NC – From Locals
From locals, enjoy the best breweries in Asheville for location, flavor, families, food, pets, and ambiance.
It’s pretty safe to say that the Asheville breweries have a little bit of something for everyone:
Imagine sitting by the French Broad River with a Helles and your dog on a gorgeous day, or enjoying a specialty gluten-free ginger beer paired with grub from a delicious vegan food truck like The Smokin’ Onion.
If you crave those experimental oddball brews, we have just the Asheville brewery for you.
Not to mention the breweries ensconced in street art, hidden in basements, and ones known across the world.
Barack Obama even ate ribs at one, begging the question: what are the best Asheville breweries with food?
So, with the plethora of breweries in Asheville – over 55+ – how do you choose?
Below, explore the best Asheville, NC breweries across neighborhoods, including RAD, North, West, and Downtown Asheville. We’ll head to a few Asheville suburbs too.
Then, as AVL residents, we’ll talk about the most popular and “must-visit” taprooms if you are in a time crunch along with more local haunts.
Learn where to park and what to do nearby, including hiking, shopping, skating, and more bars and restaurants.
Lastly, find guides for delicious breweries near Asheville – think Weaverville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Mills River, and Black Mountain.
So, it’s time to chat about Zillicoah, Whistle Hop, Wicked Weed, Cellarist, Eurisko, Wedge, Green Man, Hillman Beer, 7 Clans, and so much more.
At the very end of this article, we’ll pick our absolute top favorite Asheville breweries. Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
28 Best Breweries In Asheville
Zillicoah Beer Company
Technically, Zillicoah Beer Company is in Woodfin – at the intersection of North Asheville and the River Arts District – and sits along the French Broad River.
However, we are counting Zillicoah, as it is our personal favorite brewery in Asheville.
Find both covered and uncovered picnic tables alongside the warehouse-like taproom and river.
Zillicoah brews up a delicious Helles beer, and visitors may find Stouts, smoky brews, and a variety of Pilsners and Geists.
They also run beer collaborations with other Asheville breweries. For non-beer drinkers, select from local ciders and wine.
Out of all of the breweries in Asheville, Zillicoah is by far the most relaxing, as it is about 10-15 minutes from bustling Downtown.
Zillicoah stays quieter on the weekdays with a busy local weekend and weeknight crowd.
This AVL brewery is dog-friendly, especially with endless acres of land. Please know that Zillicoah Beer Company is a 21+ establishment, though, except on Sundays.
There is plenty of parking in Zillicoah’s lots, and they typically check IDs as you pull into the (steep) entrance.
Find a series of delicious food trucks that circulate the Asheville breweries, including Zillicoah.
Zillicoah Beer Company | 870 Riverside Drive; Woodfin, NC 28804
Hillman Beer
If you are touring Biltmore Estate or dining in Historic Biltmore Village, be sure to head over to Hillman Beer – it’s one of the closest breweries and places to eat near the popular Asheville attraction.
And, for dog-friendly breweries in Asheville, Hillman is also one of our top picks.
Hillman produces some of our favorite beer styles including ESBs, Kölschs, Hefeweizens, Brown Ales, and Saisons.
Enjoy their airy taproom or sit outside on the back patio or out front. The back area promises picnic tables by the babbling brook.
As one of the top Asheville breweries with food, select from classic sandwiches, wraps, melts, salads, and pub appetizers.
They have gluten-free options, including GF bread, and are dairy and lactose-intolerance friendly.
Find multiple on-site gravel lots as well as a newer pay lot across the street.
For more AVL adventures, Historic Biltmore Village is full of shops and restaurants.
If you are craving cocktails afterward, head over to Red Stag Grill with its hunting lodge-inspired decor and one stellar charcuterie.
Or, explore delicious lunch spots like The Cantina, Well-Bred Bakery, and Corner Kitchen – which is also good for breakfast and coffee.
Lastly, know that in 2020, Hillman Beer also opened a gorgeous taproom along the creek in Old Fort, NC.
About 30 minutes from Asheville, Old Fort is full of things to do, and we most enjoy a morning mountain biking ride along the trails followed by lunch and beer in Downtown Old Fort.
Hillman Beer | Asheville: 25 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 & Old Fort: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC 28762
Asheville Brewing Company
One of the best breweries in Asheville for pizza, don’t miss Asheville Brewing Company.
This is a casual and budget-friendly spot perfect for dinner or AVL takeout after a long day of hiking.
Devour their artisan pizza with punny names from favorite classic movies.
