12 Hidden Gem & Popular Breweries In Asheville For Locals & Visitors
The craft beer scene in Asheville is hopping. It feels as though there is a brewery on every corner. So, how do you choose? From locals, these are the best breweries in Asheville for location, brews, families, food, fun, and pets. We are talking about visitor musts and local gems. Sip beer in a train caboose and even spy…aliens.
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If you are visiting Asheville for the first time, know that Burial, Wicked Weed, Green Man, Highland, Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium are blockbuster, “must-visit” Asheville breweries. We also have a separate list of pet-friendly spots.
And, newer to the Asheville beer scene, find RAD Brewing, TRVE Brewing, Diatribe Brewing, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co., and Terra Nova (Downtown Asheville location). If you are still overwhelmed by the amount of breweries after reading this post, consider a guided beer tour.
All photos are our own across the years, and we’ve been to every brewery on this list. Updated frequently, we originally posted this article in October 2020.
“Hidden Gem” Breweries In Asheville We Love As Locals
It pained me to re-write this article post-Helene, and I’m looking forward to Zillicoah Beer Co., 12 Bones Smokehouse River, and Wedge’s Foundation Studios location one day re-opening.
We lost a few of our favorites to Helene, like 7 Clans, and for now, Rye Knot has decided to focus on distilling. Catawba Brewing announced they will not renew the lease on their South Slope location. It is still unclear if Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden will reopen, but their Biltmore Village and South Slope taprooms are going strong.
Below, find slightly less tourist-frequented breweries in Asheville, followed by our favorite better-known ones.
The River Arts District Brewing Company
Also referred to as RAD Brewing, this is one of our favorite Asheville breweries for its indoor and outdoor space, the friendliest staff, and delicious brews. I’m not an IPA girl, so I appreciate RAD Brewing’s Stouts and Lagers. Even better, many of their beers are gluten-reduced, which Tom can enjoy.
Scan the code at the bar, and nearby, The Grey Eagle Taqueria will walk over tacos. One of my favorite food trucks, Master BBQ, is on-site. The River Arts District Brewing Company hosts trivia nights, live music, and comedy nights. On the way in, don’t miss a unique Asheville bar, Anoche – think Tequila and Mezcal.
The River Arts District Brewing Company | 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Hillman Beer
Located in the Biltmore Estate/Historic Biltmore Village neighborhood, Hillman Beer is one of the best Asheville breweries with food. Select from classic sandwiches, wraps, melts, salads, and pub appetizers. My go-to is their Cuban sandwich or a burger with a kale salad or chips.
Hillman produces some of my favorite beer styles, including ESBs, Kölschs, Hefeweizens, Brown Ales, and Saisons. Enjoy their airy taproom or sit outside by the babbling brook with Fido. We also love their large Old Fort taproom, which is perfect if you are mountain biking in the area.
Hillman Beer | Asheville: 25 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 & Old Fort: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC 28762
Outsider Brewing
If you are looking for something incredibly unique, Outsider Brewing has the geekiest vibes. A smaller, independent craft brewery on the edge of Woodfin, they focus on small-batch beers. Witness the brewing process firsthand with their transparent brewing vessel; it’s pretty cool.
Outsider has an alien-themed taproom, and you might catch a Dungeons and Dragons club. Sip anything from a Dark Rye Lager and Belgian Amber Ale to collaborative Dunkelweizen and Helles.
Outsider Brewing | 939 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28804
White Labs Brewing Co.
One of the best breweries in Asheville serving pizza and burgers, White Labs is located close to the intersection of North and Downtown Asheville. A family-friendly restaurant, White Labs Kitchen and Tap serves pizza (with GF and vegan options), burgers, sandwiches, and sharables. Some of White Labs’ beers are gluten-reduced (just ask). Tom and I like their Stouts, Lagers, and Ambers.
White Labs Brewing Co. Asheville | 172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
Cellarest Beer Project
One of the more unique breweries in Asheville – and open 7 days a week – Cellarest Beer is a certified carbon-neutral brewery. They specialize in wood fermentation, gluten-reduced lagers, and wild beer.
I appreciate that they are located on the quieter side of Haywood Road in West Asheville. Pet and kid-friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating, sip on their Lagers and Farmhouse Ales. Tom and I enjoy their Stouts, Doppelbocks, Helles, and Saisons.
Cellarest Beer Project | 395 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
For non-beer drinkers in your group, head to nearby popular local coffee shops like Izzy’s, BattleCat, and Odd’s Cafe.
Whistle Hop Brewing
Whistle Hop Brewing is terrific for families, pets, and fun. Plus, the taproom is a train. With Blue Ridge Mountain views, romp around a massive outdoor playground with a slide, bocce, soccer, mini-bowling, mini-golf, and disc golf Connect 4. Whistle Hop also boasts charcoal grills and fire pits with indoor and outdoor seating.
I appreciate their Kolschs, Wheats, Pilsners, Goses, Belgians, Dunkels, Sours, and Stouts. They brew unique seasonals, too. Grab a bite to eat from rotating food trucks like Taste of Tampa, La Bodegon, Munchy’s, and more.
