Quick answer
For an unparalleled Asheville brewery experience combining history, quality, and a massive taproom, Highland Brewing Co. stands out as the ultimate choice.
- Best overall
- Highland Brewing Co.
- Best budget
- Green Man Brewery
- Best experience
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Mills River)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Asheville's best breweries is based on extensive research, local insights, and popular acclaim. We considered beer quality, atmosphere, food offerings, unique brews, and overall visitor experience to curate a diverse list for every beer enthusiast.
Highland Brewing Co.
Asheville's original craft brewery, Highland Brewing Co. set the standard for local beer since 1994. Its spacious East Asheville facility features a massive taproom, event center, rooftop bar, and sprawling meadow with food trucks, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all. They're celebrated for their consistent, quality brews, especially their Gaelic Ale.
🍽️ What to order
Gaelic Ale or Highland IPA
💡 Insider tip
Check their website for live music schedules and food truck rotations – the rooftop bar is a must-visit on a clear day.
"Highland is the OG for a reason. Always a solid choice, and that rooftop bar is amazing in the summer. Just grab a Gaelic and chill."— r/asheville user
Burial Beer Co.
Burial Beer Co. is known for its distinctive, often dark and artful branding, reflecting the experimental and complex nature of their beers. Located in the bustling South Slope, their main taproom offers an industrial-chic vibe with a popular onsite food truck. They excel in hazy IPAs, imperial stouts, and unique sour ales.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their rotating Hazy IPAs or the Skillet Donut Stout (when available).
💡 Insider tip
It can get crowded; consider visiting during off-peak hours or grabbing a spot at their Forestry Camp location for a different vibe.
"Burial never disappoints. Their IPAs are consistently phenomenal, and the food truck at the South Slope spot hits different after a few pints."— r/craftbeer user
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
Wicked Weed Brewing's original pub is a cornerstone of downtown Asheville, famous for its innovative and often tart sour beers, alongside a wide array of West Coast-style IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The lively atmosphere pairs perfectly with their upscale gastropub menu, making it a great spot for both beer enthusiasts and foodies.
🍽️ What to order
A Flight of Sours and their Candied Bacon.
💡 Insider tip
It's extremely popular, so be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends. They have a second location, Funkatorium, dedicated solely to sours.
"You HAVE to hit Wicked Weed's original pub. The sours are mind-blowing, and honestly, their food is way better than typical brewery grub."— r/asheville user
Green Man Brewery
One of Asheville's oldest and most respected breweries, Green Man is celebrated for its traditional English-style ales and consistent quality. Their 'Dirty Jack' taproom offers a classic brewery feel, while their newer 'Green Mansion' features three stories of taproom space, an outdoor patio, and a retail shop. It's a no-frills, community-focused spot.
🍽️ What to order
Green Man IPA or their ESB (Extra Special Bitter).
💡 Insider tip
The Dirty Jack original location is a bit smaller and cozier, while the Green Mansion is more spacious with better views. Visit both if you have time.
"Always hit Green Man when I'm in Asheville. Their ESB is a classic, and you can't beat the vibe at the Dirty Jack pub. Real Asheville."— r/beercity user
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium's East Coast brewery sits gracefully along the French Broad River, offering stunning views and a sprawling outdoor area. Known for its iconic Fat Tire Amber Ale and Belgian-inspired brews, this location provides a fantastic tour experience and ample space to relax with food trucks on-site. It's a great destination for families and large groups.
🍽️ What to order
Fat Tire Amber Ale or a refreshing Voodoo Ranger IPA.
💡 Insider tip
Take advantage of the scenic riverfront path for a stroll before or after your visit. They often have bike racks if you're exploring the RAD by bike.
"New Belgium is a whole experience. The river views are incredible, and it's perfect if you want to chill outside for hours. Plus, Fat Tire on tap just hits different there."— r/travel user
DSSOLVR
DSSOLVR quickly became a local favorite for its boundary-pushing beer styles and eye-catching, often surrealistic can art. Located on the edge of downtown and South Slope, their taproom boasts a minimalist yet edgy aesthetic, focusing squarely on innovative, high-quality brews, particularly juicy IPAs, complex sours, and robust stouts.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their current Hazy IPAs or a featured experimental sour.
💡 Insider tip
Their beer menu changes frequently; don't get too attached to one brew. Check their Untappd or website beforehand for the latest taps.
"DSSOLVR is my go-to for something wild and delicious. Their can art alone is worth a visit, and the IPAs are always top-tier. Super unique vibe."— r/craftbeer user
Bhramari Brewing Company
Bhramari Brewing Company stands out with its inventive culinary program paired with equally creative beers. Their downtown location features a vibrant taproom and an inviting patio, making it an excellent spot for a full meal alongside unique IPAs, fruited sours, and experimental lagers. Their focus on pairings truly elevates the brewery experience.
🍽️ What to order
The 'Wanderlust' IPA and try one of their rotating food specials.
💡 Insider tip
Their kitchen is just as acclaimed as their beer. Don't skip ordering food; it's a step above typical brewery fare.
"Bhramari is seriously underrated for its food. Get the beer, but definitely get a burger or something. Their kitchen is doing some wild stuff."— r/ashevillefood user
Zillicoah Beer Company
Tucked along the French Broad River just north of Asheville, Zillicoah Beer Company specializes in open-fermented, wood-fired lagers and rustic ales. Its sprawling outdoor setting, complete with picnic tables, a fire pit, and riverside access, provides a relaxed, nature-immersed atmosphere perfect for enjoying crisp, clean brews and delicious tacos from their resident food truck.