They even offer a gluten-free pizza crust and vegan cheese, which is perfect for our half-Celiac household.
Plus, indulge in the best bar food like burgers and tater tots. Think famous King Kong wings, fish and chips, salads, and sandwiches.
For local craft beer, enjoy Asheville Pizza and Brewing’s darker brews with chocolate and coconut. They also feature ESBs, Lagers, and IPAs and usually have a local cider or ginger beer on tap.
Asheville Brewing is also one of the top kid-friendly breweries in Asheville, especially if you head to the North Asheville – Merrimon Ave. location.
In North AVL, enjoy Asheville Brewing’s movie theater, which plays new releases and a few discounted vintage classics.
A quick drive down Merrimon, take the family to The Hop Ice Cream Cafe or Pop Bubble Tea for dessert in Asheville.
The Coxe Ave./South Slope location features a wings mural with hops, perfect for picture-taking, and boasts covered outdoor picnic tables. Hi-Wire Brewing is nearby.
For the Coxe Ave. location, park in the garage or pay lots across the street. North and South Asheville have their own lots.
Find more Asheville restaurants with dairy-free options.
Asheville Brewing Company | North Asheville: 675 Merrimon Avenue; Asheville, NC 28804; Downtown: 77 Coxe Avenue; Asheville, NC 28801; 1850 Hendersonville Road Suite A; Asheville, NC 28803
Eurisko Beer Company*
*Unfortunately, these guys announced they will eventually be closing their doors, but for now, go drink their beer.
Located on the edge of Downtown Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood, Eurisko is one of the best Asheville breweries showcasing local artwork in a cozy setting.
They make a mean Helles too.
Head upstairs for a warm tavern-like feel or grab a beer to enjoy on their outdoor patio.
Eurisko Beer Company features a bit of everything from Stouts, IPAs, Pale Ales, and Lagers. For non-beer drinkers, Eurisko serves up local cider, ginger beer, and wine.
We usually park on the side roads near Eurisko – and on a weekday, you’ll appreciate the quieter vibes for a Downtown Asheville brewery.
Eurisko Beer Company | 255 Short Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
7 Clans Brewing
Opened in 2022, 7 Clans Brewing is one of the best breweries in Asheville for gluten-reduced beer, which a Celiac member of our household can safely drink.*
This women-majority and Indigenous-owned brewery in Biltmore Village features Blonde Ales, IPAs, Saisons, Sours, and Chestnut Browns.
Their name derives from the 7 Clans of the Cherokee, and 7 Clans Brewing sells shirts, sweatshirts, dog leashes, and canned beer to bring home.
Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating along with rotating food trucks. This is a dog-friendly brewery in Asheville, and they have their own parking lot.
*Please just keep in mind that not every Celiac may be able to drink gluten-reduced beer; always check with a professional based on your dietary and health needs.
And, just be sure to ask which beers are gluten-reduced. However, if you have no problem with gluten, you’d never notice the difference, either.
7 Clans Brewing | 66 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
12 Bones Smokehouse
Did you know that one of the top BBQ joints in Asheville also houses a brewery at their South location?
And, the Obamas famously dined at the 12 Bones Smokehouse River (River Arts District/RAD) location.
12 Bone’s is known for its local brews and large pulled pork, ribs, and smoked meat platters with all of those illustrious Southern sides. Think cornbread, okra, slaw, and baked Beans.
At the South location – along with BBQ – find 12 Bones Smokehouse’s brewery and… Anthony Bourdain.
Well, an ode to him at least. Famous Asheville mural artist, Gus Cutty, painted a portrait of travel-inspiring Bourdain.
The 12 Bones South location has endless indoor and outdoor seating on the edge of a congested area. It’s worth it.
At the South location, park in free on-site lots. For the River location, utilize the free lots around the area.
We think 12 Bones serves up some of the best brewery food in Asheville.
Discover more of Asheville’s most memorable restaurants.
12 Bones Smokehouse | South Brewery: 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704 & RAD BBQ Joint/Taproom: 5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 2880
Ginger’s Revenge
For lovers of Asheville cideries and gluten-free beer, Ginger’s Revenge is a must. And, in 2022, they added a South Slope lounge along with their Riverside taproom.
Although ginger beer may not be for everyone, you have to try it. It’s good for your stomach, right?
Plus, especially enjoy Ginger’s Revenge’s Riverside warehouse vibes. You can even hear the ginger beer brewing.
Their vibrant “ginger” mural is the backdrop for live music. Ginger’s Revenge also has board games and is a pet and kid-friendly Asheville brewery.
