Are you looking for a taste-filled adventure in Winston-Salem? Well, you're in for a treat! We've got the inside scoop on the 9 best breweries in Winston-Salem that are transforming this city into a craft beer mecca! Winston-Salem, a beautiful town in North Carolina, has joined the brewery craze! The downtown area is now buzzing with a beer district, which houses some of the best breweries in North Carolina. Enjoying a brew is one of the fantastic things to do in Winston-Salem!
Bonus: These breweries are pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along to enjoy the brews with you. Check out our top picks for the best breweries in Winston-Salem!
1. Foothills Brewing
Tasting Room
Location: 300 Kimwell Dr., Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon – Thur: 3 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat: 12 pm – 10 pm, Sun: 12 pm – 8 pm.
The Brew Pub
Location: 638 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 12 am.
Footnote
Location: 634 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Thur: 8 am- 9 pm, Fri – Sat: 8 am – 11 pm, and Sun: 10 am – 5 pm.
Foothills is the region's first brewery, with three popular locations across Winston-Salem: the Tasting Room, the Brewpub, and Footnote, each with its distinct charm! They got their name from the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and you'll see their cool artwork all over the southern East Coast.
The brewery and tasting room, located in a 48,000 sq ft. former Manila envelope factory, welcomes visitors for a free tour of their production facilities. Tens of thousands of barrels are stored here, everything is bottled on-site, and they even roast their own coffee beans for Footnotes.
The Downtown Brewing Pub is their second spot. They offer Bluegrass Wednesdays and host special events. This spot is known for its seasonal releases. Some of their must-try include Hoppyum IPA, Good Ship Wit, and Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout. They always have various beers on tap, including Craft Happiness and People Porter. Their menu is diverse, featuring appetizers, salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, wraps, and a selection of craft beers on tap, a full bar, and wine.
For a unique experience, check out Footnote, Foothills' newest location. It serves pastries and freshly roasted coffee in the morning and offers wine, craft beer, signature cocktails, and small plates in the evening. Monday nights at Footnote feature the Siren Series Jazz – a delightful addition to their offerings.
All three locations are kid-friendly but equally appealing for those looking for some adult time. Whether you go for a cup of Joe or a couple of beers from the neighboring Footnotes location, it's a great escape.
2. Incendiary Brewing Company
Location: 486 N Patterson Avenue, Suite 105, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Thur: 4 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat: 12 pm – 12 am, Sun: 12 pm – 10 pm.
Incendiary Brewing, located within the renovated Bailey Power Plant, brings an industrial vibe to Winston-Salem. This unique outdoor space, Coalpit, serves flagship beers, including a New England IPA, the Shade of Lies, an Imperial Stout, and the Shift. The Coalpit, especially popular in summer, hosts lively concerts that draw large crowds.
With a diverse selection of over 20 craft beers on rotating taps, Incendiary is one of the best wineries in Winston-Salem to grab a craft beer. The brewery also offers hard seltzer, hard cider, and wine. A flight is the perfect way to sample new flavors like Habanero Pale Ale or Key Lime Coconut Sour.
Well-behaved pets are welcome, and if your dog wears an Incendiary bandana, they might even get some extra treats. Kids are allowed as long as their parents keep an eye on them. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events, and prepare for Coalpit Concerts, which will come back in May 2024!
3. Joymongers Barrel Hall
Location: 480 West End Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 4 p.m.- 10 pm, Thur: 4 p.m. – 12 am, Fri: 2 p.m. – 12 am, Sat: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m, Sun: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Joymongers Barrel Hall brings you something special with their barrel-aged beers. They craft new masterpieces by aging them perfectly in wine casks and fresh bourbon right here in Winston-Salem. They also serve craft beers distilled at Joymongers, Greensboro, NC, in their taproom. With 17 rotating brews on tap, many of which are exclusive to Joymongers, they have something for every beer lover. The Barrel Hall takes pride in infusing flavor into their beer, ranging from a zesty, citrusy IPA to a black currant and blackberry Foederbier. If beer isn't your thing, they also offer liquor, cider, and wine.
Joymongers Barrel Hall is housed in an old garage at the West End. The hall can accommodate more than 200 individuals at its 50 feet bar and various tables. In addition to great beer, you can expect bingo, trivia, live music events, and food trucks.
4. Hoots Roller Bar & Beer Co.
Location: 840 Mill Works Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon – Thur: 4 pm – 10 pm, Fri: 4 pm – 12 am, Sat: 2 pm – 12 am, Sun: 1 pm – 10 pm.
Hoots Beer Co. is a hidden spot at the West End, located on the corner of the co-op, West Mill Works. It's a hub of local flavors and community vibes, sharing space with Cantina, The Porch Kitchen, The Breathing Room, Sutler's Spirit Company, and Dabble Bar. Inside, you'll find their cozy wood and brick space equipped with vintage arcade games, board games, and video games.
You can look through the portholes in the wall to see the beer brewing process. If you're in downtown Winston-Salem, stop by their satellite bar, which features a unique scrap metal art piece and a large patio for sunny sipping. The GasHopper IPA and the dreamy Coconut Cream Ale are favorites among their brews.
Here, you can relax and enjoy your beer or take it with you. Hoots will offer perfectly sealed six-packs or 22-ounce cans of your favorite craft beer. For more fun, they host Tacos and Turntables every month, featuring a guest DJ. What's the best part? Hoots Beer Co. is open late, making it the ideal place to wrap up a day with a refreshing beer.