Whistle Hop Brewing Company | 1288 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Ginger’s Revenge
For lovers of meaderies and cideries (and gluten-free beer), Ginger’s Revenge is a must with its alcoholic and flavored ginger beer. If they have the small-batch Arnold Palmer on tap, get it. I especially love their fig, pumpkin, and fall flavors. Their ginger mural is the backdrop for live music, and they have board games perfect for the entire family.
Ginger’s Revenge | 829 Riverside Dr. Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Visit Asheville Breweries
These are just a few of the well-known breweries in Asheville we enjoy. Before we moved here, these were the “big” names everyone told us we had to visit. They were right!
Highland Brewing Co.
Asheville’s first and oldest brewery, Highland Brewing is a must for any visitor. A staple to the community, they have so much on tap, that I recommend starting with a flight – even as a local to see what’s new. The right side of their tap list showcases small-batch and sometimes fun collaborative beers. Underneath, find delicious seasonal cocktails.
What I most love about Highland Brewing Co. is their (Old Charlotte Highway) indoor and outdoor space for events. We’ve seen tribute bands and danced our booties off to DJ Lil Meow Meow. My friends like to play volleyball during their meetups. Plus, Highland hosts delicious rotating food trucks like Paperhouse Pizza.
Purchase Highland swag on the way out, and don’t forget they have a taproom at Asheville’s S&W Market.
Highland Brewing | 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803 & S&W Market: 56 Patton Ave Suite 200, Asheville, NC 28801
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed is one of the most popular Asheville breweries for visitors. I take all out-of-town visitors here as it’s most likely on their Asheville bucket list. With cozy indoor pub seating and an outdoor, dog-friendly patio with firepits, select from sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips. Find cocktails, red and white wine, ciders, and loads of famous Asheville beer. I prefer Wicked Weed’s Lagers, Pils, Helles, and Hefeweizen.
Wicked Weed Brewing | Downtown Brewpub: 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801; Funkatorium (May 2025): 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 & Wicked Weed West: 145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler, NC 28715
Burial Beer Co.
Burial Beer Company has numerous breweries in North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. True to their namesake, their beers have pretty spooky and ominous names on the coolest canned labels.
We enjoy Burial’s Forestry Camp for the abundance of seating – inside is extra cozy and relaxing – and a full-service kitchen featuring American cuisine, beer, cocktails, and wine – N/A beer included. They also host Saturday and Sunday weekend brunch.
Burial Beer Co. South Slope Taproom | 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 & Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp Taproom | 10 Shady Oak Dr, Asheville, NC 28803
Hi-Wire Brewing
It’s no secret that you’ll find many of the best breweries in Asheville around Downtown’s South Slope. Hi-Wire’s Downtown Asheville taproom is known for its rainbow mural and offers the ideal location for a day of brewery hopping (they added a tiki bar too!).
We also enjoy Hi-Wire’s Biltmore Village location with one of the best food trucks, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food. Hi-Wire features Lagers and Sour beers. They usually have Brown Ales, IPAs, and Seasonals.
I loved their RAD Beer Garden filled with shipping containers covered in murals. I hope they can rebuild. Right now, their taprooms also showcase beers from breweries heavily impacted by Helene.
Hi-Wire Brewing | Big Top/Biltmore Village: 2A Huntsman Pl, Asheville, NC & Downtown/South Slope: 197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC
Green Man Brewery
Green Man is another one of North Carolina’s and Asheville’s original breweries, established in 1997. They make the best ESB in town, which you can also get at the Montford Park Player’s Shakespeare in the Park.
Their massive Downtown Asheville location is three stories high with multiple bars, rooftop seating, a zen garden, and views of their brewing process. I most prefer Green Man’s Lagers, and they specialize in IPAs, Ambers, Porters, and Sours. They also make a stellar N/A root beer.
Green Man Brewery | Green Mansion: 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 & Dirty Jack’s: 23 Buxton Avenue., Asheville, NC 28801
More Great Breweries In Asheville
A few more popular breweries in Asheville include:
- Thirsty Monk Brewery
- French Broad River Brewery
- Twin Leaf Brewery
- Archetype Brewing
- One World Brewing
- TRVE Brewing Co.
- Diatribe Brewing Co.
- Salt Face Mule Brewing Co.
- Terra Nova Beer Co.
- Asheville Pizza & Brewing (and Asheville Brewing Company)
- Riverside Rhapsody
- Dssolvr
- New Belgium Brewing
Great Breweries Near Asheville After That Hike
We are avid Western North Carolina day-trippers and have quite a few favorites for beer near Asheville, including Burning Blush, Leveller, and Oklawaha. Read more here:
- Hopping Weaverville Breweries (15 minutes)
- Black Mountain’s craft beer scene (25 minutes)
- Must-Visit Hendersonville Breweries (45 minutes)
- Great Brevard Breweries (45 minutes)
- Gluten-Reduced Beer Around Greenville, SC (1 hour and 20 mins)
If you love wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, and more, peruse our city food and drink guides, including Asheville’s most unforgettable restaurants.
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner 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.