Ginger’s Revenge features ginger beer flavored with fruits and spices.
Each year, we anxiously await their fall pumpkin flavors, and anything with lavender is for us. If they have the Arnold Palmer ginger beer on tap, get it.
Ginger’s Revenge’s ginger beers are naturally gluten-free and made with 95% organic ingredients. And yes, they contain alcohol.
Be sure to check out Ginger’s Revenge food truck schedule too. Sometimes The Smokin’ Onion makes an appearance at their Riverside location, serving up gluten-free and vegan treats.
Don’t forget that if you head north, Zillicoah is nearby.
If you head south, you’ll hit the River Arts District (RAD), passing the famous AVL silo, Wedge Brewing (both locations), Bottle Riot (a stellar wine bar), and pleb urban winery – one of Asheville’s quirky wineries.
For Riverside parking, use Ginger’s Revenge’s lot out front or the newer pay lot across the street.
For Downtown, find pay lots all around the area.
As a Celiac household, Ginger’s Revenge Riverside location is one of the best breweries in Asheville for gluten-free beer and food truck meals.
Discover more gluten-free/gluten-reduced beer in nearby Greenville, SC too.
Ginger’s Revenge | Riverside Tasting Room: 829 Riverside Dr. Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801 & South Slope Lounge: 32 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed is one of the most popular and sought-out Asheville breweries with food. We love them, but as locals, we also stay away during peak seasons.
Wicked Weed gets packed – and rightfully so as they are also one of Asheville’s top brewpubs.
With cozy indoor seating – perfect on a rainy or gross outdoor day – and an outdoor, dog-friendly patio with firepits that overlook bustling Asheville, Wicked Weed Brewing is a Downtown hot spot.
Find a complete food menu, including sandwiches, burgers, and heavier entrees like salmon and steak. Of course, 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 Asheville beer, beer, beer.
We are always a fan of their fall seasonal brews. Like nearby Catawba Brewing, Wicked Weed loves to play with flavors, including lavender, cherries, chocolate, and chai. They’ll also have the hops.
Nearby, enjoy Downtown Asheville restaurants like Limones, Shanghai Dumpling House, Social Lounge, and Holeman & Finch.
If you look across the street, the purple comedy bus – Lazoom – is always a good idea – and is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville. Take their ghost tour.
Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium
Closer to Twin Leaf and Chemist Distillery in the South Slope, if you enjoy sour beers, you’ll also want to head to Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, one of the most eclectic Asheville breweries.
This is the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom. Funkatorium features an outdoor Biergarten to enjoy Rosé and sours on tap.
Encounter unique flavors to zap your taste buds, including elderflower, raspberries, grapefruit, tropical fruit, vanilla, and cherries.
You can also taste a few of these sours at Wicked Weed. If sour beers aren’t your jam, Funkatorium also serves stellar craft cocktails.
Funkatorium has an abundance of covered and uncovered outdoor seating as well as a gorgeous taproom.
For even more nearby Asheville distilleries like Chemist, try Cultivated Cocktails. Rye Knot in North AVL is both a brewery and distillery serving dinner.
Wicked Weed Brewing | Downtown Brewpub: 91 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801; Funkatorium: 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801; Wicked Weed West: 145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler, NC 28715
Cellarist Beer Project
Another one of the best breweries in Asheville serving gluten-reduced beer, head to one of our all-time favorite Asheville neighborhoods, West Asheville.
West Asheville is home to delicious restaurants like Thai Pearl, Nine Mile, and Sunny Point Cafe along with popular local coffee shops like Izzy’s, BattleCat, and Odd’s Cafe.
Opened in 2020, Cellarist Beer Project sits on the quieter side of Haywood Road and is a pet and kid-friendly brewery with indoor and covered and uncovered outdoor seating.
For beer, sip on Lagers and Farmhouse Ales. We enjoy their Stouts, Doppelbocks, Helles, and Saisons, and Cellarist Beer Project also serves cider, wine, and kombucha.
Buy howlers, cans, and bottles to take home, and order grub from W.A.L.K. next door or a food truck, if on-site.
We park along Haywood Road.
While exploring West Asheville, say hi to Gus Cutty’s Dolly and RuPaul murals, and drop into two great bookstores, Bagatelle and Firestorm.
Cellarist Beer Project | 395 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Hi-Wire Brewing
It’s no secret that you’ll find many of the best Asheville breweries around Downtown’s South Slope – it’s a happening neighborhood – as well as the vibrant River Arts District
Notably, Hi-Wire has breweries across North Carolina, including Durham and Wilmington. They also have a Knoxville location, which makes a great day trip from Asheville (a 2-hour drive).