🍽️ What to order
A Zillicoah Lager or the German-style Pilsner. Don't forget the tacos!
💡 Insider tip
This place is primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather. It's a bit of a drive from downtown but absolutely worth it for the unique experience and tranquil setting.
"Zillicoah is the perfect escape. Amazing lagers by the river, and those tacos? Forget about it. Super chill vibe."— r/asheville user
Hi-Wire Brewing (South Slope Biltmore Ave. location)
Hi-Wire Brewing brings a fun, circus-themed vibe to the Asheville beer scene, with two distinct locations in the South Slope (Biltmore Ave. and their Big Top Production Brewery). The Biltmore Ave. taproom offers a lively, spacious environment perfect for sampling their balanced lagers, IPAs, and approachable sour series. Expect games, bright colors, and good times.
🍽️ What to order
Hi-Wire Lager or their Hazy & Juicy IPA.
💡 Insider tip
If you're looking for an even bigger space and potential tours, check out their Big Top Production Brewery just a few blocks away. The Biltmore Ave. location is more intimate for just drinks.
"Hi-Wire is always a good time. Their lager is incredibly crushable, and the atmosphere is super laid-back, especially if you're with a group looking to play some games."— r/travel user
Twin Leaf Brewery
Located in the heart of the South Slope, Twin Leaf Brewery is a community-focused spot known for its rotating selection of well-crafted, diverse beer styles. The taproom, housed in a renovated warehouse, offers a relaxed industrial aesthetic with plenty of space for mingling, games, and enjoying local food trucks that frequent the spot.
🍽️ What to order
'Darkness Lager' or their seasonal IPA.
💡 Insider tip
Parking in the South Slope can be tricky. Consider walking or using ride-share services if you're planning a brewery crawl. Twin Leaf is very walkable from other South Slope spots.
"Twin Leaf is a solid, no-nonsense brewery. Good beer, friendly staff, and they always have a great food truck. It's a staple for a reason."— r/asheville user
Archetype Brewing (Downtown)
Archetype Brewing's downtown location, known as the 'Coxe Avenue Brewery,' offers a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for enjoying their nuanced, often Belgian and English-inspired brews. They focus on balance and drinkability, creating a welcoming space that feels like a neighborhood pub. They also have a larger, often livelier location in West Asheville.
🍽️ What to order
The 'Unruly Mystic' Saison or their 'Talking Heads' IPA.
💡 Insider tip
The downtown location is smaller and great for a more relaxed conversation. Their West Asheville spot has more space and often hosts events.
"Archetype's downtown spot is super chill. Great place to grab a well-made pint and just talk. Their Saison is surprisingly good."— r/craftbeer user
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
While technically a short drive from Asheville, Sierra Nevada's East Coast facility is a must-visit destination, offering an unparalleled brewery experience. This massive, sustainably built complex features extensive tours, a full-service restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine, stunning outdoor spaces, and, of course, a vast selection of their iconic beers.
🍽️ What to order
Torpedo Extra IPA and try their famous Duck Fat Fries.
💡 Insider tip
Reserve a tour and/or a table at the restaurant well in advance, especially on weekends. Allow several hours to fully explore the grounds.
"Okay, it's not *in* Asheville, but Sierra Nevada is a pilgrimage. The facility is gorgeous, the tours are amazing, and the food is legitimately incredible. Worth the drive."— r/travel user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asheville really 'Beer City USA'?
Yes, Asheville proudly holds the title of 'Beer City USA,' a nickname earned through popular vote and its incredible density of craft breweries. With over 40 breweries within the city limits and surrounding areas, it boasts more breweries per capita than almost any other city in the United States, offering an unparalleled selection for beer enthusiasts.
What's the best area in Asheville for breweries?
The South Slope Brewery District is widely considered the best area for a concentrated brewery experience. Many top breweries are within walking distance of each other there, including Burial Beer Co., Green Man, and Hi-Wire. Downtown Asheville also offers several excellent options, and West Asheville provides a more eclectic mix.
Do Asheville breweries offer food?
Many Asheville breweries offer a fantastic array of food, ranging from full-service restaurants with creative menus (like Wicked Weed and Bhramari) to regular food truck rotations (common at Highland, Burial, and Zillicoah). It's always a good idea to check a brewery's website or social media for current food offerings before visiting.
Are Asheville breweries dog-friendly or family-friendly?
Yes, many Asheville breweries are both dog-friendly and family-friendly, particularly those with outdoor patios or spacious taprooms. Places like Highland Brewing, New Belgium, and Hi-Wire often welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes in designated outdoor areas and provide family-friendly spaces. Always check specific brewery policies beforehand.
Can I do a self-guided brewery tour in Asheville?
Absolutely! Asheville is perfectly set up for self-guided brewery tours, especially in concentrated areas like the South Slope. Many breweries are within easy walking distance or a short ride-share trip. Consider mapping out your route in advance, staying hydrated, and utilizing the Asheville Ale Trail for guidance on which breweries to visit.
What kind of beers can I expect in Asheville?
Asheville's brewing scene is incredibly diverse, so you can expect a wide range of beer styles. While IPAs (especially hazy ones) and sours are particularly popular, you'll also find excellent traditional lagers, stouts, porters, Belgian-style ales, and experimental brews. Each brewery often specializes in unique styles, ensuring there's something for every palate.
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