Greenville, SC, is a beautiful and culturally vibrant town in the Upcountry region of the state. Greenville is home to booming boutiques, diverse dining options, and a dynamic craft beer scene with several high-quality local breweries.
Greenville opened its first craft brewery in 1998. A lot has changed since, and today, the 20 or more breweries in and around the city are contributing to its rising cool factor. With a rich history of small-batch brewing and a combination of local and international influences, Greenville is becoming more popular among craft beer connoisseurs.
Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting out in the world of craft beer, Greenville's breweries offer an astonishing selection of options. From hearty stouts and bold sours to hazy, hoppy brews and crowd-pleasing pale ales, there's something for everyone.
So, are you ready to begin your craft beer adventure? Look no further! In this blog post, we've compiled a list of the 14 best breweries in Greenville, SC, where you can try the unique brews and immerse yourself in the welcoming beer community that has taken root in this beautiful city. It's time to “hop” to it and explore Greenville's craft beer scene!
1. Fireforge Crafted Beer
Location: 311 E Washington St, Greenville
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Style: Taproom
Fireforge Crafted Beer is a locally-owned craft brewery in downtown Greenville, SC. This small-batch brewery is housed in a charming warehouse. It features a wonderful Biergarten and an open-air garage for outdoor seating.
Fireforge boasts over 15 excellent taps, all crafted on-site. The beer names are just as unique as the flavors. For example, you can try the “Irrational Confidence IPA.” Fireforge distinguishes itself through its dedication to experimentation, as seen by its highly recommended “Perlin's Ghost Pepper Ale.”
In addition to their in-house brewed beer, Fireforge also serves a variety of beverages, including cider, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. On Friday evenings, you can groove to local, regional, and original live music, adding to the brewery's dynamic setting.
2. The Eighth State Brewing Company
Location: 400 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29601
Operating Hours: Friday 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., Thursday 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Style: Taproom
The Eighth State Brewing Company, located in the historic Claussen Bakery building, is a dynamic and innovative addition to the city's craft beer scene.
You can have a lot of fun here by ordering a flavor-curated flight from a wide range of craft beers, such as the “Darkest Night Flight.” The Eighth State Brewing Co. collaborates with other breweries to produce unique concoctions and feature guest beers.
The company also offers a unique twist on the trendy boozy beverage scene with its smoothie hard seltzer series. If you don't like beer, they also provide wine and cocktails. The food menu is equally remarkable, with standout items like the “Noodle Bowl” and “Filthy Mac and Cheese,” making this brewery a must-visit spot in Greenville.
3. Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom
Location: 26 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday: Closed
Style: Taproom and Brewery
If you're planning to visit Swamp Rabbit Brewery, they offer flights with a five 3-ounce sampling of their beer selection and even a souvenir glass. The brewery is family-friendly, and children are welcome.
While there is no on-site kitchen, you can expect a rotating lineup of food trucks to satiate your hunger. The brewery hosts live music performances and events such as Taproom Trivia. The patrons warmly endorse “Taco Tuesday,” a popular tradition here.
When visiting Swamp Rabbit Brewery, you can try the Limerick, a strong Double Irish Red with an 8% ABV. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of their nitro beers, with the Brown Porter Nitro a popular choice. It has received a Great American Beer Festival Bronze Medal.
Related: 14 Best Things to Do in Travelers Rest SC On The Weekend
4. Thomas Creek Brewery
Location: 2054 Piedmont Hwy, Greenville, 29605
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Monday, Friday, and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Style: Brewery
Thomas Creek Brewery, a craft beer industry pioneer, opened its doors in the Upstate in 1998. They maintain a diverse beer list, including ales, IPAs, and stouts. The cozy taproom provides a delightful experience with ever-changing surprises on tap and a charming patio.
If you're curious about the brewing process, you can schedule a visit to their family-owned facilities, where small batches are carefully crafted using pristine Blue Ridge Mountain water.
Deepwater Doppelbock Lager, a wonderful draft that you can sip in a half-pint, pint, or even take home in a growler, is a must-try from their collection. Thomas Creek Brewery is a local gem with a strong brewing history and unwavering dedication to quality.
5. Yee-Haw Brewing Company
Location: 307 E McBee Ave, Suite C, Greenville
Operating Hours: From Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Style: Brewery
The Yee-Haw Brewing Company, located in downtown Greenville, is well known for its award-winning craft brews. Their inviting patio features yard games, and they serve up chargrilled wings daily. The brewery ensures that everyone is having an enjoyable time in its hip and industrial setting.
No matter if you're a connoisseur of craft beer or just want to relax with a cool one, you'll find a brew to suit your taste. Yee-Haw Brewing Company blends traditional and contemporary brewing. It offers various options, including a well-balanced, hoppy IPA and the rich and deep Dunkel.
6. Think Tank Brew Lab
Location: 101 Airport Rd, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Style: Taproom, Brewery, and Biergarten
Think Tank Brew Lab, one of the best breweries in Greenville, has established itself as a popular addition to the city's beer industry. Think Tank offers various beer styles and flavors to satisfy all tastes, with over 20 beers on tap at all times of the day. Located along the famous Swamp-Rabbit Trail, they even have grab-and-go refreshments for those on the run.