In Asheville, find Hi-Wire Brewing at South Slope, Big Top/Biltmore Village, and now the River Arts District. The Biltmore Village location is a little wild with traffic and congestion, though.
Hi-Wire’s South Slope taproom is known for its rainbow mural and offers the ideal location for a day of Asheville brewery hopping.
Be sure to check out the Pack library archive pictures in the restrooms at South Slope that feature Asheville’s unique history.
Next door, Ben’s Tune-Up is a must, complete with a sake bar and beer garden. There’s nothing else like it in all of Asheville.
Newer to Asheville, Hi-Wire’s River Arts District beer garden is an incredible space filled with vibrant murals. Sit in refurbished shipping containers or in their large warehouse taproom.
Find an on-site food truck, Foothills – popular for its meats – or dine at one of RAD’s delicious restaurants like Baby Bull, Bull & Beggar, or RosaBees.
Hi-Wire features Lagers and Sour beers. They usually have Brown Ales, IPAs, and Seasonals.
Hi-Wire’s RAD beer garden is by far one of the best breweries in Asheville after spending a day rollerskating, walking, or biking the RAD Riverwalk and French Broad River Greenway.
Hi-Wire Brewing | Big Top/Biltmore Village: 2A Huntsman Pl; Asheville, NC; Downtown/South Slope: 197 Hilliard Ave; Asheville, NC; RAD Beer Garden: 284 Lyman Street; Asheville, NC
Whistle Hop Brewing
Whistle Hop Brewing is one of the best breweries in Asheville – well, its southeastern Fairview suburb – for families, pets, and fun. The taproom is a train, after all.
With Blue Ridge Mountain views, romp around a massive outdoor playground with a slide, bocce, soccer, mini-bowling, mini-gold, and disc golf Connect 4.
Whistle Hop also boasts charcoal grills and fire pits with indoor and outdoor seating.
For beer, enjoy IPAs, Kolschs, Wheats, Pilsners, Goses, Belgians, Dunkels, Sours, and Stouts. They brew up unique seasonals too.
For gluten-free options, find hard seltzer and guest taps from Urban Orchard and Ginger’s Revenge.
Grab a bite to eat from rotating food trucks like Garage BBQ, Appalachian Chick, Smasheville, Tin Can Pizzeria, and Cecilia’s Kitchen.
Whistle Hop grows quite busy on weekends, and they have their own parking lots.
For more nearby mountain towns to visit, try Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.
Whistle Hop Brewing Company | 1288 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Wedge Brewing Co.
Wedge Brewing is one of the best breweries in Asheville if you are hoping to tour the River Arts District.
But, know that there are three Wedge locations: Foundation – deeper into the River Arts District with pleb urban winery – Studios, which is closer to the Asheville silo, and a newer Downtown taproom in the Historic Grove Arcade.
Wedge’s Foundation location is in the heart of RAD and our personal go-to brewery in Asheville.
Sip beer on their outside patio surrounded by urban street art, an indoor and outdoor skate park, shops, cafes, and artist studios.
The nearby Marquee is Asheville’s trendy new European art and home decor market. And, catch an indie film at the Grail Moviehouse, especially if you are spending a weekend in Asheville.
For Asheville breweries with food, order from the permanent on-site food truck, The Chop Shop – also the stellar butchery in town. Think hot dogs and hamburgers – but solid AF ones.
Inside is pretty cozy too, and we usually pull up a stool and vacation plan here.
Drink IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Lagers, Golden Ales, Cream Ales, and even Sours. For ambiance and location, Wedge Brewing has it all.
Wedge Brewing Co. | Foundation/Foundy Street: 5 Foundy Street; Asheville, NC 28801; Studios: 129 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801; Downtown: 1 Page Avenue, Suite 152 Asheville, NC 28801
Green Man Brewery
Although one of the hottest breweries in Asheville with travelers, Green Man has the best ESB around – which you can also get at Montford’s Shakespeare in the Park.
Green Man is also 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 their equally fun dive bar.
We prefer Green Man’s Lagers, and they specialize in IPAs, Ambers, Porters, and Sours. Don’t forget to stock up on their endless beer 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.
For must-visit Asheville breweries, we suggest visiting Wicked Weed, Bhramari, Green Man, and Catawba together. (Please drink responsibly; half pours and sharing flights with friends are great for tasting more beer.)
