These are the 10 best breweries in NC, according to Southern Living

It’s no secret that North Carolina is a big beer state, with dozens of breweries and brewpubs in just about every town.

In Charlotte alone, there are over 75 breweries with more opening soon. But two local spots were just named some of the best breweries in the state.

Southern Living released the top ten breweries in North Carolina, based on readers’ picks.

Charlotte favorites Wooden Robot Brewery and Free Range Brewing both made the list.

“With two locations in the Charlotte area, Wooden Robot is becoming a household name among Charlotteans,” the report states. “Inside both, you’ll find a good mix of styles from farmhouse sours and Mexican-style lagers to IPAs and even Irish stouts.”

Wooden Robot, no. 6 on the list, has been a staple in the Charlotte beer scene since it opened its first location in 2015. The OG location is in South End and its second, The Chamber in NoDa, has a taproom, patio and rooftop. Both dog-friendly breweries offer food and host weekly events, including run club, trivia and pop-up markets.

[RELATED: Charlotte spot named one of 10 best dog-friendly breweries in the U.S.]

Free Range Brewing ranked as the 7th best brewery in NC.

“The Charlotte brewery is committed to fostering community, which is why they give spent grain to farmers for feed, serve as a compost site for neighbors, and partner with local businesses, artists, and chefs for special events,” Southern Living wrote. “The brewery makes all the classics, but also gets creative with sippers like the Susie Was A Real Peach, a Carolina grisette, and the Jenny Bought a Farm, a classic saison.”

The family-owned brewery serves a rotating menu of brews using 95% locally sourced ingredients. Grab a drink at its original space in Villa Heights or its newest location at Camp North End, the BAR, which opened in 2020.

Here’s what other breweries around the state ranked as the best in NC:

1. Highland Brewing Company (Asheville)

2. Wicked Weed Brewing (Asheville)

3. Appalachian Mountain Brewery (Boone)

4. Blowing Rock Brewing Company (Blowing Rock)

5. Fullsteam Brewery (Durham)

6. Wooden Robot Brewery (Charlotte)

7. Free Range Brewing (Charlotte)

8. Booneshine Brewing Co. (Boone)

9. Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville)

10. Four Saints Brewing Company (Asheboro)

This story was originally published June 9, 2023 at 12:55 PM.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription