If there’s one thing Raleigh, North Carolina, knows how to do right—besides Southern hospitality and a booming real estate market—it’s craft beer. The City of Oaks has become a haven for beer lovers, boasting an impressive lineup of local breweries that combine inventive flavors with a strong sense of community. Whether you're a longtime local or considering calling Raleigh home, here’s your guide to the best breweries where you can sip, relax, and soak in the spirit of the city.
1. Raleigh Brewing Company
3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC
As the first woman-owned brewery in North Carolina, Raleigh Brewing Company holds a special place in the local beer scene. Known for its dedication to all things Raleigh, this brewery proudly names its beers after local landmarks and history—think “Hell Yes Ma’am” Belgian Golden Ale and “The First Squeeze” American Wheat. With a welcoming taproom, a spacious beer garden, and an on-site homebrew supply shop, Raleigh Brewing is more than just a place to grab a pint—it’s a community hub.
What to Try:
As the first woman-owned brewery in North Carolina, Raleigh Brewing Company holds a special place in the local beer scene. Known for its dedication to all things Raleigh, this brewery proudly names its beers after local landmarks and history—think “Hell Yes Ma’am” Belgian Golden Ale and “The First Squeeze” American Wheat. With a welcoming taproom, a spacious beer garden, and an on-site homebrew supply shop, Raleigh Brewing is more than just a place to grab a pint—it’s a community hub.
What to Try:
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Hell Yes Ma’am (Belgian Golden Ale)
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House of Clay IPA
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Hidden Pipe Coffee Porter
2. Crank Arm Brewing Company
319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC
Beer and bikes go hand-in-hand at Crank Arm Brewing, a downtown favorite inspired by the cycling community. Located in the Warehouse District, Crank Arm brings an eclectic energy to the scene with bold beers and an urban taproom that’s always buzzing. Their bike-themed branding isn’t just for show—Crank Arm actively supports bike culture through events and community rides.
What to Try:
Beer and bikes go hand-in-hand at Crank Arm Brewing, a downtown favorite inspired by the cycling community. Located in the Warehouse District, Crank Arm brings an eclectic energy to the scene with bold beers and an urban taproom that’s always buzzing. Their bike-themed branding isn’t just for show—Crank Arm actively supports bike culture through events and community rides.
What to Try:
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Rickshaw Rye IPA
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Unicycle Single Hop Pale Ale
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White Wall Wheat
3. Bond Brothers Beer Company
202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC (a quick hop from Raleigh)
Technically just outside Raleigh, Bond Brothers in nearby Cary is well worth the short drive. This award-winning brewery was named “Best New Brewery in the Country” by USA Today in 2017, and they’ve only gotten better with time. From fruited sours to hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, their lineup is as adventurous as it is refined.
What to Try:
Technically just outside Raleigh, Bond Brothers in nearby Cary is well worth the short drive. This award-winning brewery was named “Best New Brewery in the Country” by USA Today in 2017, and they’ve only gotten better with time. From fruited sours to hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, their lineup is as adventurous as it is refined.
What to Try:
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Local IPA
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Sorcery (Sour Ale Series)
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Time and Tides Barrel Series
4. Trophy Brewing Company
656 Maywood Ave & 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC
Trophy Brewing is a Raleigh legend. With multiple locations—each offering something different—it’s easy to see why they have such a loyal following. Their original location on Morgan Street specializes in small-batch creations and pizza, while the Maywood Ave location features a larger brewing facility and beer garden. Trophy’s inventive brewing and cool branding make every visit feel like something special.
What to Try:
Trophy Brewing is a Raleigh legend. With multiple locations—each offering something different—it’s easy to see why they have such a loyal following. Their original location on Morgan Street specializes in small-batch creations and pizza, while the Maywood Ave location features a larger brewing facility and beer garden. Trophy’s inventive brewing and cool branding make every visit feel like something special.