Green Man Brewery | Green Mansion: 27 Buxton Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801; Dirty Jack’s: 23 Buxton Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801; Green Man Eats: 21 Buxton Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
Catawba Brewing Co.
One of the best breweries in Asheville for beer selection, Catawba Brewing Co. won’t disappoint.
Catawba brews up delicious White Ales and plays with flavors like orange, pumpkin, coffee, coconut, peach, and lime.
Of course, find Stouts, IPAs, Porters, Browns, Ambers, Sours, Saisons, and even Cream Ales. We suggest ordering a beer flight since it’s hard to pick just one.
Encounter a chic and sizable warehouse with hanging chandeliers at their South Slope location. Enjoy delicious food trucks too.
Nearby, don’t miss Bear’s BBQ or Buxton Hall, two famous Asheville BBQ joints. Vortex is also a delicious donut shop known for its coffee and variety of vegan donuts.
Catawba Brewing also has a taproom at Asheville’s Historic Biltmore Village.
Catawba is a dog-friendly Asheville brewery. For South Slope, park in one of the nearby pay lots. For Biltmore Village, use the lot out front.
Catawba Brewing Co. | South Slope/Downtown: 32 Banks Ave; Asheville, NC 28801; Biltmore Village: 63 Brook St.; Asheville, NC 28803
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All Sevens Brewing (777)
For Asheville breweries with food, head to West Asheville’s All Sevens Brewing, a fantastic brewpub. This is also a local joint.
As part of the Westville Pub, find budget-friendly bites like nachos, sliders, tacos, chicken tenders, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
They even have a late-night menu – 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM – featuring fried okra, wings, burgers, chips & salsa, Phillies, and grilled cheese.
One of our personal favorite breweries in Asheville, All Sevens Brewing has all of the beers that we crave: Ambers, Hefe, Kolschs, Nut Browns, ESBs, Helles, and Blondes
777 is one of the smaller Asheville breweries too. Their beers come straight from the brite tanks that you can see on the left side of the restaurant.
Nearby, head to The Whale Beer Collective.
The Whale has one of the most extensive beer, wine, cider, and mead menus for Asheville bars.
Attached to Haywood Common – a fantastic weekend brunch spot – grab healthy bites and sit on the patio.
For parking for All Sevens Brewing, we usually grab a spot on a side street or the pay lot near the West Village Market.
All Sevens Brewing | 777 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Bhramari Brewing Company* (Changing Names/Ownership mid-2023)
*Bharmari closed their kitchen in January 2023, laid off staff, and closed their taproom as of Feb. 2023. A new owner is taking over and changing things up. We will update this article soon since we are getting so many new breweries in Asheville in 2023.
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 live up to this reputation.
With Edison lights and what we can only describe as tree discs stuck to the walls, Bhramari feels a little smaller than all of the breweries in Asheville but packs a whole lot of heart.
Outside, though, they’ve extended their seating.
For Asheville breweries with food, enjoy weekly specials as well as burgers, pizza, peanuts, and nachos while sipping on one of their experimental beers.
Bhramari usually plays with a few Goses, adds magic to India Pale Ales, fruits up some Berliner Weisses, and adds something rich to their Stouts.
The beers change often, and you’ll want to try as many as possible.
Although a bit of a walk, we park at the Biltmore Garage or pay lots for Bhramari Brewing.
Bhramari Brewing Company | 101 S. Lexington Ave.; Asheville, NC 28801
White Labs Brewing Co.
Another one of the best Asheville breweries with food, White Labs is located on your way into or out of North Asheville/Downtown.
A family-friendly restaurant and brewery, White Labs Kitchen and Tap serves pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and sharables – gluten-free and vegan options included.
Of course, they offer fun cocktails and make their own craft beer.
Some of White Labs’ beers are gluten-reduced (just ask), and find Stouts, Lagers, and Ambers.
White Labs also showcases local guest taps – in case you aren’t able to make it to all of the incredible Asheville breweries.
Sit inside their taproom or outside on the patio out front or upstairs. There is plenty of on-site parking.
Know that you cannot really walk to White Labs from Downtown – you’d have to cross busy Charlotte Street, which we do not recommend.
White Labs Brewing Co. Asheville | 172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
One World Brewing
One World Brewing has Downtown and West Asheville taprooms
We enjoy the Downtown taproom, which sits underground near Farm Burger – one of the top burger spots in town – and is decorated with A Christmas Story leg lamp and other funky-colored lights.
Of course, there are alien vibes, too.