5. Wise Man Brewery
Location: 826 Angelo Bros. Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Thursday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Fri: 2 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sat, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sun, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wise Man Brewing is the go-to spot for families, pets, and anyone looking for a relaxed community hangout. Wise Man, housed in a century-old building that was previously the Angelo Bros. warehouse, underwent extensive renovations to become an ideal spot for some of the city's best beer. With a passion for trying unique recipes, they offer an extensive list of beers on tap for you to enjoy. The brewery's name pays homage to the sentiment, “He was a wise man who invented beer.”
Their popular beer categories include the Dark Side, Kettle Sours, and the Lighter Side. Each beer carries the spirit of a wise man, such as Body Electric or Mountain Calling by John Muir. And it's not just about beer – they offer hard seltzers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and ciders.
Feeling hungry? No worries! Food trucks show up at Wise Man daily. They are all about events: Live Music, Yoga, Pub Trivia, and Open Mic Night! For those interested in the science behind their best beers, they offer brewery tours on Sundays.
6. Fiddlin' Fish Brewing
Location: 772 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Fri: 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sat: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Signature Beers: Black Mountain Chocolate, That Fish Cray
Fiddlin Fish has become a local favorite since it opened in downtown Winston-Salem in 2017. The brewery, which is housed inside a renovated tobacco warehouse, exudes artistic charm. The taproom is a visual treat, with restored wood and local art, and the centerpiece is a striking guitar mural by local legend Hieronymus.
You can see the beer-making process through steel-framed windows. In a 15-barrel brewhouse, they make their “That Fish Cray” IPA, a hoppy brew. The tap lineup includes flagship brews, traditional offerings, and seasonal and experimental styles.
Feeling hungry? The Slanted Shed food truck serves tasty Carolina-style seafood favorites and is usually parked outside.
With its numerous big screens, Fiddlin Fish is an ideal place to watch the game while sipping a cold pint. Taproom Trivia is a popular and lively event, and the large covered patio hosts lively live music. Every Wednesday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Tasting Flights are 30% off.
7. Radar Brewery
Location: 216 E 9th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 4 – 10 pm, Fri: 3 – 11 pm, Sat: 12–11 pm, Sun: 12- 8 pm
Signature Beers: Beacon, Cipher (Farmhouse Ale)
Radar Brewing Company was founded by three friends, each with a different background in the beer industry, who dared to dream big. Located in Industry Hill, alongside Fiddlin Fish and Wise Man, this new addition has brought more brewing fun to the artsy neighborhood.
Radar Brewing transformed an old NASCAR race car garage into a trendy escape for hop enthusiasts, keeping things minimal yet refreshing in decor. The site features a stunning two-toned bar top. When hunger strikes, they have a rotating menu of local food trucks, including the well-known Don Express.
Radar Brewing is distinguished by its focus on open fermentation techniques and its selection of Belgian-style beers. Try their Illuminator Doppelbock or the Wild Child Farmhouse IPA, both of which show their brewing prowess. Radar Brewing likes to keep the party going with events like Yoga Wednesdays and Trivia Tuesdays. You'll get half off on wine on Wednesdays! Head to the beer garden on a sunny day for a more relaxed experience.
8. Small Batch Beer Co.
Location: 241 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Tue & Wed: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Thur & Fri: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., Sat: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m., Sun: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday: Closed
Small Batch began in 2014 as Winston-Salem's nano-brewery, located near some of the city's best hotels. Despite its increased size and popularity, the brewery remains true to its roots, brewing each beer in small batches and with a generous dose of love. They take pride in using locally sourced ingredients, which adds a distinct and regional flavor to beers like Percolator Mocha Stout and Blood Orange IPA.
Step inside, and you'll feel the relaxed yet elegant vibe with vintage touches and rustic wood. Small Batch believes in making everything fresh in-house daily, keeping it unique and handcrafted just for you. Their philosophy is based on the idea that true superiority stems from simplicity. Whether you prefer the cozy indoors or the refreshing outdoors, there's ample seating for you.
When it comes to food, their menu is filled with creative pub food that both locals and visitors rave about. From burgers like The Winston and sandwiches like the Chilango and delectable snacks like Best Brussels and Sunshine Fries, there's something for every palate. If you're ready to say goodbye to self-control and dive into indulgence, Small Batch is the place to go.
9. Lesser Known Beer Co.
Location: 901 S Broad St, Winston-Salem, NC
Open Hours: Mon, Wed, and Thur: 4–9 pm, Fri: 3 pm – 10 pm, Sat: 12 pm – 10 pm, Sun: 12 pm – 8 pm, Tuesday: Closed
Last but not least, we can't skip Lesser Known Brewery Co. on our list of the best breweries in Winston Salem, NC. Lesser Known Beer Co. is all about bringing attention to beer styles, ingredients, and processes that don't get enough love.
When you stop by, you'll find draft-pour beer poured from the draft lines and tank-pour beer straight from their horizontal lagering tanks. And it's not just beer; they also serve hard cider, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Do you want something different? They serve guest drafts and bottles. In addition, food trucks are available on some nights, and if not, you can get hot dogs from their cart.
The space is open to well-behaved kids and leashed-up dogs, but keep in mind that dogs must stay outside due to limited inside space. Lesser Known Beer Co. is doing things a bit differently, and it's worth visiting!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Winston-Salem has a growing and diverse craft beer scene, with each brewery bringing its own unique charm and flavors. Whether you're a local exploring your city or a visitor looking for the best beer experience, Camel City has something for everyone. I hope this guide has helped you find the best places to enjoy a beer in this charming Carolina town.
If you think we've missed any spots or new favorites that should be on the list, feel free to drop us a suggestion. Cheers to good times and great brews!
Related: The Top 15 Best Breweries in Asheville for Good Beer and Good Times
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.