What to Try:
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Trophy Wife Session IPA
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Milky Way Salted Caramel Stout
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Cloud Surfer Modern IPA
5. Big Boss Brewing Company
1249 Wicker Dr, Raleigh, NC
One of Raleigh’s craft beer pioneers, Big Boss Brewing has been cranking out distinctive brews since 2006. Their laid-back vibe and spacious warehouse-style taproom are perfect for a casual hangout, complete with darts, ping-pong, and food trucks. Big Boss keeps things simple and flavorful, sticking to classics that are easy to love.
What to Try:
One of Raleigh’s craft beer pioneers, Big Boss Brewing has been cranking out distinctive brews since 2006. Their laid-back vibe and spacious warehouse-style taproom are perfect for a casual hangout, complete with darts, ping-pong, and food trucks. Big Boss keeps things simple and flavorful, sticking to classics that are easy to love.
What to Try:
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Bad Penny Brown Ale
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Sea Bee Gose
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High Roller IPA
6. Lynnwood Brewing Concern
1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
Lynnwood Brewing Concern has made a name for itself through quality and consistency. With a stellar selection of IPAs, sours, and seasonals, this North Raleigh favorite has an inviting beer garden and rotating food trucks. It’s a favorite stop for both locals and beer tourists alike. Their cozy taproom and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind.
What to Try:
Lynnwood Brewing Concern has made a name for itself through quality and consistency. With a stellar selection of IPAs, sours, and seasonals, this North Raleigh favorite has an inviting beer garden and rotating food trucks. It’s a favorite stop for both locals and beer tourists alike. Their cozy taproom and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind.
What to Try:
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Mosaic Pale Ale
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Kiss My Irish Stout
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Bill & Ted’s Excellent Amber
7. Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie
518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh, NC
For a European flair with a local twist, Neuse River Brewing brings Belgian-style ales and French-inspired food to the table. Their refined taproom and charming outdoor seating area make it an ideal stop for a more relaxed beer experience. They also serve up a delicious brunch and dinner menu, turning your beer outing into a full culinary experience.
What to Try:
For a European flair with a local twist, Neuse River Brewing brings Belgian-style ales and French-inspired food to the table. Their refined taproom and charming outdoor seating area make it an ideal stop for a more relaxed beer experience. They also serve up a delicious brunch and dinner menu, turning your beer outing into a full culinary experience.
What to Try:
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Riverkeeper Saison
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Dubbel Over You (Belgian Dubbel)
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Greenway IPA
8. Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC
What’s better than a great beer? A great beer with a view. Wye Hill is perched just above downtown Raleigh and offers panoramic skyline views alongside its thoughtful beer list and locally sourced food menu. Their small-batch beers are crafted with a culinary twist, often incorporating unique ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else.
What to Try:
What’s better than a great beer? A great beer with a view. Wye Hill is perched just above downtown Raleigh and offers panoramic skyline views alongside its thoughtful beer list and locally sourced food menu. Their small-batch beers are crafted with a culinary twist, often incorporating unique ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else.
What to Try:
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Czech Yourself Pilsner
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Love & Devotion Hazy IPA
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Helles of a Hill Lager
Raleigh: A Craft Beer Capital in the Making
Raleigh’s craft brewery scene is not just thriving—it’s creating a culture all its own. Each taproom brings a different personality, flavor profile, and sense of place to the community. From bold IPAs to complex sours and easy-drinking lagers, there's a beer here for everyone. Whether you're biking through downtown, enjoying a lazy weekend, or exploring new neighborhoods, Raleigh’s breweries offer the perfect backdrop for connection and exploration.
Ready to Call Raleigh Home?
Whether you’re sipping a pint at your favorite neighborhood brewery or discovering your next local hangout, there’s no better place to plant roots than Raleigh, NC. If you're ready to make a move—or just explore what the Raleigh lifestyle has to offer—Corcoran DeRonja Real Estate is here to help.
With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for connecting people with the perfect home, our experienced agents are your go-to guides for buying or selling in Raleigh. Let’s raise a glass to your next adventure—start your real estate journey with us today.
With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for connecting people with the perfect home, our experienced agents are your go-to guides for buying or selling in Raleigh. Let’s raise a glass to your next adventure—start your real estate journey with us today.