Like the other breweries in Asheville, One World Brewing has a little bit of everything. Drink fruited Pale ales, IPAs, chocolate Stouts, ESBs, coconut Porters, and Ryes.
If you are looking to escape the bad weather on a rainy day or hide from the crowds, One World is a chill and fun place to be.
Afterward, head to one of the best museums in the city, the Asheville Art Museum.
Or, visit French Broad Chocolate Lounge for those famous truffles, vegan hot chocolate, and ice cream.
One World Brewing | Downtown: 10 Patton Ave #002; Asheville, NC 28801; & West: 520 Haywood Road; Asheville, NC 28806
Thirsty Monk Brewery
The most unassuming brewery in Asheville, Thirsty Monk has locations in Biltmore Town Park and Downtown Asheville.
Thirsty Monk Downtown features its own beers on the main level. These include Lagers, spiced Seltzers, and Belgians.
If you head to the basement, find Delirium Brewing – known for serving some of the best beers in the world. There are only a few U.S. taprooms
Then, be sure to head upstairs to Top of the Monk, a rooftop bar with cocktails. This speakeasy-like space is cozy with locked-up little treats and stellar craft cocktails.
Nearby is one of our favorite Asian restaurants in all of AVL, Red Ginger, serving up Chinese tapas and delicious sushi.
For the Asheville breweries that sit around Coxe Ave., we suggest parking in the Coxe Ave. Garage or Coxe’s pay lots.
Thirsty Monk Brewery | Downtown & Top Of The Monk: 92 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 & Biltmore Park: 2 Town Square Blvd #170; Asheville, NC, 28803
Dssolvr
Technically, Dssolvr labels itself as a “beverage company” versus a brewery.
They enjoy making many of the old-school beers like traditional Lagers and IPAs, but then they have a sour side.
Interested in the fermentation process, Dssolvr is hoping to expand past beer into wines, meads, and ciders, teaming up with local farmers and artisans.
For Downtown Asheville breweries, their taproom is filled with fun blend beers and a classic selection.
A few include their flagship Kölsch, a marshmallow Sour, hazy IPAs, Schwarzbiers, and Italian Pilsners. Find hard seltzers and ciders too.
Dssolvr has both indoor and outdoor seating, and you can order half-pours to try a little bit of everything.
Leashed dogs are allowed, and this is a kid-friendly brewery in Downtown Asheville.
We suggest parking in the Rankin or Civic Center garages when visiting many of the restaurants, shops, and breweries around North Lexington Ave.
Dssolvr | 63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Urban Orchard Cider Company
As mentioned above, we have a household member with Celiac Disease, which means that Tom is ordering cider, mead, or wine at many of these Asheville, NC breweries.
However, Urban Orchard Cider Company is for him, and in the winter, we are always stoked to see Gluhwein on the menu.
Although technically a cidery, we are including Urban Orchard on this list. It’s still an Asheville must.
Urban Orchard South Slope is a gorgeous warehouse building near Catawba Brewing. You cannot miss its vibrant street art out front.
Head inside to an open and modern taproom. Here, try a variety of apple ciders with hops, ginger, or spices.
Urban Orchard West feels like you are sitting in someone’s backyard, and they are another one of the Asheville breweries with food, including charcuterie and sandwiches.
Urban Orchard specializes in dry, fruity, bubbly, and sweet cider
Flavors you might see include green apple blackberry, elderberry, honey, ginger, pepper, lavender, and cranberry.
Explore even more great cideries in Asheville, including Noble Cider, Bold Rock, and Botanist & Barrel.
Urban Orchard Cider Company | South Slope/Downtown: 24 Buxton Ave; Asheville, NC 28801 & West Asheville: 210 Haywood Rd; Asheville, NC 28806
Archetype Brewing
One of the best breweries in Asheville with a newer rooftop space (West AVL), head to Archetype Brewing.
This brewery is guarded by a Joan of Arc mural created by Ian the Painter; it’s actually his daughter Ella. Honestly, we get some GOT vibes from it too.
Archetype has a gorgeous (newer) rooftop seating area overlooking Downtown. Sit on one of two different patios and enjoy a quieter ambiance.
The beers are named after their actual archetype, and this Asheville beer company believes in clean and mindful bevies.
We prefer their lighter beers. Find quirky Saisons with sour hints and Belgians.
Archetype Brewing | West Asheville: 265 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 & Downtown Asheville: 174 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing is the OG of Asheville breweries.
They opened slightly before Green Man in 1994, making Highland Brewing the first and oldest brewery in Asheville.
