1. Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200, Asheville, NC
highlandbrewing.com
Founded in 1994, Highland Brewing is Asheville’s original craft brewery and the cornerstone of its beer scene. The hilltop location offers sprawling outdoor space, mountain views, and regular live music. Try the Gaelic Ale or one of their rotating small-batch releases.
2. Burial Beer Co.
40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC (South Slope) burialbeer.com
Burial has become legendary among beer fans for its creative, art-forward approach to brewing. Expect rich stouts, funky farmhouse ales, and one of the coolest brewery aesthetics in the country. The patio and food offerings make it perfect for an afternoon session.
3. Green Man Brewery
27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC greenmanbrewery.com
One of Asheville’s oldest craft breweries, Green Man has a loyal local following and a cozy English-pub vibe. It’s a great stop for traditional ales and relaxed conversation — and the rooftop bar offers great views of the South Slope neighborhood.
4. Wicked Weed Brewing Brewpub
91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC wickedweedbrewing.com
Wicked Weed made its name with bold sours and barrel-aged beers, and its downtown brewpub is a must-visit. Pair your beer with elevated pub fare on the patio or explore their Funkatorium (a separate sour-beer facility nearby).
5. New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven St, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) newbelgium.com
New Belgium’s East Coast home sits right on the French Broad River and offers a family- and dog-friendly beer garden. Try a flight of their iconic beers (like Fat Tire) and seasonal IPAs while enjoying the view.
6. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC (near Asheville Airport) sierranevada.com
Often called the “Disneyland of Breweries,” Sierra Nevada’s Mills River facility is massive and stunning. There’s a full restaurant, guided tours, and a beer garden with live music. Even if it’s technically outside downtown Asheville, it’s absolutely worth the short drive.
7. Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC (South Slope) hiwirebrewing.com
Known for its approachable and balanced beers, Hi-Wire is a favorite among locals. The circus-themed branding adds fun flair, and they’ve expanded to multiple taprooms — but this original South Slope spot is where it all began.
8. Catawba Brewing Co.
32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC catawbabrewing.com
Catawba’s South Slope taproom offers a spacious setup and plenty of variety, from light lagers to juicy IPAs. It’s ideal for groups and brewery hopping, as several other taprooms are just steps away.
9. DSSOLVR
63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC dssolvr.com
DSSOLVR blends high-concept art, weird science, and adventurous beer styles. Expect hazy IPAs, complex mixed-fermentation beers, and a highly Instagrammable taproom. For creative beer drinkers, it’s a can’t-miss stop.
10. The Wedge Brewing Co.
37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) wedgebrewing.com
Tucked under the railroad tracks in the River Arts District, Wedge is beloved for its laid-back atmosphere, local art, and perfectly balanced beers. It’s a great place to sip a pint while exploring Asheville’s creative heart.
11. White Labs Brewing Co.
172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC whitelabsbrewingco.com
White Labs Brewing is one of Asheville’s most fascinating stops — a brewery built by the world-famous yeast company White Labs, which supplies yeast to breweries across the globe. Here, science meets craft in the most delicious way possible. The space itself is sleek and modern, with a glass-walled lab, open kitchen, and excellent pizzas. Located just a few blocks from downtown, White Labs is a perfect mid-route stop between South Slope and the East Asheville brewery trail. If you go here I highly recommend the ordering the BIANCA pizza with added homemade sausage. Wow was it memorable!
12. The River Arts District Brewing Company
13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC (River Arts District) radbeer.com
Tucked away in Asheville’s creative River Arts District, The River Arts District Brewing Company (often called RAD Brewing Co.) blends laid-back vibes with genuine local hospitality. This brewery is all about community — from the friendly bartenders who remember your name to the welcoming regulars who make newcomers feel right at home. The beer lineup focuses on crisp, approachable styles like lagers, IPAs, and pale ales, all brewed with care and balance. It’s the kind of place where you can relax after exploring the nearby art studios or trails along the French Broad River. The staff here are truly wonderful — warm, knowledgeable, and always happy to share recommendations. Whether you’re a craft beer veteran or a casual taster, you’ll feel right at home at RAD Brewing Co.
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