The brewery also has a delicious food selection, including the Old World Plate with bratwurst, a perfect beer pairing. Their expansive garden is ideal for outdoor gatherings, yard activities, and entertainment events.
7. Carolina Bauernhaus
Location: 556 Perry Ave Suite B118, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: Wednesday and Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Style: Winery and brewery
Carolina Bauernhaus Greenville is a unique farmhouse winery and brewery. They specialize in crafting meads, ales, and ciders that celebrate the abundant agricultural supplies of Upstate South Carolina and the surrounding region. They craft brews with locally sourced yeast, malt, grains, and hops.
Belgian brewing techniques inspired Carolina Bauernhaus. But they also value creativity and innovation in their beer production. The Dat Peach Weisse, the Nacht Reaper, a royal stout, and the Komet Belgian IPA are some of their popular specialty brews.
8. Pangea Brewing Company.
Location: 115 Welborn St, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: From Tuesday to Friday: 2:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Style: Taproom
Pangea Brewing Company is all about bringing people together. They provide a year-round collection of lagers, ales, sours, and delicious seasonal beers. The White Thaiger Wheat and Melon-Dramatic Gose are among their noteworthy beers. Kombuchas and specialty sodas are available for individuals who want non-alcoholic beverages. The taproom and bar in the center of Unity Park opens up in a trailside beer garden with entertainment and seating for you, your friends, and the community.
Whether you're looking for a quick break from the trail or a family-friendly destination, Pangea Brewing Company welcomes you to be a part of its mission to bring people together through amazing food, drinks, and community.
9. Southernside Brewing Company
Location: 25 Delano Dr, Unit D, Greenville
Operating Hours: From Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Style: Brewery
Southernside Brewing Co. is a large establishment situated along the Swamp Rabbit Trail (SWT). The brewery has over ten house-brewed beers on tap, including standouts like the Cash Rules creamy ale with vanilla, Tonight spiced brown latte ale, and Stay Fly Rye Pale.
They serve an entire menu of Southern comfort meals, including the Fried Chicken Sandwich, Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger, and Truffle Parmesan Fries, in addition to their amazing beer selection. The company features a full bar where you can enjoy drinks and wonderful seasonal cocktails. You may also enjoy live music and outdoor activities, making it a popular go-to spot in Greenville.
10. Tetrad Brewing Company
Location: 603 E Stone Ave, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Style: Taproom
Tetrad Brewing Company is a small-batch craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Greenville. This brewery operates a three-and-a-half barrel system and specializes in crafting classic beer flavors with a modern touch while adhering to traditional brewing techniques. The word “Tetrad” refers to a group of four basic materials used in brewing: malts, hops, yeast, and water.
Tetrad Brewing is known for award-winning beers such as Chicha Morada Peruvian-style Ale, the historic Almost Gone, and the exquisite Cascadian Eclipse, a Black IPA with citrus and pine overtones and sweet malt tastes.
11. The Velo Fellow
Location: 1 Augusta St, Suite 126, Greenville, SC 29601
Operating Hours: Sunday – Monday;11 a.m. – 8 p.m, Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm, and Friday – Saturday: 11 am- 10 pm
Style: Microbrewery
For a cozy, subterranean experience without going underground, visit The Velo Fellow, a public house and brewery. This British-style pub, located a level beneath Main Street, exudes an authentic UK ambiance with its Old-World decor, friendly patrons, and handcrafted brews. With six in-house brews and ten rotating local taps, including the Chamomile and Chill, the brewery has no shortage of beer options.
It also hosts live music and trivia evenings. Their entire menu is a culinary feast, with gourmet delicacies like Fish and Chips and a delicious brunch with traditional cocktails and Southern staples like Shrimp and Grits and Fried Green Tomato Benedict.
12. Liability Brewing Company
Location: 109 W Stone Ave, Suite D, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Style: Microbrewery
Liability Brewing Co. began as a home-brewing project and has now become one of the best breweries in Greenville, SC. It is located in the renovated Westone property, formerly home to the Battery & Electric Co.
The brewery offers sixteen brews on tap, from black lager to pale ales. After you've had your fill of their brews, you can go next door to Moe's Original Bar B Que or World Piece for Chicago-style pizza for smoked chicken wings and pulled pork.
13. Double Stamp Brewery
Location: 819 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Style: Brewery
Last but certainly not least! The 5,000-square-foot Double Stamp Brewery is located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it a wonderful pit stop for walkers, joggers, and bikers. The nostalgic '90s concept of the brewery is inspired by a clip from the film “Dumb & Dumber.”
Popular beer options include Show Me The Money Pilsner and Pretty Bird Hazy Pale Ale. They share a parking lot with Home Team BBQ, allowing visitors to order meals directly from the taproom. They regularly organize community events such as yoga sessions and trivia nights, so keep an eye on their schedule for updates.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our adventure through the vibrant world of Greenville's breweries, it's evident that this city has unique brewing. From classic styles with modern twists to wild, experimental flavors, Greenville's craft beer scene has it all.
So, gather some friends and set off on your own Greenville brewery adventure. There is no better way to enjoy the innovative spirit and warm hospitality of this dynamic community. From crisp lagers to strong IPAs, each sip tells a story of dedication and creativity.
Cheers to good times, great beer, and unforgettable memories in Greenville, SC.
Related: 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Greer, SC On A Weekend
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.