Highland offers year-round brews as well as small-batch rotating flavors.
Find a little bit of everything from White, Wheat, Pilsner, IPA, Red Ale, and Stout beers. We highly suggest a flight.
New in 2021, Highland Brewing also has upper and lower-level bars at the S&W Market. Along with your beer, munch on Asian tapas, fried chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Highland Brewing | Southeast: 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200; Asheville, North Carolina 28803 & S&W Market Location: 56 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Twin Leaf Brewery
For Downtown Asheville breweries, we enjoy Twin Leaf Brewery. Although a busy area, many tourists skip over this taproom opting for Wicked Weed and its nearby Funkatorium.
Twin Leaf brews delicious beer, and you’ll feel as though you are sitting in a greenhouse. They also have an outdoor patio.
Their beers tend to be IPA-heavy, and we usually order a Pilsner or Stout. We appreciate their attitude, ambiance, and vibes.
Twin Leaf is both a kid and dog-friendly brewery in Asheville.
If you are beer-hopping across Asheville, Funkatorium, Catawba, Green Man, Asheville Brewing (Coxe Ave.), and Hi-Wire South Slope are all nearby.
This area gets a bit congested for parking, but you’ll find pay lots around the side streets.
Twin Leaf Brewery | 144 Coxe Avenue Asheville, NC 28801
French Broad River Brewery
We always purchase French Broad River Brewery’s Kölsch at our local Ingles grocery store.
Located on the outskirts of Historic Biltmore Village – but still somewhat walkable – don’t miss their extensive taproom.
Sit inside or outside. Just keep in mind that on a warm day, their taproom doesn’t have AC. It gets a little steamy in here.
French Broad River Brewery serves up IPAs, ESBs, our beloved Kölschs, Stouts, and Porters.
French Broad River Brewery is also in the same area as Edna Ryne Distilling Company. Hillman Beer is just a short walk across the street.
They have their own parking lot. All ages and friendly pets are welcome here.
French Broad River Brewery | 101 Fairview Rd D, Asheville, NC 28803
UpCountry Brewing
With locations in West Asheville and Brevard, UpCountry is one of the best Asheville breweries with food, especially with Grata Pizzeria at their West AVL location.
Although located on busy Haywood Road, you feel like you are sitting in your best friend’s backyard with a brew and scrumptious bites.
UpCountry Brewing epitomizes West Asheville with its stellar murals and super chill vibe.
Order Grata’s pizza, which you can smell before you even walk in. And yes, they have gluten-free crust and vegan cheese from Darë.
For beer, try UpCountry’s Brown Ales, Goses, Stouts, and Lagers. Or, select from IPAs, Sours, and Pale Ales.
Across the street, head to The Odditorium – an LGBTQ+ bar – and Leo’s House of Thirst, one of our favorite wine bars.
UpCountry in Asheville has its own parking lot, but it gets a little tight.
UpCountry Brewing’s Brevard location is also a distillery with craft cocktails. They host holiday markets, live music, and trivia nights.
While here, tour more Brevard breweries like Ecusta and Oskar Blues.
UpCountry Brewing | West Asheville: 1042 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 & Brevard: 212 King St Suite B, Brevard, NC 28712
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada is one of the most well-known breweries in Asheville with national recognition.
Conveniently located next to the Asheville airport, we tend to stop here before boarding a flight, right when we get back from vacation (flying), or when picking up friends and family.
We have yet to take a guided tour, but we enjoy their taproom and restaurant. Order duck fries, and try one of Sierra Nevada’s famous brews.
To us, Sierra Nevada’s beer is quite hoppy, and you might recognize their famous winter Celebration brew.
For Asheville breweries with food, select from pub grub like fries, wings, and pretzels. For entrees, Sierra Nevada’s menu features pizzas, BBQ, burgers, salads, and seafood.
Another kid-friendly Asheville brewery, children can select from burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, pizza, and Mac & Cheese.
Sierra Nevada Brewing has a souvenir shop, indoor and outdoor seating, and rather impressive grounds with its own parking lots. It’s an experience.
Technically, Sierra Nevada is located in Mills River, NC but with the Asheville airport right there, we are counting it.
While you are out this way, be sure to head to the other incredible Mills River breweries like Bold Rock Cidery, Mills River Brewing, and Burning Blush.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. | 100 Sierra Nevada Way; Fletcher, NC 28732
New Belgium Brewing Asheville
One of the most popular Asheville breweries for visitors, New Belgium is an icon for Fat Tire. Should you head here? Yes!
As locals, we especially love that the city has recently extended the French Broad River Greenway through Asheville’s two top parks, Carrier and French Broad.
If you are hoping to get in some biking or walking before a brew, pop on the trail and head past the dog park at French Broad River Park.
The new French Broad River West Greenway passes New Belgium and even has bike racks and access to the outside patio.
We clocked around a 3-mile out and back from French Broad Park to New Belgium.
Situated next to the French Broad River, enjoy a meal from rotating food trucks like Cecilia’s Kitchen, sit outside along the river, and sip one of New Belgium’s famous brews.
New Belgium serves Dark Ales, American, Hazy, and Imperial IPAs, Farmhouse Lagers, and Sours. For gluten-free drinkers, find hard seltzer.
We haven’t taken an official tour, but you’ll find a little bit of everything, including a shop and tons of photo ops.
Like Wedge and Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden, New Belgium is one of the best breweries in Asheville if you also want to get outside with the locals.
New Belgium Brewing Asheville | 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806
Save The Best Asheville Breweries For Later:
Where To Stay In Asheville
Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:
- Aloft – Downtown Asheville – Centrally located and recently renovated, enjoy a rooftop pool, a gorgeous bar, and trendy rooms.
- The Omni Grove Park Inn – Treat yourself to a luxury resort in North Asheville, complete with breathtaking sunsets, terrace bars and dining, and loads of Asheville history.
- Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area – A budget-friendly but renovated hotel on busier Brevard Road that’s perfect if you wish to stay between Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Asheville Cottages – Gorgeous 1 to 3-bedroom cottages with a private deck, housing a grill and hot tub. Find luxurious heated-floor bathrooms with rain showers, a well-stocked kitchen, and the cleanest rooms in town.
- Foundry Hotel – An oasis in Downtown Asheville, Foundry Hotel is a nod to AVL’s industrial history. Find famous restaurant Benne on Eagle while sleeping ensconced in charm and elegance.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC – Located off of the highway as you enter AVL, find a sleek and clean hotel at a great price.
- Black Walnut B&B Inn – Designed by Biltmore’s supervising architect, Richard Sharp-Smith, this 1899 inn is close to Downtown AVL and serves afternoon tea. Two rooms are pet-friendly.
Don’t miss out on these Asheville properties on Booking.com, too.
What are your favorite Asheville, NC breweries?
With so many breweries in Asheville, we couldn’t possibly name them all. If they didn’t make this list, that is no reflection of their deliciousness or worthiness.
We just narrowed down our personal favorites.
And, when creating this Asheville brewery list, we wanted to name a few of the popular places that are major tourist destinations but also places where the locals go.
If we had to pick the five best Asheville breweries with food, we’d head to Asheville Brewing (pizza), Wicked Weed (pub grub), Zillicoah (tacos), Rye Knot (pub grub & distillery), and 12 Bones (BBQ).
For popular, “must-visit” breweries in Asheville, especially if you only have a few days here, Burial, Wicked Weed, Catawba, Green Man, Highland, and New Belgium are the big ones.
As AVL locals, we think the overall best breweries in Asheville are Hillman, Zillicoah, Wedge at Foundation, and Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden.
Of course, for gluten-reduced beer in Asheville with our Celiac household, Ginger’s Revenge, Cellarist, and 7 Clans are musts. Oklawaha out in Hendersonville is terrific.
What are the best Asheville breweries that you frequent? What are your favorite local Asheville beer flavors? Who has the greatest taproom? Coolest events?
Let us know in the comments, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on Asheville’s hopping brewery scene.
For More Great Breweries Near Asheville:
- Hopping Weaverville Breweries (15 minutes away)
- Where To Drink In Black Mountain (25 minutes away)
- Must-Visit Hendersonville Breweries (45 minutes away)
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner and lead writer of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.
This is a great guide. We are looking forward to trying out some of the breweries listed!
Wondering why Burial wasn’t listed as one of the top 28? It was one of our favorite stops for food and amazing craft beer when visiting AVL. I realize there are SO many to choose from – but Burial had some of the best beer we’ve ever had!
Thanks again for the great information!
We switch guides up every once in a while (adding and removing places) – so while we had them on in previous years, we decided to list our personal favorites recently. Burial is absolutely great, though, and we may always swap in and out again. I just love their beer names!
Try the German chocolate stout at Eurisko on Short Coxe.
Yes!! I really love Eurisko’s Helles as well. Thanks so much for the beer suggestion.